I studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain for five months this year (from January through May). If you’d like to read about my experience, check out my Spain blog.
I can remember feeling overwhelmed and anxious about my trip around this time last year, so I decided to impart what wisdom and advice I have to anyone else preparing for a semester abroad!
Before you pack, you’ll obviously need a suitcase. Don’t bring multiple suitcases (it’ll be very hard to maneuver around the airport and city, and you’ll scream “American!”). Invest in one large, lightweight, durable suitcase. Preferably one that’s expandable, with four wheels.
In addition to a large suitcase (which you’ll check at the airport), bring a medium-sized, durable backpack. You can substitute this with a small carry-on suitcase or a large backpacking pack, but budget European airlines are so extremely strict (read: annoying) about baggage sizes that a medium everyday backpack is your best bet.
If I fit my entire life into one suitcase and one backpack for five months, you can too. Anything is possible.
Packing. I hate it. It doesn’t matter if I’m going away for a night or a month, I become stressed and anxious and ponder every conceivable “What if?” For example “What if it snows while I’m in Miami?” or “What if I wish I had brought my blue scarf instead of my tan one?” or “What if a rabies-ridden animal attacks me as I walk down a cobblestone path and I sprain my ankle and I have to go to the hospital and I wish I had packed a comfy sweatshirt and slippers while I healed?”
You laugh. But you know you do the same thing. Honesty, friends. Honesty.
Obviously you know the main things to pack–pants, shirts, a camera, your passport. These are some things you may not think of that I found very helpful!
1. Scarves. And lots of ’em. I found myself wearing the same black v-neck shirt with three different scarves and feeling as though I was wearing three different outfits. They can be worn when it’s cold, used as a blanket or a pillow on a plane, dress up or down an outfit, or be used to cover up when visiting holy sites (the Vatican, etc.).
2. Sunglasses. Living in a city, and walking everywhere, I would get pounding headaches from squinting on the days when I forgot to throw my sunglasses on. Buy a cheap pair off of Amazon that you don’t care about…that way you’ll never have to worry about breaking or losing them!
3. Comfortable Shoes. I’m about to sound like your grandma. But you just don’t understand. You will literally walk 10 miles a day in some cities (I did, sometimes more!). Your. feet. will. kill. Unless, of course, you have nice walking shoes. I brought a pair of Toms, a pair of Vans, and two pairs of boots (one dressy, one comfy). I ended up buying a pair of Nike’s in Spain as well. Bottom line: the shoes can be unfashionable, rubber-soled, or “American.” You’ll only wear comfy shoes, so only bring them. (Exception: I brought one pair of heels for going out at night. Heels=taxi.)
4. My Computer. Duh. So you can, ya know, blog, keep in touch with friends and fam, and upload approximately 458,032 photos. Approximately. Oh, and I almost forgot! So you can do work. Since you will be studying abroad.
5. Books, or an E-Reader. I didn’t bring either to Spain and I really wish I had. Honestly, I’d recommend an e-reader (getya a Kindle–you won’t regret it!). There is a lot of down time on planes, trains, and automobiles and you’ll want something to do. I also found myself wishing for something to read when I was hanging out in the beautiful parks and plazas.
6. Nice, Comfy Socks. Random, right? I cannot impart to you how absolutely crucial nice socks are. If you have comfortable shoes but crappy socks, you’ll get blisters. NOT fun. I bought a three pack of Nikes and absolutely loved-loved-loved them. Something else to consider is that most European countries do not have clothes dryers, meaning the clothes end up rather crunchy after they air dry. If you buy nice, athletic socks (not cotton) they’ll dry faster and not crunchy…which is a huge plus! I’ll get off my sock soapbox. But I could go on, just so you know. Sidenote: bring clothes with stretch. 100% cotton tees will stretch from being air dried and make you look like you gained 30 pounds. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
7. iPhone. I almost didn’t bring my American cell phone because I knew I wasn’t going to use it internationally ($$$), but I threw it in my bag last minute. THANK goodness. Turns out, you can iMessage with wifi and it’s a great way to check e-mail and Facebook when traveling to new cities instead of bringing my laptop (hostel+laptop=Blair with no laptop).
8. Allergy Medication. Moving to a new city (heck! to a new country!), I had massive allergy attacks for weeks. My body wasn’t used to the foreign pollen and air! Please note that this is highly unusual for me. I ended up going to a Spanish pharmacy where I was given “allergy medication,” AKA you’ll-fall-asleep-for-12-hours-straight-medication. Drugs are a lot stronger abroad (there isn’t as much red tape nor an FDA), so bring your own. Definitely toss some allergy medication, a bottle of ibuprofen, and some Pepto in your suitcase.
