If you’re wondering how many items to bring for your study abroad program and are worried you’ll bring too much (or too little), don’t worry!
I have been in your shoes before, and from experience, I can attest to how much is “too much.” I’ve been on May Terms and Summer programs, so for the duration of those programs, I can advise on what you might want to reconsider bringing and what to bring exactly.
Think Before You Pack
If you plan to shop in your host country, you’ll need to pack light. In my experience, I knew I would want to shop — but I didn’t know the lengths I would go to. After having to buy an extra suitcase at the airport the day I left Singapore and pay hundreds of dollars for my overweight suitcase in Budapest, I learned some valuable lessons! And now I can help you prepare for the packing journey.
Do You Really Need That?
For starters, think about what you will actually use abroad. If you have access to a washing machine, you likely do not need to bring more than one extra pair of pants and a couple of tops, plus a few pairs of socks and undergarments. Use the washing machine and re-wear your clothes! This will save space for other items.
Shoes You’ll Actually Wear
Next, think about shoes. Shoes can take up a huge amount of space in your luggage, and there is truly no need to bring more than one pair besides the shoes you wear from the airport to your destination. During my time abroad, I used the same pair almost every day.
If you plan on doing a lot of walking (which nearly everyone does when traveling), bring or wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
Then, bring a pair of dress shoes. These can be heels, loafers, boots, flats, or anything other than your everyday pair.
If you plan to go to the beach, pool, or anywhere near water, a pair of waterproof shoes wouldn’t hurt to pack. This is optional, as the shoes can take up more space, but if you’re like me and want a pair of shoes for every occasion, it’s worth ensuring that you’re prepared for any activity.
Save Space for Shopping
Now, let’s shift to clothing and attire. I know that when I went abroad, I definitely overpacked clothing, including many pairs of jeans and shirts that I didn’t end up wearing. Especially if you plan to shop, you don’t want to bring more than you will wear.
There are many types of tops, especially for girls. Think and plan about how you will pack these. I suggest packing no more than 2-3 going-out/dress tops, and no more than 3-4 casual/walking-around shirts. Also take no more than three pairs of your favorite jeans, shorts, skirts, skorts, etc.
Depending on how much swimming you plan, no more than two swimsuits will suffice. And bring a nice “Sunday best” outfit for those dinner evenings, as well.
Mix and match your outfits! Again, especially if you plan to shop abroad, think about how you can rewear and restyle your outfits.
Don’t Overdo It on Toiletries
Next, hygiene: As a skin care fanatic, I now know that when I go abroad, I have to leave space for the skin care products I’ll buy there.
If there is a specific skin care product you know you cannot live without, bring it with you. If not, it might be more convenient for you to buy a moisturizer or face wash in your host country that will last the duration of your program, then trash it before you depart. Speaking from experience, I can guarantee this will save you so much space in your luggage.
This also goes for haircare. Unless there are products you cannot live without, I suggest buying a temporary product abroad so you can discard it before you depart. Don’t buy more than you need.
Don’t overbuy lotion, hair gel, body wash, etc. Pack a little shower bar or buy one when you settle in your host country. Pack a mini-hairbrush instead of a regular-sized one.
If you use a hairdryer, you will naturally want to save room for it in your luggage. However, many accommodations include toiletries and hair dryers. Keep this in mind when deciding whether to pack one. Many students in my program bought a temporary hairdryer or hair straightener in our host country — or they already had one provided at their accommodations. This can save you space and money.
Keep It Light, Keep It Easy
Now on to accessories: If you like wearing hats, I recommend bringing only one.
Regarding jewelry: Because it is smaller and lightweight, it shouldn’t take up much space. However, jewelry can get lost, stolen, or tangled up with your other items. Plan accordingly.
I recommend bringing no more than 2 pairs of necklaces, rings, and earrings. When I went abroad to South Korea, I did not expect to find large stores filled with jewelry — and I shopped ’til I dropped! This meant that I had to be careful with where I packed them and how many I wore out.
Think Before You Pack
Overall, it’s helpful to truly take the time to think about and plan what you’ll use and what might just take up space. Will you really wear that out? Or are you taking it “just in case?”
Remember, you can always buy something that you might need in your host country! In the best-case scenario, you might not need it — and you will have more space for souvenirs!
Additionally, think about your airline’s policies. If your luggage is too heavy, you might need to pay extra fees. Trust me, you do not want to pay hundreds of dollars for an overweight suitcase! Pack travel-sized items if possible.
Packing light isn’t just about saving space; it’s also about creating a smoother, more flexible travel experience. With less to carry, you gain more freedom to explore, move, and enjoy the journey without unnecessary stress. In the end, the goal isn’t to bring everything you might need, but to trust that you already have enough.
So challenge yourself to bring less than you think you need! You might be surprised by how little it takes to have a great trip — and how much better it feels to travel light.
This blog was contributed by Alondra, a senior double-majoring in international relations & global studies and government, with a minor in Korean. Alondra has participated in multiple education abroad programs, including the ’24 IRG May Term in Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City; Absolute Internship in Seoul, South Korea; the ’25 Clements Center May Term in London, England; and the ’25 Politics, Society, and Security Summer program in Budapest, Hungary.
