Packing Hacks From Study Abroad

Picture this: it's December 19th, 10 am, and I woke up late after a night resembling Alison Di Laurentis' goodbye tour before her disappearance. I had four hours to clear everything before my sublet moved in and took over my room. Being the fashion girly I am, I immediately start packing any items that could contribute to a "capsule wardrobe" attire. Ignorantly, I began throwing my winter sweaters into storage containers, failing to recognize that although I was moving to the south, it would, in fact, still get cold in the winter.

When I arrived in southern France on December 30th, I left my friend's apartment around 5 pm with the sun still shining. I was comfortable in my Uniqlo Heattech turtleneck, but I was passing other locals in puffer jackets. What? As the sun went down, I began to regret my previous decision not to pack a coat with me. However, I was not that regretful because I was then allowed to purchase a new wool coat in Europe, opening a can of worms to: the European shopping market.

Something I quickly learned was that I packed all the wrong things. As an avid Pinterest user and a connoisseur of travel hacks, I thought I had done an exemplary packing job. If I could return, my first advice would be to pack LESS. Europeans are ahead of the times when it comes to fashion, so you are better off purchasing travel garments in Europe instead of stocking up before your departure.

Next, bring clothes you can layer! If you plan to travel extensively abroad, most budget airlines only allow one personal item (backpack) on flights. Making nine-day trips with a single backpack helps you recognize the value of that long sleeve hiding at the back of your closet.

I departed to the south of Europe at the end of December and severely underestimated the climate. I brought three long sleeves, two crewnecks, and two hoodies, and admittedly, I have never left the house in either hoodie. I recommend getting one or two crewnecks and more long sleeves that can be layered under jackets, crewnecks, and t-shirts. On colder days, I wear my thin turtlenecks under my crewnecks for extra warmth. Another layering advice is to pack minimally on trips because your coat will cover whatever cute outfit you wear underneath.

The weather across Europe will vary depending on where you visit in winter. While packing the day before my flight, I remember my mom plucking the warm clothes out of my suitcase… rookie mistake. Going back, I wish I had brought a pair of gloves. When I constantly whipped my hand out of my pocket to check directions, my fingers were freezing around my phone.

Moreover, another oversight I made was the need for rainwear I brought. For my four-month stay in Europe, I packed only three pairs of shoes… and none were waterproof. Within my first week of living in France, I purchased a $30 umbrella at Monoprix.

Lastly, when packing a bag for travel, I recommend bringing a shoulder bag over a crossbody. Pickpocketing is prevalent in Europe, so it is best to wear your items close to your body so you can put your hand over your valuables at any moment.

If you are considering an exchange semester, I highly recommend it. My time in France has taught me more travel hacks than two years of scrolling through Pinterest ever could. From the importance of layering to investing in versatile garments, I learn the im[importance of functionality in packing to keep me comfortable and stylish while traveling.