Planning to study abroad this year? Here are 31 absolutely necessary study abroad essentials you’re definitely going to need during your semester abroad!
If you are looking for study abroad essentials at a good price, this list of study abroad must haves for college students is for you!
In this post, I am sharing everything from travel backpacks to packing cubes and everything in between! I had many of these during my semester abroad, and let me tell you, I could not recommend them more!
I’m only giving you the best of the best, the absolute essentials. I know you will thank me later when you have everything you need while studying abroad!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
Investing in a high quality travel backpack is an investment that is absolutely necessary. I know you may be thinking “I have a carry on roller luggage that I’ll bring” but do not bring it!
Lots of budget airlines in Europe charge extra for carry on luggage with wheels. A high quality travel backpack will actually save you so much money in airline fees alone.
A travel vlogging camera is necessary to capture all of the memories you are going to make during your semester abroad. I know, phones have great cameras these days but I loved having my Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II to vlog my entire study abroad experience.
The Canon G7 X Mark II is a vlogging camera many Youtubers use. It’s compact and shoots amazing video & photo quality up to 1080p HD at 60fps (frames per second). The screen flips 180 degrees making it easy to capture your entire study abroad semester in Europe!
The Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera is the next level Canon camera from the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II. It shoots 4k HD
For all your adventures underwater and above ground, a Go Pro is a study abroad essential! I loved taking it with me when I was ATVing the streets of Greece and paragliding in Switzerland.
Even though reading is a great travel activity on flights, trains and busses.. You unfortunately can’t bring endless amounts of books in your luggage. Instead, think about purchasing a Kindle, a lightweight Apple iPad Air or another tablet to satisfy all your reading needs!
If you don’t have hair products that are dual voltage, you will literally fry your electronics (depending on which country you’re coming from). I know people who tried using a 120V straightener in 220V outlets that ended up in a power outage in the whole building. My friend fried her Dyson when visiting Thailand so I wouldn’t risk bringing any expensive hair tools.
I personally use the AmoVee two-in-one straightener/curler and swear by it. It’s one of the best hair purchases I’ve ever made because it is so useful and dual voltage. It’s lasted me almost a decade during my travels. It’s also pretty small, so super convenient for people with short hair. But there are many alternatives out there, just be sure to do your research. If you already have hair products that you love, make sure they are dual voltage before leaving for your trip or opt for heatless curls and cute updos! Remember it’s humid, so hair will likely go up at some point! Hair clips & hair ties are also a must.
Honestly? This is one item I’d actually recommend just buying once you arrive in your host country instead of lugging one from home. Here’s why: even dual voltage hair dryers are bulky and take up precious luggage space that you could use for literally anything else.
Most accommodations (even hostels!) have hair dryers available, and if they don’t, you can pick up a cheap one locally for like €15-30 that’ll work perfectly with the local voltage. I ended up buying a basic hair dryer from a pharmacy in Florence for €20 and used it my entire semester. Then I just left it for the next student moving in – someone in my program’s GroupMe was literally thrilled to take it off my hands.
That said, if you absolutely cannot function without your specific hair dryer and you already own one that’s dual voltage, go ahead and bring it. Just make sure it explicitly says “110-240V” on it somewhere (usually near where the cord connects). And you’ll still need a plug adapter even if it’s dual voltage – the adapter just changes the shape of the plug, not the voltage itself.
If you have thick or curly hair that requires a more powerful dryer, or you use specific attachments like a diffuser, it might be worth bringing your own. But for most people, I’d say save the space and buy one there. You can always donate it or pass it along when you leave!
Your feet are going to be your main mode of transportation when you’re studying abroad. I’m talking 15,000+ steps a day wandering through cobblestone streets, climbing up to viewpoints, and getting lost in neighborhoods you definitely weren’t planning to explore (but ended up being the highlight of your day).
