Packing for a Semester Abroad in Europe: Fall Edition


Studying abroad is a life changing experience. Packing, however, is not. Predicting what you will need for three to four months in a country you've probably never been to before is difficult and stressful. Year after year I receive frantic last minute emails from students stressed about what to pack. So here is my wisdom, after years of practice, for packing for a semester abroad in Europe in the fall (obviously the clothing list will change slightly in the spring and summer).

 

First thing first, you need to decide what you can and can't live without. There are certain things that I have learned I like bringing with me and other items I don't mind buying whatever is nearest and/or cheapest when traveling. Take some time in the weeks before you leave to take notes on items and/or toiletries you couldn't live without while abroad. While you want to avoid over packing, bringing little comforts, like your favorite dry shampoo or face cleanser, can make a huge difference when you are thousands of miles away from the creature comforts of home.

For example, these are the items that I like to bring with me:



And here are some examples of items I don't mind buying once I arrive:



Now on to the hard part, clothing.
I typically suggest anywhere between 40 to 50 articles of clothing for a three to five month period abroad. Anything more than this and you will definitely be over your bag's weight limit. This 50 lb weight limit is especially challenging when you have to pack cold weather clothing. But your bulkier items can be wore or carried on the plane to save space and weight.

When selecting your clothing items you need to research the average temperatures and weather patterns for the region you will be living in. But don't limit your packing to that particular weather forecast. Remember one of the bast parts of studying in Europe is how easy it is to travel once you are there, like an impromptu weekend in Switzerland. Trust me you will want to take lots of weekend trips. Packing different sleeve lengths and weights will ensure you can layer for any weather condition you might encounter. In addition to differentiating your tops, you also want to pack around one color to ensure everything you pack can be mixed and matched. For example, in this post I demonstrated how just 26 items could turn into more than 30 complete and unique looks!



Here is an example of the clothing items I would pack for a fall semester abroad:
1 Rain Jacket (with hood, and make sure it is water resistant, this sounds like a given, but it's not)
1 Wool or Heavy Coat (for colder months)
1 Blazer
1 Puffer Vest (I would even bring two for colder climates like London/Paris)
Three Pairs of Jeans - 1 light, 1 medium, and 1 dark wash.
(I would also mix up the styles. For example, a light wash pair of relaxed boyfriend jeans, a medium wash straight-leg jean, and a skinny dark wash jean.)
10 - 15 Tops (in varying sleeve length and fabric weight)
5 - 10 Sweaters (make sure at least one is a cardigan)
5 - 10 Skirts and/or Dresses (make sure they can be layered with tights or boots)
3 - 4 Pairs of Pants (maybe a pair of colored denim, dressier trousers, or patterned pants)
1 - 2 Pairs of Shorts (you can't go wrong if one of these is denim)
3 - 5 Pairs of Tights (they are the easiest way to transition into cooler weather)
A couple sets of Pjs, Loungewear, and/or Workout Wear (I always regret not bringing more lounge wear)
Plenty of Bras, Underwear, and Socks
A Great Hat (adds instant style and can be worn on the plane)
*Remember fun scarves and accessories can easily be purchased abroad and are a fun and relatively inexpensive way to add variety to your travel wardrobe!

My clothing MVPs (most versatile pieces) over the years have been my chambray button-up shirt, denim jacket, (any) navy striped tee, colorful J.Crew fluted skirts, and puffer vests.

Shoes:
It is best to keep your shoes simple and practical. Remember you will do a lot more walking in Europe than you are used to!
1 Pair of Riding Boots (wear on the plane)
1 Pair of Wellies (preferably the lighter travel kind that roll up)
1 or 2 Pairs of Ballet Flats
1 Pair of Comfortable Walking Shoes (I like Converse, Superga, Toms, and Vans)
1 Pair of Running Shoes (you will need them more than you think, like hiking in the Cinque Terre or climbing Mount Vesuvio)
1 Pair of Flip Flops (can double as apartment slippers or hostel shower shoes)

Bags/Purses:
1 Secure and Comfortable Mid-sized Everyday Purse
1 Larger Tote for School or Travel (carried on the plane)
1 Clutch or Small Cross-body
*For theft/security reasons, I am anti-backpack

Miscellaneous:
Bathing Suit (but if you aren't a difficult size, this too can be purchased abroad)


Other Packing Tips:


And Finally, Don't Forget:



Everything else you will need should go in your carry on. You can read more about what to bring in and how to pack your carry on here!


Hope this helps! Feel free to email me and ask any other study abroad questions you might have. 

And be sure to check out my posts on My Top 10 Travel Essentials, How to Avoid Jet Lag, and the Top Five Study Abroad Mistakes.

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