Spring has finally arrived in Winston-Salem, and for a portion of the junior class, ‘tis the season for study abroad orientations. These sessions can state the obvious: don’t go to Crimea for the weekend, and seem overcautious: don’t go to Oktoberfest without an antibiotic kit, but they can also leave important questions unanswered: how on earth are you supposed to pack five months of your life into a couple of suitcases and then haul it across an ocean or even two?
Your semester away from home will be a life-changing experience. The months I spent in Dijon, France were full of unique opportunities and challenges that allowed me to assert my independence, making lasting friendships and memories along the way. However, that doesn’t mean preparing to go abroad isn’t nerve-wracking. The goal of this packing list is to alleviate some of that anxiety by providing suggestions from Wake students about how to make the most of your wardrobe and your semester overseas.
Every study abroad program is different, and, like your favorite pair of jeans, this guide isn’t one size fits all. Although it was created with Wake students in mind, make sure to listen to the advice of your advisors for program-specific tips, and pay attention to the weird stuff your mom wants you to bring too, she’s probably right in the end.
Starting at the beginning, here are a couple of big ideas to consider when crafting your perfect packing list:
1. Bring two weeks worth of clothes. If you’re living in a homestay, your host family may do laundry less often than you’re used to at home. If you’re living on your own, two weeks worth of clothes will get you through your longest trips.
2. Go for quality over quantity. Tempting as it is to splurge on new outfits before leaving, it is better to pack items you know you can rely on to not rip, disintegrate or get stretched out after a couple hours of wear. If you want to supplement your existing wardrobe, go for brands that you know are reliable and high quality.
3. Sedate colors and neutrals, think black, white, navy, and grey, make it easy to mix and match, keeping your wardrobe fresh, while also allowing you to blend in with the local culture. In France, the locals tend to stick to darker colors, and in a big city like Paris that patterned blouse that gets tons of compliments at Wake screams “tourist!” and puts you at risk of being targeted by pickpockets and scammers.
4. Layers are the name of the game. If you go abroad fall semester you will get a nice introduction to winter in another part of the world, which is most likely much colder than winter in Winston-Salem. Layering makes it easy to transition your wardrobe, stay warm, and channel your inner Olsen twins. Universally chic.
Roshni Shah (’15) rocks black and white in sunny Monaco.
With these guidelines in mind, here is what I would bring if I could do it all over again:
Tops:
1. A chambray shirt. It’s comfy, versatile, and cool. I’m obsessed.
2. Your favorite blouse. It’s great for days you’re jetlagged, or when you need a little color to brighten things up
3. A classic cardigan. It’s a great layering piece.
4. A slouchy cardigan. Also a great layering piece.
5. A comfy pullover sweater. It’s easy, and you can also layer underneath it for warmth.
6. Tees and blouses for layering. Go for neutral colors, flattering cuts, and fabrics that don’t wrinkle
Bottoms:
1. Two to three pairs of blue jeans. I’d recommend dark wash, fitted denim that is good with boots and flats, and holds up between washings.
2. A pair of black jeans. Some days you just need to wear all black.
3. A pair of non-denim pants. Patterned, twill, linen etc., these are a good way to switch up your routine.
4. A pair of leggings. A good pair from Lululemon or Nike can get you through long travel days while still holding their shape, keeping you comfy and fashionable.
5. Two pairs of shorts. Look for denim and sturdy fabrics that can take you from the beach to the Sunday market, and make sure the cut is on the conservative side.
6. The maxi-skirt. It’s the European equivalent of sweatpants.
7. Black tights. Great for preserving your sanity and body temperature.
Dresses:
1. A semi-formal, but still packable dress. Great for the opera, theatre and nice dinners.
2. A couple casual dresses. Packable fabrics are key; transition to winter with tights.
3. One mini-dress or miniskirt. It’s hard to predict how much time you will spend going out. Bring one outfit, and, once you start hitting the clubs, hit up Zara or Mango for cheap and appropriate getups.
Shoes:
1. Tall leather boots. This does not include cowboy boots. Please don’t pack them.
2. Ankle boots. Boots in general are great for travel because they’re comfortable, warm and sturdy. Wear your heaviest pair to keep packing efficient.
3. Sneakers. I’m a sneaker addict, but I’d recommend a casual pair, think Vans or Converse, as well as athletic sneakers for hiking and those days your feet really hurt.
4. Flats. Even I have to admit sneakers aren’t always appropriate.
5. Sandals. A pair of gladiators will keep you cool without taking up suitcase space.
6. Heels. Bring one pair, or maximum two. Being able to walk in them is mandatory.
Caroline Angle (’15) keeps warm in Bruges.
Miscellaneous:
1. Workout clothes and pajamas have a lot in common. Bring comfy clothes that fit in either or both categories for hanging around the house or exercising (if you want to).
2. Make sure you have appropriate outerwear for the climate you’ll be living in, for every month you’ll be there. Don’t be the girl who can’t do fun things in December because she’s too cold to leave her house. An umbrella is also always a great idea.
3. Accessories like sunglasses, jewelry and scarves are an easy, and space-efficient, way to add your personal touch to a repetitive wardrobe.
4. Find a sturdy tote with a zipper and learn to love it. A bag that holds everything you need, and protects your passport from pickpockets, will make traveling that much less stressful. This is your semester, do everything you can to make it safe and fun!
Julia DeNuzzio (’15) puts her workout clothes to good use while hiking in the Swiss Alps.