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PACKING LIST: SEMESTER ABROAD ✈ Must-haves to bring
A semester abroad is an exciting time full of new experiences and challenges. But before the adventure begins, there is the question of what to pack. A carefully planned packing list is the key to a stress-free start to your semester abroad. You need to think of all the important documents, everyday items and personal belongings. From the right clothes to the necessary technical devices – good preparation ensures that you are flexible and well equipped when you arrive. This article will show you how to prepare for your semester abroad and what you should definitely not leave behind.
Why is a packing list important for a semester abroad?
A packing list for a semester abroad is essential for a number of reasons. For one thing, it helps you keep track of everything and ensures that you have packed all the important things – from your passport and visa to everyday items such as clothing and technology. What's more, a well-thought-out packing list helps you avoid taking unnecessary items that only weigh down your luggage.
Especially when staying abroad for an extended period, it is crucial to focus on the essentials and be well organized. Also, some things may be more difficult to obtain or more expensive in the host country. A packing list provides peace of mind and helps to avoid stress shortly before departure, so you can relax and look forward to the new experiences ahead.
If you are looking for more information about the semester abroad, please feel free to visit our pages on Semester Abroad, Internship Abroad, Language Trips, Staying Abroad and the more general overview page on Studying Abroad.
To the Overview Page of the GuideTips for your packing list for a semester abroad
From the right documents to practical clothing, technology and hygiene products – smart planning helps you avoid excess baggage and ensures you are prepared for everything. In this section, you will find useful tips on how to make your packing list efficient and get your semester abroad off to a relaxed start.
Overview: Tips for your packing list for your semester abroad
Here is an overview of some useful tips for your packing list for your semester abroad:
Explanation: Tips for your packing list for a semester abroad
Here, we explain some useful tips for your packing list for your semester abroad to help you be well prepared and organized:
Make a checklist
- Create a packing list early on and check it several times to make sure that nothing important is missing.
- Divide the list into categories such as clothing, documents, technology, and toiletries to keep track of everything.
Plan for the climate
- Find out about the climate in your destination country and pack accordingly: light clothing for warm countries, rain jackets for humid regions, etc.
- Think about layers (e.g. T-shirts, sweaters, jackets) that you can easily adapt to changing temperatures.
Pack minimally
- Less is often more: only pack what you really need and what you can't buy in the destination country.
- Consider whether you can buy certain things like toiletries or household items locally instead of taking them with you.
Practical bags
- A daypack is ideal for university and excursions.
- A small suitcase or weekend bag is handy for short trips or weekend excursions.
Keep important documents to hand
- Store all important documents, such as your passport, visa, health insurance certificate and flight tickets in a document folder and make digital copies of them.
Don't forget technology and adapters
- Remember to bring the necessary adapters for outlets in your destination country, especially for laptops and cell phones.
- A power bank can be helpful if you're on the go a lot.
Don't pack too many shoes
- Limit yourself to three pairs of shoes: one pair for everyday wear, one pair for special occasions, and athletic shoes. Shoes take up a lot of space in your luggage.
Compressible packing bags
- Use panniers or vacuum bags to save space in your suitcase and keep your clothes organized.
Digital helpers
- Download useful apps in advance (banking, navigation, communication apps) and store important information on your smartphone.
Light luggage
- Pay attention to the weight of your luggage. There are usually weight restrictions, especially for air travel. Pack only the essentials and leave room for souvenirs or purchases.
Backpack or suitcase:
What is better for the packing list for a semester abroad?
Backpack or suitcase: What is better for the packing list for a semester abroad?