9. Warm Slippers with Rubber Soles. Carpet is a luxury in most countries, and there are many places where it is almost totally unheard of (Spain, Italy, etc.). Bring slippers. Warm ones. With rubber soles, so the freezing tiles won’t freeze your toes off! I LIVED in mine. Love those things.
10. A Paper Planner. You’ll be planning trips all over the world (squeal!), trying to juggle exams, assignments, and remember special events back at home. You need to organize that business. Grab a cheap planner at Michael’s and rock it out.
11. Stretchy Camis. I cannot explain how utterly important it is to buy these. I bought a black one, a nude one, and a white one at Gap Body before I went to Spain and literally wore one every. single. day. They’re so great, so versatile, and oh-so comfortable! When you travel, you won’t have a lot of space and will inevitably wear the same shirt multiple times. You won’t be able to wash most shirts because they simply won’t dry in time. These camis? They dry supafast, making them perfect to wash at night, wear in the morning, and still feel fresh! Wear one under your shirts and bask in the glory of feeling clean.
Let me just shake you a bit. YOU ARE NOT STUDYING ABROAD IN TIMBUKTU. (Unless you are, in which case you should disregard everything I’m about to say. Go watch Honey Boo Boo or something.) You need not bring everything you’ll need with you. News flash! You can buy it there.
Excuse me for being a bit rash, I just wish someone had gotten in my face about this pre-departure.
Leave it at home, and pick it up when you get there:
- Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Face Wash, etc. (It’s fun to try new brands anyway!) Bring travel sized bottles for the first few days and refill these bottles for trips.
- Cell Phone–buy the cheapest local phone to use for calling and texting, you’ll save a bundle! (Do bring it, but only for use with wifi.)
- Hair dryer and Flat Iron–you’ll blow your American one up. Promise. Smoke. Smoke everywhere. Not worth it. Not speaking from personal experience or anything…
While I was in Spain, I wrote a “I’m so glad I brought it!” blog post. Check that out for more on packing.
The first few days, perhaps even the first few weeks, you are going to have multiple moments of absolutely freaking out. You’ll probably cry. Sob, even. You may feel scared, alone, nervous, anxious. You’ll definitely ask yourself why the heck you decided to move across the world at least once.
It’s hard. Believe me, I know.
Study abroad is one of those things where after you get home, you only remember the best parts. That’s why people always speak of study abroad in the most romanticized dreamy, magical, fairy tale way. Ready for wake up call #2? This is still real life. You’re adapting to a new culture. new people. new food. a new city. It won’t be easy. Promise.
But you wanna know something else? It’ll be worth it. Pinky promise.
I truly hope this post helps all of my foreign-bound friends! If you have further questions please drop me a comment or send me an e-mail ([email protected]) and we can chat! If you’re in the area and want to get together for a coffee date to discuss all things study abroad, I’ve love to meet up! Skype works too.
Best of luck to each of you!
The Blair Blogs Facebook Page is creeping up on 200 “Likes,” once I hit 200 there will be a very special giveaway! Head over and like my page if you haven’t already!
so helpful! thanks blaire 🙂 Also, love love loved your slideshow (suchh good music choices)
Glad I could help! Good luck & keep in touch while you’re in Spain! xo
Love your comments and ideas. Great!
I have had the most trouble with health and beauty items. Finally found vaseline in the pharmacy – a drugstore not at the grocery or anything else. I had to ask for it from behind the counter – geeze. I ran out of hairspray and finally found a salon where I walked in and bought a very small travel size for U.S. equivalent of $7.00. Those things have been hard for me to find. I totally agree with everything else. Maybe I am just missing something regarding beauty items in Europe!
Happy travels!
Thanks for your comment! I had a bit of trouble finding a few beauty items as well, but I could almost always find American brands in large super-stores like Corte Ingles in Spain. What I couldn’t find, I did without, and I am better for it! Best of luck to you and thanks for reading.
XO,
Blair
This blog was exactly what i needed to clear my head. I am studying in Australia for six months and was panicking about what to pack! I didnt even know where to start. I am so glad i found your post because now i know what to bring and what not to! yay 🙂
Thanks for your comment Chelsea! I’m so happy that I was able to help. I have a few close friends who recently returned from studying abroad in Australia. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me (either click the “get in touch” tab at the top of the blog or email me at [email protected]).
