5 Things to Remember to Pack When Studying Abroad

1. Fast-drying Towels

When you’re staying in hostels and constantly on the move during your weekend excursions, fast drying towels are a must. The last thing you want to worry about is a sopping wet towel that you don’t have much (private) space to let hang dry. Towels that are made of microfibers are so light weight, making them easy to fit when packing and fast to dry after using them. 

2.Travel Sheets

Just like fast-drying towels, your own lightweight set of sheets can be a huge life saver when it comes to staying in questionable places. Hostels will usually give you access to clean sheets, but on the nights that you check in late or stay in a very booked place, having your own sheets will guarantee you a better night’s sleep. My go-to brand for both the sheets and towels was Cocoon Travel Sheets and Towels. They’re soft, small, and do the trick.

3. Ear Plugs

If you haven’t trained yourself throughout your college years to be an “any circumstances” kind of sleeper, get yourself some ear plugs. They aren't the most comfortable to have lodged in your ears while you sleep, but the key is that you’ll actually be sleeping. In hostels where you have ten to sixteen to a room, not everyone is as suave on the hostel etiquette, and although others might want to wake up before 7am to hit the sights, you may want to take advantage of the “check out by 10am” policy. 

4. Eye Mask

Along with ear plugs, an eye mask is the most beautiful sleeping accessory you can own. When your hostel doesn’t have dark curtains, or curtains at all, you’ll be glad you have an eye mask to shut out the glaring sun or lights that the same un-suave guests turn on first thing in the morning. The combination of a good eye mask and solid ear plugs at night, or even for a midday nap will put you in an oasis of good rest during your nonstop travel weekends. 

5. Portable Charger

The main thing that guests in hostels fight over? Outlets. Not only will you need an adapter that fits with whatever country’s respectable outlet type, but you’ll need your charger of course. My suggestion is to buy a portable charger that also plugs in to an outlet and holds a charge. Have that charger ready and full when you leave for a weekend trip and when you’re pressed for time, on the go, or don’t have access to a wall outlet, you simply connect your phone to it and it charges right in your lap. It’s easy, charges your phone just as fast as an outlet in the wall, and is portable and reserved for you and you alone. Never miss a photo-op, a wifi connection, or be without knowing the time again, because your phone will be fully charged.