The Complete Guide for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad soon? Here’s how you should pack + what you can buy there!

In 2019, I spent over 6 months in 9 different countries. I experienced a broad range of seasons and climates. Here’s what I learned:

  1. Pack this

  2. Buy these when you get to your destination…

  3. Pack these in your carryon…

  4. Save money like this…

  5. Walk more leading up to your trip

  6. Do laundry there

  7. Before you go, do these things

  8. Safety first, at all times!

  9. Get Your VAT tax back at the airports in Europe!

  10. Buy a SIM Card at the Airport

Keep reading below for more details!

  1. Pack These:

  • A cohesive wardrobe

    • Save space, time, and stress by sticking to a color scheme when you pack. Pack pieces that match one another and can easily be mixed and matched so you don’t repeat too many outfits.

  • An adapter for your destination

  • Comfortable walking shoes that are already broken in

  • A few different forms of payment, just in case

    • Cash

    • Cards from different entities

  • a compact tote or backpack

2. Buy there:

  • Food

  • Toiletries

    • Deodorant

    • Hairspray

3. Pack these in your carryon:

  • a portable charger

  • a reusable water bottle

  • Airborne or Emergen-C— you’re more likely to get sick while traveling. take some Airborne to support your immune system on the trip.

  • snacks— you never know when the flight attendants will start serving. Best not be hangry!

  • Individually wrapped Clorox wipes (for airport tables, your tray table on the plane, and more!)

  • Tums

  • Ibuprofen or Tylenol

  • ZZZquil— for jet lag!

  • Tissues

  • An extra change of clothes— great for emergencies or if your bag gets lost

  • Tea Bags of your choice (you can ask the flight attendant for hot water✨)

  • Face wipes

  • a hair brush

  • a hat— a great cover for messy travel hair

  • a sweatshirt

  • all valuables— don’t put these in your suitcase

  • a photocopy of your passport number— in case you lose your passport and phone

4. Save money like this

  • buy food from the local grocery store— no need to eat out at every meal

  • pack snacks in your day bag

  • carry a reusable water bottle with you

  • carry propel packets for extra hydration

  • bring caffeine pills to avoid spending too much on coffee

5. Walk more leading up to your trip

Most of the world is very walkable. Your feet will thank you later if you can start getting more steps in.

Tip: Get comfortable shoe inserts

6. Do laundry there

Pack detergent pods if you are worried about finding detergent there. Most campuses have laundry mats

7. Before you go, do these things

  • Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel dates— you don’t want your card to get turned off while abroad!

  • Remove your nails— it can be difficult to get a manicure abroad. If you lose or break a nail, it can make your experience miserable.

  • Get travel insurance if your program doesn’t supply it

  • Make sure you have an official from your program for entering the country, if required.

8. Safety first, at all times!

9. Get Your VAT tax back at the airports in Europe!

Save your receipts! EU airports have kiosks setup to refund your tax spent on any shopping.

10. Buy a SIM Card at the Airport!

Most airports either have vending machines or kiosks to buy a SIM card. You can get one for the duration of your trip. You’ll have better service than if you purchase an international plan through your primary service provider, plus it’s much more affordable!

Tip: Use Google Maps to navigate, even for buses and subways!

Bonus: Here are 5 things I learned specifically about traveling in London:

  1. Some “London” airports are really, really far. Double check where you’re booking that flight, so you don’t have to take a last-minute Uber.

  2. Speaking of Uber, it is VERY expensive (like the most expensive Uber I ever took was in London 😬) Take public transit or walk if you can.

  3. The Tube and buses have off hours. Pay attention so you don’t miss connections!

  4. Bus numbers change, depending on the time of day. Pay attention so you don’t hop on the wrong bus!

  5. Most Tube stops do not have elevators. Be prepared to carry your suitcase!

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