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15 Items I Never Thought To Bring Abroad But I DESPERATELY Needed

Your pillowcase from home is a MUST.

Hannah Feeney

Apr 22, 2019

Pennsylvania State University

15 Items I Never Thought To Bring Abroad But I DESPERATELY Needed

Instagram // @ikase_usa

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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15 Items I Never Thought To Bring Abroad But I DESPERATELY Needed

Your pillowcase from home is a MUST.

1. Brita water bottle

2. Band aids

3. Dryer sheets

4. Tapestry

5. Pillowcase from home

6. Nail polish

7. Laundry hamper

8. School supplies

9. Towels

10. Extra deodorant

11. Ziploc bags

12. Sewing kit

13. Medicine

14. Travel-sized toiletries

15. Dry shampoo

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2. Playing Christmas music all day long.

3. Christmas movie marathons.

4. Getting offended when someone hates Christmas.

5. Drinking holiday themed drinks.

6. Buying ugly Christmas sweaters.

7. Using every chance to talk about Christmas.

8. Baking Christmas cookies.

Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.

1. Meditate

2. Groom yourself

3. Eat lots of chocolate

4. Go for a walk

5. Netflix and chill

Who could be a better friend than your own sister?

1. She's your number one fan…and you're her's.

2. It feels like you guys can communicate telepathically at times with just a look.

3. Fights last for about two minutes because you find something funny and have to show them.

4. Concerts in your car are a regular thing.

5. You have an innumerable amount of inside jokes that are always funny.

6. When she gets clothes it's like you're getting new clothes too.

7. She's seen you at your worst and doesn't judge you…but has taken pictures to remind you.

8. She always knows just what to say to cheer you up…or what food (or drink) to make you if words aren't working.

9. She's the first person to jump to your defense.

10. You have a permanent best friend.

You're gonna make it after all.

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4. Call mom.

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