Packing for an extended period can be daunting! Research the climate of your host city as well as the cultural norms for what one wears. Some areas of the world are more conservative than others, and you want to ensure you do not offend your host nationals or call unwanted attention upon yourself by dressing inappropriately.
Top 11 packing tips for study abroad:
- Pack your passport, important documents, medicine, and two days of clothing in your carry-on bag.
- Bring only as much luggage as you can carry by yourself – navigating public transportation or unpaved roads with too much luggage is exhausting. Plan for no more than one large suitcase, one carry-on, and one personal item.
- Pack like you are traveling for 2 weeks. You don’t need to bring 4 months’ worth of clothing! You will be able to do laundry while abroad, so 2 weeks’ worth is plenty. If you desperately need something in your host country, you can buy it there.
- Bring versatile clothing that you can mix and match, so you can create many different outfits. No one will notice if you wear the same neutral top two days in a row!
- Bring comfortable walking shoes. You will probably walk more than you do in Wooster/the USA.
- Pack travel-sized toiletries. You can buy similar full-sized versions at your destination and save valuable room in your suitcase. That said, if you are very particular about certain products, you may want to bring enough for the entire program.
- Check to see what kind of power plug adapter or voltage converter you will need in your host country. You can buy adapters at Wal-Mart or online.
- Take a carry-on or personal item that can double as a weekend bag for day or short trips while abroad.
- Wear your heaviest items on the plane to save valuable space in your suitcase.
- Leave room for souvenirs or clothing that you buy during your time away!
A special note on prescriptions: Some common over-the-counter and/or prescription medications utilized in the U.S. are not allowed in some foreign countries. You cannot bring these medications into the country or have your prescription filled. For example, Adderall is prohibited in Japan. Go to your host country’s official embassy website to see if there are any limitations. Here is a list of embassies.