I showed up to Rome at 20 years old with a 28-inch suitcase I could barely lift, two pairs of heels I wore exactly once, and absolutely zero plan for the fact that Italian outlets require a different plug than anything I owned. By week two I had burned out my blow dryer, paid way too much for a universal adapter at the airport, and was desperately trying to fit a weekend bag inside my already stuffed closet before a Friday train to Florence.
That semester abroad changed how I think about travel. It also taught me what actually belongs on a study abroad packing list and what’s dead weight you’ll shove under your bed and never look at again. This list is built from that experience — plus years of budget travel since — so whether you’re heading to Italy, the UK, Spain, or anywhere else in Europe for a semester, you’re not starting from scratch like I did.
One thing to know before we get into it: studying abroad in Europe means weekend travel is basically part of the curriculum. You will take budget flights to Barcelona, overnight trains to Paris, and day trips to cities you’ve never heard of but fall completely in love with. The best study abroad packing list is one that lets you live comfortably in a dorm and also throw a bag together for a weekend trip with no stress. That’s what this one does.
Luggage rules: Most airlines allow one checked bag plus a carry-on for transatlantic flights. But budget European airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet have strict size and weight limits for weekend trips. Think ahead: a carry-on-sized secondary bag for weekend travel saves you a lot of money and stress once you’re there.
Your electronics will not work without an adapter. European outlets run on 220V, and most US electronics are 110V. This matters most for hair tools. Either buy dual-voltage versions before you leave or leave them at home. Your phone charger and laptop are almost certainly already dual-voltage, so those are fine with just an adapter.
Your dorm or apartment will not be fully equipped. Study abroad housing varies wildly. Some programs provide towels and bedding; many don’t. Confirm with your program before you leave so you’re not buying a towel in a foreign pharmacy on day one like I almost did.
A note on clothing for Europe specifically: the aesthetic is more put-together than most American campuses. You don’t need to overhaul your wardrobe, but all-athletic-wear-all-day sticks out more than it would at home. Bring versatile pieces that work for class, going out, and weekend sightseeing without needing five outfit changes. Keep in mind, shopping is great in Europe! It’s better to underpack, and then fill your wardrobe with the incredible shopping Europe has to offer!
Whites, creams, black, olive, navy. Things that work together so you’re not matching outfits every morning for four months. Linen and cotton breathe best and don’t wrinkle badly after being stuffed in a weekend bag. Five or six is plenty — you’ll do laundry, and you’ll also buy things once you’re there.
One casual, one slightly nicer. Jeans work for class, dinner, museums, and almost every going-out situation that isn’t a proper club night. Two pairs is the right number for a semester — more than that and you’re just wasting luggage weight on something you can wash.
Bring at least one outfit that feels more intentional than jeans and a top. This covers nicer dinners, cultural events, internship presentations, and any occasion where you want to actually try. For women: a versatile midi dress or elevated blouse. For men: a button-down shirt that doesn’t need ironing. One or two pieces is enough and you can always thrift something local.
This is the most-worn item in a European semester wardrobe and the one most people underestimate. Church visits, cold lecture halls, chilly spring evenings, and any restaurant with aggressive air conditioning all require a layer. Bring two if you’re going in fall or winter — one casual, one slightly nicer.
If you’re studying in London, Edinburgh, or anywhere in Northern Europe, a rain jacket is not optional. Even Rome and Barcelona get wet in fall and winter more than people expect. A packable shell fits in your day bag and covers you without adding bulk. A classic trench coat is a great Europe-appropriate alternative if you want something that doubles as a fashion piece.
Rome in November is not Rome in July. Most people studying abroad in Europe are there for fall or spring semester, and both have cold stretches. A packable puffer jacket takes up less space than a full coat and keeps you genuinely warm. If you’re going to a colder city like Prague, Edinburgh, or Amsterdam in winter, go warmer than you think you need.
Of course, this depends on how many times you expect to workout or exercise. Most study abroad programs have access to a gym or fitness center, and you’ll also be walking five to ten miles a day sightseeing, so you don’t need much. Leggings and a sports bra work for women; shorts and a t-shirt for men.
Shoes are where most study abroad students overpack and suffer the consequences. You will walk more in a week abroad than you do in a month at home. Comfort is not optional. And heels on Roman cobblestones? I’ve done it. I do not recommend it.
White sneakers or neutral-colored sneakers are the most versatile shoe you can bring. They work with jeans, dresses, and most casual outfits, and they’re universally appropriate across European cities. Whatever you bring, make sure they’re already broken in. New shoes plus ten miles a day of cobblestones equals a very bad first week.
For class days, nicer outings, and anywhere sneakers feel too casual. Women: leather loafers or cushioned flats that can handle uneven streets. Men: a clean leather sneaker or loafer that works for class and dinner. Make sure there’s actual sole support — thin ballet flats on cobblestones end careers.
Women: an ankle boot or low block-heeled shoe that’s comfortable enough to stand in for three hours. Men: a clean Oxford or Chelsea boot. This is your one “trying” shoe — it doesn’t need to double as a hiking shoe, it just needs to hold up to a night out without destroying your feet. Three pairs total is the maximum you should pack.
