I'm packing my suitcase… for half a year

An exchange semester abroad brings a breath of fresh air and unique memories into your life. It offers you the opportunity to live abroad for a limited time, get to know a foreign culture and study in a foreign language at the same time. But what do you absolutely need for the long stay abroad? What needs to go in your suitcase? What should you definitely take with you?

With a heavy rucksack and an additional shoulder bag over my shoulders, a jacket under my arm and two unwieldy suitcases, I drag myself towards the huge building. Terminal 2. The people around me are hectic, a little girl in a bobble hat is crying, an elderly lady waves one last time sentimentally to an elderly man. My suitcases roll behind me with piercing clicking sounds, which I don't really notice myself, as I'm too lost in my thoughts. What lies ahead of me? Will I find the right way? Have I forgotten something? What do you need for half a year?

About a year ago, I was in the middle of planning my exchange semester and despaired at the attempt to squeeze my Würzburg life into my suitcases. How was that supposed to work? What is really important and what can safely stay at home? If you just google it briefly, you'll find countless packing lists for the exchange semester, and these are often incredibly helpful. Nevertheless, after the exchange semester you've gathered your own packing experience and at the latest, once you've successfully packed all your souvenirs and mementos into your suitcase for the return flight, you can judge quite well what is really important and what can safely stay at home. That's why I want to remind you of the important things and give additional tips on what can be helpful during an exchange semester.

Less is more – except when it comes to documents

The biggest problem when packing is filling the limited capacity with the essentials. Especially with clothing, it's often difficult to make a decision and not pack your entire wardrobe. In general, the recommendation is: less is more – except when it comes to documents. You can buy a few missing t-shirts abroad, but it's difficult to get missing documents afterwards. Important documents include: identity card, driving licence, vaccination certificate, proof of enrolment, invitation letter from the foreign university, flight and train tickets. You should also think about additional foreign health insurance and pack proof of it if necessary. Finally, it's helpful to note down the names and numbers of the most important contacts at the university, find out about the route beforehand, print out directions and take hotel or hostel documents with you.

Finances – inform yourself beforehand

Before going abroad, you should make sure that you have access to your accounts whilst abroad. This tip may seem obvious, but an Erasmus fellow student actually forgot to set up an online banking account and had a lot of stress at the beginning of the exchange semester because of it. Depending on which country you're going to and how long you want to study there, you should also consider whether it's worth opening an account abroad. In many countries this is not necessary for a short period of time, but this is somewhat country-specific. In some countries, payment is almost exclusively by credit card, cash is rather unusual and sometimes cannot be accepted at all. It's advisable to pack some foreign currency in your wallet for the journey. A TAN generator, preferably with spare batteries, should definitely go in your luggage.

Something familiar – pack a piece of home

Sometimes it's the little things that give you a sense of security and the feeling of home. I was delighted at the time when I could decorate my new room right at the beginning with photos of my loved ones and a small LED string of lights, but of course that's quite individual. You can also pack your favourite cuddly toy, posters, or your favourite perfume. All of this makes it easier to get your bearings in the initial phase and your own room feels cosier from the start. You should also remember that some products are not available abroad. Most people miss German bread or muesli whilst abroad. There's unfortunately not much capacity in the suitcase for that, but it's perfect as a souvenir when you get visits from friends or family whilst abroad.

Don't forget

Some things make life abroad or living together in student accommodation easier. You shouldn't forget: power adapter, charging cables for all electrical devices and possibly a power strip. What's also particularly annoying if you forget it for a longer journey: headphones.

A padlock can also be very useful. Important medicines and, for example, contact lenses should be packed in the necessary quantities. A travel first aid kit and especially earplugs belong in the suitcase. Last but not least, you should also think of the foreign university and pack a calculator, paper and pens and possibly a diary. It can really be valuable to have a diary of an exciting time. Sometimes you miss the foreign country that has become familiar to you. In such moments, I like to leaf through my diary a bit and immediately the memories feel very vivid again and the once foreign country feels very close to you again.

Once you've packed everything, it usually starts with circular thinking and an inner voice asking whether you've really packed everything. It's helpful to plan early what you want to take with you and wash all your clothes in good time. It can also help to write a list weeks in advance and keep adding to it whenever something important suddenly occurs to you. Nevertheless, it's important to keep a cool head and let the exchange semester come to you. After all, you can't prepare for every situation and most of the things you might forget can also be bought abroad or borrowed from fellow students.

Sarah Urbanski