The 16 Study Abroad Essentials I Was *So* Glad to Have During My Four Months in London

When studying abroad, you are constantly traveling, exploring, and on the go. I used my portable charger every day, and kept it with me at all times just in case.

Depending on where you study abroad, it’s likely that you’ll need an outlet adapter. Be sure to look up the correct adapter for your location, and bring a few just in case. It’s important to also consider the countries you plan to travel to. I was in the United Kingdom, so I also needed a European outlet converter for travel to other countries.

Another item I always kept in my bag was this Birdie personal alarm. It can clip onto a bag or keys, and is great to have in case of emergency. You simply pull the top of the device out, and it flashes a bright light and loud siren to draw attention if you find yourself in a situation where you might need help and not know how to get it.

If you watched Belly’s backpack and AirTag chase in the recent season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, then you know how important it is to keep track of your bags. Having an AirTag in all bags at all times is the perfect way to know where all of your things are.

I had never heard of this travel backpack before I studied abroad, and I still use it all the time. It is so spacious and keeps everything organized. In Europe, the usual carry-on suitcases that you can fit in the overhead compartment in the U.S. do not fit. This backpack is a perfect carry-on alternative. I promise you will get a ton of use out of it!

A secure crossbody is a great everyday bag to keep with you. This bag is light with a ton of storage, and has a unique protective lock on the zipper. Plus, it comes in a ton of versatile colors to go with any outfit.

Having a case or cover makes it much easier to keep track of your passport. I would also recommend bringing copies of these important documents in your carry-on for customs: student visa, school acceptance letter, housing contract, medical records, birth certificate, insurance documents, and emergency contacts.

Something I regret is not keeping a more detailed travel journal when I was abroad. One of my friends gathered postcards from every country she visited, which I thought was such a cute idea. I recommend keeping a detailed journal of your everyday life, because it goes by so fast and I guarantee you will miss it.

When I studied abroad, I started sleeping with an eye mask to help me relax in a new and unfamiliar place — and I still use one every night. This is a great travel accessory to get some shut-eye on plane rides. 

I quickly learned that complimentary tap water wasn’t as readily available as it was for me in the U.S. I invested in a lightweight, reusable water bottle to carry with me. Pro tip: Don’t bring a heavy tumbler, as it will bog you down.

A canvas bag will never go out of style, and is great for carrying school supplies to class. It’s a bit less touristy than a backpack, and smaller than a classic tote. This makes it the perfect size and material to carry around. (If you want multiple, check out this set from Amazon.)

One of the first things I bought when I arrived in London was a wall calendar. I usually prefer a planner that I can carry around with me, but because I was traveling light in small bags, a wall calendar was a great way to keep track of events, classes, and trips.