The Ultimate Semester Abroad Packing List

By Claire Weston

Edited by Taylor Morgan

PAIGE CODY / Unsplash

I studied abroad in Luxembourg during the spring 2025 semester. From January to May, I visited 16 countries and faced almost every weather climate you could imagine. When I think back on my travel experience, there were certain items I brought along with me that I regretted, and ones I wish I had brought. 

Here is my concise packing list for anyone wishing to study internationally:

Travel Basics:

• Have the basic identifications:

  • Passport, student visa (if required for your program), driver's license, any travel insurance cards and emergency contact information. 

• Get a travel credit card with no international fees. 

  • Many people travel with debit cards, and typically, a fee of ~ 3% is applied to every purchase.

• Bring a small amount of cash. 

  • I recommend no more than $200 (or the equivalent currency). 

• Bring copies of any important documents.

  • Flight information, host family contact information (if applicable), medical information, etc. 

Technology:

• Laptop and charger. 

• Any Kindle, iPad, or tablet. 

• Headphones or AirPods. 

  • Essential for long travel days. 

• Portable chargers!

  • I recommend bringing more than one. 

• Universal adaptors!

  • The most important technology you need. I recommend adapters that fit all countries and continents. 

• ESIM or SIM card. 

  • ESims are easy to set up, but note that you typically cannot use your American phone number. (Apps like WhatsApp make it easy to message, even internationally). 

Hygiene: 

• I recommend buying these products once you arrive:

  • Shampoo and conditioner. 

  • Face and body wash. 

  • Toothpaste, mouthwash and makeup remover. 

• If you use specific hair products, bring them with you. 

  • Like hair gels, hair cream and so on. 

• Bring a hairbrush. 

  • I recommend not packing heat tools.

• Bring a limited amount of makeup. 

  • Keep it basic and simple. 

• Bring deodorant from home. 

  • Typically, international brands do not work as well. 

Clothing:

• Bring less than you think you will need!

• Go for basic colors and styles. Pick clothing items suitable for many outfits. 

• Tops:

  • Three to five of each shirt type. 

    • Ex. three sweaters, three long-sleeved shirts, five tank tops, etc. 

• Bottoms: 

  • Two to three of each bottom type. 

    •   Ex. three skirts, three dress pants, two shorts, three jeans, etc. 

  • One dressy or business casual outfit. 

• Two to three jackets or coats.

  • A rain jacket is recommended!

• A hat, scarf and gloves. 

• Two to three pajama sets. 

• Two swimsuits. 

• One or two athletic outfits.

  • Good for working out or traveling in. 

• Warm layers! 

  • Thermal shirts and leggings are recommended. 

Shoes: 

• Bring a comfy pair of sneakers or tennis shoes. 

• One pair of sandals, or warmer-weather shoes. 

• Bring one or two pairs of boots.

• Have at least one nice pair of shoes. 

  • Could be heels, dress shoes or nice flats. 

HARPER SUNDAY / Unsplash

Accessories and Bags: 

• Bring your most versatile jewelry. 

  • Ex. pieces you can wear daily, and when you feel like dressing up. 

• One pair of sunglasses. 

• At least one belt. 

• Bring a travel backpack.

  • I recommend one that can open fully, like a suitcase. 

• Bring one or two checked bags. (Depending on the length of your travel).

• Pack one carry-on bag. 

  • I recommend a weekender tote or duffle bag over a suitcase. 

• One or two purses.

  • I recommend one being a fanny-pack bag, or something similar. 

Extras: 

• Bring a microfiber towel for hostels. 

• Shower shoes are a must!

• Bring locks! 

  • I recommend both suitcase locks, as well as heavier-duty locks for hostel lockers. 

• Luggage tag all of your bags. 

• Add AirTags, or similar products, to each bag. 

  • Allows you to track where your belongings are at all times. 

• Bring an empty water bottle. 

  • Water is not free in most European countries! 

• Bring an umbrella (or buy one when you arrive).