Fortunate enough to be taking a semester abroad but worried about what to bring along? Here are the top 5 things you should be packing for a semester abroad. Bring them along to make studying abroad more enjoyable and anxiety-free!
Quick packing tips for a semester abroad
1. Pack converters and adapters
For your semester abroad, you’ll definitely have to pack some electrical appliances such as a laptop, tablet, phone, hairdryer, trimmer, digital camera, etc. Therefore, you’ll need to check if they are equipped for dual voltage (110/220 watts). If they aren’t, you must buy a converter/adapter kit.
Please note that there are different versions of the converters. Some are designed only for high voltage appliances, some for low voltage appliances, and some for both.
Extra packing tip
Add a grounded adapter plug for your laptop.
2. Bring credit/debit cards in your own name and make copies of your documents
Put your copies of important documents in a safe place, together with your credit/debit cards and emergency contact numbers.
Extra packing tip
Play it safe and add backup copies of your documents to your packing list for a semester abroad.
3. Wear a money belt
These special pouches are lightweight so they’re comfortable when you’re wearing them. They come in all shapes and sizes so you can wear them around your waist, neck, shoulder or leg. And, in some places, they’re the only thing that can keep your valuables safe from pick-pockets.
My advice is to carry extra cash plus your passport and/or ID in your money belt and keep some small bills in your pockets.
Extra packing tip
You can also find scarves and bras that come with hidden pockets to keep your valuables safe.
4. Packing for a semester abroad should be done in collapsible duffle bags or backpacks
Duffle bags and backpacks are available in different sizes and they’re easier to handle than hard-shell rolling luggage, for example. This means that when you reach your destination, you can fold/roll your travel bag and easily slip it under the bed or place it in a closet without occupying too much space for anything.
It’s best to choose a light backpack or duffle bag with wheels so you can drag it along if it gets too heavy to carry on your shoulder/back.
Extra packing tip
If you choose to use a backpack when packing for a semester abroad, you’ll be able to use it for all the short sightseeing trips you’re likely to take.
5. Bring along a common phrasebook or download the Google Translate app
You will find yourself at a disadvantage if you don’t speak the language of the country. Therefore, it’s very useful to bring along a common phrases book or use the Google Translate app to communicate better with the locals. Just until you get to pick up bits and pieces of the language to spark up short conversations or order food in a restaurant.
Of course, there are many things you’ll want to be packing for a semester abroad. But try to travel light and keep in mind the travel tips above to make your semester abroad safer and more enjoyable!
Sidney Child loves to travel and experience the world. She’s 24 years old and during college, she was lucky enough to study abroad. Sidney considers herself fortunate because she had traveled to 20 countries in the last 5 years.
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