This is the section most generic study abroad packing lists skip entirely, and it’s the one that matters most for the European semester experience. The whole point of being on the same continent as Paris, Barcelona, Prague, and Amsterdam is that you can get there for 40 euros on a budget flight. But you need the right gear to make that seamless every single weekend.
This is arguably the most important item on the entire study abroad packing list. For budget European airlines, you need a bag that fits in the cabin — no checked bags, no fees. A 40-liter backpack is the sweet spot: big enough for a three-day trip, small enough to count as carry-on on Ryanair. I used the Osprey Farpoint 40 and it went on every single weekend trip I did that semester.
When you’re packing for a weekend trip on Thursday night after class, packing cubes are the only thing standing between you and chaos. Keep a small set already loaded with your weekend travel basics so you can grab and go in under 20 minutes. This is one of those purchases you make once and use for the next decade of travel.
Budget airlines have strict weight limits and will charge you at the gate if you’re even a kilo over. A portable scale weighs almost nothing and saves you from that exact panic at the check-in desk. Check your bag weight before you leave for the airport every single time.
For museum days, beach days, market days, and any time you don’t want to carry your main bag. A foldable day pack takes up zero space in your luggage and makes sightseeing dramatically easier. Alternatively, a solid canvas tote folds flat and doubles as a grocery bag — and reusable bags are more culturally standard in Europe than most American students expect.
Overnight trains and early morning budget flights are the bread and butter of weekend travel in Europe. A good neck pillow makes the difference between arriving rested and arriving in a terrible mood. The compressible memory foam versions pack smaller than the classic U-shape and work better.
One for your checked bag, one for hostel lockers on weekend trips. Most hostels require you to bring your own lock — don’t assume one will be there. Combination locks are better than key locks for travel because you can’t lose the combination in the bottom of your bag.
Non-negotiable. Europe uses Type C, Type G (UK), and a few others depending on the country, and your US plugs will not work without one. Get a universal adapter with built-in USB ports so you can charge multiple devices from a single outlet. Don’t buy a cheap one at the airport — get a BESTEK or similar before you leave; the cheap versions die or cause surges.
Study abroad dorm rooms often have one or two outlets maximum, and you have a laptop, phone, power bank, earbuds, and camera to charge. A compact power strip with surge protection means you plug in the adapter once and run everything from it. This is the single most underrated item on any study abroad essentials list and the one everyone wishes they’d brought.
For full sightseeing days when you’re on Google Maps, taking photos, and navigating a city you’ve never been to — your phone will die by 2pm without backup. A 10,000mAh bank gives you two to three full charges. Check airline policies on battery capacity before you fly.
For overnight trains, early flights, loud hostel common rooms, and the moments when you just need your own space in a foreign city. AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5 if budget allows; Anker Soundcore is a solid affordable option. This is the tech purchase most students say they’re most grateful for by month two.
You already know you’re bringing your laptop. What most people forget is a proper protective sleeve for it — your bag will get bumped, shoved into overhead bins, and crammed under hostel beds. A padded sleeve keeps it safe without adding the bulk of a dedicated laptop bag. Keep your laptop on your person on travel days, not in checked baggage.
Your phone will get the job done, but you’re studying abroad in one of the most photographed regions in the world — you might want something better for the memory quality. A mirrorless camera like the Sony ZV-E10 produces dramatically better results than any phone camera in low light, which matters in museums and at night markets. A GoPro is the better call if your semester involves outdoor adventures or beach destinations.
I highly recommend leaving your Dyson at home… I ruined a perfectly good hair dryer in a Roman outlet on day five. Learn from my mistake: if you blow-dry your hair, you need a dual-voltage dryer specifically rated for 100-240V, not just an adapter. BaByliss Pro and Conair make solid travel versions. This applies to anyone who uses a hair dryer, regardless of gender. If you’re not sure, then you can also buy one in the city you’ll be studying in.
For women: A dual-voltage styling tool (straightener or curling iron) is worth the luggage weight if you use one regularly. Look for tools rated 100-240V — the switch is usually on the handle. Again, an adapter alone will not save a US-only tool from a European outlet.
Carry-on friendly, TSA-proof, and they last two to three times longer than liquid bottles. Ethique is my go-to — I’ve had the same conditioner bar last through a full semester. European pharmacies sell shampoo and conditioner easily, so you can always restock, but starting with solid bars means one less thing to worry about on arrival.
Three products, in travel sizes to start. You’ll walk in the sun more than you’re used to, and European winters are genuinely drying. SPF is the most important — wear it daily regardless of season. You can restock everything at a local pharmacy once you arrive, so don’t overpack here.
Tampons are available throughout Europe, but brand selection varies and familiar products may not be there. A menstrual cup is reusable, takes up zero space, and works for up to twelve hours — genuinely the easiest option for a semester abroad. Period underwear is a great backup layer. Sort this before you leave rather than figuring it out in a foreign pharmacy.
If you take any prescription medication, bring a minimum of three months’ supply and keep it in the original labeled packaging when you travel. Getting a prescription filled in a foreign country mid-semester is complicated and sometimes impossible. Talk to your doctor before you leave about getting a longer supply approved for your time abroad.