Suitcase
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| More storage space: Suitcases usually offer more space and are good if you have a lot of clothes and items to take with you. | Cumbersome: Suitcases can be impractical on uneven terrain such as cobblestones or in crowded public transport. |
| Easy access: The compartmentalized design and large opening give you quick access to your belongings. | Size: They take up a lot of space and can be disruptive in small rooms or shared flats. |
| Protection: Suitcases are more stable, especially hard-shell suitcases, and offer better protection for delicate items such as technology or fragile souvenirs. |
Backpack
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Mobility: A large travel backpack is ideal if you want to stay flexible and mobile. It is particularly practical for longer trips where you are on the road a lot. | Less storage space: Backpacks usually have less space and it is more difficult to keep everything organized. |
| Space-saving: Backpacks are easier to store in tight spaces and offer more freedom of movement. | Protection: Backpacks offer less protection for fragile items and can be uncomfortable in the long run if they are heavily loaded. |
| Comfortable transport: If you travel a lot by public transport or on foot, a backpack is often more comfortable to carry. |
Whether you choose a backpack or a suitcase for your semester abroad depends on various factors, such as the length of your trip, where you are studying and your personal preferences. A suitcase is suitable for your semester abroad if you are staying in one place, or have a lot of luggage. A backpack is ideal if you are on the go a lot, like to travel spontaneously, or value flexibility. In some cases, a combination of the two – a suitcase for most of your luggage and a small backpack for trips in your destination city – can be the best solution.
What should be on your packing list for a semester abroad?
When it comes to packing for a semester abroad, less is often more. It may be tempting to take as much as you can fit, but in reality, this only adds unnecessary baggage. Here are some tips to help you pack only the essentials while also being fully prepared:
Clothing – Less, but versatile
You don't need to take your entire wardrobe with you. Instead, pack lots of combination options:
- Basic wardrobe: Simple, neutral garments that you can combine in many ways (e.g. jeans, T-shirts, sweaters).
- Layer principle: Garments that you can wear on top of each other are ideal for different weather conditions.
- Check the weather: Find out about the weather in your host country and pack accordingly. If necessary, buy things locally to avoid excess baggage.
- Only the most necessary shoes: A pair of comfortable everyday shoes, something more elegant and maybe a pair of trainers is often enough.
Here is a short and precise packing list for the clothing category during your semester abroad:
Basics
- 5–7 T-shirts/blouses
- 2–3 pairs of trousers (e.g. jeans, dress pants)
- 1–2 sweaters or hoodies
- 1 light jacket, 1 warm jacket (depending on climate)
Shoes
- 1 pair of everyday shoes
- 1 pair of sports shoes
- 1 pair of dress shoes (for special occasions)
Underwear and socks
- 7–10 pairs of underwear
- 7–10 pairs of socks
Sports/casual clothing
- Sports outfit (2 sets)
- Swimwear (depending on country)
Other
- Pajamas
- Scarf, hat, gloves (if necessary)
- Belts, accessories
Care products – buy locally
- You can take basic hygiene products with you for the first few days, but you should buy larger bottles or quantities locally. These products are available almost everywhere and are often cheaper in the destination country.
- Research the form in which essential hygiene products such as tampons are available in the destination country and whether
Here is a short and precise packing list for the category of care products and hygiene items for your semester abroad:
| Essential hygiene items | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
|---|---|
| Shower gel and shampoo | |
| Deodorant | |
| Shaver | |
| Care products | Comb/brush |
| Skincare (face cream, body lotion) | |
| Sun protection | |
| Other | Contact lenses and accessories (if necessary) |
| Nail scissors/nail clippers |
Technology – Think about what you really need
- A laptop and a smartphone are usually enough. Think about whether you really need other devices such as a camera or a tablet.
- Don't forget chargers and adapters for sockets in the host country. Multiple sockets can be useful for charging several devices at the same time.
Here is a short and precise packing list for the technology category during your semester abroad:
- Essential devices
- Laptop and charger
- Smartphone and charger
- Power bank
- Accessories
- Adapter for sockets in the destination country
- USB stick or external hard drive
- Headphones
- Other
- Multiple socket (optional)
- E-reader or tablet (if needed)
Keep everything compact and only take the essentials!
Apps – Little helpers
The following apps will make your life easier in the host country and help you stay organized!
Finance apps
- Banking app for your bank
- Currency converter (e.g. XE Currency)
- Budget planner (e.g. Mint, YNAB)
Travel and transportation apps
- Google Maps / Apple Maps
- Public transportation app of the host country
- Translation or other language apps
Health apps
- Health insurance app
- Corona warning app (if applicable)
If you want to speak a foreign language without an app, then find out more about a Language Trips.
