Packing for Your Time Abroad

I am elated to be writing this piece from my apartment in Gold Coast, Australia. I am participating in Arcadia’s Study Abroad program and spending a semester here attending Griffith University, and as you can imagine packing two suitcases for four months was quite a feat. So here are the few tips I picked up I’d love to share with you.

First up, technology. Ensure you have an adapter that will work for your American devices and for the outlets of the country you are staying in. My aunt and cousins bought me an Australian outlet adapter for Christmas and it has come in handy everywhere I’ve been. I travel often to get to and from Arcadia so I highly recommend getting a portable charger to use in airports or during bus trips while you’re out and about your new city. 

Next, clothing. I myself am a huge thrifter and love clothes, so packing clothes was quite hard for me. I purposely packed as little as I could get away with knowing that I would buy more while here. I recommend at least two weeks’ worth of underwear, and at least one or two long-sleeved pieces. Keep in mind what weather you might need to be packing for. For me, I was leaving from Florida, headed to Philly for a few days (where it snowed), and then to Australia where it is summertime (and shockingly similar weather to that of Florida). This led me to be a little bit more prepared than some of my roommates since I knew what kind of weather to pack for, but ensure that you pack a variety of clothes for weather changes such as rain. I also advise packing some equivalent of shower shoes (I brought flip-flops), and at least one nicer outfit in case you find yourself at a nice restaurant or attending an event of some kind. 

Finally, personal items. Bring things you know you will use and/or that remind you of home. Two of the personal items I have brought that have helped me feel at home are a small sunset lamp which covers my entire wall here and provides a lot of color to my otherwise bland room, and a small framed photo of my 18-year-old sister Ava from when she was a kid looking a little ridiculous. Every time I see that picture it reminds me of home but also makes me laugh. Make sure you have something to keep you tethered to home or yourself while you are in a new place. 

Some other extra tips, I have a portable luggage scale since most airports have maximum weights your bag can be. My mom packed me laundry detergent sheets which take up little to no room in my bag and will save me on laundry. Make sure you have enough of your medications to get you through, or enough until you can meet with a doctor if that is something that is covered for you. Keep a copy of your ID, passport, and VISA in a folder in your bag (my mom also has a copy back in the States just in case!) Packing for everyone is different, but try not to overwhelm or stress yourself out over it, and have safe travels!