Packing... Tips from a Not-So-Pro

When it comes to packing, my biggest tip to you is to plan, plan, plan ahead, deciding by category what items you need to bring abroad, and what items you want to bring abroad. Then, decide on baggage feasibility. For example, are you willing to pay to check an extra luggage item? (I am not so I can only pack one suitcase to go abroad with me). Also, how much stuff are you actually going to be able to wield... and be reasonable. Even if you have all the money you need and can check 5 suitcases, do you really think you'll be able to walk, much less get on and off trains, with five suitcases?!? Of course not. So make sure feasibility is a priority. Then you're ready to get started.

Obviously I have no way to give you specific advice on what exactly to pack, but I can give you some general tips. First, read through your study abroad acceptance packet. My packet through ISEP told me exactly what would and would not be provided by the university. For example, my first semester placement does not provide bedding. Then, I, rather quickly in this case, decided whether or not it was feasible for me to pack this particular item: nope. And so the process continues until you have established what you can and cannot bring with you.

I have attached here a copy of my initial packing list to show you how I tried to plan ahead by designating specific items to pack so I could keep them set aside; helping me to visualize what I was bringing along. Obviously though, whatever works for you is what you should do.


I recommend clicking on the image and zooming in so that you can actually read it (=