Your friends, your mom, Google, the program adviser. They all have different ideas about what you need to fit into your already overstuffed suitcases to take with you on your semester abroad.
Lehigh University provides many resources and support through the Study Abroad office and even assigns you the personal adviser. But, no matter what, it’s a stressful situation—deciding what you will and won’t need for months away from home and essentially fitting your entire life into two suitcases! Living arrangements vary from program to program, city to city. This means it’s important to know what will be provided for you and what’s on you to arrive with.
The following is a packing list from a fellow Lehigh student who studied abroad and managed not to leave behind anything too vital:
Essentials
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Passport/Visa + photocopies!
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Credit/debit cards that work outside of the U.S.
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Local currency (Euros, Pounds, etc.)
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Purse/wallet
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Drivers license
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Small padlock
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Reusable water bottle
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Weekend bag
Electronics
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Computer
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Telephone
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Chargers
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International wall adapters
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Headphones
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HDMI cable (if needed)
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Camera
School supplies
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Backpack/bag
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Notebook
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Pens, pencils, etc.
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Calculator (if needed)
Personal care
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Soap/body wash
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Shampoo/conditioner/hair treatments/hair tools
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Toiletries
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Cosmetics
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Towels/washcloths
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Medications
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First aid kit
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Toothbrush/toothpaste
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Contacts/contact solution
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Glasses
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Deodorant
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Feminine care products
Clothing
This might feel like it’s the hardest part, but it’s really not! You can surprisingly get by with a lot fewer clothes than you’d think; the key is to bring items that can be mixed and matched to create many different outfits for many different occasions. Neutral colors and fewer patterns will be your best friends! Here are a few specifics I’d recommend:
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Loose blue jeans
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Black slacks/trousers
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Khakis
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Long dark skirts
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Cross-body bag
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Loose shorts (denim, linen, etc.)
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Dresses
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Comfortable walking shoes and nightlife shoes
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White button-up, colored button-up
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Plain t-shirts (white, gray, black, etc.)
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A dark, oversized light outer layer (blazer, denim jacket, etc.)
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Heavy long coat
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Scarf, winter hat, gloves etc.
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Thick socks
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Sweatshirts/sweaters
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A swimsuit
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Raincoat (and portable umbrella!)
Decor
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Photos of friends/family
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Table mirror
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Posters
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Tape, thumbtacks
Bon voyage!