What to pack for a study abroad period? With packing list!

It is very important to check your airline's allowancs in terms of weight and size of your pieces of lugagge. I'd recommend to try and find something in your home that is as big as possible and still fits to these rules.
Look for a large major suitcase, a small carry-on suitcase and a backpack/handbag. For the carry-on and the backpack/handpack choose something that you can use for weekend trips at your destination or daybag for uni as well.

Next on this post is going to be a very long and detailed packing list (for girls, by the way) that I used and extended for my study abroad time. It is important not just to use this one though. Everyone of us is unique and needs and wants different things. So, go through it, think about every point and cross out what does not make sense for you or the destination you are going to.

On the other hand, print out a list eaarly and have it laying around on your desk. You will see that often there are everyday situation that make you think of "Oh, how will I do that abroad?" and you realise you need to add an item to your list. Don't try to pressure you in sitting down for a few minutes and trying to think of everything then. You will surely forget something important. It simply takes a bit of time and it will all come naturally - if you give it time.

I know you probably want to take much more than you should. Collect the majority of the things a bit earlier already and simply try to fit them into the bags you are going to take with you. This way you will see how much you still need to cut down on things. 

In case you happen to have to much, here are a few orientations:

• don't pack too many fancy clothes. It is not a normal holiday, so you will pretty much need what you wear at home everyday, too. 
• pack basics, so things that are fantastic for combining and layering.
• don't take too many toiletries. Sure, for some you might want to have special brands, but check out whether you can buy them in whatever country you are going to as well and then only take travel sized toiletries for the start. 
• think about sending a parcel to your destination country in case you really need more than you can fit (e.g. for winter coats). It is probably cheaper than adding a second suitcase and much more comfortable for you. Simply send it away a few days before you leave. This way you make sure it arrives a few days after you have in your new home country.

clothing:

• trousers (jeans, short, long)
• dresses, skirts
• tops (tshirts, jumpers, blouses)
• jackets (cardigan, waterproof, coat)
• leggins, sweat trousers
• pyjamas
• underwear (socks, pants, bras)
• bathing suit, sports clothing
• shoes (flat, high heel, sneaker, running shoes, boots)
• scarf, hat, gloves
• belt, watch
• university specific clothing (uniform, business attire)

toiletries and so on:

• tooth brush, tooth paste
• deodorant, shaver
• make up
• body lotion, facial cream
• soap, shampoo, shower gel, conditioner, facial scrub
• hair brush, hair bands, clips
• sun cream, hair spray, dry shampoo
• tampons,contraception
• little mirror, tweezers, nail file, clippers
• jewellery
• nail polish, nail polish remover
• tissue packages
• medicine!
• bag for showering/going to the bathroom

in your accommodation:

• pillow, small blanket
• towels (face body, hair, beach)
• sleeping mask, ear plugs
• slippers
• some decoration/souvenri from home (fairy lights, photos,..)
• bag for laundry
• charger for all devices, converter
• laptop, phone, camera, tablet
• hair drier, straighter
• stationary: note pad, pens,
• diary, dictionary, book/ereader
• sewing kit
• some plastic dishes

going exploring:

• small bag for your valuables
• disinfection gel
• small "survival kit" with brush, deodorant, pen, tampon, tissues, ...
• sunglasses
• umbrella
• wallet

on the way:

• food, drink in a reusable bottle
• puzzles, tiny game
• power bank
• head phones
• tickets

valuables:

• passport, ID
• visa documents, insurance documents
• cash in foreigh currency
• copies of all important documents
• folder for all important documents
• list of important passwords
• your banks phone number, access documents
• confirmation of enrollment

• I left out how much to pack of what. This obviously depends on a number of factory, for example, how often do you do sports? Are you goign to live by the sea? How long will your stay be? So think about all these things when planning the amounts. In general it is good to have at least 2 of everything, so one can be in the wash while you wear the other one.
• For plenty of things on the list I'd apply the rule: bring one, buy the next one there. This is mainly for inexpensive things like the stuff inthe toiletry section. So e.g. I would take a travel sized shampoo to have something for the first few days and then buy a big one there.
• However, it is a difference if you need a special brand of something. Check in advance whether you can buy the brand in your host country. If not, bring a bigger amount.
• Pro tipp: travel sized  toiletries are great for week end trips and so on, so absolutely keep the empty packaging somewhere!
• Also, some of the things simply won't make sense when you go to a tropcial or northern country. But still think of e.g. indoor swimming pools or some holidays you migth want to go on in an adjacient country where you might need a warmer coat.