How To Pack Most Efficiently for Study Abroad

So you’re studying abroad. Hooray! Now, what to bring? Whether you’re going to Egypt or Iceland, here are some basic rules for packing with limited space.

DON’T

• Don’t assume you know the climate. It’s helpful to look at a weather history for the area you’re going to be living in. Looking at trends over past years will make it easier for you to decide what to bring with you.

• Don’t be optimistic. While it can be tempting to pack all your favorite nice-weather clothes, you will sorely regret not leaving room for those items which are actually useful when it, say, snows or rains or is abominably hot.

• Don’t pack everything you’re going to need. It sounds counterintuitive, but some things are simply too large to justify packing, especially if you can get them cheaper in your host country. If you think something is taking up too much room in your luggage, research how much it will cost/how easily available it will be to buy it overseas. Notebooks, for example. Buy them there, leave them there.

DO

• Leave space in your luggage. There are going to be things in your host country that you’ll want to buy, and you will need space to bring them back home.

• Find out how people usually dress in your host city or country, and plan the clothes you bring accordingly. Be careful, however, to respect cultural boundaries. Some items of clothing are specific to cultural or religious practices and shouldn’t be worn by outsiders.

• Plan outfits. Bring items of clothing you can easily mix and match. Laundry can be expensive, and clothes take up space, so bring things that you can use in multiple ways.