Please note that this is a retired Drexel study abroad program. To learn more about available programs, contact Drexel Global studyabroad@drexel.edu.
Disha Dhananjay ’26 is a Law major studying at FIE in London, England in the Dual City Florence + London program this Summer 2024.
Here are my top few things to pack for Study abroad!
- Portable Charger. I use my portable charger every single day. It is the biggest help when you are out and about all day and there is no where to charge your phone. It is also much easier than carrying around a charger and adapter for different outlets and trying to find an outlet that you can use! The idea of being in a foreign country with a dead phone is scary and definitely not a situation you would ever want to be in, so I recommend investing in a quality portable charger and making sure it is always charged.
- Sweaters. If you are going to be in a country with warm weather through the summer than ignore this piece of information. However, for London even in the summer it can get chilly at night and towards the end of August it is definitely normal fall Philadelphia weather. I had to buy a couple sweaters after I got here and felt the weather, so I recommend packing two or three especially for London in the summer!
- Comfy clothes. One piece of advice I heard before studying abroad was that I shouldn’t really focus on packing loungewear as I wouldn’t need it, but I disagree! I think there are definitely study days or just days that you stay in where it would be nice to have a couple of sweatpants and sweatshirts.
- Tote bag. I recommend bringing a nicer heavy duty tote bag over a backpack to study abroad. It is very convenient to take not only to class but also on day trips or use for shopping days. A tote bag is a great alternative to a classic backpack and much more versatile.
- Packing cubes. Packing cubes are a must have. They make packing at home much easier and it allows you to organize all your different type of clothes so that you know exactly where everything is in your suitcase. Cubes also make it easy for weekend trips as you can make sure you only pack a certain amount of clothes and it helps to stay completely organized. Also they help with making sure that you do not overpack. Overpacking was my biggest issue, I packed too many tops and a few extra pairs of shoes that I did not wear at all abroad and I just had to lug everything around. Only pack what you wear at home, and bring versatile items that can be worn for many occasions.
