10 Things You Must Pack When Going on Exchange

Packing can be an intense and stressful experience, even more when you are leaving for a few months! All the things you need to remember when you pack your suitcase(s) can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, we got you! Here are just a few ideas for things you should really not forget for this adventure!

1. Your passport

What could be more dramatic that arriving at the airport and realizing you have forgotten your passport? Yeah, quite a traumatic experience! You don’t want to postpone your departure for a small piece of paper! Don’t forget also your visa, acceptance letter from your new university and any other official documents that will become very handy when you pass the border.

2. Your toothbrush

You don’t want to make a bad first impression on your new friends, right?! Actually, don’t worry too much about it though cause I’m pretty sure they sell toothbrushes everywhere, just in case you forget it ;)

3. The right clothes

Is it gonna be summer or winter where you’re going? Are the temperatures very different from where you’re from? Make sure to do some research on the climate in your new country and bring the right clothes! Pro tip: Be minimalistic in packing and bring some extra money to go shopping instead! ;)

4. Pictures for your room

If anything, bring a couple of pictures of family and friends to put in your room! This way, no matter in what kind of place you end up, it will always feel more like home and it will remind you of many fun memories!

5. A half-empty suitcase

With all the new stuff that you’re gonna be collecting over your time on exchange, you might want to leave some extra space in your luggage to bring something back home! Of course, you can always decide to buy an extra suitcase afterwards as well or ship some of your stuff home ;)

6. Your electronic devices

I am sure you don’t need me to remind you of taking your phone and computer with you! But have you thought about taking a good camera? You sure would want to keep memories of this adventure and for that, trust me, pictures are the best!

7. A taste of your home country

We all have our little reminder of home, a taste that we love. Bring with you a candy, snack or any other treat that you enjoy and specific to your home country - that is relatively small, you don’t want to fill your suitcase with it… That way, each time you go back to it, it will be as if you were back home!

8. Special treatment and medication

Some of us are not so lucky with health… Don’t worry, with my allergies, I can relate! If you are taking any regular treatment or medication, do not forget to first book an appointment with your doctor. That way you can make sure to have enough medication for your period abroad and you won’t stress about it!

9. A few small gifts from your home country

You don’t need this to make friends, but it will sure make them very happy when you do surprise them with some little souvenirs that you have packed before you left your home country! It is also a great way to share a bit of your culture with your new friends or housemates!

10. Your lucky charm

Honestly, whether it’s a little stone, a ladybug or a coin, it doesn’t really matter. Make sure to bring your special lucky charm to guide you along the way on this adventure. Wherever you go, you always know that this special little something will keep you safe. <3