Good luck with everything and thank you so much for reading!
xo,
Blair
I have been looking EVERYWHERE for a decent, honest blog about packing tips — I’ve found it! I’m going to Ireland for the whole year next year and have been stressing about packing my life into a suitcase for 9 months. ahhh thanks!
Thanks for reading, Rachel! Good luck in Ireland, you’ll have an awesome time! Have fun packing!
xo,
B
I’m heading to Salamanca, Spain for five weeks to study abroad this July! I am super excited, nervous, and scared…your post definitely helped! I studied abroad in Ireland last year, and I forgot how nerve racking it can be. I loved your post! I will definitely be buying black, nude, and white tanks! I brought so much stuff last time and hardly wore any of it..haha. Thanks for sharing your experience!
-Karleigh, Augusta, GA
Thanks for reading, Karleigh!
Best of luck to you. Have a blast in Spain.
xo,
b
Hi I just read this and loved reading it! Im studying in France for a year and leaving in 3 weeks! This is probably one of the most informing articles on the topic of packing. I was wondering though I read your other blog and you said your wf card got eaten and you only had one card. I’m only planning on doing that too but what would you recommend doing?
Thanks, Christine!
I would recommend bringing a credit card as well, Visa or Mastercard. Also–call your bank once to tell them you’ll be traveling internationally, and again to double-check that they will not put a hold on your account as international charges appear!
xo,
b
Hii:) I loved reading your blog! I am of to Barcelona, for a semester, in two weeks. I was wondering, the apartment I am staying in does not provide any bedding. Would it be best to just buy once I get there? I am considering taking the basics as I want to try and avoid spending a fortune on things I will have to leave behind in any case.
Would love to hear what you think…
Regards
Jeanne Scholtz (South Africa)
Hey Jeanne!
How exciting that you’re off to Barca–you’ll love it there! It’s beautiful.
I would suggest purchasing bedding once you arrive…it would be difficult to bring it with you unless it’s lightweight and you use “Space Bags” (plastic bags where you suck all of the air out of them). Just like America or South Africa, there are plenty of places to shop!
Good luck!
xo,
b
I’m sure this is a silly question, but what size luggage did you take? I’ll be studying abroad for 5 months, as well, and I’m debating between getting a 24-25″ or a 28-29″. Any suggestions?
Thanks for your comment, Elizabeth! I don’t remember exactly what size my suitcase was, but it was pretty LARGE. Since I opted for only one suitcase, I made sure it was big enough to fit everything I needed. I also bought a super lightweight suitcase, since I wanted to maximize the amount I could pack! 🙂
Best of luck! Have fun abroad!!!
xo,
b
I will be studying abroad in spain this spring!! I need advice on what shoes to bring!! HELP ME! 🙂
Like I said above–COMFORT IS KEY. Bring a few different pairs–boots, Keds or Vans, sandals, flats, and tennis shoes. Make sure you bring pairs that make your feet happy, you’ll be walking a whole lot!
xo,
b
I am so glad I found your blog! I leave for Seville, Spain on Jan. 6 and have been freaking out about packing! Thanks for this!
You’re welcome, good luck!
xo,
b
Thank you so much for this!!! I leave for Seville in a week this has definitely helped my anxiety and made me more excited!! 🙂
You SHOULD be excited! I hope you have an amazing trip! Best of luck!
xo,
b
Blair, Thank you so much for this honest blog!
I too will be studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain for the spring semester (Jan. – May)! I leave in 2 weeks and I’m very excited but also a little nervous. I was wondering if you had any fashion tips on what styles are common for girls in Sevilla, I want to be able to blend in and take home some souvenirs of course. I’ve found some blogs that say tights under shorts are pretty popular, but it sounds funny to me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
-Kat, New York
Hey Kat! You’ll love Sevilla. Yes, tights under shorts are very popular, but I was never into that style–I just didn’t feel comfortable. Many girls on my trips wore that style, though, and looked great. Sevillanas are very fashionable and put-together. Skirts, tights, boots, and a nice top are all common. Of course jeans as well. Really, as long as you look pulled together, you’ll blend in. (To be honest, though, there were many times when I wore my North Face jacket or Nike shoes and thought–who cares!) You’ll pick up on the fashion trends very quickly!
xo,
b
Hey!
