Packing for year abroad?

Question

Hi all!!

I'm going to England for a study abroad program for about 9 months and I can't come home in between anywhere... I was wondering what I should pack and what I should leave at home since I obviously can't bring all that much...! Thanks for the advice!

Answer 1

bring the basics you can get anything else there

Answer 2

I've traveled to England, Germany, Africa, and South America.  Most Americans pack way too much.  Think about it:  probably anything you'll need you can get in England.  In Africa it was a different story, but even there we could buy pretty much  anything we needed.  Try to limit your baggage.

Answer 3

pack for the season you will arrive, otherwise, it is true they have walmart, just get what you need when you get there. UPS is cheap to send stuff once you arrive, if you box  up your winter clothes and coat, mom can send them, etc.

one thing to consider is the fashions are different there, i bought my clothes there once winter set in.

rememebr that the electricity is different.

Answer 4

pack for rain, that is all it does there.  also don't worry about it too much they have everything there just like here, you can run down to the walmart if you forget something.

Answer 5

Basically bring your clothes, toiletries, laptop and phone (if you have one.) Otherwise, you can purchase whatever you need there or have it sent to you. . Keep in mind that the airlines are charging $25 bucks for the first bag, and $50 for the second bag that you check. So, whatever you pack should be worth more than what it costs to take it with you. Its a cost of shipping vs cost of buying vs cost of flying it there thing

Answer 6

You should be able to take two suitcases weighing up to 50 pounds each, plus two carryon bags.

Lay out the bags and pack 7 sets of regular clothing.  Choose items you can mix & match and try to avoid things that require dry cleaning.  Also pack gym clothes & shoes, a swimsuit & flip-flops, and two pair of everyday shoes and in the suitcases. Take a bath robe. You should pack an additional complete set of clothes in your carryon and you will be wearing a set, so that gives you 9 days of regular clothing and 3 pair of everyday shoes.

Pack at least one set of dress clothing, shoes, and accessories in the suitcases.

Take a folding umbrella, a light jacket and a sweater with you in your carryon.

Winters in the UK can be cold (especially in the north) but it isn't the arctic and you don't need any special clothing. You also won't need winter clothing until later in the year so you don't have to take it with you in the suitcases. Consider packing the winter clothes you will need in boxes and mailing them to yourself.  If you don't yet know the address than leave the packages with someone you can trust to send them once you have the address.  You can also mail to yourself additional sets of dress clothing if necessary.

Do take a laptop if you have one.  The laptop should be your second carryon bag. All laptops today accept any voltage, so all you will need is a plug adapter that fits UK electrical outlets.  Most electronics like i-Pods and PSPs also accept any voltage (look on the power supply cord) and you can use them in the UK with just a plug adapter.  Make sure the plug adapters fit your electronic items.

DON'T take anything that requires a voltage converter.  That includes items like USA hair dryers and curling irons. Just buy 220 volt appliances like that after you get to the UK.

Take toiletries (including prescription medications) for one month.  That will give you time to find shops with the thngs you like.

The first answer is correct and you can buy anything else you might need after you get to the UK.

Good luck!