I looooove these REEF Women’s Water Visa Platform Sandals and the Crocs Women’s Brooklyn Low Wedge Sandals. They’re stylish and you’d never know they’re insanely comfortable
Birkenstocks and Teva sandals are another solid option – especially if you’re planning any water activities or know you’ll be dealing with rain. Just please, PLEASE break them in before you leave. Nothing ruins a weekend trip to Barcelona faster than blisters on day one.
You’re going to need at least one solid pair of sneakers that can take you from class to a spontaneous day trip without destroying your feet. I packed my white Nike Air Force 1s and they went with literally everything in my wardrobe while still being comfortable enough for full days of exploring.
If you’re more into the athletic sneaker route, Adidas Ultraboosts or Nike Air Force One’s are clutch for longer walks and hikes. I had friends who swore by their Allbirds for being lightweight and easy to pack. Whatever you choose, make sure they’re already broken in and that you can walk at least 5 miles in them without wanting to cry.
Pro tip: bring a second pair if you have room! Having a backup when one pair gets soaked in an unexpected rainstorm is a total lifesaver.
This might seem obvious, but flip flops are NON-NEGOTIABLE for hostel showers. Trust me on this. You do not want to be barefoot in a communal bathroom situation. Just… don’t.
Beyond the hygiene aspect, you’ll want them for beach trips, quick runs to the grocery store, or just giving your feet a break from sneakers and sandals. I packed cheap Old Navy ones that I didn’t care about and they served their purpose perfectly. No need to bring your nice ones – they’re probably going to get beat up anyway.
I cannot stress this enough: noise cancelling headphones will save your sanity. Whether it’s drowning out crying babies on budget flights, blocking out your roommate’s 3am FaceTime calls home, or just creating your own little bubble when you need to focus on assignments, these are worth every penny.
I had my Apple Airpods and my overhead Beats Headphones. I used them on literally every single flight, train ride, and late-night study session. The battery life is insane (like 30+ hours), and the noise cancellation actually works. My friend had the Bose QuietComfort 45s and loved them just as much.
Bonus: they’re perfect for those moments when you just need some alone time but you’re sharing a room with three other people. Put them on, close your eyes, and pretend you’re somewhere else for a bit.
I absolutely love my Hydroflask Water Bottle and brought it everywhere during my semester abroad (AND I MEAN EVERYWHERE!)
It keeps your water cold for hours an end, which is a must especially in the summer heat. If you are planning to study abroad in Europe, there are lots of refillable water stations so a reusable water bottle is a study abroad essential.
Your laptop is probably one of the most expensive and important things you’re bringing with you. Protect it! A padded laptop sleeve is essential, especially when you’re shoving your computer in and out of backpacks, tossing bags onto hostel floors, or navigating crowded metro stations.
Okay, I know insurance isn’t exciting, but please don’t skip this. Like seriously. Medical emergencies happen, and the last thing you want is to be stuck with a massive hospital bill in a foreign country.
Most study abroad programs require you to have insurance anyway, but make sure it actually covers what you need. I used World Nomads and thankfully never had to use it, but my friend got food poisoning in Morocco and needed to go to the ER – her insurance covered everything and even reimbursed her for the medications.
Check what your policy covers: emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, etc. Keep a digital copy of your insurance card on your phone and a physical copy in your bag. You’ll also want to have the emergency contact numbers saved.
An anti-theft backpack is genuinely one of the smartest investments you can make. I’m talking about the ones with hidden zippers, slash-proof material, and RFID-blocking pockets. They’re designed specifically to prevent pickpockets from getting into your stuff.
I used the Pacsafe Venturesafe backpack and it gave me so much peace of mind, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. The zippers lock together with little clips, so even if someone tried to open it while it was on my back, they couldn’t. Plus, it had a million organizational pockets which made finding my stuff way easier.
Barcelona, Rome, and Paris are notorious for pickpockets who specifically target tourists and study abroad students (we basically have “rob me” signs on our foreheads). Don’t make it easy for them.
In almost every single study abroad picture I took, you’ll see me clutching my Longchamp Le Pliage underarm bag or my anti-theft cross body purse.
