At some point in your UCLA career, you may consider taking time to study abroad, whether it be through UCLA Travel Study, UCLA Global Internship programs, UC Education Abroad Program or the UCLA Exchange program. I am very lucky to be able to say I had the privilege of taking my studies to Paris this past summer with the Global Studies: Global Challenges in Post-Colonial France programcq
. This program was more than just an enriching educational experience – I made the best memories with my fellow classmates while we explored the sprawling city around us.
The last thing you want while you immerse yourself in your new surroundings is to be bugged by the essential items you forgot to bring. Aside from the do-or-die must-haves like your passport which you (hopefully) already thought to pack, I – along with some of my fellow Bruins studying in Paris and beyond – thought of a few more items that we deemed to be must-haves while abroad.
Here are some essentials you won’t want to forget:
Warm jackets and rain gear
It may seem like a given, but I cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared for the rain – it might sneak up on you! This includes a rain coat or waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes and most importantly, an umbrella. Also consider that you may make last-minute plans to take a trip outside of your base city, which may have different weather conditions that you should be prepared for.
During my trip, the intense heat wave of the first week turned into another three weeks split between rain and sun. There were many times in which I regretted not leaving room in my bag for a thicker jacket.
A pre-prepared list of places to go
Knowing which spots you want to visit on your downtime will streamline your first week and allow you to explore the city with intention. I recommend spending the early days on tourist spots so that you can spend the rest of your trip wandering through the city and returning to your favorite places. Some of my best memories were made in smaller restaurants which someone had marked down ahead of the trip and to which we made a point to return.
A journal
Journaling may not be for everyone, but studying abroad has a unique way of surprising you with habits you may not have enjoyed before (I regretted not bringing a journal almost immediately). Even if you don’t end up using the journal for journaling, it’s always good to have some pen and paper handy for notes or grocery lists. And, if you decide to journal, it’s an excellent way to document your time well traveled.
Appropriate formal and night-time attire
Many destinations outside of the United States have a different dress code for activities like seeing live music or going to a club. Do research on the kinds of clothes and fashion that are standard in the destination you have chosen and pack a few different options. In the case of a fellow Bruin who traveled to Berlin, black attire was practically enforced as the standard night-life uniform.
Detergent, tide pens and wrinkle spray
Depending on your housing accommodations and the duration of your trip, you may consider bringing your own detergent instead of buying it there.
As someone who never used a Tide Pen before this summer, it became a hot commodity among my friend group and was helpful when someone had a food stain or a bloody nose.
Additionally, wrinkle spray comes in handy if you don’t have the option to hang up all of your clothes or if you need to be ready in a crunch.
A multi-tool
Whether it be for a set of pliers, a bottle opener or a pair of scissors, a multi-tool will be of great use to you and your friends and is a life-long travel investment.
Electronics: Heat styling tools and an adapter
The outlets where you travel are likely to be different than the outlets used in the United States. You want to be prepared with an adapter that can adjust to specific power-output demands.
With an adapter, it is easier to use personal heat styling tools (which can sometimes damage outlets if the right precautions are not taken). This way you won’t need to buy new tools when you arrive.
Other miscellaneous essentials:
- Cash in the local currency: Many establishments do not accept cards and ATM fees can take a bite out of your budget.
- Portable charger: Maps can drain your phone quickly!
- Tote or medium-sized bag: Suitable for class, shopping or short trips.
- Handheld fan: Not all places have air conditioning!
- Medicine and electrolytes: It’s inevitable that at least one person on your program gets sick.
- Water bottle: You may be walking a lot, so make sure you stay hydrated!
- Disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer: Keep germs away when out and about, and when in your own space.
- Bathing suit: Your hotel may have a pool available to use.
Whatever you choose to pack, your time abroad is sure to be amazing. Just make sure that you leave some extra room in your suitcase for your bulky souvenirs, thrift finds and memories of your time abroad!
