Going abroad can be incredibly stressful, especially the packing aspect of it all. After all, you have to pack a whole semester (4 months) of your life into just a few suitcases. Although being a smart packer is important to save space, leave a little room for these 15 items...you won't regret it!
1. Brita water bottle
Depending on where you're studying, these are extremely hard to find! Bring one to save money on constantly buying water bottles and to save the environment!
2. Band aids
A time will come when your shoes are killing your feet or you cut yourself and realize, "holy shit, I have no medical supplies." It's much better to have these babies on hand than needing one and not having any.
3. Dryer sheets
I personally do not have a dryer here in Florence, but if you bring some to stick in your drawer, your clothes will always smell super fresh. They are also good for getting deodorant out of clothing!
4. Tapestry
If you're going to be living in a new country for a whole semester, you're going to want to make your room feel "homey."
5. Pillowcase from home
On the same note as the previous, you'll want something to keep close for the comfort aspect of being in a new country away from your family and friends.
6. Nail polish
Getting your nails done can be super expensive, and I know I am trying to save my money for travel! A quick fix is to bring a few of your favorite shades along with you for a DIY mani/pedi.
7. Laundry hamper
Dirty laundry piles up between traveling and not having the time to do it. I wish I brought a hamper abroad to keep my dirty clothes more organized and out of the way.
8. School supplies
Sometimes it's easy to forget the "study" part of studying abroad. You will at least need some pens and notebooks to get you started.
9. Towels
My apartment had ZERO towels upon arrival and I only brought one along and had my parents ship me another one lol. I recommend bringing a few towels and at least one hand towel for your bathroom...it will make a world of a difference!
10. Extra deodorant
Turns out one stick is just not enough for 4 months! Also, if you love your American brand, DEF bring more than one because most pharmacies abroad don't carry a variety of options.
11. Ziploc bags
Do not skimp out on these because there will always come a day you will need a Ziploc bag.
12. Sewing kit
Even if you are lucky enough to not having something rip, you will want the little scissors for a variety of reasons.
13. Medicine
Besides your prescribed medicine, bring Advil, melatonin, and Emergen-C. You 100% will need all of the above at one point or another. I had to have my parents mail me some Emergen-C packets when all of the roomies were getting sick...think ahead!
14. Travel-sized toiletries
Besides bringing the normal sizes of everything, bring travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. with you when you come, so you can have a small version of your favorite brands when you travel.
15. Dry shampoo
We all have those days where washing your hair simply isn't going to happen. Dry shampoo isn't too common outside of America, so come prepared!
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