Study Abroad: Do's and Don'ts of Packing

Packing Suggestions
Additional Suggestions

Golden Rule of packing: Lay out everything you think you will need, eliminate half and take more money.

  1. Don't pack anything which you can buy in your host country (i.e. toiletries, school supplies, towels). You should bring enough toiletries to last for the first few weeks, but don't bring a year's supply of your favorite shampoo because you are afraid they do not sell it abroad. The name brands will be different, but they all have the same ingredients. Bring an extra pair of contacts or glasses. Contact solutions will be different abroad as well as expensive, so talk to your optometrist about alternative options.
  2. Don't pack as many clothes as you can jam into your suitcases. Laundry is generally very expensive to do abroad, so hopefully you will do as the natives do and wear your clothing more than once. Bring clothes that will dry quickly at room temperature or draped over a warm heater. You will also want to save room in your suitcase for souvenirs you buy abroad.
  3. Do pack versatile, sturdy, easily interchangeable clothes. Bring clothing that you know is going to last through some heavy use. Dark colors are better than whites and comfortable walking shoes are a must. Do pack some nice clothes for when you want to go to the theater, a concert, or a nice dinner. Pack comfortable clothing, being sensitive to local customs. Wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts are not appropriate when visiting places of worship. Women should dress conservatively when traveling or living in Muslim countries and visiting places of worship.
  4. Do pack clothing that is appropriate for that country's climate. Find out the traditional weather patterns in the country or region that you are going to be living. When they say "rainy season", believe them! http://www.cnn.com
  5. DO take extra photos of yourself for visas and other official documents you will need to apply for while abroad.
  6. DO pack a little of yourself! You will want to share with your host family and new friends what you and your home is like. You will be amazed at how interested your new friends and host family will be in your home. A list of suggestions:
  • a book of your home state or region of America
  • photos of your home, family and CMC
  • things to decorate your room or flat
  • anything typically American (flags, T-shirts, baseball hats)
  1. A few small gifts from your home or CMC (key chains, T-shirts, books, CD's) to give to your host family, children or friends
  2. On the plane: Have a small carry-on bag packed with essentials (toiletries and a change of clothes) in case you go one way and your baggage goes the other. Keep your passport and acceptance letter from your university/program separate from your checked baggage. You will probably have to show these papers when you arrive at customs and passport control. Do not bring a pocket knife or any other sharp object on the flight as it will be taken from you during your security check.

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Additional Packing Suggestions:

  • CDs, tapes and Walkman
  • Swiss Army Knife/Pocket Knife (only in checked baggage)
  • Battery operated travel alarm clock
  • Small Flashlight
  • Backpack (large enough for a month of travel)
  • Daypack (to carry your camera, travel book, lunch, maps and souvenirs)
  • Sturdy walking shoes and/or hiking boots
  • Money belt/neck wallet/fanny pack
  • Camera and film (film is very expensive abroad)
  • Extra batteries for your camera
  • Adapters (to convert voltage of US appliances)
    Be extra careful with computer equipment
    (Check with a computer store to make sure the adapter/plugs you will use abroad are appropriate.)
  • Prescriptions/medicine
  • A pair of plastic thongs for use in shower while traveling
  • Ziploc bags
  • Towel or lightweight cloth to use as a towel

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