Embarking on a journey as a student is an adventure like no other, filled with excitement, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re jetting off to study abroad, participating in a volunteer program, or simply exploring new destinations during your break, proper packing is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free trip.
Students Fare is here to walk you through essential packing tips and tricks tailored specifically for student travelers. From maximizing space in your luggage to packing strategically for various activities and climates, we’ve got you covered.
Complete Packing List for Students
Important Travel Documents:
- Passport and visa
- Driver’s license/photo ID
- Insurance card
- Plane tickets
- Itinerary
- Hotel information
- Contact numbers (family, friends, teachers, travel agent, bank)
Clothes:
- Underwear, socks, and bras
- Tops
- Pants, shorts, and/or skirts
- Sweater or sweatshirt
- Workout clothes
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit
- One or two formal outfits
- Coat/jacket (check the weather in your host country)
- Umbrella and poncho or raincoat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Dress shoes
- Flip flops/shower shoes
- Accessories/belts
- Sunglasses
- Overnight bag and/or travel purse
- Padlock to lock luggage when traveling or in hostels
Electronics:
- Laptop, tablet, phone
- Charging cables
- Camera and memory cards
- Travel adapters
- Portable power bank
Toiletries:
- TSA-compliant toiletry kit /1-quart zip-top bags
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush or comb
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Menstrual hygiene items
- Shaving supplies
- Preferred skincare and makeup
- Bath towel
- Travel-sized laundry detergent
- Nail clippers and tweezers
Carry On:
- Credit/debit cards and cash in local currency
- Photocopies of important travel documents
- Cell phone and charger
- Electronics and chargers
- Headphones
- Extra change of clothes
- Tissues, hand sanitizer, masks, and antibacterial wipes
- Empty, reusable water bottle
- Medications for the duration of the program
Luxury Items:
- Travel guidebooks and language phrasebooks
- First aid kit
- Portable luggage scale for weighing bags
- Travel-sized pillow
- Lightweight blanket or sleep sack
- Earplugs and eye masks
- Travel-sized sewing kit
- Global roaming plan for mobile phone
- E-reader or tablet
Items to Avoid Packing:
- Books
- Clothes with Greek letters/athletic team logos
- Overly casual clothes
- Expensive jewelry
- Food
- Full-sized toiletries
- Hair dryer/curling iron/straightener
- Large electronics
- Linens
- Uncomfortable footwear
- Illegal items in your host country
Tips for Packing Luggage
Packing for a study abroad, exchange program, or other student-travel programs can be both exciting and daunting. But fear not, because with the right strategies, you can maximize space and minimize stress.
One of the golden rules of efficient packing is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. Not only does this save space, but it also helps prevent wrinkles, leaving you looking fresh for the duration of your study abroad trip
Another tip to streamline your packing process is to start packing your bags early. Procrastination often leads to haphazard packing and forgotten essentials. By beginning ahead of time, you can carefully consider what you truly need for your trip and avoid last-minute panic.
Utilizing every inch of space in your luggage is key, and one clever trick is to put smaller items inside your shoes. This not only saves space but also helps maintain the shape of your footwear. Additionally, pack laundry bags to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones, ensuring your suitcase stays clean and organized throughout your journey.
When it comes to packing strategically, remember the importance of proper weight distribution. Place heavier items at the bottom of your bag to provide stability, then layer lighter items on top. Fill out any empty corners with smaller items or accessories to optimize space. Lastly, keep essentials like travel documents or a change of clothes easily accessible by packing them at the top of your bag.
Pro Tip: Ensure that you save space in your suitcase to safely store souvenirs on the way home!
Get In The Air With Students Fare!
By following these packing tips, you can set yourself up for a hassle-free and enjoyable student travel experience. So roll those clothes, pack early, and make the most of your adventures!
Students Fare is your home for study abroad, research trips, exchange programs, student-led treks, volunteer trips, and more! The dedicated travel planners are experienced at planning class excursions for colleges and universities. Our team will secure group fares, land packages, payment plans, and even student discounts on international flights. We also know one size doesn’t fit all, so we offer ultimate freedom with our fully customizable itineraries to pick what you want and leave the rest.
