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10 Things to Buy Before Studying Abroad

So you’re getting ready for your very first study abroad experience? Congratulations! While we are sure you’ve got your study abroad packing list ready with all the necessary items, there are always a few essentials that get overlooked. So, with suggestions from those who have studied abroad before, we’re covering a list of things to buy before studying abroad so you’re ready for anything!

Things to buy before studying abroad

1. Specific Hair Products

There are certain items that are simply smart things to get before studying abroad – your specific hair products are some of these items. Why? Because hair products are different around the globe. If you have a particular item that is tried and true for YOU, you will miss it when you’re caught in a more humid, or more dry, or more wet climate without your fav hair gel/spray/oil/etc. Why take the time to figure out what local products will work for you, when you already have a trusted product you can bring along. 

2. Deodorant

When you study abroad, it can take time to figure out which stores to shop in and what products to buy. Or maybe you are studying abroad in a more remote location where certain “luxury” items will be hard to find. That’s why you don’t want to leave the US without ensuring you have enough quantity of crucial items to last you at least your first month. An example of one of the most crucial items to buy: DEODORANT! 

3. A Breathable Rain Jacket

You will likely come across different weather patterns during your time abroad, but you don’t have the space to pack a variety of coats and jackets for each temperature. So pick something versatile like a breathable rain jacket. It can be worn for windy days, cool evenings, rainy weather, or even layered over heavier sweaters and jackets as needed. 

» Columbia Jacket for Women // Men

4. A Durable Backpack and Daypack

Rolling luggage items aren’t always suited for a study abroad trip. Often you’ll be going on different excursions or weekend trips to make the most of your time abroad. That’s why a very essential thing to buy before study abroad is a durable backpack, plus a smaller daypack to carry important items with you instead of leaving them in the hostel. 

» Check out our list of great backpacks for study abroad, too!

5. Host Family Gifts

If you will be staying with a host family or have a specific academic advisor you’ll be assigned to, American themed gifts that you can bring with you are smart things to get before studying abroad. You’ll want to share with them a bit of your home country as well, and offer a token of your appreciation for all that they’ve done for you.   *link to article about host family gifts?

Don’t forget a goodbye gift for your host family, too!

6. A pair of comfy and versatile shoes/sandals

A study abroad packing list is not complete without having a solid pair of versatile and comfy shoes or sandals (or both). We aren’t talking about a good pair for walking, another good pair for nights out, another good pair for the beach. We are talking about one or two pairs of shoes or sandals that will cover all of the above! Especially needed for those weekend getaways. 

» Chacos are great, and so are Tevas

7. A pack (or two) of face/body wipes

Let’s face it, when you travel, you get dirty. Falling asleep on planes, using the window as a pillow on trains, overnights in cabins with barely clean water supply….you’re going to want a way to keep your face and hands (and maybe even body) clean! Make sure to buy your favorite face wipes, hand wipes, body wipes, whatever wipes you need to help you stay hygienic while you travel. 

8. Clothing you can layer

When you live in a different county, you can never be sure about the weather and how you will adjust to it. If you don’t already have clothes you can easily layer, now’s the time to get some. Leggings (or thermal underwear if you’re going somewhere cold!), tanks, tees, button or zip up sweaters, and at least one good hoodie are all things you need before studying abroad. 

9. Other specific toiletries you can’t imagine going weeks without 

Really think about this. What would you cry over if you land in a place and the local supermarkets or corner stores don’t stock your needed toiletries? These are the other crucial items to buy. Typically the list might include feminine hygiene products (especially tampons), medicated products, products for sensitive skin, or even toilet paper.

10. A comfort item

Homesickness is a bit inevitable wherever you go. No matter how much fun you are having, there will always be a few nights where you are missing the comforts of your own home. So bring a comfort with you – maybe a very American food item or sweet, your go-to movie or book, a small photo album of your favorite people — anything that can cheer you up like a good familiar hug would. 

Your study abroad packing list is just getting started!

