Packing for Success with Study Abroad

Two days before I was bound to leave for Australia, I sat in my room with the contents of my entire closet around me. For the first time in years, I was incredibly uncertain about what was ahead and incredibly uncertain about what to pack to prepare for those uncertainties. Over the years, I’ve become quite adept at packing and moving, by traveling from Hawaiʻi to Georgia for school at least twice a year. I know where to leave room for trinkets, which outfits to bring with me, and other necessities. My friends say I have packing down to a science. I know the weather in Australia will be like conditions at home. I’ve done research on what I should and shouldn’t bring. I’ve read blog posts and student stories and tried to account for every eventuality.  

Still, I’m unsure. Everyone keeps telling me, “This experience will change who you are as a person.” How am I supposed to pack to account for that? It felt like a monumental task—one I wasn’t ready to face. But my flight was scheduled to leave in a few days and it was truly now or never. So, I fell back on my trusty list, developed from my bi-annual migration from Maui to Atlanta.  

After living in Townsville for a while, I’ve made five key adjustments to that list.  

1. Poster putty

I want to feel at home wherever I land, using pictures and trinkets to decorate my room. But I didn’t account for brick and cinder walls—not ideal for the posters, pictures, and fairy lights I brought. Thankfully, my new roommate had blue tack on hand. She had a similar experience coming from Canada to Australia to do her master’s degree, and I was thankful that I had a roommate who knew exactly what I was going through.  

2. Plug adapters

Despite my research, I did not know my U.S. plugs would not work here. This was my first time leaving the country, and I did not know different countries had different outlets. Que, my new roommate, didn’t hesitate to take me to Big W (the Australian version Walmart) to get adapters. My phone was on the verge of losing power, but she was there to help.  

3. Reusable shopping bags

I didn’t know the term “shlepping” before I spent last summer in San Francisco. But carrying lots of things that slow your travel could not be more applicable than when you’re in a foreign country without a car. I quickly discovered that having reusable shopping bags is not only more eco-friendly, it also eases schlepping. I have used my solitary Foodland-branded bag for quite literally everything: trips to Woolworth’s, toting an extra layer to class, laundry basket, and gym bag. With its large Hawaiian flag and cartoon dancing musubis, that bag became a conversation starter. It’s easy to feel isolated when you’re in a new place, with pressure to assimilate or blend in. The past few weeks, however, have given me the opportunity to be proud of where I come from and provided a way to connect with strangers.  

4. Hair products

For all of my curly girls, bring the products you know work for you. Trying to skimp on weight in my checked bag, I left my favorite leave-in conditioner and curl cream behind, thinking I could buy a larger supply once I arrived. But the stores and chemists (pharmacies) have few options for curly hair. I spent an embarrassing amount of time scanning every bottle, looking for close equivalents. (This did introduce me to try a new brand, a relative success.)  

5. Flexibility

It’s not something you pack, but I’ve been thinking a lot about it as I begin to meet new friends and settle in. No matter how much you prepare, plan, and check off those lists, you will still forget something. Maybe it’s a pair of pants you really wanted to wear, or a toothbrush, or a plug adapter (rookie mistake). It’s hard to just go-with-the-flow sometimes. But in moments of uncertainty and change, I’ve found myself softening to the idea of being more flexible throughout the process. Small things can be replaced, and larger things can be borrowed. Instead of purchasing things I would discard before I leave, I’ve sought out borrowing from those around me, and in doing so, I’ve made connections with new friends.  

I don’t think the girl sitting on her floor surrounded by her closet knew what she was truly getting herself into. I don’t think there is a formula to pack for success. I thought I knew what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised by the actuality of the experience. And, perhaps, that’s the best part. 

Tallulah S. | Emory University | James Cook University, Townsville, Australia | Fall 2025