What to pack when studying abroad

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College Packing Lists, because it’s that time of the year…

Summer is coming to a close

…and that means college kids are going to or back to school.

Since packing for college was my inspiration for starting this blog, I thought I’d provide some new lists, but will also provide links to my original posts, from way back when.

And yes, I’m already getting all weepy with the thought of Meredith going back. And no, it doesn’t get easier each year.

No two students’ needs are exactly the same, but this incomplete list is a great place to start. I’ve also included 2 lists in the blog, so you can print this and mark down exactly what you need. Then you can mark up this list with items that I (or the author’s of these 2 lists) may have forgotten. I’ve also interspersed some photo’s of great dorm rooms, to give you ideas of ways to organize your room!

At the end of this blog I’ve also included a link to a Printable list of college essentials, in case you don’t want to read through this entire blog and be engaged with the lovely photo’s of dorm rooms.

TRAVEL NECESSITIES

Wallets & Purses
Pre-Paid Credit Cards
Driver’s License
Social Security Card
Photo ID
Student ID
Small amount of Cash
Luggage
Medicines (Prescription & Over-The-Counter)
Medical Insurance Card
Registration Information
Financial Aid Forms
Road Map

CLOTHING ITEMS

Prescription Glasses
Pants/Shorts/Dresses for daily use
Tops/Shirts for daily use
Shoes as needed (class, gym, shower, etc.)
Socks/Hose
Undergarments
Belts
Robe
Sweaters
Outerwear (even in warm areas a light jacket is a good idea)
Swimsuit
Gym Clothes

TOILETRIES

Comb and/or Hairbrush
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Deodorant
Razor
Shaving Cream
Soap
Feminine Items
Shampoo
Hair Dryer
Curling Iron
Straightener
Q-Tips or similar
Tweezers
Towels
Washcloths
Hand/Body Lotion
Fingernail and Toenail Clippers
Cosmetics
Soap Holder
Toothbrush Holder
Bath Rug
Aspirin or ibuprofen
Vitamins
Cough Drops
Hairstyling Products
Dental Floss

ELECTRONIC ITEMS

Camera & Memory Card (or 35MM Film)
Laptop Computer & Charger
Speakers for Laptop Computer
Cellphone & Charger
Batteries
MP3 players
Game Consoles
Television
Radio
Microwave/Toaster Oven
Coffee Maker (Keurig is totally the way to go)
Small Refrigerator
Alarm Clock

LINENS AND LAUNDRY

Sheets and Pillowcases
Pillows
Mattress Pad
Blankets
Clothes Hamper/Laundry Bag
Laundry Marking Pen
Rolls of Quarters (for laundry, not for beer pong)
Laundry Detergent
Fabric Softener (dryer sheets are a good option for this)
Iron/Ironing Board (or Steamer)
Clothes Hangers

STUDY SUPPLIES

Backpack
Notebooks
Folders
Paper
Calendar
Calculator
Desk Lamp
Highlighters
Pens & Pencils
Pencil Sharpener
Pen/Pencil Cup
Stapler & Staples
Tape
Stackable Desk Trays
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Paper Clips
Waste Basket
Desk/Computer Chair (as necessary)
Three-Hole Punch
Envelopes
Stamps

MISCELLANEOUS

Fan
Odor Eliminator
Memo Board & Pens
Night Light (;) )
Posters
Potted Plants (I think this is silly, as not sure many college students will focus on watering their plants)
Corded Telephone (again, silly…I think only a cell phone is the way to go)
Trash Bags
Hand Vacuum
Flashlight (and batteries)
Underbed Storage Boxes (and Bed Raisers to hold more under bed storage boxes)

Because no list is ever complete, and different for all, I’ve included a Second list…some things on this college packing list you really need and others you really want. Here’s a reminder list to help you decide. Some are duplicates from what the previous list indicated, so clearly no need to double up on a coffee maker.

And a mini Keurig is totally the way to go, btw.

For the bed:
Mattress pad
Eggshell cushion
2 sets twin sheets (usually extra-long)
Blanket
2 pillows
A body pillow is great for getting comfy to study in bed
Comforter/bedspread
Sleeping bag (for guests)
Alarm clock
Beside light or clip-on bunk light
Fan (For white noise for sleeping/studying)

For the desk:
Course catalog for your college
Computer and printer
Computer stand or shelves to customize desk
Computer manuals
Power strip with surge protector for computer
Dictionary
Reference for writing papers
Thesaurus
Foreign language dictionary
Bookends
Bulletin board for over your desk
Wall calendar
Planner
Backpack
Desk lamp
Calculator
Ruler
Sticky notes
Address book
Envelopes
Book of stamps
Glue stick
Light bulbs
Markers
Highlighters
Tape
Paper clips
Pencil Sharpener
Poster gum
Rubber bands
Scissors
Stapler
Staples
Stationery/thank you notes
Ink for printer
Ream of printer paper
Spiral notebooks/folders
Wite-out
Pens
Pencils