Besides your standard packing list, we hope we helped you figure out all the essential and overlooked things you need before studying abroad! And who knows, you may even find some new favorite items in your host city or town that you’ll want to bring back. So make sure to leave a little space in your luggage for the return trip home 😉

To recap, here’s our list of things to buy before studying abroad:

  1. Specific Hair Products
  2. Deodorant
  3. A Breathable Rain Jacket
  4. A Durable Backpack and Daypack
  5. Host Family Gifts
  6. A pair of comfy and versatile shoes/sandals
  7. A pack (or two) of face/body wipes
  8. Clothing you can layer
  9. Other specific toiletries you can’t imagine going weeks without
  10. A comfort item

» Shop more essential study abroad gear

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Anytime Essential Gear For Men For Women Going Away

5 Best Backpacks for Study Abroad

As you prepare for your grand adventure overseas, you need to have your eye on your back — literally! Shopping amongst the best study abroad backpacks might feel overwhelming now, but being thoughtful while perusing your options will serve you well as you globetrot. Keep reading and get outfitted for studying abroad soon!

What to look for in study abroad backpacks

You’ve seen travellers at the airport or train stations with their oh-so-convenient and cool looking travel backpacks and now it’s time for you to get your first! But how do you know what makes a good study abroad backpack? There are some common factors you can look for that the best backpacks for study abroad will have, regardless if you want a minimalist travel backpack or one with greater storage capacity. 

First and foremost is comfort! Padded straps and hip belts to bear weight and that won’t dig into your skin are very important when you could be wearing it for hours on end. Plus, since everybody’s body is different, no pack will feel the same on two people. It’s important to test out your backpack at a local store even if you will eventually buy it online. 

Additional factors include

  • Lightweight design so you aren’t lugging around extra pounds you don’t need 
  • Compression straps so you can adjust the size of your backpack depending on the size of your load (great for carry on versus checked baggage versatility) and protect your stuff so it all fits snug. 
  • An easy to access top, side, or front zip panel to store things you might need in a jiffy
  • Closures with zippers so they can be locked (you never know where you might need to store your bag…and knowing everything is locked up will give you peace of mind.)
  • Quality material that won’t easily tear/wear, is water resistant, and will last for multiple adventures. 
  • Top or front loading that makes packing for study abroad, and fitting everything you need, a breeze 

Below we’ve listed some of our top choices for study abroad backpacks that include all of these necessary factors! 

The best backpacks for study abroad

1. Deuter Air Contact Lite (Unisex)

Deuter Air Contact Lite

First on our list of best backpacks for study abroad is the Lite model of the Aircontact trekking pack from Deuter. As you might guess, it is known for its lightweight and breathable design, that’s perfect for long hikes. If your study abroad plans include ample time in the great outdoors, this may be the backpack for you. Plus it has space for an extra 10L for longer excursions and a bottom zipper compartment to carry your muddy shoes.

2. Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Backpack

Osprey Fairview 55 Women's Travel Backpack

Lady travelers, do not miss out on this large-sized yet comfortable and easy to transport backpack! If your study abroad trip includes more long-term stays with some travel in between, this is a great bag for your needs. Front loading (duffel style) makes packing and unpacking convenient and easy. A detachable daypack lets you carry the essentials you need for the day while your bag is stored in your dorm or hostel. AND the back straps can be tucked and zipped away for easy airport travel. 

3. Kelty 60+ Liter Backpack (Unisex)

If you’re going to be gone for a long time and are in need of heavy packing for study abroad, this Kelty Liter model ranges in size from 60L to 105L! (That is some serious storage volume.) This pack has pockets galore – on the sides, front, bottom, and even in the hip belt – and uses Fit Pro technology with easy adjustments for your body’s needs. Reviews scream comfort which is a big plus, and the top lid (on the smaller models) can convert into a sling pack! 

4. Osprey Porter 30L Minimalist Travel Backpack (Unisex)

Osprey Porter 30L Minimalist Travel Backpack

If you can get away with a minimalist travel backpack, like this 30L from Osprey, please do! You and your back will be happy to not have the extra weight on your shoulders, and your feet will be happy when you don’t have to wait for your checked baggage on the conveyor belt. Carry on size, zips open like a suitcase, and can stow away straps – it’s more like a mix between a traditional backpack and duffel, with added straps and hip belts to support the weight. 

5. North Face Cobra 60 (Men’s)

North Face Cobra 60

Calling our study abroad mountain men! A study abroad backpack for the true adventurer, this North Face model is prepared for anything. It has a lightweight design and loads of loops and carry points for tools and necessities. You can keep it compressed for a close carry while climbing or expand the straps to carry extra pieces. 

Get packing for study abroad!

We hope you found your perfect match in our list of best backpacks for study abroad. Make sure to check out our list of 10 things to buy before studying abroad, too! You´ll be completely set with your bag and your essentials 🙂 

To recap, here’s our list of awesome backpacks for study abroad:

» Shop for more study abroad gear