Le Moyne College Stories

One thing I was unsure of at the start of the study abroad experience was what to pack. I felt that I needed to pack as much as possible in order to be prepared and comfortable throughout this new journey. In reality, I learned that when you are traveling to new and exciting places, you are going to be spending money on attire, souvenirs and other belongings. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for this experience, and to keep the following in mind:

Tip#1: Pack as little possible, and only bring the essentials.

• Packing can be challenging, especially if you are indecisive. I feared that the things I needed such as my hair-care products or clothing preferences would not be available to me. I learned that I was wrong. There are places where you can buy anything you may need. Keep in mind you’ll need to bring all of those things back home with you. My advice? Bring a little of the old, and go back home with your new!

Tip #2: Travel organizers and vacuum-seal bags are a must.

• To make sure packing goes smoothly, invest in travel organizers or vacuum seal bags to store your belongings in your luggage. It will save you lots of space. I suggest travel organizers for your clothing and any liquid items, and vacuum-seal bags for jackets, blankets and pillows. It will make things simpler and lighten the load when you check in at the airport. 

Tip #3: Again, they have the stuff you need everywhere.

• Wherever you travel you’ll be able to find stores with everything you need … or you can shop online. I’ve found that social media platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram are helpful in tracking down the essentials. You’ll likely find brands like TJ Maxx and Ikea that will remind you of home. 

Tip #4: Bring Reminders of Home:

• There will be moments when you feel homesick. Sometimes Zoom, Facetime and WhatsApp are not enough to remind you of the people and places you love. It’s a good idea to have something sentimental with you. I have brought pictures of my friends and family to remind myself about them and how much I love them. I also packed seasonings from home such as Sazon and Adobo, so I can add spice to my food as well. When you have something familiar with you, you’ll feel more comfortable being abroad. 

Recommended things to pack:

Clothing and accessories:

1. 3 or 4 pairs of jeans
2. 1 pair of sweatpants or leggings
3. 2 hoodies
4. 2 jackets (depending on your location)
5. 2 crewnecks
6. 6 pairs T-shirts (basics are the easier route and a commonality within the European countries)
7. Pajamas and underwear
8. 1 set of a statement Attire: pants, shirt, sweater, or jacket
9. 1 bag for to use going to class every day

Electronics:

1. Phone
2. Laptop
3. Chargers for the phone and laptop
4. Portugal charger
5. US to Europe, Asia, Africa power adapters
6. Camera, Speaker, Alarm Clock  

Sentimentals:

1. Photos from home (pictures of friends, family, and loved ones)
2. Favorite Blanket, Pillow, or Stuff Animal
3. Written cards from home
4. A journal to document your experience, or to express your thoughts and feelings
5.  

Hasina Foye ’23 is an aspiring journalist from Bronx, N.Y., who is studying English literature and communications at Le Moyne. Hasina is spending the spring semester of 2022 at Hague University in the Netherlands and will be sharing her reflections on life abroad. Please continue to follow her journey here.