For the closet:
Maximize tight space with:
Hangers for multiple skirts/pants
Multiple tops hangers
Over the door shoe bag
Drop bar to double hanging space (picture below)
Rolling plastic storage drawers
Floor length mirror (you can get these at Target for $5)
Raincoat/jacket/rain boots
Umbrella
Slippers
Robe

For laundry:
Laundry bag
Laundry basket
Laundry soap/fabric softener
Stain remover/wrinkle releaser/Tide Pen
Iron/mini ironing board
Drying rack

Goodie Kit:Get a plastic shoebox or tackle box for this. Everyone will be borrowing this stuff.Duct tape (for posters that refuse to stick to the wall)
Poster gum Needle, thread, extra buttons
Packaging tape
Safety pins
Thumbtacks
Tools needed to take apart bunks or lofts or a thousand other things
Screwdrivers (regular and Phillips)
Assorted nails/screws
Pliers
Hammer
Flashlight

For your kitchen:
Microwave
Refrigerator
Coffee mug with a lid
Plates, cups, bowls
Utensils
Sharp knife
Small pitcher
Dishwashing liquid
Can opener
Bottle opener
Sponge and towel (washing dishes)
Plastic wrap - for the leftovers you swipe from the cafeteria

Bowl (large plastic bowl is used for serving food or for washing dishes)

For the bathroom:
Shower shoes
Cup for brushing teeth
Make-up
Glasses/contact lens
Kleenex
Nail clipper
Fingernail goodies
Shower caddy
Soap dish (or bottle)
Bathrobe
Towels
Over the door hook for your towel
Washcloths
Shower flip-flops
Tweezers
Shampoo
Conditioner
Tampons
Face wash
Toothpaste
Extra toothbrush
Deodorant
Beach towel

If you are in a suite and share a bathroom with just a few roomies then you will also need:
Shower floor mat
Caddy to hang in shower for soaps
Cleaning supplies (Windex, toilet and tub cleaner, sponge, brush, paper towels)

Dorm First Aid Kit:
Pain reliever
Band-aids and antibiotic ointment
Cold medicine
Cough drops
Stomach medicine
Allergy medicine
Thermometer
Prescription medicines

For Your pocket:
Phone calling card
Key chain with id pouch
Credit card
Debit Card
Physician/insurance cards
Important phone numbers
Social security card
Driver’s license or photo ID
College ID
Watch

For your room:
Wipe-off message board for your dorm door
Air freshener
Mementos to remind you of home
Photo Album
Stereo, if not using computer for CDs
CD holder
Wastebasket
Posters
Power strip for other electrical stuff
Extension cords
Phone
Phone extension cord
TV
DVD/VCR
Video Games
Cards/board games
Portable music player
Camera
Sports equipment
Musical instrument
Bike/lock/helmet
Storage crates or boxes
Snack food/drinks

This above picture is from an “unnamed” college student…and this is a How Not to Pack photo.

© COMSTOCK/THINKSTOCK – The Internet is full of checklists that can help you and your child find the essentials for dorm room living. But some items often get disregarded and others don’t get put on the packing list at all. Here are 11 items you should be sure to pack in the car, or purchase once you arrive on campus with your child.

1. Portable fan Many dorms are not air-conditioned, but opening the windows in the late summer heat could attract bugs. Having a small fan next to the bed will keep your child cool at night without disturbing their roommate.

2. Office chair Your child’s school will provide a desk chair, but it may be uncomfortable. Think about investing in a wheeled office chair to replace the old wooden one given to your child, which will make those long nights of studying much easier.

3. DVDs Movies will be a great way for your child to take a break from studying. Be sure to pack their favorite movies and TV shows, which they can share with their roommates and friends on the weekends.

4. Disinfecting wipes A new school year can mean exposure to new germs, especially if your child is living with a roommate. Pack plenty of disinfecting wipes for things like doorknobs and faucets, which will help your child stay healthy.

5. Plunger If the toilet or sink is clogged, and maintenance can’t get there fast enough, your child will need a plunger nearby. Keep one in the bathroom in case of mishaps.

6. Flip-flops Living in a dorm often means sharing a bathroom with numerous people. Pick up a pair of flip-flops at the dollar store that your child can wear in the shower, to keep their feet free of any bacteria.

7. Dish soap Many dorms now feature sinks in each room, which means your child will need to stay on top of the dishes. Purchase a bottle of dish soap large enough to last them through the year.

8. Fly swatter If your child is living in a dorm, especially on the first floor, bugs will be unavoidable. He or she will want a fly swatter to take care of fast-moving or stubborn creatures.

