We’d normally advise European travelers to pack lighter than you’d expect and purchase anything you forgot when you get to your destination.
But you’re a college student and a study-abroad packing list is far different from a vacay’s.
You want your school stuff, your living stuff, and your “you” stuff. That’s a lot of stuff, and put into a lot of suitcases, it can be more of a hassle than a help.
Not sure what to pack when studying abroad in Europe? Let us help lighten your load (suitcase-wise; we’ll leave the coursework to you). Here’s how we suggest packing for a semester study abroad in Europe.
Image Credit: Getty Images, PIKSEL
What to pack when studying abroad in Europe
What to pack for study abroad in Europe reads like an eclectic list of bare necessities, barely necessities, and things you shouldn’t pack but we all know you will anyway.
Looking at you, guy planning to bring movie posters to decorate his flat.
Let’s simplify it, shall we?
General packing list for study abroad
A study-abroad packing list should always include the essentials you’d take on an international vacation then expanded for a multi-week stay. Obviously, you’ll need underwear, socks, and all of your other clothes, but don’t leave your campus without adding these to your study-abroad packing list:
🪪 Passports, drivers licenses, and other forms of ID, as well as photocopies.
🔌 Chargers for your electronics, plus converters based on the country you’re studying in.
📚 All textbooks and course materials, especially supplementary materials that you won’t be able to get abroad. Professor has a self-published coursepack? Class has an optional workbook? Bring any and all course materials with you unless you can guarantee that you can access them online.
👛 A coin purse, because some paid public restrooms abroad require exact change so you’ll want to have a handy sack of coins on you when out and about.
🔐 Luggage locks, as these are handy not only in shared accommodations but for any time you leave your bag unattended on a train, bus, or in a hotel.
🧴 Reusable water bottle and refillable toiletry bottles to cut down on your load and plastic waste.
⚕️ Any medicines or prescriptions that you’ll need, all kept in their original packaging so you can find the correct European replacements in the pharmacy if needed.
😎 Swag like a shirt, hoodie, or hat to rep your university: you’re an ambassador of your campus, after all.
🎒 A lightweight day bag, like a backpack, to use when taking day or weekend trips away from your study-abroad site.
🏠 One small thing that reminds you of home. Studying abroad in Europe is an amazing experience and moments of homesickness are part of that experience.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Maca and Naca
Study abroad packing list for Spain
Studying abroad in Spain means immediately packing one or two comfortable dinner outfits. Going out to eat at a Spanish restaurant could eat into your entire evening, so dress for a long, delicious dinner. A swimsuit should be the next item on your study abroad packing list for Spain. The trains in Spain ride to the seaside in nearly every direction and we’re all for you hitting the beach while you hit the books.
London study abroad packing list
Studying abroad in London is a very cosmopolitan experience so your daily go-tos should blend right in with others around campus. We’d recommend comfortable footwear that works well with multiple outfits; while you won’t be hiking, you’ll be surprised at how many steps you’ll take a day by simply walking to and from the Tube.
A sweater, or a jumper as the Brits call it, is a must for most months in London, as well as a jacket or coat in the cooler months. You can bring an umbrella or rain gear à la Paddington Bear, but we’d recommend a jacket as a more versatile option.
Image Credit: Getty Images, petrunjela
Study abroad packing list for Italy
When in Rome, or Italy in general, do as your classmates do and pack for a mix of casual, comfortable, and conventional. If you’re exploring the country, you’ll likely need one respectful outfit that adheres to the dress codes required for places like the Vatican. With so many ruins scattered across varied topography, a sturdy yet comfortable pair of boots will save your soles.
Italy’s extensive rail network makes it effortless to explore the entire country.
While you may assume you’ll stick to your host city like Rome, don’t forget that you could be skiing in the Dolomites or skinny dipping on clothing optional beaches in Puglia on a whim. Take a quick look at the average weather patterns around Italy during your timeline and let those temperatures inform what you’ll pack for a study-abroad break.
Image Credit: Getty Images, martin-dm. Image Location: Budapest, Hungary
How to pack for study abroad in Europe
What you bring is only half as important as how you bring it. Depending on the length and time of your semester abroad, you need to limit your packing list. We’d recommend four bags maximum:
👜 One under-the-seat bag like a purse or drawstring backpack that contains the essentials that you want at arm’s reach, like important documents, your laptop, etc.
🎒 One carry-on bag like a backpack that has your school supplies and your “living” supplies. Now, you don’t have to fill the backpack with these supplies for the act of traveling; just think of it as the load amount you should limit yourself to.
🧳 One checked bag with all of your clothing. A big ol' piece of wheely luggage should be able to fit nearly all of your outfits, a few pairs of shoes, and the 20-odd pieces of underwear you’d normally take on a long trip.
🧳 🧳 A second checked bag for additional clothes—but pack it first. Then unpack it, look at every piece of clothing and ask questions like “will I wear two different ski vests when studying in Barcelona?” or “how often will I wear this ascot to the pub in London?”
😐 In all seriousness, your study abroad packing list likely doesn’t need the extra pair of shoes, pants, or t-shirts in the second bag unless you’re studying abroad in a climate that warrants multiple layers or outfit changes per day. Bring a pair of hiking boots if you’re studying abroad in Switzerland; leave the third extra pair of clubbing shoes at home if you’re studying abroad in Spain. Your back and shoulders will thank you for it at the end of the semester.
🛍️ Remember, you’ve still got to pack all of the stuff that you’ll bring back from studying abroad in Europe.
Pack an app in your pocket for instant train tickets
Download the Trainline app before you begin your semester abroad and purchase the cheapest tickets available from the airport to the city center, between the best sites, and around the continent.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Xavier Lorenzo