You can also find more information about studying abroad on the following pages: Semester Abroad, Internship Abroad, Staying Abroad and the more general overview page for Studying Abroad.
To the Overview Page of the GuideFirst-aid kit – Medication and other supplies for Emergencies
It is important to research medical care in your destination country in advance so that you know which medications you can get locally without a problem and which ones you should and are allowed to bring with you. The key is to have all of your important medications at hand and to take prescriptions with you! Here is a short and precise packing list for the first-aid kit category for your semester abroad:
| Essential medication | Painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen, paracetamol) |
|---|---|
| Cold remedies | |
| Allergy medication (if necessary) | |
| Clinical thermometer | |
| Personal medication | Regular medication (incl. prescription) |
| Contraceptives (if necessary) | |
| Other | Plaster & disinfectant spray |
| Gastrointestinal medication (e.g. Imodium) | |
| Several FFP2/surgical masks | |
| Hand sanitizer |
Documents – Only the essentials
- You will need some important documents, but make copies and store them digitally to avoid piles of paper.
- Only take the most necessary cards with you, such as bank and health insurance cards.
Here is a short and precise packing list for the category of papers and documents during your semester abroad:
- Important documents
- Passport (+ copies)
- Visa (if required)
- Letter of admission from the host university
- Proof of health insurance
- Vaccination certificate
- International liability insurance
- Other
- Emergency contacts (family, university, embassy)
- Flight tickets or travel confirmation (digital and/or printed)
- Proof of scholarship (if applicable)
Keep all important documents in a folder ready to hand!
Money and finances – Don't forget
Here is a short and precise packing list for the money and finances category for your semester abroad:
- Means of payment
- Credit card (Visa/Mastercard)
- EC card (if usable in the destination country)
- Cash in the local currency (for the first few days)
- Emergency cash (Euro or US dollars)
- Financial documents
- Bank documents and PINs
- Blocking numbers for cards
- Copies of cards (store separately)
- Contact details of the bank for emergencies
This list will help you keep your finances under control!
Extras – These can still be important
These things can help you stay organized and flexible during your stay! Here is a short and precise packing list for the extras category for your semester abroad:
| Backpacks & Bags | Daypack | For university, excursions and everyday life |
|---|---|---|
| Weekender/Travel bag | For short trips or weekend excursions | |
| Toilet bag | For hygiene items | |
| Laptop bag | For safe transportation of your laptop | |
| Other | Lock | For backpack or lockers |
| Laundry bag | For dirty clothes | |
| Foldable shopping bag | For spontaneous excursions |
What can I leave at home during a semester abroad?
Minimalism pays off! During a semester abroad, you shouldn't take everything you own with you – some things can confidently stay at home.
The rule of thumb is: if you don't really need something in the first few months or can easily buy it abroad, leave it at home. You'll quickly realize that traveling with less baggage makes you more flexible and relaxed. In the end, it's more important to have room for new experiences and spontaneous discoveries than to carry around excessive amounts of stuff. You'll probably still buy things locally, which then have to fit into your suitcase for the return journey.
If you do forget something, most problems can be solved easily, either by buying it later or with digital support. Leave copies of important documents with your parents or friends so that they can send them to you digitally in an emergency. If you forget special medication, you can have your doctor send your prescriptions by email to pharmacies in the destination country or, in an emergency, consult a local doctor.
FAQ
For a semester abroad, a large suitcase and a piece of hand luggage are usually enough to take the bare essentials with you. Make sure you have space for everything important without taking too much with you.
Pack a wide range of versatile and practical clothing, your most important documents, electronics and everyday items for a semester abroad. Be careful not to take too much with you and only pack the essentials, as you can also buy things locally.
For a semester abroad, a sturdy, medium-sized to large hard suitcase with good wheels and plenty of storage space is ideal. Make sure it is light and durable, as you will have to carry it often.
You should definitely pack important documents such as your passport, visa, insurance documents, and study documents, as well as charging cables, adapters, and any medication you regularly need.
You will need your passport, visa, proof of insurance, study documents, rental contract, vaccination certificate and possibly an international student ID card.
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