Packing Like a Pro for a Semester Abroad

I know what you’re thinking: “Where do I even begin when it comes to packing for a semester abroad?” It’s daunting, like packing your car for freshmen year move-in day but this time you’re limited to suitcases and if you’re frugal like the average college student you don’t want to pay for multiple checked bags. Lucky for you I am a self-proclaimed frequent flier and have studied abroad twice now in my college years so I will gladly tell you about all my mistakes, but let’s start with packing.

#1: Baggage

If you can’t move and maintain all your bags at once you’re packing too much. Consider the obstacles these bags must overcome to reach their destination: getting to the airport, onto the plane, possibly transferring to another plane, and from the airport to your destination. Do you really want to drag 3 heavy, rolling suitcases through cobblestone streets or shove them into overhead compartments on public transportation? I promise the answer is no. It's important to remember airplane weight limits but additionally, if you cannot lift the suitcase over your head without assistance it’s too heavy. Think of the steep stairs you may have to lug them up, elevators aren’t guaranteed, and neither is helpful strangers.

I like to pack versatile luggage for trips of varying lengths: a large suitcase to fit all my clothes on the initial flight, a small carry-on size suitcase for shorter trips, and a backpack or duffle for weekend trips. I prefer a backpack over a duffle because it’s more comfortable when walking through cities. Some people prefer a rucksack as opposed to a simple daypack. Regardless, make sure your bags aren’t easy targets for pickpockets, either add TSA-approved locks or purchase a tricky bag. If it’s not easy for you to open, it’s not easy for a pickpocket.

PRO TIP: Purchase a travel luggage scale. You’d be surprised how handy these are.

#2: Compressing Clothing

To keep clothes organized and compact I highly recommend packing cubes and/or vacuum storage bags. Packing cubes are great for short trips and vacuum storage bags are amazing for compacting large amounts of clothes to fit inside your suitcase. Clothing such as sweaters, pants, and jackets generally take up a lot of space, but by using vacuum bags I was able to fit all my clothes inside one large suitcase.

PRO TIP: If you invest in vacuum bags for travel make sure to buy a set with a small travel-sized vacuum. You don’t want to be searching for a vacuum the night before a flight.

#3 Clothing

It’s easy to overpack. I would say the goal is to under-pack because let’s be honest you will shop. Frequent travelers often have a “capsule wardrobe,” versatile clothing they can mix and match into hundreds of combinations. As a good rule of thumb, if you have enough clothes for two weeks, you have enough clothes for a semester. You’ll fall into a laundry routine within two weeks and it’s best to keep it simple.

Initially, I create a large pile of clothing and slowly dwindle it down. I choose pieces I can dress up for an internship but also dress down for a typical day of classes. Essentially, plan for the unknown without overplanning for hypothetical scenarios by picking versatile clothing.

Remember to research the location. What’s the weather like? Do you need rain or snow gear? What role does clothing play in culture? In some parts of Europe, people wear clothing based on the season regardless of the weather. For example in Austria even if it’s 80 degrees in September it’s customary to dress for Fall, so no shorts. Individuality is important but there are pros to dressing towards the culture, such as being less susceptible to pickpockets.

PRO TIP: Prepare to layer clothing. Pack fleece-lined leggings to wear under jeans on extra cold days and a long-sleeve thermal for beneath sweaters.

#4 Toiletries

If you’re picky about toiletries such as skin care, hair care, or medications, pack enough to last the entire trip. If you’re adaptable, then pack what you have and go shopping when you run out.

If you plan on traveling while abroad, I’d recommend organizing toiletry bags for daily use and spontaneous trips. I created five bags: travel essentials, new products, makeup, hair, and emergency. My travel bag contained daily essentials in small reusable travel bottles. The new product bag had extra medication, skin care products, and contact lenses. The makeup bag is rather self-explanatory. The hair bag contained hair ties, pins, and clips. Lastly, my emergency bag contained a mini sewing kit, Tide stain pen, nail clippers, and files.

PRO TIP: Pack compact travel towels. Hotels don’t guarantee towels, hostels rarely do, and beaches never. Also, consider packing your favorite pillowcase, a familiar scent is comforting while falling asleep, especially on your first night.

#5 Folding, Stacking & Packing

Folding makes a world of difference. The more you can naturally compress your items the better. Also, the more organized your bag is the easier it will be to unpack. I roll my bottoms and fold my tops, dresses, and outerwear. When packing clothing think of it like Tetris to try and maximize your space, it’s tedious but worth it. When setting aside your airplane outfit, include your bulkiest pair of shoes and heaviest jacket, wearing heavier items lightens your baggage.

In your carry-on, pack heavier items and valuables such as books, jewelry, electronics, money, identification, and paperwork. Electronics must be easily accessible for TSA, so pack them last.

PRO TIP: Purchase a universal travel adapter with multiple USB ports.

Packing for long periods of time is admittedly stressful. It’s okay to admit you don’t know how to plan because you don’t know what to expect. How could you, it’s a new adventure. Don’t overthink it, follow your gut and keep it simple. You got this!