Brang your needs.
When I say that what I mean is what do you know you can’t live without.
The most important thing is to do your research before studying abroad to figure out what may be lacking in the country you want to go to. For me, Japan had a lack of shoe sizes so I made sure to bring a few shoes I knew would be cute and sneakers to ensure comfort. So for me, Shoes were number one on the list but it varies among other people. My number one tip is to know your needs; now as I go into things you should pack for study abroad take what I said before into account while packing.
1: Vacuum Seal Bags (x-large, large, and medium ones)
If you like shopping and/or plushies these vacuum seal bags will be your best friend. From winning too big of a plush at a crane game to buying $200 worth of clothes you will thank yourself for it as you just need to grab a vacuum cleaner from your dorm or hotel and attach it to your vacuum seal bag full of clothes and watch it shrink in size.
2: Passport
PLEASE DON’T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT!!! You won’t be able to even get into the country. Make sure this is securely packed into your carry-on, hard-to-find for others but in an accessible spot for you; make sure you don’t put this into one of the frontmost external pockets, keep it in an inner pocket if possible or physically on you via a side bag.
3: Hair Supplies
For me, the number one thing was mousse and hair oil. I know it’s different for many people but hair is an essential part of expression as well as a part of my wellbeing routine.
Things that will help to keep my hair healthy and braids neat have been mousse and hair oil alongside edge control. I just would say brang normal-sized containers, not the travel-size ones especially if you are going to be abroad for 6 months like.
4: Clothes
Of course, bring clothes but I really would recommend you bring only the clothes you know you will wear while leaving ¼ of the space in your luggage because you’re going to buy stuff whether it’s souvenirs or a new wardrobe. Bring clothes but keep space available.
5: Shoes
Make sure you have comfortable shoes, not too many; maybe 2-3 pairs. I was able to find sneakers here for bigger sizes but for different occasions, different shoes help to accent your outfit especially if you are experimenting with your style, which I was definitely trying out at the time, as seen in these pictures below.
