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Studying abroad is a big commitment, yet an exciting commitment. There’s tons of emotions you will feel. It’s like balancing between tons of excitement and fear. Trust me know, I studied abroad and Italy and the pre-study abroad jitters hit me like a rock.
There’s sooo many things to look forward to. It’s going to be a memory that will still with you for life. With all that being scared, there’s a lot of pressure and a lot of things to think about. I wanted to create this study abroad packing list with items that are essential to take one thing off your shoulders.
I swear by this all-in-one adapter. I bought this exact one in 2016 which was the first time I ever backpacked Europe and still use the same one. It’s lasted me over 4 years and has been the best travel companion for all the 20+ countries I’ve visited since.
I’ve gone through multiple adapters and find this all-in-one adapter to be the best one I’ve ever used. I love that it has two USB ports so I can charge multiple devices at once. It’s 100% better than having to hold every adapter individually. I would pack at least 2 for your study abroad trip, just as a safety net in case you end up losing one!
My Hydro Flask Water Bottle is my FAVORITE travel companion. Mostly because I love drinking water, but also because it keeps my water COLD for hours. Which is a must in scorching, hot weather when you’re sight-seeing.
I’ve gone through a number of water bottles, and this exact Hydro Flask with this cap is absolutely leak proof and keeps beverages cold up to 24 hours. Another alternative is the 32oz Nalgene Water Bottle, which is good for its size– only downside is that it doesn’t keep water cold.
This is one that can easily slip your mind, but it definitely is a necessity. Whether you’re walking to class, randomly sight-seeing in your city or traveling, nothing is worse when there’s a torrential downpour happening. I always carried my raincoat with me everywhere I go.
Click here to search raincoats for men. Click here to search raincoats for women.
For when you’re traveling, doing day trips or just sight-seeing around the city. You’ll want a high-quality backpack that’s big enough to carry all your day needs, lightweight and slash proof to avoid petty theft. I love North Face Backpacks for day use, weekend trips or just for going to class.
Anti-theft backpacks that have built in clasps are really awesome, but be sure when you’re on the subway or bus that you put your backpack on the front of your body. If you want to keep the backpack you have, then getting these anti-theft bag locks are a cheap and affordable way to keep the valuables in your bag/purse safe! This might be a foreign concept to you, but do it or risk getting stuff stolen!
There is seriously nothing worse than traveling with a dead phone. A dead phone means you can’t take pictures, look at Google maps or send important messages. Although it’s fun to explore with no technology (which I actually recommend), it does get tiring.
A portable charger is a must. I would invest in a high-quality portable charger that has multiple charging ports and long battery life. If you’re going for a more portable charger, then this compact power bank does the job great!
Your passport (obviously), visas if necessary, travel insurance, photo IDs and any other travel documents your program may require!! Make photocopies of all important documents just in case you run into any problems abroad (I.e. losing your passport).
Having photocopies of all your important documents will make the process much easier if you do run into that problem. Keep multiple copies in different places.. A folder under your bed, in your underwear drawer or just your desk drawer!
Do not, I repeat DO NOT, bring shoes that you know give you blisters or are hard to walk in. I promise you’ll never wear them.
Instead, bring shoes you know are comfortable to walk in for long distances. While you’re traveling, you will walk A LOT, so do yourself a favor and invest in high-quality shoes that are comfortable for sight-seeing. Brands like Chaco and Teva are popular brands for walking sandals, which are perfect for hot weather. But also be sure to find a sneaker that you know is comfortable– Nike, Adidas, Asics, etc.
For hostel lockers, your checked luggage or just extra security on your day pack. Travel locks are a must. I prefer to get the locks with a flexible loop and dials rather than a lock with a key.
Make sure to bring any prescriptions you’re currently on for the entire duration of your time abroad: birth control, contacts, and any other prescriptions you have. I also like to bring a small pouch of cough & cold medicine, pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil, anti-diarrheal, anti-nausea and any other meds that come to mind.
There’s nothing worse than having to go to a pharmacy and them not having your favorite brands when you’re sick.
Note: If you’re bring prescription meds bring the prescription too! Occasionally immigration will check for this!
For plane rides, bus rides or just walking about the city. I love my Apple AirPods because they automatically connect to my iPhone and are wireless.
Obviously there’s a number of headphones and ear buds that exist, I imagine you already have a pair. Just bring them along!
And there you have it. 10 essential items you can’t go without during your semester abroad. I hope you find this list valuable and have an amazing time abroad!
Until next time!
XOXO,
Angelique ❤️
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Check out some of my favorite tools and companies I actually use when I travel.
Need a Bank Account for Life Abroad? Wise is the best option for travelers, study abroad students and expats. I use it as my everyday checking account since it lets me hold and spend in multiple currencies without getting hit with a bad exchange rate every time I cross a border.
Want to Travel for Free & Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees? I put my spending on my Chase Sapphire Preferred card and let the points cover flights and hotels I'd otherwise be paying for out of pocket. I've been able to use the points I earn on this card to pay for flights, hotels and meals all around the world!
Please Don't Forget Travel Insurance! Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never go on a trip without it. My two favorites are:
Need a Flight? I personally love using Google Flights to track prices and compare dates before I commit, the flexible date view alone has saved me a lot of money. Skyscanner is another great search engine to find cheap flights because it searches sites and airlines around the globe, so you know no cheap deal is being left on the table.
Getting Around Southeast Asia? Book your buses, trains, and ferries with 12Go Asia. One search shows you every route and price, so you're not digging through ten different local booking sites.
Need a Place to Stay? Book your hotel with Expedia, where I start looking, especially when I want to bundle flights and stays together. Hotels.com is my backup when I want to compare prices or I'm chasing their rewards program for a free night.
On a Tighter Budget? Hostelworld is where I go for hostels. It has the largest inventory out there, and you can search for dorm beds or private rooms depending on what you're after!
Want a Free Way to Travel? Try TrustedHousesitters! You look after someone's home and pets while they're away, and in exchange you get free accommodation (minus the subscription fee). It's a great option if you're traveling long term and want to cut costs. I personally use this as a host and a sitter, and it's truly great!
Need Inspiration or Just Want to See What's Out There? Go Guides is a solid resource for destination guides, must-see landmarks, local markets, best beaches, and things to do, browsable by place or by theme. It's a good stop whether you already know where you're headed or you're still looking for your next destination.
Check out my full packing gear guide for everything I bring on international trips, or browse my favorite travel finds on Amazon for quick links to it all.
Check out my full resource page for every company I use when I travel. I list them all in one place so you can go from planning to booked without digging through old blog posts!
Hey there, I'm Angelique!
I'm a Filipina-American, Chicago native living abroad and running my online design agency from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Over a decade of traveling in, and yes, I still pinch myself. With family split between the US, UK, and SE Asia, travel has always been part of my story. This blog is where I share the honest side of living and traveling abroad, the places I explore, my best study abroad tips from personal experience, and the little hacks that make this life actually work. Glad you're here, friend!
Studying abroad soon?
everything to sort before you go, in one printable page.
Grab the printable study abroad checklist covering the paperwork, money, and packing stuff that's easy to forget until you're already there wishing you'd sorted it!