Blister plasters are the most important item in this kit — you will blister in week one, guaranteed. Beyond that: ibuprofen, anti-diarrhea tablets, antacids, and antihistamines. European pharmacies (farmacia in Italy, pharmacie in France) are excellent and well-stocked, but having basics means you’re not searching for them in a city you just arrived in at midnight.
Hostel dorm rooms on weekend trips are unpredictable. Overnight trains have lights and passengers and noise at all hours. A good sleep mask and earplugs are the most reliable way to sleep anywhere. Loop earplugs are the ones I actually sleep in because they don’t hurt your ears after a few hours like standard foam ones do.
The transatlantic adjustment hits harder than most students expect, especially if orientation starts immediately. A low dose of melatonin (0.5mg to 1mg) taken the first few nights at local bedtime helps your body clock reset faster. Melatonin is not classified as a medication in the US but may not be available over the counter in all European countries, so bring enough from home.
Keep your passport, backup card, and emergency cash in an RFID-blocking travel wallet rather than scattered across your bag. RFID technology protects against the rare but real risk of contactless card skimming in crowded European tourist areas. Keep this separate from your day-to-day wallet so your essentials are always together and secure on travel days.
European tourist areas, particularly in Rome, Barcelona, and Paris, have well-organized pickpocketing. A flat money belt under your clothes is where your backup card, emergency cash, and passport copy live on travel days. Your regular wallet is for daily spending; the money belt is the backup you never actually need to use, but you’ll be very glad you have if something happens.
If you don’t have one already, open one before you leave. The Chase Sapphire credit card is great for earning points while abroad and there are no transaction fees. The Charles Schwab debit card reimburses all ATM fees worldwide and has no foreign transaction fees making it one of the best card for international students, full stop. A Wise card is another excellent option for managing multiple currencies. Using your regular bank card abroad and paying 3% foreign transaction fees on every purchase adds up across an entire semester.
Your university’s study abroad program may provide a basic health insurance policy — read it carefully and understand what it covers and what it doesn’t. Supplemental travel insurance through SafetyWing or World Nomads is worth it for trip interruption, luggage loss, and emergency evacuation coverage. Before you fly, scan your passport and save it to Google Drive, email it to yourself, and give a physical copy to someone at home.
Many study abroad housing programs do not provide towels, or they provide one very thin one that takes two days to dry. A microfiber travel towel dries in under an hour, packs down to the size of a water bottle, and doubles as a beach or picnic blanket on weekend trips. This is the item I most wish someone had told me to bring to Rome.
Tap water is safe to drink in almost all of Western Europe, so there’s no reason to buy plastic bottles every day. An insulated bottle keeps water cold for hours, which matters on full sightseeing days. It also works as a hot drink container for coffee or tea in winter, which makes it genuinely useful year-round.
More useful than a rain jacket on city days because it keeps your bag dry too. European autumn and spring are genuinely rainy, and a compact umbrella fits in every bag without adding noticeable weight. Get a windproof one — a standard cheap umbrella inverts itself in the first strong wind and ends up in the trash.
For securing your laptop to a desk or bed frame in your dorm room or when working in a café. It sounds overly cautious until you hear the story of someone who left their laptop in a café for two minutes and came back to nothing. A cable lock is cheap, lightweight, and gives you real peace of mind in shared living situations.
For separating dirty clothes from clean ones in your bag, and for making laundry day in a shared dorm laundry room significantly less chaotic. A mesh bag also means you can hang things to dry easily, which matters in dorms where dryer time is limited or expensive. Pack two if you’re sharing a bag with delicates you hand-wash.
This might be the most underrated item on this entire study abroad packing list. When you’re managing class schedules, weekend trip logistics, cultural activities, and a new city, having something physical to write in makes a real difference. It also becomes a record of the semester — a travel journal is the thing I most wish I’d kept more consistently when I was in Rome at 20.
The study abroad packing list for Europe is as much about editing as it is about adding. Here’s what takes up luggage space and earns nothing:
Already planning the rest of your Europe trip? Check out the packing list for backpacking Europe for the full budget travel version. And if you’re going further than Europe after your semester ends, the Southeast Asia backpacking route guide is a good next read.
Looking back on my semester in Rome, the things that made it better weren’t the things I overpacked. They were the power strip that let me charge everything at once, the carry-on backpack I took to six different countries, the earplugs that got me through a hostel in Florence. The semester abroad packing list that actually works is the one that travels lightly and makes room for the things you’ll accumulate along the way.
You will buy things you didn’t think to pack. You will leave things at home and not miss them. And you will have a semester that changes how you see the world — not because you packed perfectly, but because you went. Pack smart, go light, and have the best time.
Questions about specific destinations or what to bring for a particular program? Drop them in the comments below and I’ll help you sort it out. And save this for when you’re staring at an empty suitcase at midnight before your flight.
Save this study abroad packing list to your Pinterest boards so you can find it when you need it!
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, and the little hacks that make this life actually work. Glad you're here, friend!
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