Getting pick pocketed happens way too often (especially as study abroad students!), so you’ll want to make sure your belongings are secure at all times.
I swear by this all-in-one adapter. I bought this exact one in 2019 which was the first time I ever backpacked Asia and still use the same one. It’s lasted me over half a decade 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 and two USB-C 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!
European weather is unpredictable as heck. It could be sunny one minute and pouring the next. A good waterproof jacket became one of my most-worn items during my semester abroad – way more than I expected.
I brought a North Face rain jacket that packed down into its own pocket, which was clutch for throwing in my day pack. It wasn’t bulky, it actually kept me dry, and I could layer it over sweaters when it got colder. The packable aspect is key because you don’t want to be carrying around a huge jacket when it’s not raining.
Columbia, Patagonia, and Arc’teryx also make great options if you want something that’s going to last beyond your study abroad trip. Just make sure whatever you get is actually waterproof, not just water-resistant – there’s a big difference when you’re caught in a downpour.
Your phone is going to die at the worst possible moments – I guarantee it. You’ll be using it constantly for maps, taking photos, translating menus, looking up train schedules, and keeping in touch with people. A portable charger is an absolute must. Make sure you get a power bank that’s max 10000mAh capacity as that’s the capacity for carry-on luggage on planes. Also check that it can charge multiple devices at once in case your friends need help too (you’ll be a hero).
TSA approved travel locks are a must to add to your study abroad packing list. Whether your checking a back at the airport, staying overnight at a hostel or want to carry around a day pack (as seen in the picture of me in Florence above). I prefer to get the locks with a flexible loop and dials rather than a lock with a key.
These are my favorite TSA Approved travel locks that come 2 in a pack and are under $10.
Beyond TSA locks, I found a retractable cable lock super useful for securing my bag to things like train racks or hostel lockers. It’s basically a bike lock but smaller and more portable.
I used mine all the time on overnight trains when I wanted to sleep but didn’t want to worry about someone walking off with my backpack. You can loop it through your bag straps and around something secure, and it gives you that extra peace of mind.
They’re lightweight, take up barely any space, and are pretty cheap. Definitely worth throwing in your bag.
Don’t forget sunglasses! European summers are bright and you’re going to be outside constantly. I somehow managed to lose two pairs during my semester abroad (oops), so I’d recommend bringing a pair you actually like but that you wouldn’t be devastated to lose.
Polarized lenses are worth it if you’re going to be near water or doing any hiking. They cut down on glare and make everything easier to see. I finally invested in a pair of Ray-Bans halfway through my trip and wished I’d done it from the start.
Also, consider getting a sturdy case. I can’t tell you how many times I sat on my sunglasses or crushed them in my bag before I got a hard case.
Packing Cubes are a study abroad essential to make sure all of your items fit into your travel backpack and suitcase.
Hostels typically don’t provide towels, and even if your accommodation does, having your own quick-dry travel towel is super convenient. They take up way less space than regular towels, dry in like an hour, and are perfect for beach trips or gym sessions.
I had a quick drying travel towel that I used constantly. It was literally the size of a water bottle when rolled up but expanded to full towel size. Plus it had a little loop so I could hang it up to dry anywhere.
Regular towels take forever to dry and end up smelling musty in your bag (gross). Trust me, just get the travel towel.
I’m sure you’ve probably been advertised Loop earplugs before, and I can confirm that they are great for sleeping through the night in loud cities or busy hostels.
This Manta Sleeping mask is my ALL TIME favorite sleeping mask. It’s great for sleeping through the night, mornings in hostels, or catching red-eye flights
Bathroom space in hostels and shared apartments is basically nonexistent. A hanging toiletries bag that you can hook onto a shower rod or towel rack is a game-changer for keeping your stuff organized and accessible.
I used one with clear pockets so I could see everything without digging around, and it had a hook at the top that I could hang literally anywhere. It fit all my skincare, makeup, hair products, toothbrush – everything.
