Studying abroad is one of the most exciting times in someone’s life. It is time to reinvent yourself and truly discover who you are. I know that with all of the pre-departure nerves and uneasiness, the last thing you want to spend an extended amount of time on is what to pack for your semester in London. Trust me, I’ve been there, and unfortunately for me: I did not read any blog posts or watch Youtube videos to plan my packing itinerary ahead of time, BUT fortunately for you, since you are reading this post, you are already one step ahead of where I was! Without further ado, here is your Ultimate Packing Guide to a Semester in London:
London has incredible shopping opportunities throughout the city that can be as expensive or inexpensive as you desire. Stores like Primark and H&M are great places to find in-season and trendy pieces, while London is filled with amazing thrift stores in all neighborhoods, which are a great way to shop sustainably while you’re enjoying the city. Don’t worry if you forget any clothing items - as these stores will have everything you need and more.
A huge tip that helped a ton of my friends is this: If you know your family will be visiting around Thanksgiving break, put aside your warmer outfits prior to your departure to London. When they come and visit you in November, they will be able to bring you some of the warmer clothes that you want and then take back the summery clothes. This allows for more space in your suitcase for when you go and return.
Carry-On
Backpack
Passport
Phone & Charger
Laptop & Charger
Tablet & Charger
Headphones & Charger
Portable Charger
Universal Charging Plug
Eye Mask
Credit Card (see if your bank has international fees)
Debit Card
Insurance Card (your regular card + the one your school issues, if applicable)
School ID
State ID
Visa (will be in your passport)
Visa Supporting Documents, if applicable
Photo Copies of Important Documents (Passport, Visa, Social Security Card)
Light Jacket or Sweater (you’ll want one with a hood)
Spare Outfit (in case your luggage is lost)
Prescription medications (remember to pack enough for your whole semester)
Hand Sanitizer
Face Wipes
Cash (helps to exchange to pounds before going, cheaper rates at your local bank)
Reusable Water Bottle
Clothes
1 Pair of fashionable yet walkable athletic sneakers
1 Pair of your favorite booties (short ankle)
1 Pair of your favorite boots
1 Bathing Suit
2 Sports bras
2 Every-day bras
2 Bralettes
Underwear and socks to last you about 2 weeks
2 Casual Dresses
5 Long-Sleeves (You’ll buy more there most likely)
5 T-Shirts (nicer not workout)
2 Sweatshirts
2 Tank Tops
3 Sweaters (You’ll buy more there most likely)
Pajamas (Plan comfy outfits that you would also wear out and about as pajama options to save luggage room)
2 sets of workout outfits
2 Light Jackets (Buy a heavier later in the season there)
2 Leggings
3 Pairs of Jeans (Make sure one of them is black)
3 Pairs of Pants (not Jeans but still cute)
2 Pairs of Sweatpants
2 Pairs of Shorts
Toiletries
London will have basically everything you need toiletries-wise, but the brands may vary. What I recommend is bringing the products you can’t live without, but for the generic products - buy them there.
For your reference, here is everything I bought there:
I fit everything into one larger suitcase, a smaller suitcase, and a backpack going and returning
Black Booties (TK Maxx)
3 Sweaters (Primark & Zara)
2 Long-sleeves (Zara)
Backpack (Urban Outfitters)
2 Pairs of pants (Urban Outfitters & Zara)
1 Pair of Sweatpants
A winter jacket
Gloves
Scarf
All toiletries were bought there besides my medication and makeup remover wipes.
To read more about my semester abroad and London tips in general, feel free to check out my London posts here.
Let me know in the comments below if you plan on studying abroad and if so, where! If you have any more questions about London, study abroad, or anything in general please feel free to leave those below!