I’m leaving to Japan in about a week and I was just browsing around to see the best advice for packing. I agree with you on most things. However, I think people who need special products for their hair, like me with my huge frizzball of curls, should definitely bring the products they need if they are going to a country that has a race that is very different from their own. For example, I’m Puerto Rican! I don’t think I’ll find any products for curls like mine in the land of the “straight hair”. Also, I’ve used my straightener in Japan before when I visited and it worked fine. Did yours go up in smoke!?!? If it did, that has to be one of the scariest things ever! With it being so close to your face and all.
Anywho, I really enjoyed reading this! The layout, pictures, even the tone, was very enjoyable. I never actually comment on blogs, and I just had to for this one. 😀
-Kat, Chicago
Hey Kat!
I’m glad you liked this post! There are definitely some things, like hair care products, that you may want to bring from home! 🙂
xo,
b
I’m planning on studying abroad in Madrid next summer I found this very helpfull
I’m so glad, Sarah!
xo,
b
Hi Blair, I am Emily , I am 25 and moving to Seville for a perminant teaching position , I am also a massive hoarder and I love clothes, my boyfriend is coming out for the first week to drop of a suitcase ( and obviously spend time with me) , I will have to look for somewhere to live when I am there, I love music and dance and local areas with things going on , I love to be by the water and close to coffee shops and communal spaces. Can u recommend anywhere in Seville to focus on when looking for an apartment .
All the best, look forward to hearing from you soon
Emily xxxx
Hey Emily!
Good for you! You’ll love Sevilla! There are so many great areas. Of course El Centro is the dream, but it’s also really expensive. Anywhere close by will be great!
xo,
b
Hey, Blair, my name is Danny, I just have read this. It had been very useful for me. I’ll be in Granada, Spain for the next 11 months and I’m leaving by the end of october.
Xo,
Danny.
Wow! Have an amazing trip!
xo,
b
hello!
I’m getting ready to leave for Sevilla for the semester (13 more days!!)
Question:
So for serious you fit your life in one large suitcase and a carry on?? I’ve been stressing so much about what to take precisely because I also like to plan for everything. My program said that spanish students dress nicer. Does that mean jeans are out of the question or just that jeans and a ratty tshirt are out of the question? I also LOVE dresses and wear them 99% of the time as soon as it hits 60 at home. Would I stick out if I wore dresses in Seville? (None of them are the flimsy mini skirt/dresses that some american teens are find of. They’re all classy and subdued not outrageous. If that makes a difference).
2. Weather??? Should I bring a light jacket? Are cardigans probably enough?
3. Beach (I keep forgetting that I actually probably should go to class at some point while I’m there.) how easy was it to get to the beach from Seville? I’ve only ever been to a large body of water once (eg not a lake) so I’m thrilled to be so close to the Mediterranean.
Thanks! Loved this post!!
Hey Becky!
I’m so excited for you–you’ll love Sevilla!
I really did fit my life into one large suitcase and a carry on—and I highly recommend that you try to do the same! Promise you won’t regret it!
As far as dress, Spanish students (and the general population) do dress nicer. You can totally wear jeans (they do), but you’d stand out with a ratty old t-shirt. Dresses are worn very frequently in Sevilla, so you will fit in nicely with those!
Weather-wise, it will fluctuate while you’re there. Sometimes it’s very warm and other times it’s chilly. Bring lots of layers! Definitely a warm jacket and cardigans, some scarves, gloves, etc. The shade is usually 10-20 degrees cooler than the sun!
I went to the beach several times while I studied abroad in Spain. (In Cadiz, Barcelona, & Greece!) None of those places were hard to get to! Bring a swimsuit and some sunscreen! 🙂
Best of luck, prayers, and lots of excitement!
xo,
b
Thank you for the helpful post! I am leaving for Sevilla for the entire semester very soon and I have one question. I have a “medium upright duffel” that has one pair of wheels that I plan to check, and an “international carry-on four wheel spinner” that I plan to carry on, both by Briggs & Riley. I am also planning on bringing a backpack. Is this too much? My mother is worried my 5 foot even frame won’t be able to handle all of it on my own once I land in Spain, which now has me worried that I am bringing too much! Is it a good idea to bring the carry on suitcase for smaller trips within Europe I plan to take? Thanks!
Hey Allison!
If you think you’re bringing too much, you probably are! I promise, you need about half as much as you think. (Actually, expert travelers recommend packing, then cutting that amount in half, then cutting it in half again–and then taking off! Meaning you pack 1/4 as much as you think you need!)