It also made packing and unpacking way faster when I was moving between cities every few days. Instead of spreading my toiletries all over the bathroom, everything stayed in one place.
This is huge: make sure you have credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Those 3% fees add up fast when you’re making purchases in different currencies constantly.
I used the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture cards – both have zero foreign transaction fees and earn travel points. I also had a Charles Schwab debit card which reimburses all ATM fees worldwide, which saved me so much money on cash withdrawals.
Let your bank know you’re traveling before you leave! I forgot to do this once and my card got frozen when I tried to use it in Amsterdam. Had to spend an hour on the phone with my bank to get it sorted. Not fun.
Also, don’t keep all your cards in one place. I kept one credit card and some emergency cash hidden separately from my main wallet just in case.
Your passport (obviously), visas if necessary, travel insurance, photo IDs and any other travel documents your program may require!! Make digital photocopies of all important documents on the cloud just in case you run into any problems abroad (I.e. losing your passport or getting your phone stolen). Having photocopies of all your important documents will make the process much easier if you do run into that problem.
Pack a little medicine kit with the basics: ibuprofen, antihistamines, anti-diarrhea meds (trust me), motion sickness pills, and anything else you use regularly. Pharmacies abroad can be confusing when you’re trying to find specific medications and don’t speak the language.
I also brought Pepto Bismol tablets which saved me multiple times when trying new foods didn’t agree with my stomach. Melatonin was helpful for adjusting to time zones, and I was glad I had cold medicine when I inevitably got sick halfway through the semester.
Birth control if you’re on it – bring enough for your entire trip plus extra in case you lose some. It can be complicated getting prescriptions filled abroad.
Bring your preferred products from home, at least for the first month or two until you figure out what brands are available where you’re studying. European brands can be different from what you’re used to, and the last thing you want is to be frantically searching for tampons in a foreign pharmacy with limited language skills.
I brought a bunch of tampons with me and then slowly transitioned to buying them locally once I figured out which brands worked. Some people swear by switching to a menstrual cup for travel – it’s eco-friendly, takes up no space, and you don’t have to worry about running out. I wasn’t brave enough to make the switch while abroad, but several of my friends did and loved it.
To capture all of your memories, you’ll definitely want to keep a travel journal. I know everyone says this, but seriously – keep a journal. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or beautifully written. I literally just scribbled notes most days about what I did, who I met, funny things that happened, food I tried, and how I was feeling.
Looking back at it now, those messy journal entries are some of my favorite memories from studying abroad. There are so many small moments I would have completely forgotten if I hadn’t written them down. The random conversation with a local in a café, the train ride where everything went wrong but we laughed the entire time, the night we stayed up until sunrise talking on a rooftop in Barcelona.
Okay, so that was a LOT of information, but honestly? You don’t need to stress about having every single thing on this list before you leave. The beauty of studying abroad is that you can buy most things once you arrive – it’s actually a fun way to explore local stores and figure out where students actually shop.
That said, the essentials I’d prioritize getting before you go are: a solid travel backpack, comfortable shoes (seriously, don’t underestimate this), a universal adapter, and your electronics. Everything else you can pretty much figure out as you go.
The biggest piece of advice I can give you? Pack lighter than you think you need to. I’m not kidding – you’ll probably end up buying clothes and souvenirs while you’re there, and you don’t want to be that person trying to cram everything into an overstuffed suitcase at the airport. Leave room for the memories (and the stuff you’ll inevitably accumulate).
Studying abroad was genuinely one of the best experiences of my life, and I hope this list helps make your semester a little smoother. You’re going to have the most incredible time exploring new cities, meeting people from all over the world, and creating memories that’ll last forever.
If you found this helpful, drop a comment below and let me know where you’re studying abroad! I love hearing about everyone’s adventures. And if you have any questions about specific items or need recommendations for your destination, feel free to ask – I’m always happy to help!
Safe travels, and enjoy every single second of your semester abroad! ✈️
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