Traveling to Study Abroad | Guidelines for Packing Light

One of the greatest experiences a student can have is the chance to travel and study abroad. Not only do you get to build your resume by interacting and assimilating with different cultures, but you have a great time doing it and create memories that will last a lifetime.

However, anyone who has stayed away from home for at least a few weeks will tell you how stressful the packing process can be. You feel like you need to take everything, just in case, but there is only limited space to squeeze it all in!

As a student, you don’t want to be forking out extra money to pay those excess luggage fees, so it’s better to learn how to pack smart. In this article, we share some useful packing tips for students traveling to study abroad.

Research the Weather and Pack Appropriately

The most important thing when packing light is to understand the weather conditions in your destination. Is it going to be wet, windy, and freezing when you arrive, or can you expect hot and sunny days? The internet is the best place to find out what to expect. Doing a little research will help you choose what to pack, including clothes. For example, when traveling to the Middle East over the summer, you definitely won’t need sweaters or warm clothes! 

Make Sure Your Clothes are Culturally Suitable

Please understand that you won’t be living in a vacuum. Wherever you are heading has its own norms and traditions that you should respect. Before packing your favorite sundress or ripped jeans, consider what is deemed suitable in your host nation. Conduct some research and pack accordingly. When touring the Middle East, for instance, you will need to pack more reserved clothing items and choose things that cover your arms and legs.

Understand What to Pack

Although spending two, three, or four weeks abroad may seem like a long time to pack for, avoid the temptation to pack an outfit for every day of your trip. In most cases, there will be laundry services available at your accommodation, and you can always make small purchases once you reach arrive if you find you need something else.

Regardless of the length of your stay, you will only need enough clothes for about ten days. You will also need extra space in your luggage for any souvenirs or items you might pick up before you return home.

If possible, stash a few clothing basics in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is delayed at your destination. Avoid carrying expensive designer jewelry or accessories; you may be sharing accommodation and don’t want to worry about your precious things going missing.

Pack Minimal Toiletries

Although toiletries are important, they tend to take up a lot of space. Although you may not need full-sized bottles, try to pack some essentials toiletries to avoid having to make purchases immediately after a long, tiring flight. Things like toothbrush and paste, sunscreen, dental floss, and deodorant are travel essentials for women and men. 

Remember to Carry Your Medicines

If you’re using prescriptions, avoid inconveniences and emergencies by packing your meds. Remember, there is a chance that your medication may not be available at your destination. It’s helpful to carry supporting documents for your medication, such as a doctor’s letter. If in doubt, check with your embassy to see if the medication you want to bring is permitted.

Don’t Store All Valuables in One Place

When traveling, and during your time abroad, losing valuables can really sour your experience. Make sure you learn how to protect all your valuables. Minimize the amount of cash you carry around with you. Also, make sure that all your essential documents are stashed safely in one place. It’s a good idea to keep copies of all documents; you may need them for identification if you lose the originals. Scan them and store them online or email copies to a trusted family member for added security.

Make sure to keep your friends and loved ones up to date on where you are by checking in every few days.

When trying to pack light, it’s essential to buy the right pack. You may have to carry around lots of gear, so you’ll need a pack that is comfortable and practical. Avoid getting a bag that is too big, as this often tempts you to pack more than you need!

To have the best experience during your trip abroad, you should spend time socializing with locals, so learning some of the language is essential. The guide books may give you some basics, but the best way to learn is by immersing yourself in the culture and learning from your new friends – you’ll also save money in the process!

And don’t stress too much about assignments; if you need a little help, there’s always the option of using a reliable paper writing service online.