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16 November 20132

(TIWIKBSA) Week 11: Packing + FREE PRINTABLE

(TIWIKBSA) Week 11: Packing + FREE PRINTABLE

A bit late of a post this week, because I’ve  been too tired and cranky. It happens, OK? I mentioned that I just don’t function with fewer than 8 hours of sleep, right? Well, Sunday night I got 4 hours, and I’ve been miserable up until Thursday evening. Irritable, withdrawn, and overwhelmed. So, today I finally tackled finishing this post… just in time to work on my next one! People talk about having a schedule, and writing posts a month ahead of time? Not how I function. All these thoughts are fresh and relevant and sometimes just a terrible stream of consciousness. :)

When I got to London, I didn’t hate myself because my study abroad packing consisted of two large suitcases and a carry on… but I was tired and all the distances seemed really long and it was definitely difficult to lug them around. So there are two changes I would make to this next time: bring that third large suitcase you thought would be too much and get a taxi from the airport to your check-in location to your new home. (Travel with a friend or two though, so you can split the taxi bill!)

What have I not used, and what have I had to buy, when it comes to my packing list?

What Not to Pack:

  • Skirt suit, unless you’re going for a very professional internship (Like Finance!)
  • More than one lotion or perfume (I packed like three. Guess what, it was overkill.)
  • Sunscreen (Even with my sensitive skin, it’s just not that warm or sunny here, or anywhere I’ve been.)
  • Filtered water bottle (It’s not even safe for poor water quality! Just buy a 6 pack at the store and re-fill.)
  • Travel toilet paper (Let’s be honest, you’re not going to pack/use it.)

What to Pack:

  • Warm, weather proof shoes
  • Hats, mittens/gloves
  • Backpack
  • Purses (2-3) that you will feel safe traveling with: zippered, cross-body, and probably large enough to stuff all your crap inside ;)
  • Small, rolling suitcase size-approved for budget airlines
  • An unlocked, SIM-removed phone (you’ll want to  buy a cheap SIM-based plan overseas)
  • American-only food you love, like brownies and animal crackers… just saying!
  • Some hobby supplies… knitting, reading, whatever floats your boat when you’re bored.
  • More clothes and shoes. They are so expensive here! Lots of sweaters (jumpers)!
  • UK > US power strip, so you can plug in lots of stuff with fewer adapters!

What to Buy There:

  • Hair dryer, straightener, and/or curler (£18 Argos)
  • Towels, bath mat (Sainsbury’s)
  • Hangers (£3 Primark)
  • Laundry hamper (£1 Poundland)
  • Tupperware (£4 Argos)
  • Travel size bottles (£1 Primark)
  • Hair shampoo/conditioner

Some cheap places to buy these things? Listed above or IKEA.

So, what about a packing list for those weekend travel trips?

Well, I thought about how easy it is to forget items, so I made a printable for you! You’re never going to get all the items on this list to fit… but that’s OK, because hopefully you don’t need all of these items. For instance, I wanted this list to work for multiple types of trips… but if you’re coming to London in the Fall most of your packing won’t need a swimsuit, sunscreen, etc. (But you will need more layers for your outfits, so factor that in.)

If you’re traveling on a budget airline, remember to check their luggage requirements, like size and weight! Luckily, buses and trains don’t have these kinds of restrictions. Enjoy!

Download “Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad: Packing + FREE PRINTABLE” now!

Please, let me know if you think anything should be added or removed: I want this to be as useful as possible. :)
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(TIWIKBSA) Week 10: Surviving a Relationship Abroad
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(TIWIKBSA) Week 12: Cooking in the City

16 November 20132

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    1. 16 Things To Do Before You Leave to Study Abroad w/ Printable Checklist | Study Abroad Series Vol. 1 says:
      23 July 2015 at 3:27 pm

      […] 12. Make a packing list with everything you think you will need abroad. I am a huge fan of packing lists and putting literally everything on it. One time my friend was using a packing list that didn’t have pjs on it and she forgot pjs for our vacation and so ever since then I always triple check my list. Think hard about some of the things you put on your list though because several of the items might just be easier to get there and then you have more room for clothes! I recommend the follow posts for packing list inspiration (aka porn for type a people): Watch Shelbie Blog, Flatclub, Bustle, and Infinite. […]

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