9. Dry-erase boards with adhesives Sticking a dry-erase board on the front of the door, or on the wall in the bedroom, will allow your child to write messages to their friends, as well as remind themselves of important to-do list items. Pick up one or two at the campus bookstore, along with markers and an eraser.

10. Extension cords and power strips TV, DVD player, computer, printer, hair dryer – your child will need a lot of outlets at school. Make sure they bring at least one power strip, with plenty of extension cords to reach under the desk or bed.

11. Printer As soon as classes start, your child will hit the ground running with assignments. But printing at the library may cost money. Instead, send your child to school with a printer of their own, fully stocked with ink cartridges and paper.

… And don’t forget the duct tape. It’ll come in handy at some point during the school year.

(Source: http://www.rd.com/advice/11-must-haves-for-your-childs-dorm-room/)

This is a Printable list of college essentials.

http://www.packinglistplace.com/collegelistpdf

Best of luck College Students! Be Safe. Make Good Choices…and have the Time of Your Life! :)

And Mer Mer…you don’t leave till next week and I miss you already!!

xoxo,

PS – My blog passed 200,000 views this week. May I say I’m tickled Pink by that?!

PSS…Hello Mr. Manning…How nice to see you play this evening (though this photo is of him off the field, but I like how well you can see his name

). I’m sorry my Bears didn’t show up to play today. Perhaps on our next playdate! :)

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/category/what-to-pack-for-college/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/08/22/what-does-a-girl-pack-for-college/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/what-a-guy-should-pack-for-college/

The Ultimate College Packing List (morethanatestscore.com)
Off to College Checklist (susanheim.blogspot.com)

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Categories What to pack for college, What to pack when studying abroad

Packing Tips for Studying Abroad

5 Jan

My friend Mary Beth’s son Jeff is studying abroad for the spring semester in Rome…lucky, lucky young man…so Mary Beth and Jeff…this blog’s for you!

“I know students (and the general traveling population) want a detailed packing list, and we all get annoyed when someone says “it’s common sense”. So I’ve put together everything I thought you could possibly want or need when you study/travel abroad. (I’ve tried to adapt it for everyone, both guys and girls.) I wouldn’t expect you to pack everything below, so use your own discretion. At least with this list in front of you, there’s a good chance you won’t forget something you really wanted to bring. So, here is my version of the ultimate study abroad packing list!” (This is from a Student who actually traveled abroad, unlike me who traveled to Carbondale…but it was the 3rd best Communication School in the country, btw).

Quick rhetorical question before we get into the good stuff: do you have a suitcase to pack all this stuff in?

Clothing:

Underwear (two week’s worth)
Socks (two week’s worth plus a pair or two of wool socks)
Undershirts
Thermal underwear
Long sleeve shirts
Short sleeve shirts
Sweatshirt/ hoodie (2-3)
Sweaters
Jeans/ Khakis (2-3 pair)
Shorts
A belt or two
Skirts (for the girls)
A set or two of workout clothes
Pajamas
Swimsuit (for those going to warmer climates)
Coat/Jacket ( I recommend at least 2 – one for cold weather, and one that is water-resistant)
At least one nice outfit for formal occasions
Flip flops/ sandals of some sort (good if you’re going to a warm climate, but also good for hostel showers)
Sneakers/ dress shoes/ boots/ rain boots
Cold weather gear (i.e. gloves/ mittens, hat, scarf)

Toiletries:

1-quart zip-top Ziploc bags with TSA-approved toiletry kit
Shampoo/Conditioner
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Soap
Deodorant
Feminine Products (one month’s worth – should go without saying you don’t want to be stuck without those)
Brush/Comb
Razors/ other shaving supplies
Contact lenses and solution
Nail clippers
Makeup
Over-the-counter medicines
Tissues/ toilet paper (you don’t want to be stuck in a bathroom when its run out)

Extras:

$300 in local currency
Purse/ wallet
Important documents (passport, visa, itinerary, plane tickets, ISIC card, etc.), and copies of each
Sunglasses/ extra eye glasses/contacts
Cell phone (you probably won’t be able to use it in your host country, but it’s invaluable if you’re stuck in domestic airports and need to contact someone for delayed flights, etc.)
Laptop and charger (don’t forget, you’ll need an outlet adapter for the plug on your charger to work)
Camera w/cords and charger
Sheets/ bed linens
Bath towels
Enough prescription drugs for the length of your stay (You need to make sure you are allowed to bring them into the country and that you have documentation, either the prescription or a doctor’s note)
MP3 Player/ iPod (for long plane/train rides)
Sleep sack/sleeping bag (most hostels have sheets, however, some do not, some will charge you for them, and for those people who don’t like sleeping in unfamiliar sheets, I recommend a Cocoon Travel Sheet.)
Journal/ diary (you’ll be taking plenty of pictures on your travels, but it’s always nice to have something to write in. Of course I recommend writing a blog, but you may not always have your laptop with you.)
Backpack (for daily use and as your carry while traveling)
Plastic bottles for toiletries for use in your carry-on or while traveling (the maximum is usually 100ml)
Water bottle/ Nalgene bottle (since the Nalgene bottle is plastic, it’s a lot easier to get through airport security)
A few hangers

Packing Tip #1: Rolling your clothes tends to be a more space efficient method than simply laying them flat in your suitcase.

