Even with all of my space saving techniques, the suitcase was completely full.
While applying for a Tier-4 Visa and filling out emergency contact information may have seemed like an unbearable amount of work to study abroad, packing for nearly four months seemed like mission impossible. My allowance for London:
- Two suitcases, under 50 lbs each
- One carry-on, under 13 lbs
- One purse
My first order of business was to buy Space Bags. I’d heard about them from friends who’d already traveled to Europe. Use a coupon because they’re not the cheapest way to pack, but at a discount, they’re a great investment. Creating as much space as possible in each suitcase allowed me to cram even more clothing inside.
Figuring out what to bring and what not to bring was another challenge, but I found an article where Clinton Kelly, from TLC’s “What Not to Wear,” gives packing advice. While I may not have a Dian von Furstenberg wrap dress to throw in, I still had plenty of critical wardrobe decisions to make. It came down to basics.
THE BASICS
While Kelly dislikes solid T-shirts, they’re proving to be a great option. I packed as many solid American Apparel v-necks as I could find. They work with jeans and with leggings and a sweatshirt. If necessary, the T-shirts can also be tucked in with a high-waisted skirt for a dressier look.
While it’s disputed, I believe leggings are pants, especially when it comes to travel. They’re lightweight and they can be dressed up or down. I packed several pairs of plain leggings and some with zippers and buttons. Keeping weight in mind is crucial and when it comes to clothes, jeans will weigh down any suitcase.
PACKING BY DESTINATION
I brought a variety of tops for going out. Since pubs seem to be the choice of many students studying abroad in London, I didn’t pack anything too fancy. I know that I will probably be adventurous enough to try out a club at some point, so I brought a wardrobe staple that’s a little outdated, but fits nicely when folded up: the American Apparel two-tone dress.
It may seem strange to those of us who have marveled at the splendor of Broadway and seen a show or two, but I asked several other students who have studied abroad in London and for the theater, “casual” is the word. Going to dinner and a show in London’s West End is not as much of an occasion. I’m bringing nicer shirts that can also pass as going out tops. Anything that serves a dual purpose went straight into the suitcase.
THE HARDEST PART
If I didn’t have so many friends who’d been through the hellish experience of packing before me, I would’ve been stuck on which shoes to bring. It’s like a buffet: I packed one of everything:
- One pair of Converse sneakers
- One fancy pair of flats
- One inexpensive pair of flats
- One pair of flat leather boots
- One pair of black pumps
- One pair of Uggs
I enjoy wearing heels to compensate for my lack of height, but in Europe, forget it. Cobblestone streets are a hazard for anyone who attempts to wear heels out for the night. Black leather boots are a less dangerous option for dressing up, as are flats.
For traveling, practicality is the key. Sneakers are best for walking long distances during long days in foreign cities and an inexpensive pair of flats allows a more dressed-up look if the weather isn’t ideal.
KEEPING THE WEIGHT DOWN
One of the biggest problems with studying abroad in the spring is that winter clothes tend to weigh more. I plan to wear my weightiest items of clothing on the plane.
In London, it tends to rain quite a bit. My wonderful winter investment, Hunter Boots, will be decorated with sweater-like socks for warmth. They work in the snow and in the rain, while keeping my feet warm and dry.
My sleeping bag of a North Face jacket should be a nice blanket for the transatlantic flight. It is not only bulky, but takes up a lot of space. Putting the jacket into a suitcase would end in unpacking right in the middle of the check-in desk.
As far as my carry-on goes, I will have to move my smaller electronics into my purse in order to meet the 13 lb weight limit. Although it seems generous, with a laptop and an extra set of clothes, it’s tough to stay underweight.
It may be tough, but packing for four months is like trying to edit a script for broadcast: a word needs to replace a phrase, just like a dress for going out replaces a fancier top and bottom. It’s a matter of cutting down as many side tangents as possible and generalizing for the public, just like packing clothing is thinking in a broader sense and providing outfits for a variety of situations.
