Office of International Programs

Packing Smart

As you prepare your belongings for your study abroad program, keep in mind that there may be some necessities that you may not be able to access as easily while you are abroad. You may also experience seasonal weather changes during your program’s duration. When packing your luggage, be sure to review the following suggestions to ensure you have everything you need to succeed abroad.

Traveling Light

You are responsible for your belongings when participating in a study abroad program – traveling with only what you need will help you stay on top of your things and avoid losing any valuables. Be sure to always keep the following items in a secure place where you can access them.

  • Wallet: Be sure to have your wallet stored safely in your day pack. Review our Managing Money Abroad page to review safe practices when carrying and accessing money while you are abroad.
  • Phone and Travel Charger: Your phone is your best tool for staying in contact with your program group, family, and friends, and for navigating your host destination. Be sure to keep your phone charged and turned on to have it available in case of an emergency.
  • First Aid Kit: Having a first aid kit readily available will help you travel with ease in case of any physical ailments. Visit Toiletries and Personal Care for further information.
  • Travel-Sized Umbrella: Carrying a small umbrella with you is especially helpful in host cities with constantly changing weather conditions.
  • Passport and Passport Copies: It is recommended that you store your passport in a secure place in your accommodation rather than carrying it during daily excursions. Instead, have a physical copy or a digital copy on your phone in case you need it.

We advise that you avoid taking valuables, such as jewelry or expensive devices, during your time abroad, as you may risk losing them during your travels. You should opt for reliable, sensible accessories and devices for your study abroad program.

Luggage Tips

Packing can be one of the trickiest parts of a trip. Here we have provided some tips to make sure your luggage doesn’t drag down your trip, literally and metaphorically.

  • Airline Limits: Before you start packing, it's important to research your airline’s guidelines for baggage weight allowances. By being aware of your airline's weight limit, you can pack efficiently and avoid any potential excess baggage fees or inconveniences at the airport. This proactive approach will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
  • Make Every Inch Count: Your suitcase has limited space, so it is important to make the most of it by packing strategically. Shoes can be used to hold rolled up socks, underwear, or smaller items of clothing. Fold or roll your clothing as tight as possible. Be creative when it comes to filling space in your luggage.
  • Don’t forget to account for souvenirs while you’re packing. Make sure to leave some free space in either your suitcase or carry-on to bring back any reminders of your travels.
  • Pack Light: Clothes will take up the majority of space in your luggage, so think strategically when deciding what to bring. Pack clothes that you “must have,” rather than “just in case.” Focus on individual pieces that you can reuse, rather than entire outfits. For more ideas on what clothes to pack, check out the “Dressing for Your Host Location” section.
  • Bring a Laundry Bag: Organization is key when traveling, especially when it comes to your clothing. Whether you use a dedicated mesh laundry bag or just a trash bag, keeping your dirty laundry separated will ensure that you don’t have to do a sniff test on your clothes every morning.

Day Bag Essentials

On your trip abroad, you will have the opportunity to go on excursions – day trips outside of your “home base.” Making sure your day bag has everything you need will save you a lot of hassle.

  • Water Bottle: Dehydration is not something you want to experience on your trip. Bringing a reusable water bottle will ensure you are properly hydrated during your trip.
  • Sunscreen: A sunburn can cause discomfort for days at a time. A small tube of sunscreen can go a long way when facing down the sun’s rays.
  • Portable Charger: A dead phone battery limits your ability to communicate with your group. Avoid this issue by always bringing a charger with you.
  • Sweater/Jacket: Weather can be unpredictable in many areas of the world. Packing a warmer layer of clothing will help keep you comfortable if and when temperatures start to drop.

Dressing for Travel Success

When preparing for your study abroad program, there are multiple considerations regarding the weather, local customs, and your comfort level when organizing and packing.

Weather

  • Having the right clothing for your host country will allow you to fully enjoy your experience abroad. Do some research about the weather conditions you will be facing in your destination country. Travel blogs are a good resource for determining the climate of your host country and will usually provide information regarding the weather you should expect.
  • Temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day, just like in the United States. It is a good idea to bring a sweater, sweatshirt, or any warm piece of clothing that can be removed when it gets too warm outside.
  • If you are packing for a semester or an entire academic year, consider what seasons you may experience while you are abroad and plan accordingly. Consider packing clothing that can be used throughout the changing seasons to ensure you save space for other things you may need.

Customs

  • Countries have different customs regarding appropriate clothing. For example, it is required that you cover your knees and shoulders when visiting a church in Italy. It is important that you bring respectful clothing for any and all planned excursions in order to make the most of your trip. Review our Identity Abroad page for further information about dressing based on the local culture.

Comfort over Style

  • Looking good while traveling is a must, but it should not come at the expense of comfort. Many host cities have cobblestone roads, which can bring discomfort when not wearing the right footwear.
  • Additionally, many programs include intense walking excursions, meaning you will likely be on your feet for extended periods of time. Make sure you are comfortable wearing any footwear you plan to bring with you, and thoroughly break in any new shoes you buy for your trip.
  • Review your program’s itinerary to check if there are any special group meals that require you to dress formally – be sure to pack a formal outfit as needed.

Tolietries and Personal Care

Certain toiletries and medications may not be as accessible or affordable while you are abroad. Be sure to pack whatever you need to have a healthy and successful time on your study abroad program.

  • Designated Toiletries Kit: Your kit should include a travel-sized lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. While hotels often have these products available for guests, your accommodation may not have them available. However, you can also pick these items up at a local pharmacy store.
  • First Aid Kit: Having band-aids, bacitracin, alcohol pads, tissues, sunscreen, and over the counter pain reliever medication accessible in your daily bag will help you respond to minor health concerns quickly.
  • Feminine Products: Travelers who require feminine products should estimate how many tampons and pads they may need while they are traveling. While you can buy these at a local grocery store in your host city, it will be easier to have them packed for whenever you need them.
  • Medication: If you require any medication, be sure that you request a prescription from your general practitioner that can cover you for an extended period.
  • As advised on our Health and Safety page, we recommend meeting with your doctor ahead of your program to receive further guidance about how to manage your physical health while in a new environment abroad.

Electronic Devices Abroad

While preparing to travel with your study abroad program, be sure to check what devices you need to complete your course’s assignments. If your program’s travel component does not require you to have any devices other than your phone, it is strongly recommended you avoid bringing them altogether.

  • All Seton Hall students must be reachable while they are abroad through the phone number that they provided during the application process. Be sure that your phone is always charged and accessible. Visit our Calling and Messaging page for further guidance on getting an international phone plan abroad.
  • Bring your laptop to complete any required reading and writing assignments; avoid bringing any additional devices such as tablets that may get damaged or lost while in transit.
  • Your accommodation while abroad may not have the strongest Wi-Fi connection for you to use; be sure to download necessary files (such as readings and assignment rubrics) onto your computer ahead of time to ensure you can access them while abroad.
  • Be sure to place your laptop in a secure compartment or personal case within your carry-on bag and luggage. Remember that airlines consider laptop bags as specific carry-on luggage, so using one may take away additional space for your belongings.
  • Adapters and Converters Abroad: Your host country may have a different electrical system than the United States. Research the voltage use of your host destination and pick the appropriate accessories that will allow you to charge your devices abroad. Without the right adapter or converter, you may risk damaging your device while charging.