What Should I Pack for a First Year Abroad Program?
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Ahh, you’re getting closer to your first year abroad adventure. We’re so excited for you.
But before you go, a few logistics still need to be ironed out – like what to stuff into your suitcase before you live and study in an entirely new country!
We’ve outlined the ultimate first year abroad packing list here and broken down the items you’ll need into a few categories: essential documents, the basics, clothing and footwear, electronics, and miscellaneous items. And after your suitcase is full, it’s time to totally take your excitement up a notch.
Your Essential Documents for First Year Abroad
Travel documents might be the most important part of your packing list before jetting off to your first year abroad destination. Take note of the items you’ll need to bring with you and be sure to store them in secure and accessible places during your travels:
- Passport: You won’t get too far without this! And it’s a good idea to have a copy of it, too (just in case).
- Requisite visa: Depending on how long you’ll be living and studying overseas for your first year abroad program, you may need a visa.
- Proof of iNext Travel Insurance: You’ll receive the appropriate documentation from CIEE – just make sure to have it with you during your trip!
- CIEE acceptance letter/program information: This will serve as proof for your travels and studies in case it’s ever needed.
First Year Abroad Basics
You’ll be living and studying abroad for an extended period of time, so you’ll want to make sure you pack enough of the basics to last throughout your first year abroad program. Some of these items include:
- School supplies: Make sure to pack a laptop or tablet and other materials like notebooks and writing utensils.
- Prescription medications: If you have prescription medications, discuss a larger supply with your healthcare and pharmacy provider so you’ll have enough to last you throughout the length of your first year abroad program. Your medications may not be available in your destination overseas.
- Currency: Look up the official currency of your first year abroad location and convert some cash to it before your travels. Most places will also accept various credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, which typically work in most European countries and other regions.
- Driver’s license: It’s always a good idea to have an additional form of ID on you when traveling.
- Water bottle: Be sustainable and have a reusable water bottle with you throughout your travels to help you stay hydrated!
Clothing & Footwear for First Year Abroad
While you’ll likely make a few stops at local boutiques and stores to grab some fashionable items throughout your travels, you’ll still want to pack plenty of practical clothing and footwear options to choose from during your first year abroad program. Take a look at a few of our essentials:
- Undergarments
- Shirts
- Trousers/skirts
- Shorts
- Dresses
- Sweatshirt/hoodie
- Jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
It’s a good idea to look up the climate of your first year abroad location and keep in mind the time of year you’ll be headed there – this will affect some of the clothing and footwear items you’ll pack. For example, you might swap a rain jacket for a winter jacket and comfortable sneakers for comfortable boots if you’re headed to a colder destination.
It’s also important to note that some specific attractions and sites in our first year abroad locations may have dress codes. For example, when visiting religious sites in Italy, you’ll need to have your arms covered and pants or skirts that fall below the knee.
First Year Abroad Electronics
You’ll want to make sure you have some essential electronics with you:
- Power adapters and converters: Electrical outlets vary from country to country, so research before your arrival to ensure your tech will charge properly overseas.
- Cellphone: We’re pretty sure you won’t forget this one!
- Chargers: Make sure to pack this for all your tech!
- Headphones/earbuds: For those moments you may be commuting or when you hear a great new song!
Miscellaneous Items for First Year Abroad
We consider some of these miscellaneous items important and fun to bring along with you:
- Travel journal: Reflecting on your journey can enrich your study abroad experience. Plus, you’ll want to look back on your first year abroad program – capture all the details in a journal!
- Camera: To capture all your study abroad location’s beauty!
- Crossbody bag/tote bag/backpack: To carry school supplies and essentials.
- Book: In case you’re an avid reader or want some non-tech entertainment!
Your first year abroad program guarantees an experience of a lifetime, and having all your essential and basic items stowed away with you when you take off will ensure you’re prepared for it!