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Home | Study Abroad Packing List

Deciding what to pack for study abroad is no joke. You only have a few bags to fit all the essentials for you time abroad - plus airline weight restrictions to keep in mind! After advising thousands of study abroad students and interns every year on what to pack for study abroad, our IES Abroad Advisors put together the ultimate study abroad packing list.

Whether you're a notorious over-packer, a last-minute packer, or the kind of person that always forgets something important, this list covers all the basics and includes packing tips to keep in mind. Bookmark this page for later or print out a PDF version to mark off items as you pack.

Please refer to your predeparture materials to see what specific items related to COVID-19 you may need to pack, such as masks or a negative COVID test. 

Get the Packing List PDF
What to Pack
Yellow Carry-On Banner
  • Passport and visa (plus copies, just in case)
  • "Print Me" document sent by IES Abroad about 2 weeks before program start date
  • Driver's license/photo ID
  • Plane tickets
  • Printed CISI insurance card
  • Credit/debit cards
  • Cash in local currency for initial on-site expenses (check your predeparture information for recommended amount)
  • Photocopies of important travel documents (your passport photo, visa, etc.)
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Tablet/E-book and chargers
  • Laptop and charger
  • Camera (if you are taking one) and charger
  • Portable power bank
  • Headphones
  • Emergency outfit (in case your luggage gets lost or there is a major delay)
  • Travel-size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste) and a toothbrush
  • Tissue pack
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Masks
  • Gloves (if wanted)
  • Antibacterial wipes
  • Empty, reusable water bottle
  • Snacks
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  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Tops
  • Pants, shorts, and/or skirts
  • Sweater or sweatshirt
  • Workout clothes
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit
  • One or two nicer outfits (for events or formal dress internship placements)
  • Coat/jacket (check the weather in your host country)
  • Raincoat or waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Dress shoes
  • Flip flops/shower shoes
  • Accessories/belts
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  • Deodorant
  • Hair brush/comb
  • Glasses/contact lenses for duration of program
  • Prescription medications for duration of program
  • Preferred over-the-counter medicine
  • Menstrual hygiene items
  • Shaving supplies
  • Preferred skincare/makeup
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  • Travel/overnight bag and/or travel purse
  • Umbrella
  • Sunglasses
  • Padlock to lock luggage when traveling or in hostels
  • Small, quick-dry towel
  • Ear plugs
  • Travel pillow
  • Travel journal
  • Lip balm
  • A book
  • Lint roller
Packing Tips

DO refer to your predeparture guide to double-check what specific items related to COVID-19 you need to bring, such as masks or a negative COVID test. 

DO pack over-the-counter medications if you have strong preferences for certain brands. Some countries may not carry the brands you are used to.

DON'T overpack clothes. Imagine that you’re only packing for a two-week trip. You’ll rarely need more than two weeks’ worth of clothes because you'll have access to laundry. Chances are you’ll want to buy more clothes while abroad.

DO learn about the weather and culture of your study abroad location in order to decide what type of clothing you should pack.

DON'T pack bed linens, kitchen utensils, or other household items before reading the Housing section of your Predeparture Information. IES Abroad housing options are furnished, so most of these household items are not necessary to bring along.

DO consider bringing a gift unique to where you are from if you are living in a homestay.

DON'T bring more than you can carry. Only pack what you are willing to carry up multiple stairs by yourself! When in doubt, pack lighter—Center staff can help you find whatever you may need in your host country.

 

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shoes

While this study abroad packing list covers the basics, make sure you check out more program-specific packing resources in the Predeparture Information for your program or ask your advisor if you have questions!

Get the Packing List PDF