15 Women Who Studied Abroad Reveal The One Thing You Need To Pack In Your Suitcase

A small mirror. The apartments, hostels, and Airbnbs you're staying at might have a mirror somewhere in the bathroom. But if there [are] eight girls all trying to get ready to go out, it's worth having your own so you can do your makeup in peace.

— Laura, 25

The most important thing that I packed for study abroad didn't exactly fit in my suitcase — it was my guitar. Some thought I was crazy for traveling with something so big, but having my guitar enhanced my experience tenfold. I was living in Paris, and while I was proficient in French, I wasn't fluent. Music was a means to connect with the new people I met, both American and French. It also brought me solace when I felt lonely or homesick. Playing open mic nights and random gigs simultaneously helped me feel rooted in my surroundings and open to new adventure. It became my travel buddy for four months! I felt like a troubadour.

— Iman

Peanut butter! I studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and naturally, I completely fell in love. One major thing I did miss terribly from home, though, was my favorite jar of peanut butter. You'll be eating a ton of gelato, mozzarella, paninis, Nutella-filled croissants, and the best fresh pasta of your life — but you will miss (and find yourself seriously craving) peanut butter from home. So, be sure to pack some in your bag before you jet off to the experience of a lifetime. (Of course, you have to check TSA requirements to see how much of it you're actually allowed to bring on the airplane.) But if peanut butter is your jam, do yourself a favor and bring some along for the adventure.

— Alexa, 25

I was warned that Italy doesn’t really have peanut butter, by a girl who had studied abroad in Rome the semester before me. Peanut butter is the most important thing I packed in my suitcase, because I eat it almost every day on pretty much everything — apples, celery, rice cakes, you name it!

— Alissa, 23

Going abroad is truly one of the most life-changing experiences, but it’s easy to get homesick! Pack some pictures of your friends, family, pets, or hometown to help you feel connected to the ones you love back overseas.

— Morgan, 23

The most important thing I packed was my camera. First and foremost, it captured all of my precious and treasured memories during my time abroad. I could look at my pictures now and immediately go back to where I was, how I felt, and experience the smells and sounds during the exact moment when it was taken. Not only did it capture all of my memories, but I also gained a passion for photography. There were so many days I would just walk around Florence snapping pictures and videos and taking in all of the beauty that the city had to offer. I also took a photography class and learned so many new techniques about taking pictures that I've carried with me beyond my semester abroad.

— Kelsey, 23

The most important thing I packed for study abroad (besides comfortable walking shoes) would have to be my journal. I used it to write about my trips, sketch drawings for my architectural history class, and keep addresses of my friends and family to send them postcards. I started collecting stickers from the different cities I went to and decorated the front of it. Since being home from abroad I have used the places I went to and wrote down in my journal to recommend places for friends who were studying abroad in Florence to visit.

— Angela, 23

I think the most important thing I packed was a last-minute grab. I was debating on whether or not I should take my childhood blanket with me on my six-month adventure. It wasn’t in the greatest shape, and I didn’t want anything to happen to it while I was overseas. On the morning I was leaving, my sister told me I should take it, because I was going to want it eventually. So, I took her advice and put it in my carry-on.

Fast-forward to the end of my first week abroad and I’m settling into my room, I pulled it out and realized how much I did want it in that moment. It was almost a little reminder of home during my time away. It was very comforting to have when I was in such a foreign place.

— Darcy, 22

I swear the best thing I packed was my stuffed animal, Cookie. It's a baby cheetah and I've slept with it every night since my grandma bought it for me, when I was eight at Rainforest Cafe. I kept going back to it while packing, wondering if it was time that I've outgrown it. But in the end, the small token of home every night brought more comfort than I ever expected.

— Katelyn, 23

The one thing I wished I packed, and forgot to, was pictures. I would also say clothes that can be layered and worn with multiple outfits, and another bag with extra space for the things you buy!

— Sarah, 23

One of the most important things I packed for study abroad was a comfortable pair of sneakers. You’re going to be walking everywhere — from day-to-day to exercising, to exploring tougher terrain. If you find a good pair, you should be able to wear them with different outfits. Shorts, jeans, and dresses, too!

— Gabrielle, 22

The absolute best thing I packed going abroad was a solid pair of sneakers and a hair tie! Between all the tours, hikes, and crazy adventures (that were usually weirdly long walks because we turned down the wrong road as some point and didn't know) — the few things that I always needed, and was so happy I had, were comfy shoes and a hair tie!

— Sam, 23

My camera. As important as it is to stay in the moment and take in what’s around you, it’s also amazing to document your time abroad and get to look back on it. And a responsible #adult thing to pack is a copy of your passport (or any other important documents) just in case you misplace it!

— Justine, 24

The most important thing I packed when I studied abroad was my leave-in conditioner! No matter what country I traveled to while abroad, the water always damaged my hair. If I didn’t have my leave-in conditioner, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything with my hair — that includes brushing it.

— Micaela, 23

The most important thing I brought was my fanny pack! It kept my passport and money safe while traveling. I also lived in my Teva sandals because [of their] arch support. But at the end of the day, it wasn't about the clothes brought, but about the adventures, memories, and friendships!

— Steph, 23

Some responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.