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Life > Experiences

The Ultimate Study Abroad Packing List

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at New School chapter.

Are you studying abroad in the Spring and stressed out by the thought of packing four to five months of your life into your suitcase? Below I have created the ultimate study abroad packing list that will ease all your nerves.

Through my experiences studying and traveling abroad, I am happy to share the essentials for your packing. Below are some of my most recent favorite products and devices with their links. 

CLOTHING 

  • Pants/Bottoms
    • Jeans 
    • Cargo Pants 
    • Sweatpants 
    • Shorts 
    • Skirts 
  • Swimsuits 
  • Undergarments 
  • Socks 
  • Shirts
    • Tank Tops 
    • Blouses 
    • Button Down Shirts 
    • T-Shirts 
    • Long Sleeve Shirts 
  • Sweatshirts/Hoodies 
  • Sweaters 
  • Workout Sets
  • Pajamas 
  • Dresses 
  • Dressy Outfits 
  • Jackets
    • Fleece Jackets
    • Raincoats
    • A Packable Lightweight Jacket
    • A Packable Warmer Jacket

ACCESSORIES 

  • Sun Hat/Baseball Hat 
  • Sunglasses
  • Glasses
  • Shoes
    • Sandals 
    • Sneakers 
    • Boots 
  • Bags
    • A Full Sized Backpack 
    • A Small Backpack 
    • Reusable Bags/Tote Bags
    • Purses 
  • Scarfs 
  • Hats
  • Gloves 
  • Jewelry 
  • A Small Umbrella

TOILETRIES 

  • Electrolyte Packets
  • Towels
  • Travel Bottles 
  • Prescription Medication 
  • First Aid Kit
    • Bandaids 
    • Thermometer 
    • Thermometer Covers 
    • Pepto Bismol
    • Tylenol 
    • Benadryl 
    • Icy Hot Patches 
    • Mini Scissor
    • Antibiotic Ointment 
    • Tweezers
    • Antiseptic Wipe Packets 
    • Safety Pins
    • Insect Repellent 
  • Makeup 
  • Makeup Remover 
  • Sunscreen
  • Deodorant 
  • Face Lotion 
  • Face Wash
  • Body Wash 
  • Body Lotion 
  • Cotton Pads 
  • Hair Clips 
  • Brush 
  • Hair Bands 
  • Shampoo 
  • Conditioner 
  • Styling Products
  • Hand Wipes 
  • Tooth Brush 
  • Toothpaste 
  • Floss 
  • Lip Balm 
  • Perfume
  • Perfume Refillable Travel Bottles
  • Eye Drops 
  • Vitamins
  • Tissues

TECHNOLOGY 

MISC 

It’s crucial to make your packing list your own. Use this list as a starting point and personalize yours to the specific items that you know you need. For example, some like to write the exact number of shirts or the type of pants they are bringing, while others make a broader packing list. Whatever works for you, this is a great way to begin preparing for this significant life change and move that you’re about to embark upon. 

Safe travels! 

Alexandra Nava-Baltimore is a Dual Degree BA/BFA student at The New School. She is receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography at Parsons School of Design and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism at Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts. Alexandra currently works for Mélange Magazines as a Journalist and Photographer for their three international magazines. Check out her freelance photography business @byalnb on Instagram. She is an avid traveler and uses her travel to incorporate her passion for volunteering and service. Some of her volunteer trips have been in Costa Rica, The Navajo Nation, Zimbabwe, Africa and most recently, Ecuador.