Packing For Four Months

   As I came to the last few weeks in the United States, I figured I should start packing. I had looked at many different blogs that have included a light packing list, but I still felt very unsure on what exactly to pack. The two packing lists that helped me the most were Study Abroad Packing Essentials and The Essential Study Abroad Packing List: Ireland Edition. 

   In the Study Abroad Packing Essentials list, I noticed it suggested two suitcases. This absolutely blew my mind. How was I supposed to pack for four months in just two suitcases?! I'm one of those packers that when I go for a week long trip, I have a day outfit and night outfit for each day, while I will wear my jeans multiple times. As I read both blogs, plus many more, I noticed a pattern. Layers, layers, layers. Ireland is a very rainy country and even though they don't have as harsh winters as Iowa has, it is still chilly. I also read that if you pack shorts, they will stay in your drawers in your accommodation. 

   When it seemed time to begin, I grabbed one large suitcase, one medium suitcase and my roommate. We went through my closet, section by section, and grabbed all the nicer, plain shirts that I have. We then looked at my cardigans and nicer sweaters and decided what shirts I could wear with more than one outfit. If there was a shirt I could only wear with one cardigan and one pair of pants, it went in the "no" pile. After about an hour, we came up with this list:

• 6 Plain print shirts (no words) 
• 4 Cardigans
• 3 Pairs of jeans (no holes or tears)
• 3 Casual dresses
• 1 Nice dress
• 5 Exercise outfits (only if you really plan on working out, don't waste the space)
• 2 Pairs of nice heals (for presentations or nice dinners with friends)
• 1 Pair calf high boots 
• 1 Pair good rain boots
• 1 Pair good walking shoes (again, only if you plan on hiking)
• 1 Pair tennis shoes
• 2 Pairs of flats (I chose one cute pair that goes with many outfits while also a pair of black ones)
• 2 Weeks worth of undergarments 

• 1 set of personal items
• Makeup that I prefer
• Shower essentials
• Outlet adapter

   I read many articles that said to leave behind my hair tools such as straighteners, curling irons and blow dryers, however, I do not plan on doing this. Sure, I have set aside more money than we budgeted for, but I want to save that so I have a back up and I don't want to spend all my extra money on things that are fairly simple to pack and that I already have. This really is up to you and how much room you have in your suitcases. Remember: you will be bringing back more than you take over so leave room for souvenirs!

   In my carry on, I have packed an extra set of clothes, travel size shower stuff, toothbrush and toothpaste, chargers, a book, a notebook and pens, travel blanket and headphones. 

   An important thing to remember is that people in Europe dress much nicer than the United States. Sweats or leggings are inappropriate to wear in public and will make you come off as being a slob. While studying abroad, you are representing yourself, your country and your home university. 

   Today is 13 days away from my take off date and it's starting to become real to me. These next couple of weeks will be busy, but it will be the start of the biggest adventure of my life up to this point.