Ultimate Study Abroad Packing Guide: Packing List, How to Pack and Carry-on Items

Ultimate Study Abroad Packing Guide: Packing List, How to Pack & Carry-on Essentials

Study abroad packing has never been easier as you prepare for your college semester overseas.

In this video, receive a study abroad packing list (pdf), learn how to pack abroad, and what essential items need to be in your carry-on.

Packing an entire semester in a bag can be stressful.

“What do I need to bring? How many bags are too many bags? Is this item essential? I can’t find my lucky ascot!”

Next thing you know, your entire closet is sprawled across your room, looking like a yard sale.

I’m here to tell you to relax. These next steps will take less than an hour and afterward, you will be one happy clam. I’m giving you everything you need to get this chore done fast without the second-guessing and uncertainty.

You’re lucky. I didn’t have this list nor all these answers when I studied abroad in Florence, Italy.

But you do!

So put on some rockin’ music and follow the packing procedures of Expat Philosophy. See the video below for the quickest way to get this study abroad packing chore done in less than an hour!

Get Your Free Downloadable Study Abroad Packing List

At this point, go down to the download link in the description and get your complete packing list before we begin.

Your free download link is in the video description on YouTube. Watch our amazing video to get the most from this article.

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But even after all this good info, this isn’t anything close to being prepped for your overseas trip. If you really want to impress your friends and be mistaken for a local,  check out our Study Abroad Lifestyle Guide, which is where all this info comes from!

What Results Have I Gotten From This Advice?

Anything you wish would happen to you while taking an overseas trip has happened to me— only because when I felt depressed and homesick while studying abroad, I used the suggestions in this article.

To name a few things that happened after I used the advice from this book:

  • Most profound conversations even experienced in the most inimitable places in this world
  • Doubled-down on my study abroad experience and learned to solo-travel with ease
  • Became less insecure and more emotionally confident
  • Learned how to handle extreme travel pressure and emergencies
  • More energy to take on new experiences never thought possible
  • Made international friends faster which leads to a richer life!

BONUS: The Best Travel Gear I Use for Every Country I Go to!

► Onyx Book Note Air 2 eReader (best thing I’ve bought in the past year)— https://amzn.to/3t4uacJ
► RFID Proof Travel Wallet (I highly recommend)— https://amzn.to/44ZHBb4
► Best Travel Rubber Bands I Use— https://amzn.to/3LrZR69
► Quick Dry Microfiber Multi-Purpose Towel (I use this in Kenya)— https://amzn.to/3ZocxAO
► Lightweight Backpacking First Aid Kit (I bring this for all my travel, motorcycle rides, and hiking)— https://amzn.to/3ELECIs
► Rugged Compass Keychain (works and looks cool, too)— https://amzn.to/3r8jucx
► Excellent Travel knife (this is the best knife I’ve ever owned. I use it for all my 3rd world traveling)— https://amzn.to/4658Phw
► Excellent Travel Multi-Tool— https://amzn.to/3Phbdel
► Badass Universal Power Adaptor— https://amzn.to/46c59dO

Good luck. Enjoy the process because you are about to embark on one of the most transformative experiences of your life!

Expat Philosophy signing off,

MTK

@that.expat.philosophy

Mike T. Kelly

Mike T. Kelly

Editor of Prosperity

Ex-structural engineer gone expat polyglot. Through his book, speaking events, published writings and online blog, he strives to influence millions to be their best selves while experiencing novelty overseas or at home. His desire for adventure travel is rivaled by his love for motorcycles, airplanes and family. Michael graduated from Gonzaga University with studies in civil engineering and philosophy. For his 29th birthday, he moved to Africa where he is experiencing his next transformative experience.

International Travel with Food Allergies FAQ:

How many outfits to pack for study abroad?

It's not a matter of how many outfits to pack for study abroad, but how versatile your clothes are. When packing for study abroad, practicality should be your main priority. Fashion is merging style with practicality, anyway.

What not to forget when studying abroad

There are many items to not forget when studying abroad. Such items include important travel documents, practical clothing, and universal adaptors. See our complete list in our ultimate study abroad packing guide for your free downloadable pdf packing list.

What should I wear to study abroad?

The most important rule on what to wear to study abroad is not look like a tourist. To avoid this, you must research what the locals wear for the season. See our complete list in our ultimate study abroad packing guide for your free downloadable pdf packing list.