Studying abroad is one of the best opportunities offered to college students. I am currently studying abroad for the four months in Rome, Italy. I’ve been here for about a week, and already have fallen in love with the people, culture, food, and lifestyle of this city.
But before I could enjoy my new home, I first had to pack. Packing four months of my life in a suitcase that could only be a certain weight to fly internationally was a stressful experience. Although sacrifices had to be made, I was able to pack everything I needed to bring to Italy.
If you are studying abroad, or plan to in the future, make sure you pack these 10 essential things:
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Peanut butter
One of my favorite American food products, peanut butter is hard to come by in Europe and tastes different than the classic JIF or Skippy that Americans are used to. Peanut butter in Europe can also be a little expensive, so make sure you pack a small jar of your favorite brand. This will also help keep hunger at bay if you are on a strict budget for food every week.
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Earplugs
I knew Rome was going to be a busy city, but I did not expect the traffic and noise outside my apartment to be loud 24/7. Earplugs will help you relax while sleeping and will be useful if your roommate gets up earlier or goes to bed later than you. An eye mask is also a good idea to block out light from the street.
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A Towel
Although some study abroad programs and apartments might provide towels, they may run small, or not absorb water as efficiently as the towels you are used to. Bring your best towel abroad, just in case. This will also come in handy when you travel to other places over the weekends and sleep in hostels.
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Durable shoes that are cute and match everything
Europeans walk everywhere. On average, I walk over 7 miles every day in Rome. Good shoes are a must when living abroad. I suggest black boots, because they match everything, will keep your feet warm, and are comfortable once broken in. Europeans don’t wear sneakers unless they are working out, so I would suggest choosing to only wear yours when you are working out as well, and not when you’re simply walking around the streets.
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A journal
Each day spent studying abroad will bring with it a new place, person, and experience. Keep a travel journal and write in it every night before bed, and don’t skip out on any details. You will most likely forget things you do abroad, since you will be experiencing so much every moment of the day.
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A black coat
Europeans love wearing black. A black coat will help your outfit not scream, “I’m an American,” and will allow you to blend in easier. It will also keep you warm as you walk to class or down the street to the food market. Investing in a nice coat is well worth the money, especially because you can continue to wear it when you return to the States. After all, black will always be in style, no matter where you are on the globe.
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Scarfs
Due to the weight limit for flying internationally, you must pick and choose what outfits you will pack for your life abroad. As a result, you will be wearing many of the same items of clothing or same outfits on a weekly basis. Scarfs help to shake things up, and make an old outfit look new. Scarfs are lightweight so pack as many as you want!
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Melatonin
Being jet lagged is one of the worst parts of traveling. Add jet lag to the stress of moving abroad, and you could end up feeling groggy and exhausted for a week or more. Pack melatonin to help your body clock and sleep schedule adjust to the new time zone.
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Umbrella
This is pretty self-explanatory, but carrying an umbrella around is always a smart idea, whether abroad or in the States. You will be traveling around your new home city mostly by foot, so it’s convenient to always have an umbrella on hand just in case the weather suddenly changes. Pack a small, compact one that will fit easily into your purse or backpack for when you’re walking around your new city.
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A cross-over bag
Pick-pocketing notoriously happens in tourist spots around the world, but especially in European cities that are hot spots for travelers and study abroad students. A cross-over purse or bag will help you keep all your money, ID, and other valuables safe when you’re walking around. You’ll also be able to keep your hand on the bag at all times, which reduces your risk of being pick-pocketed.