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What every study abroad student needs
18
items As an international student myself, I know the stress of packing for a semester abroad. These are the items that made my life easier, from travel must-haves to study hacks!
Sections
5
Travel & Packing Must-Haves
Academic Essentials
Everyday Living Abroad
Money & Safety
Wellness & Comfort
Travel & Packing Must-Haves
This one is a must. In a shared room there is never enough plugs for all your devices, and it can get a little messy having them all around the room.
This Extender is perfect to connect your entire tech ecosystem and it comes great as it also has USB and USB-C direct plug ins.
This Extender is perfect to connect your entire tech ecosystem and it comes great as it also has USB and USB-C direct plug ins.
Addtam USB Wall Charger 5 Outlet Extender
The durability is what makes this stand out. I’ve used smaller power banks before that barely made it through a day, but this one easily stretches across a week if it’s just for my Iphone. And being able to charge two devices at once feels like such ...
Xiaomi 20000mAh Redmi Power Bank 18W Dual USB
Honestly, this backpack is such a game-changer. It looks like a classy everyday backpack, but inside it’s super functional – it has a padded space for my laptop and tablet, it's waterproof, and the best part? It fits as much as a carry-on, but airlin...
Travel Backpack Waterproof Hiking Daypack
These packing cubes completely changed the way I travel. They’re sturdy, don’t tear even when I overpack, and I love that it comes with a shoe bag and a hanging toiletry bag. Everything feels so much more organized and unpacking is way easier
10/8 Set Packing Cubes Travel Organizer
I never travel without this scale anymore. It’s tiny but so reliable, and it keeps me from stressing about my bag being overweight. A must-have if you like shopping while abroad (guilty 🙋🏻♀️)
Portable Digital Hanging Luggage Scale
Academic Essentials
Now that I’ve started my internship, they gave me an HP for work, but honestly I just can’t get used to it. My MacBook Air feels so much lighter, faster, and way more user-friendly. The colors and screen brightness are so much better too, and the bat...
MacBook Air 13-inch (any model with M chip)
I had this adhesive stand on my old laptop and loved it. It made working so much more comfortable with the angle, and since it was foldable I could just leave it on and use it wherever I would take my laptop with me. I tried to find it again for my n...
MOFT Adhesive Laptop Stand for 11"-16" Laptops
This stand works basically the same as the adhesive one I had before, but with the added benefit of better airflow for cooling. It keeps my posture in check during long hours of studying and honestly feels essential for daily use.
nediea Laptop Cooling Stand & Riser 10-15.6"
The iPad Pro has been such a versatile study essential for me. I love how seamlessly it connects with my MacBook — I often use it as a second screen when I’m working on multiple projects. The 11-inch size is perfect too; it fits in any bag and is sup...
Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch M4, 256GB, Space Black
The PRO version makes studying so much easier. I use it to annotate PDFs, take quick notes, or draw diagrams during classes. The best part is I never have to worry about charging it — it’s always connected and ready to go as soon as I grab my iPad.
Apple Pencil Pro - Pixel-Perfect, Tilt & Pressure Sensitive
By now, you’ve probably realized I’m a total Apple girly, and the newest AirPods Pro fit perfectly into my Apple ecosystem. They seamlessly switch between any of my devices, making everything so convenient. Plus, the fitness features are a huge bonus...
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, ANC, USB-C
This little whiteboard has been such a nice addition to my desk setup. I use it to jot down quick to-dos, reminders, or formulas while studying, and I love that it doubles as a keyboard stand so it doesn’t take up extra space. The drawer underneath i...
Small Desktop Glass Whiteboard with Drawer
Everyday Living Abroad
I think I’ll never have to buy another bottle again after getting this one. The Owala FreeSip is just perfect — it keeps my water cold all day, never leaks, and the straw + sip combo is so convenient. I take it everywhere: to the gym, to class, and e...
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle 24oz
As someone who swims a lot, these microfiber towels are everything. They dry my hair quickly, don’t get heavy when wet, and are super easy to throw in my bag. Ideal for training, travel, or even just busy mornings
Microfiber Towel - Quick Dry, Ultra Compact
I didn’t have one myself, but some friends I met while studying abroad did — and honestly, it was a total game changer. They used this instead of a microwave, and it could do everything: toast, bake, reheat, even make full meals. No need to use the c...
Chefman 12-Qt 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven
Money & Safety
These little trackers are such a must for traveling — I put them in my luggage and backpack, and it gives me so much peace of mind. They work perfectly with Apple’s Find My app, so I can see exactly where my stuff is at all times. Super easy to set u...
ATUVOS Air Tracker Tags 4 Pack, Apple Find My
A friend recommended this after a sketchy ride home; it’s small but feels solid. I like that it’s rechargeable and comes with a finger grip for steady hold — just keep it stored safely and only for true emergencies.
SABRE Pepper Spray Self Defense Kit, 25 Bursts
Wellness & Comfort
f you’re moving into a dorm, trust me — you need this. The mattresses in most dorms are so thin and uncomfortable, and this topper makes such a huge difference. It’s super soft, fits perfectly on the Twin XL beds, and instantly makes your bed feel mo...
Bedsure Twin XL Mattress Pad - Soft Topper, 39x80, White