As somebody who just returned from studying abroad in Oxford for the month of July, I thought it would be helpful to share what I believe are essential things to pack in your suitcase. Before leaving for my trip, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I actually needed to bring with me. It can be difficult to know what to pack, especially when you are going to be living somewhere for an extended amount of time and can only fit your things into a suitcase. After spending a month abroad in Oxford, there are definitely some things I am glad I packed, as well as a few things I wish I had brought with me.
First, comfortable walking shoes are a must when traveling abroad. Unlike the United States, many of the places I visited were very walkable, and I quickly realized I would be spending a lot more time on my feet than I am accustomed to. Whether I was walking around the college campus where we were staying, exploring the city, or visiting different places with friends, having comfortable shoes made a huge difference. I recommend bringing shoes that you have broken in rather than buying brand-new shoes for your trip. I had a pair of comfortable running shoes and a pair of sandals that I could wear all day long with no issues, though if you only have one, that is fine, too. I would advise you to bring at least one pair that you can comfortably wear for several hours at a time.
Another essential on my list is a reusable water bottle. Bringing my own was especially helpful during long days full of classes and sightseeing. It also saved me from constantly needing to buy bottled water while I was out. Because I’m used to cold water, I found that refilling a few plastic bottles with water and leaving them in my mini-fridge on campus supplied me with cold water more often, as water fountains and free ice water were limited resources in England.
If you are planning to be abroad during the summer, I would also recommend packing different layers of clothing and a light rain jacket for your trip. The weather while abroad can change considerably, so packing to accommodate multiple types of weather will ensure you are always prepared for those changes. While I made sure to bring a couple pairs of pants with me, I only brought one long-sleeved sweatshirt, which I regretted somewhat during my trip. Though Oxford experienced a heat-wave during the beginning of my trip, once the weather cooled down, I regretted only having only one sweatshirt to wear on brisk mornings. Moreover, when I traveled to Scotland, I found myself wearing my sweatshirt every day, and it rained or misted throughout the duration of my stay, making the weather too cold for short sleeves. Therefore, having a jacket would have benefitted me tremendously.
Finally, when going abroad, make sure to leave some extra room in your suitcase! You will likely end up bringing home souvenirs, new clothes, snacks, or other things you did not anticipate buying when packing your bags before your trip. When I returned back to the US from my time studying abroad, I found that I packed more souvenirs than I initially anticipated buying. Luckily, because I packed light, I did not have to worry about my suitcases being too full to bring those things home with me.
Overall, packing for a study abroad trip does not need to be overwhelming. If you focus on bringing things that are practical, comfortable, and versatile, it will lessen the stress. You may not be able to prepare for everything, but if you pack with your day-to-day life in mind, it will make your experience much easier. Plus, it will leave you with more room to just enjoy the time you spend abroad!