I wish someone had given me some packing tips prior to my departure to study in the Czech Republic last fall, so hopefully this will help some of you!
Here’s my advice on what NOT to bring:
Bedding (blankets, pillows, sheets, etc.)
Most study abroad programs provide complimentary bedding materials (unless stated otherwise).
Towels
Rather than packing one or two in your suitcase, just buy one when you arrive! Doing so will save you tons of space in your suitcase.
Hairdryer/ Straightener
Chances are that you’ll be studying abroad in a country that requires using an electricity converter. I’ve heard stories of expensive straighteners getting broken this way. If you feel that you need any of these things once you are abroad, buy them locally to prevent damage.
A million pairs of shoes
I recommend bringing shoes that are both comfortable and fashionably flexible. By that I mean that if you’re only going to wear a pair of heels once or twice, you probably shouldn’t bring them. Instead, bring flats or leather boots that you can wear to other occasions. Everyone (no matter the gender classification), should make sure to pack at least one pair of comfortable shoes as well as dressy shoes. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m a big fan of leather shoes because they are weather resilient, which is helpful on rainy/snowy days. Also be sure to pack flip flops (or buy them there) because you will need them if you stay in hostels.
Clothes that you won’t get to wear often
Okay, so this one’s obviously a given. I went abroad in the fall, and when I got to Prague in late August it still felt like summer. I only brought two pairs of shorts with me though, so at first I had thought I under-packed. Turns out that the summer weather only lasted three weeks, tops, which worked out in my favor. My point is that most of the clothes you pack should be able to be layered and mismatched throughout the changing seasons and weather.
Top Advice
Focus less on looks, and more on looking; or should I say embracing.
Studying abroad is all about gaining new experiences through fun, spontaneous adventures. While appearance of course does matter, it should not always be your first priority, especially while studying abroad.
Use these months as a window of opportunity to go more natural! I have naturally curly hair, so when I studied abroad I barely straightened it.
Also plan strategically and do so according to the season/weather. For example is you are going to study in Spain in summer, you really don’t need winter clothing, but for somewhere like Argentina, you will need a variety of clothes as even during summer there are cooler nights.
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