Packing Tip #2: Pack socks (and maybe underwear) last. They’re great for filling in the random spaces, and they fit in just about every compartment of a suitcase.

Packing Tip #3: I’m not trying to rag on airlines (well, maybe), but no matter how advanced luggage tracking is, they will still lose bags. Save some space in your carry-on for a change of underwear, socks, etc. and some basic toiletries. These toiletry bags are easy to pack and TSA approved – now you won’t have to worry about getting it confiscated by airport security.

The “How-To’s” and “Do’s and Don’ts” of Packing: How to Fit Your Life into 2 Suitcases:

Toiletries

The only reason I would suggest actually packing toiletries is because they can be pretty expensive in foreign countries. However, they take up a good amount of space in your luggage and provide a ton of unneeded weight. It’s really a game time decision, and if it were me, I would sack up and just buy them abroad. If you want, bring a couple travel sizes of your favorite toiletries, that way you don’t have to run to the store the first time you need a shower. Girls, if you think you’re going to be abroad in a more remote area, seriously consider packing a good supply of your usual feminine type products.

Sheets/ linens/ towels:

See if your host institution provides these for you. Talk about taking up unnecessary space in your suitcase – even if your host institution doesn’t provide them for you, you’re probably still better off buying them when you land. If you do feel the desperate need to pack sheets or towels, try to bring sets that you won’t mind throwing away (or donating) at the end of your stay – it’ll free up massive amounts of space for your journey home. Uncomfortable sleeping in sheets that didn’t come from your own home? A lot of people I went abroad with used one of these Cocoons.

Socks/ underwear:

This one time, I advise you to load that suitcase up with as many pairs as you can. The more you bring, the less often you’ll have to do your laundry (which can get costly). If they don’t fit in your suitcase when you’re packing to come home, no worries, they’re cheap enough to throw away and replace.

Space Bags:

My one piece of advice – be careful. Yeah you can fit more in your suitcase, but guess what – more stuff equals more weight. If you pack you entire luggage to the brim in space bags, there’s a chance you’ll pack so much that you’ll be over the weight limit. As a matter of fact, get one of these portable luggage scales. Making an attempt to stay under the weight limit will save you a lot of time and stress especially when you’re packing for those weekend trips.

Don’t Forget To Make Use Of Your Carry-on Bag:

Although your carry-on will be full of a lot of stuff to keep you entertained – i.e. laptop, iPod,chargers, cards – it will probably still have a decent amount of empty space. Fill it with odds and ends, DVDs, chargers and cords, and anything else that’s light and/ or flat.

More Packing Tips for Study Abroad

1. Identify your Belongings: Display your name and permanent address, as well as your overseas contact address on labels outside and inside your luggage, this way, if your outside label is lost, your belongings may still be identified.

2. Check with airlines to learn about their policy regarding luggage: Most airlines allow international travelers to check two pieces of luggage, up to 70 pounds, and to bring one small carry-on. Make yourself aware of your airline’s policies.

3. Limit yourself to the essentials: You will no doubt acquire things overseas. When packing for your trip, try to limit yourself to the 2-bag rule so that you aren’t bogged down on your return trip.

4. Pack all your valuables in your carry-on bag. I repeat…Pack all your valuables in your carry-on bag: This includes traveler’s checks, cash, identification cards, visa, and passport.

5. Keep your passport with you at all times. In addition, bring two photocopies with you and store them in different locations.

6. Establish contact ties with the IEEP office! Leave a photocopy of your passport, visa page, travel itinerary, and overseas contact information with your study abroad advisor.

7. Keep in touch with your relatives. Understand that this is going to be taxing experience for your relatives. Please be sure to remain in contact with them throughout your trip so that they are aware of your well-being. In addition, also leave with them copies of your passport, visa page, travel itinerary, and overseas contact information, as well as credit card numbers and other important information.

Safe travels Jeff…have the time of your life! Remember to call, text and skye your Mom, Dad and Kathleen!

xoxo,

Source: ( http://www.diversityabroad.com/packing-study-abroad; http://voiceoftruth.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/basic-packing-list-for-study-abroad/)