My Top 6 Study Abroad Packing Tips

Here Are My Top Six Study Abroad Packing Tips To Help Make Your Trip Overseas Less Stressful

Before I studied abroad the Spring Semester (2017) of my Junior year of college (how has it already been a year since then?), I cannot tell you how many hours I spent watching YouTube videos and how many blogs/forums/websites I read surrounding the topic "study abroad packing tips". However, after I got done I never really felt like I really knew (not that I completely do now though) what I should/shouldn't pack with me. I hope that these 6 tips help you future "study abroaders" in order to make your packing less dreaded.

Vacuum Sealed Bags

My first (and possibly my favorite) tip would be to use vacuum sealed bags for your clothes. If you are anything like me, then you probably want to bring everything you own with you (if you aren't an over packer - props to you). Nonetheless, most airlines only allow one checked suitcase, one carry on, and one personal item for international flights. This means that many cherished items must unfortunately stay at home. Fortunately, someone created vacuum sealed bags which allows those of us who have too many clothes to bring them with us whilst traveling. I personally have used (and loved) the Ziploc brand vacuum sealed bags which you can get from most American stores (e.g. Walmart, Target, the Container Store, and Amazon). These bags are amazing because they really do condense the clothing that you put in them no matter what type of clothes they are (seasonal, fancy, every-day). They even work on your bulky winter sweaters, coats, and jackets and come in a variety of sizes in order to fit in your suitcase!

Side note: Just make sure that you are getting the vacuum sealed bags for clothing and not for food (which is way too small to fit your favorite clothing in)!

Before

After

Links:

https://ziploc.com/en/products/closet-storage/space-bag/space-bag-large-flat

https://ziploc.com/en/products/closet-storage/space-bag/space-bag-jumbo-flat

https://ziploc.com/en/products/closet-storage/space-bag/space-bag-3-flat-variety-pack

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Suitcase

My second tip is if you haven't already purchased your luggage, make sure that your suitcase has four wheels that each spin independently (especially for your checked piece of luggage since it will probably be your largest). Having luggage that has four wheels is important when lugging your suitcase(s) to your destination(s) basically because it's easier to move everything you've brought with you. I wish that I would have known then what I know now because the last time I studied abroad I didn't have a suitcase with four wheels and it (the suitcase) was more difficult to physically move around (remember it will probably weigh more than normal since it's around 50 lbs). Samsonite makes a fantastic and inexpensive hand-held luggage scale which helped bring my checked luggage from almost 80 lbs down to 50 lbs.

My third tip is to bring a smaller carry on than what most U.S. airlines allow (around 22" x 14" x 9" or 56 x 35 x  23 cm). I cannot speak for other areas of the world (e.g. Asia, the Pacific, Africa) but for most airlines in Europe, they don't give you much room in the luggage department. This is regardless of whether you are taking budget airlines like Ryanair or normal/luxury airlines like Delta/Emirates.

Important: Before you start packing, check with your airline to see the dimensions that your suitcase can be because you don't want to finish packing and find out that your suitcase is too large (this includes checked luggage, carry on, and your personal item).

This time, I invested in two pieces from Away luggage - the Large (my checked piece of luggage) and the carry-on (my carry on) which fit my entire life for the next 6 months (or more). These two pieces are wonderful because they fit everything that I needed plus instead of having to drag/pull the suitcases, the four wheels allow me to just push them along!

Also, if you were wondering, I used my NorthFace (or any brand) backpack as my personal item. I really enjoyed using my backpack for two reasons. One, I always use this as my school bag because it can fit a full sized computer inside (I have a 13'' MacBook Pro), textbooks, etc. By wearing it on the plane, it meant that I didn't have to pack it and waste valuable space. Two, the backpack had enough room to store all that I needed on my flight plus it fit under my seat, had a change of clothes in case the airline lost mine, and I was/am able to comfortably carry it while traveling which kept my arms free to push my suitcases.

Side Note: If you have your heart set on bringing your really cute duffel bag (I had a Vera Bradley one), I would advise against it unless it has wheels because those things get heavy, fast! Especially, if like me YOU are the only one carrying your luggage around the airport/train station/bus station/ferry/etc. The first time I studied abroad I actually brought my Vera Bradley Duffel and I had a horrible bruise on my shoulder once I finally got to my accommodation since I thought that I would use it on all of my side trips (I never used it).

Links:

- Samsonite Hand-Held Luggage Scale https://shop.samsonite.com/accessories/travel-scales/manual-scale/77887XXXX.html?dwvar_77887XXXX_color=Black&cgidmaster=#q=scale&srule=Best+Sellers&src=google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8L3Vs5P-3AIVWbnACh2T-wkcEAAYASAAEgKwzvD_BwE&start=1- Away Luggage (the Large) https://www.awaytravel.com/luggage/large/black-Away

- Away Luggage (the Carry-on) https://www.awaytravel.com/luggage/carry-on/black

- NorthFace backpack

- Delta luggage sizes https://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/baggage/during-your-trip/carry-on.html

- Ryanair luggage sizes https://www.ryanair.com/us/en/useful-info/help-centre/faq-overview/Baggage

- Emirates luggage sizes https://www.emirates.com/english/before-you-fly/baggage/checked-baggage.aspx

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What Not To Pack - Valuables

My fourth packing tip is to not bring anything too valuable. What I mean by this is don't bring that beautiful necklace grandma gave to you on your 18th birthday that means the world to you. As hard as it is to part with, you don't want to take anything that is either too expensive or too meaningful as it could be stolen, lost, or broken. Valuables can include money, shoes, clothes, watches, perfume, jewelry, etc.

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What Not to Pack - Too Many Toiletries

My fifth packing tip is to try to cut down the amount of toiletries you are bringing. Unless you are studying abroad in the middle of nowhere (if so, please let me know where) there will be hundreds of stores with loads of toiletries. This can include makeup, feminine products, shaving needs, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, skin care, etc. By not bringing too much stuff, you have the chance to try so many new items that you might not be able to find back at home. Personally, I found it a lot of fun trying English and European products that I couldn't find in the U.S and am looking forward to doing the same thing in Sweden! It's also fun to try new products the locals use so that you can really envelop yourself into your new culture.

Side note: I will contradict myself with this next statement by saying - if there are certain skincare/feminine products/toiletries (i.e. deodorant and shampoo) that you love and really don't think that you can live without then bring them! That's totally okay and it's nice to be reminded of things from home but I would limit yourself to only the things that you really can't live without and don't think that your new home will have.

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Memories

My sixth and final packing tip is to leave your knick knacks at home. You are going to create so many memories (photos and/or physical items) which can take up space. My recommendation is to try and leave random knick knacks at home (1 or 2 small knick knacks are okay) so that when you come back, you are able to bring some pretty interesting items not found back at home to show family and friends!

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I hope that at least one of these tips helps you on this incredible experience that is studying abroad!