Study Abroad - What's a girl to pack?

[ehorntulane]

I'm one of those girls who could hardly be described as low-maintenence, so when I was faced with moving everything I own to Europe in two bags, I was quite intimidated. What's a girl to do?

Be realistic. How many bags and stiletto shoes are you really going to need in Europe? I did a lot of traveling so the basics are always good - lots of layering pieces and the fun accessories to liven things up a bit. I also brought a couple pairs of cool, comfortable sneakers. Good for walking and cool enough to wear outside of the gym. Stores in Europe have an incredible selection - and it's always good to wait and see what is in style wherever you are, too.

Be stylish. Fashion is an important part of culture, so help ease yourself into the abroad experience by imitating the locals. The scarves, the sneakers, the fashionable jeans - whatever it may be, budget for some basic additions to your wardrobe once you arrive.

Be practical. I'm rather short, so parting with the everyday pair of heels was a tough, but necessary choice to make in Europe. Plus, heels on cobblestones is much tougher than those chic Italian women make it out to be. Chances are, they're just going down the street for groceries...you're on a dash through the continent. Be comfortable!

Think big. We're thinking quantity here so duffel bags are the way to go. Those fancy traveler backpacks look nice, but those cheap, enormous duffel bags at Target are going to serve you and your wardrobe much better. You're only really going to be using them a couple of times - to move you in and to move you out. They do not need to be the highest quality. I actually packed my traveling backpack inside my duffel bag. Bigger is better.

Carry on. Be sure to bring a sturdy carry on with a change of clothes for the day of arrival and toiletries. You're meeting so many people your first day, so it's best to look good coming off of the plane, even if you feel terrible! When travelling, I actually prefered the carry on to the backpack because of the wheels. Granted you have to carry it up and down the stairs, but at least it's not on your back all day. Ouch!

Plan ahead. The laundering facilities in Europe are generally below those in America. By the time the semester was over, most of my wardrobe was worn out! I left a lot of the cheaper, basic items with friends in Europe and only took the nicer pieces back. Coat, sweaters, shoes, etc. You're going to be wearing a very limited wardrobe a lot, so things are going to get wornout very quickly. This is a good thing though because you'll have more room to pack your stylish clothes from various European capitals. (Oooh, where'd you get that top...Oh, at this little boutique in Madrid, etc.) You're not just a world traveler, but a world shopper, too!

Be weather conscious. I had absolutely no idea how cold and wet Paris would be. April in Paris was just as bad as February at times. Be warm! Northern Europe can be surprisingly gray and wet throughout most of the year. Pack wisely.

Be sentimental. Bring photographs from home or something special for your room. Also, invest in a good camera to capture the memories you are making while abroad or while traveling. I especially liked my digital camera because I could share the pictures with friends and family as the semester went on. It helped me stay connected with everyone back in the States.

Be helpful. Pass on your own anecdotes and advice in this forum. Thanks for reading and good luck packing! It's just the first step of an incredible experience.
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[lesliekit]

I want to echo the advice for rolling luggage. I never understood the big back packs to Western Europe. I would see students with those giant packs on the Metro and wonder what hiking they were planning on doing in Paris. There are paved sidewalks everywhere, just roll it!

Also, I too was surprised by the cold weather in Paris. Even in May and June I wished I had more sweaters. I wore the one I brought nearly every day. But the French do too, so no worries. Remember their washing machines are much harder on your clothes than in the States, so don't wash your clothes as often.

As for eating cheap, a bagette and some cheese from the grocery got me through. I do recommend their yogurt and their dark chocolate mousse in the grocery. I just can't get the same here.

And the "dumb American" mistake we made after our first night out on the town. We tried to hail a cab from the street and got really mad when they wouldn't stop. We learned that you must go to a taxi stand to catch a cab. They are not allowed to just stop and pick you up like here.

Enjoy Paris and buy more of the silly Eiffel Tower souvenirs than you think you'll need. They really are so fun.

[politicslovr]

I would just like to say that this thread helped me enormously.
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Certified Franceologist.