<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Packing for any trip can be daunting. Packing for six months in a different country is a completely different ball game. As the fall creeps up on us, many Tulane students get ready to embark on a semester abroad. When it comes to packing, we&#8217;ve got you covered. </span></p>
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<p><b>Pack Light</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you&#8217;re an overpacker like me, try to brace yourself when I say, <em>less is more</em>. Packing light isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. This is the most important rule for many reasons! First and foremost, checking luggage can get very expensive very quickly. Moving multiple luggage with only two hands is an extremely difficult and humbling experience. This rule is especially important for those studying in Europe (elevators are few and far between). For students heading to smaller cities without major airports, many will find themselves navigating multiple trains to reach their destination, turning the travel day into a marathon of hauling luggage on and off platforms. And finally, you will shop, you will pick up pieces along the way in each city you visit, and you will find yourself leaving with more bags than you began with. Think quality over quantity when packing.</span></p>
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<p><b>Weekend Bag</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A giant backpack will be your most used item. Most European airlines do not allow for free carry-on luggage. You will need a backpack that can fit everything you need; these are expensive, but 100% worth it in the long run. Amazon has great options; just make sure to double-check the airline&#8217;s size requirements before buying. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In order to bring everything you need each weekend, there is no room for “just in case” outfits. Plan an outfit for each day of your weekend and stick with it. Even try on these outfits beforehand to make sure they are just right. </span></p>
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<p><b>Basics</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Basics are your best friend. Versatile pieces will be the bones of every outfit. They can be mixed and matched for endless combinations without taking up too much space in your luggage. Solid-colored tees and tanks come in handy for everyday wear. Think Kendall Jenner street style&#8211;very clean and simple. Brandy Melville, Gap, and H&;M have some great affordable options.</span></p>
<figure id="attachment_16045" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-16045" style="width: 363px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class=" wp-image-16045" src="https://tulanemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2025-04-08-at-12.13.45â¯PM.png" alt="" width="363" height="361" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-16045" class="wp-caption-text">Images via Pinterest</figcaption></figure>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jeans are a must. For those studying in Europe, you will find that there is a big difference between American and European casual attire. You will not find anyone wearing sweats walking the streets of Florence or Paris. Jeans will be the base of almost every outfit. With that being said, pack several pairs of jeans with different silhouettes and tones. Dark-wash bootcut jeans are great for going out to restaurants and bars. Light-wash baggy jeans are perfect for class and still comfortable. Levi&#8217;s, Zara, Gap, and H&;M make some of the best jeans that won&#8217;t break the bank. </span></p>
<figure id="attachment_16046" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-16046" style="width: 397px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class=" wp-image-16046" src="https://tulanemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2025-04-08-at-12.14.30â¯PM.png" alt="" width="397" height="398" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-16046" class="wp-caption-text">Images via Pinterest</figcaption></figure>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Business casual is the ultimate abroad vibe. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy is the blueprint here. Blazers or trousers are the perfect way to elevate any basic look. Pair a white tee with black trousers for the perfect outfit to walk around the city, shop, and grab drinks. The same goes for jeans and a fitted or oversized blazer. So chic and effortless. Zara, WeWoreWhat, Abercombie, and Mango have amazing and unique options to create the perfect business casual fit. For the colder months, swap the blazer for a fun trench coat. One long coat and one leather jacket are all you need when it comes to outerwear. Check out Nasty Gal for the coolest furs and Lisa Says Gah for unique coats.</span></p>
<figure id="attachment_16048" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-16048" style="width: 390px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class=" wp-image-16048" src="https://tulanemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2025-04-08-at-1.21.29â¯PM.png" alt="" width="390" height="391" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-16048" class="wp-caption-text">Images via Pinterest</figcaption></figure>
<p><b>Accessories</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The perfect way to spice up any simplistic look is with the help of accessories. Do not hold back when packing belts, jewelry, scarves, hats, and bags. While these pieces don’t take up much space, they can add something special to your outfit. Belts are a great way to elevate any pair of jeans. Mango and Free People have some of the most unique belts. Layered necklaces and bangles are another way to add a little something to a casual fit. When it comes to jewelry, don&#8217;t bring anything real; it can be easily stolen or lost when traveling to different countries each weekend. Pavoi on Amazon has the coolest affordable jewelry, and it doesn&#8217;t tarnish! </span></p>
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<p><b>Shoes</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shoes are heavy, so sadly this is where we make the most cuts. As a study abroad student, you will be walking everywhere. Comfortable shoes are life-changing. While the samba trend is still thriving, when walking 20k steps per day, these flat shoes can get a little uncomfortable. Opt for a shoe with more support, such as the New Balance 530 or the Nike V5 RNR. Ballet flats are perfect for a dressier look. Dolce Vita, Steve Madden, and Free People are the best places to look for a good flat. European cobblestone streets make walking in heels a challenge, so most days, ballet flats are the way to go. If you do want a bit of height for going out to bars or clubs, opt for a kitten heel, kitten slingbacks, or a platform boot with a box heel. These three options are among the easiest to walk in. Steve Madden, Cushionaire, and Schutz have a great variety of styles. Loafers are another staple for a business casual look. My favorite is the Steve Madden Black Leather Loafers. </span></p>
<figure id="attachment_16050" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-16050" style="width: 329px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class=" wp-image-16050" src="https://tulanemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2025-04-08-at-1.22.13â¯PM.png" alt="" width="329" height="330" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-16050" class="wp-caption-text">Images via Pinterest</figcaption></figure>
<p><b>Toiletries</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most important thing to know is the clear toiletry bag rule. In Europe, you must take your toiletries out of your carry-on each time you go through security. If products aren’t in a clear bag, they get thrown away. To avoid this, always use a clear bag for all toiletries. There are so many cheap options on Amazon.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A travel light-up makeup mirror is the lifesaver you never knew you needed. When traveling often and staying in hostels or shared hotel rooms, there will rarely be more than one or two mirrors. Save yourself time and frustration.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many products we know and love may not be available in the country you decide to study in. Try to stock up on these products before you go. Save space in your toiletry bag by ditching anything you can easily buy abroad. </span></p>
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<p><b>Extra Tips and Tricks</b></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Try to condense your items into 1 carry-on luggage and two checked pieces of luggage. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Opt for the lightest luggage you can find. Rolling duffle bags tend to be lighter than hard-shell luggage. </span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Buy compression packing cubes on Amazon to condense clothes as much as possible.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pack all shoes and valuables in your carry-on, as it&#8217;s not weighed, and this will avoid any missing items if your luggage gets lost on the way. </span></li>
</ul>
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The Ultimate Study Abroad Packing Guide
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