I’m sure you could handle 2 suitcases and a backpack, but it will be tough. I would recommend checking one suitcase and bringing a backpack only…but that’s just me! 😉
xo,
b
Hello. My daughter is currently studying in Seville this spring and was planning to travel at the end of her semester in May. Do you know if there is a place to store her big suticase so she only takes her travel backpack for a few weeks? Some plans have changed and our initial idea may no longer work out. Thanks for any advice!
Hi Sara!
If your daughter has made any Spanish friends, I would recommend asking them if they can store her suitcase. Or, if she’s studying through a university or program, ask if they’ll keep it! I’m sure there are plenty of professors or students who wouldn’t mind keeping it for a couple of weeks! 🙂 Best of luck to her!
xo,
b
I am so encouraged! I am headed to Alicante, Spain in the fall and your tips are super helpful I also love Jesus and I was wondering if you were able to connect with the local Christian community while you were studying abroad. I’m nervous that I won’t have the same support I do back home. Thanks!
Hey Jamie!
How exciting that you’re going to study abroad in Spain as well! 🙂 I hope you love it!
I wasn’t able to connect with the Christian community while I was studying abroad, and that made my spiritual life pretty difficult overseas! There didn’t seem to be many opportunities available, but I admittedly didn’t seek them out very hard. I would suggest starting an online Bible study of some sort with friends from home…that would’ve been a game-changer for me!
xo,
b
This is such a great post!! I’m studying abroad in Paris, France next summer and I definitely have a better idea of how I should go about packing.
It was a great little laugh, but very informative. Thanks!!
-Paris L.
So glad! Best of luck to you!
xo,
b
Oh my goshhhh Blair yes!! I currently go to Liberty University and am so psyched to spend a semester abroad in Sevilla this fall:) Your post was wonderful and got me just that more excited for Spain!! If I have any questions for you, I’ll be sure to give you a ring!
Yay!! 🙂
xo,
b
I loved how simple you made it ! My daughter is leaving to Spain to study all of July . I am curious about clothing types though. We were told that shorts are looked down upon and seen as a way to find prostitutes … is this for real?
I’m glad this was helpful!! Shorts are not popular at all in Spain, but your daughter surely won’t be mistaken for a prostitute. Most Spaniards can spot an American from a mile away, so they’ll just think “Americana” and move on. It gets really HOT, so a pair of shorts or two would probably be wise. 🙂
xo,
b
Hi, I know your wedding is coming up soon but I have a quick question… What did you bring (if anything) as an outlet converter for your laptop/phone/camera etc? I’m having trouble figuring out what will be the most convenient without frying my electronics!
Thanks!
I did bring a converter, but I still fried my laptop and phone. (They didn’t break, but they don’t hold a charge as long anymore.) Definitely bring a few, and invest in at least one good one!!
xo,
b
I am leaving to study abroad in Sevilla in a month! This was so helpful! Thanks 🙂
I’m so glad! Have a great time! 🙂
xo,
b
I’m going to Italy for both semesters this year, and even though I’ve read a thousand articles this one really helped me! Thanks from one Texas girl to another 🙂
Yay! Have the best time, Emma! 🙂
xo,
b
What you have done super. I would like to do study abroad and where did you started?
Kind Regards
Mpho
This is great, and thank you for being honest about the last part! I did a small study abroad during the summer last year and the first night I got there, I climbed into bed and cried like a baby – I thought there was something wrong with me, and it’s relieving to know that I’m not the only one as I’m about to leave for my first across the ocean, semester long study abroad!
Hi Blair! Love the advice and it seems like you had suuuch a beautiful time in Spain. I’m also from Texas and will be studying abroad in Seville next month! So as you can imagine, I’m so excited to have found your blog!
Quick question. Where could I buy a high quality flat iron for Spain? Amazon? Any stores in Seville that you could recommend? I straighten my hair quite frequently, so I wouldn’t mind spending for a good flat iron.
I’m so excited for you, Stephanie! How awesome! I bought my flat iron from El Corte Ingles in Spain, which is like a huge department store (think Macy’s or Nordstrom, but bigger). You can find anything there!
If you want to Skype before you leave for a little peace of mind, I’d love to “meet” you and answer any questions you may have! I know how many feelings were swirling around in my head pre-departure! 🙂 XO
Thanks for the response! I would love to Skype with you. I leave in a little over a week, so let me know when we can arrange a quick call!
Email me at [email protected] and we’ll try to set something up! 🙂