Travel tips

Before you can start the memorable experience of studying away, you first have to pack. To reduce any existing stress and put to rest any questions, consider the advice of fellow NYU students to master the art of packing.

Quench Thirst

Buying water can quickly add up. CAS junior Nicole Lee, who studied away in Florence last spring, said bringing a water bottle with you in an easy trick to save money.

“I always tell people to bring a plastic water bottle, since water isn’t free in Europe,” Lee said. “Having a bottle around is seriously so helpful.”

Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’

To find that delicate balance of packing lightly yet enough to maximize every available nook and corner, start by changing the very method of packing clothes. Gallatin junior Daniel Yeom utilized a trick to achieve that exact harmony while packing for
Buenos Aires.

“I recommend rolling your T-shirts instead of folding them to make the most of the luggage space,” Yeom said.

Less is More

Because sightseeing and traveling to different areas are bound to occur while studying away, collecting souvenirs and gifts may be tempting or, for some, inevitable. That is why keeping a light suitcase is key. CAS junior Marta Elliot, who studied in Prague last spring, recommends packing lightly.

“My strategy was to pack light,” Elliot said. “I know that if I pack a huge suitcase, I’ll just end up wearing the easiest two outfits, so I packed things that would match easily — mostly black clothes — and could make different
outfits with.”

Better Safe Than Sorry

Living abroad for a span of weeks or months come with at least some element of the unknown. Be sure to pack essentials, including hygienic items and electronic devices. Stern junior Eddie Shim realized the importance of essentials a bit too late while studying
in Shanghai.

“I regret not taking an umbrella and an electrical outlet converter. It was raining when I arrived and I shorted out one of my chargers,” Shim said.

Steinhardt junior Jordan Williams reflected on her daily lifestyle and brought only what was needed to Paris.

“I thought about all the toiletries that I used in the last 24 hours and I packed all of that,” Williams said. “I thought about what sicknesses I had last semester and if I needed any type of medication.”

CAS sophomore Alexa Greene believes that even a coat can make a huge difference.

“I regret not bringing a winter coat because even though it doesn’t get that cold in Madrid, we do travel outside of the city to places where it does get really chilly,” Greene said. “You travel a lot when you’re abroad so you’re likely to end up in places with different climates than your city’s, so it’s good to prepare for that.”

Seasons Change

In the flurry and excitement of preparing to study abroad, it may slip the minds of many students that seasons exist. The change of temperature — especially in the spring semester that lasts from February to May — calls for two wardrobes. CAS junior Marta Elliot personally found this out during her Prague trip.

“I was told so many times that Prague was a freezing place that I ended up forgetting that I would see the spring too,” Elliot said. “I hadn’t packed any warm weather clothes.”