What's In My Bag?
So you've booked your flight and you're already planning your trip once you land. But first, you need to pack some kind of luggage.
Preparation is the first step. Writing out a list is really helpful - keep it short and precise. If you're not sure what to pack exactly or you think you're forgetting something, PackPoint is a great app that can help you out. It generates a list based on your destination, number of days abroad and type of activities you'll be doing.
The shortest answer to what you should pack: take as little as possible. Take the essentials and the bare minimum. Packing light is always a good idea, especially when you're dragging your suitcase up a flight of stairs. Remember, the Tube is pretty old and so is Reid Hall. There aren't a lot of escalators and elevators available for you.
For the long answer, here's a suggested packing list:
CLOTHES - LAYER, LAYER, LAYER
The weather is unpredictable and different in each city! So, don’t think about pieces of clothes —think about combinations. Mix and match tops and bottoms to get more use out of everything. It will be enough to keep you looking fresh and your suitcase light.
TIP: Don't fold your clothes! Rolling everything will earn you lots of space, and it’ll keep your shirts from wrinkling too!
As mentioned earlier, you want to have a versatile closet. I recommend bringing three winter outfits and three fall outfits, sprinkled in with a pair of shorts, shirts and tank tops (it is also summer during this time, and the temperature can go up to the 90s). Bring a thick jacket for the cold and rainy weather in London and a lighter one for the other cities. Just come prepared for rain or shine and about as hot or cold it ever gets in LA. Business attire isn't required by the program, so focus more on comfortable clothes. Just plan accordingly if you are going out. Find things that are easy to mix and match and enough outfits that can get you by without doing laundry every other day. While it's definitely important to look good walking around the city and for taking those Instagram photos, it's not the main priority. It's more important to experience the city itself so be practical with the clothes you do bring.
As for shoes, you will be walking around a lot. I recommend bringing one pair of shoes that are comfortable to walk in, one pair that's suitable for the rain and one other pair for the hotter days.
TIP: Things can go wrong when traveling...you can lose your luggage, you can get something stolen, something can be spilled on, torn, ruined. So don’t bring anything too valuable!
TOILETRIES - TRAVEL SIZE
You're probably planning on just buying your toiletries there to save space in your suitcase or just hauling over large bottles with you, but hear me out. I recommend travel-sized bottles because of their size and accessibility. Everything fits into your suitcase and you don't have to worry about them spilling in your bag. You can even throw them away once their empty to make your suitcase even lighter than before. Plus, they're perfect for weekend trips!
ELECTRONICS - EUROPEAN COMPATIBILITY
Bring your laptop, chargers, an ADAPTOR, portable chargers, cameras and if you're worried about memory space: extra memory cards, and a backup drive. Bring your phone as well (you’ll most likely need it when flying back, even if you can’t use it in Europe. If you have an unlocked phone, bring it so you can just buy a SIM card).
If my capitalization wasn't enough emphasis, I'm saying it loud and clear now: adaptors are important. The European plugs are really different from the one we have back in the US. You can't plug or charge anything without one! I recommend buying the universal travel adaptors. Also, pay attention to the voltage of your electronics and appliances, specifically straighteners, curlers, dryers, etc. for the ladies. 220v is the voltage standard in Europe - way different from the 110v voltage standard of the US. Your appliances will not work (ultimately it will burn out) unless you have a converter/transformer with you.
TIP: Bring a power strip if you need multiple plugs, that way you can just use one adaptor!
MISCELLANEOUS - LITTLE EXTRAS THAT CAN GO A MILE
Don't forget the little stuff too! They're just as important in cataloging your trip and making your trip smoother overall.
• Visa Documentation
• A backpack/purse/tote
Bring a backpack for class even if there aren't any books/course readers. There may be days where you want to bring your laptop, and it's a great way to prepare and store other items. Right after class, if you packed everything you need, you can go sightseeing. Plus, for short weekend trips, a backpack is all you need to travel.
On a day to day basis, I brought one large purse (that fit my camera, laptop, umbrella, portable charger, water bottle, etc) with room to spare to put in anything while shopping. A tote bag might be a good idea just as a sturdier bag for anything you buy and need to lug around the whole day as well
• Umbrella
London, in particular, is very rainy. This will definitely come in handy when you walk around the city!
• Sunglasses
• Camera/Selfie Stick/Fish-Eye
• Water Bottle (I recommend those that come with filters to get water anywhere)
• ...and any other items you need for other countries you're visiting!
