You’re about to live in a new country for 4+ months, but you still have to pack like it’s a two-week vacation. Here's what students actually wear, what ends up untouched at the bottom of the suitcase, and what you’ll wish you brought more of.
We broke it down with the stuff that matters — and skipped the laundry list energy.
Basics in bulk: You’ll need ~16 undies, 5–7 sports bras, and enough socks to avoid laundry for a week and a half.
2 cute sweat sets: For class, lounging, even airport fits.
3 leggings + 3 jeans + 1 “trendy” pant: Leather, cargo, parachute — whatever your version of “fun pants” is.
Dresses & skirts: 4–5 cute ones for nights out, and a few casual ones for day trips or warmer cities.
Tops:
- For warm weather: 5–6 tanks or short-sleeved tees you’ll rotate every week.
- For cold weather: 3–4 sweaters you can layer, rewear, and toss over anything.
- For going out: 6–8 cute tops that work with jeans, skirts, or fun pants. Think mesh, strapless, halter, whatever fits your style.
Jackets: One warm, one waterproof, one cute. You do not need five coats.
Bathing suits: Bring 3–5 depending on where you're going. You’ll need them for beach weekends, boat days, and even the occasional hotel hot tub.Shoes:
1 white sneaker
1 “going out” shoe (sneaker or boot)
1 sneaker that’s actually good for walking (long days + cobblestones = bad combo otherwise)
1 sandal for warm weekends
1 slipper/slide for the dorm
💡 Pro tip: You don’t need heels. Everyone wears sneakers out — especially on cobblestone.
🛍️ And yes — you’ll shop abroad. So save room in your suitcase and don’t pack like it’s your last chance to ever buy clothes again.
Packing isn’t deep, but you don’t want to be the guy showing up to wine tasting day in Nike socks and gym shorts either.
Must-Haves
Basics: 16 pairs of underwear, 5-8 shorts (mix of gym & casual), 3-4 pants you’d wear out.
Sweats: 5 pairs. Add 5 hoodies that’s “nice enough” to wear on the plane.
Tops:
10–15 tees
5 long sleeves
1–5 button-downs
1 lightweight layer (zip or overshirt)
Shoes:
2 sneaker that goes with everything
1 gym sneaker
1 slip-on or slide
2 dressier boot or loafer (if you’re feeling Euro)
🧼 Laundry exists. You’ll rewear shirts. Don’t pack like you're moving there forever.
These are the low-key essentials that will save your life abroad:
Travel-size pharmacy kit (US meds > European substitutes when you’re dying)
Tide pens or detergent sheets (especially if your Airbnb has a sketchy washer)
A crossbody bag or waist-pack (pickpockets are real)
Outlet adapters (get 2–3, not just one)
Slippers or slides (trust us, those hostel floors…)
An extra tote/backpack for day trips
Refillable water bottle (also saves $)
You don’t need 50 outfits. You need:A few staples you feel good in
Layers you can mix and match
A good pair of shoes
And whatever makes you feel like you when you're 5,000 miles from home
Everything else? You can borrow, swap, or buy there.
