What to Pack

Packing for your study abroad adventure

Students who have studied abroad suggest packing certain items in a carry–on luggage, and putting other items in checked baggage. Here’s some suggestions on what to pack and what to buy when travelling to Ireland.

What To Pack
Checklist

Carry–on Luggage

A note about carry–on items: Most commercial airlines now have new regulations regarding what you can and cannot pack in your carry–on luggage. Sharp items like razors, knives, nail files and liquids over 100ml are banned in carry–on luggage on most flights.
In general, there are some very important items you will NOT want to pack in your checked baggage; rather, you will want to have them handy at all times and packed in your carry–on bag. These items are:

  • Passport
  • Visa
  • Tickets
  • Prescription medicine
  • Glasses
  • Money (For taxi rides to and from airports, phone calls, emergencies, etc…)
  • Other official documentation including Final Acceptance Letter and Guardianship Forms
  • Change of clothes (in case of delays)

Carry–on Luggage

A note about carry–on items: Most commercial airlines now have new regulations regarding what you can and cannot pack in your carry–on luggage. Sharp items like razors, knives, nail files and liquids over 100ml are banned in carry–on luggage on most flights.

In general, there are some very important items you will NOT want to pack in your checked baggage; rather, you will want to have them handy at all times and packed in your carry–on bag. These items are:

  • Passport
  • Visa
  • Tickets
  • Prescription medicine
  • Glasses
  • Money (For taxi rides to and from airports, phone calls, emergencies, etc…)
  • Other official documentation including Final Acceptance Letter and Guardianship Forms
  • Change of clothes (in case of delays)
Woman pulling suitcase

Checked Baggage

Less is more. Packing can be especially challenging if you plan to stay abroad for a relatively long time. You want to have as many comforts in Ireland as you have at home.

Most airlines have strict baggage limits which means you are most likely going to acquire things in Ireland, including souvenirs, clothes, gifts, etc… You will need some extra packing space in order to fit in these newly acquired items for your return trip home.

Packing takes planning, and you will most likely pack and re–pack a number of times before you’re satisfied.

Other Things to Bring

In addition to the regular necessities like underwear, clothes, and shoes, you may also need a few other things. The following is a list of items you may not have thought you needed or wanted to take with you. See if you forgot to pack any of the following:

  • A good hooded waterproof jacket (a must in Ireland!)
  • Proof of Travel Insurance
  • Money Belt
  • Backpack (for class and for day–trips)
  • Camera/Journal
  • Prescriptions (translated)
  • A few family photos (so you don’t get homesick)
  • Dress set of clothes (just in case you go somewhere fancy)
  • Gift (it may be appropriate to bring your host family a simple gift from home)
  • An inventory list of the items you packed in your checked baggage, in case you need to make an insurance claim on lost luggage
  • Identification tags with your contact information on them, attached both outside and inside your checked bags and carry–on bags
Bundles of pages clipped together
Soaps and shampoos

What to Buy When You Get There

Not having to worry about certain items spilling or breaking, and not packing certain items saves space. You could buy many inexpensive items when you arrive in Ireland rather than pack them. Consider buying items like shampoo, soap and an umbrella in Ireland.

Checklist

  • Have you researched the weather conditions across seasons in Ireland?
  • Did you remember to pack all important travel documents in your carry–on, not your checked bags?
  • Have you made a list of items you will need to buy when you arrive?
  • Have you packed as lightly as possible, remembering to roll instead of fold your clothes?
  • Did you make an itemized list of everything you packed in your suitcases?
  • Do you know how much luggage your airline allows?
Students walking and talking

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