5 Packing Tips for Students Studying Abroad

Are you planning on studying abroad? Here are 5 packing tips that you should keep in mind. If you are going to be studying abroad for a semester or a year, you don't need to take everything with you.

1. Utilize packing lists and tips provided by the Office of Study Abroad, past participants, and others involved in the program.

At some time during the pre-study abroad process, you will probably be given a suggested packing list or at least be given the opportunity to talk in depth with the faculty lead and/or former participants. Utilize any packing advice you are given! It should help you determine exactly what you need to bring.

In addition, make your own packing list. By creating your own packing list, you can take charge of your packing by ensuring that you take only what you need. With a little planning, you can prevent yourself from taking a lot of unnecessary items.

2. Plan to purchase some items once you arrive and sell before you leave.

There are some items that you just might want to plan on purchasing once you arrive in the country, such as a pre-paid cell phone, some shoes and clothes, etc. If you do a little advance planning, you can sell some unneeded items before you leave for your study abroad experience as well. If you purchase some shoes and clothes (by no means all) once you are there, you are much more likely to fit right in. Also, let's face it: it's fun too!

3. Research the weather of your destination.

While the weather in some destinations might be well known, in others, you might be surprised. Either way, it is never a bad idea to research the weather of your home for the next few weeks or months. After all, you will want to know if you need to bring a winter coat and/or a bathing suit.

4. Pack once and then go through everything to ensure that you truly need it.

Once you actually get to the point at which you need to pack and have finished, go through your suitcases one more time before you zip them up. There is a good chance that there are at least a few things that you can do without. After all, the more you take, the more you have to haul around and the more you have an opportunity to lose. You might even be able to get rid of half of what you originally packed.

5. Take airline restrictions into consideration.

With all of the aftermath of September 11th, 2001 and all of the scares during the summer of 2006, it is always a wise idea to visit your airline's website regarding what is and isn't allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. You will need to plan your carry-on bag carefully. You don't want to have to pay extra due to the fact that your luggage is over-weight. A little planning really does go far when packing for an extended stay.