What To Pack

The biggest tip I can give about packing to go abroad is this: pack light. If you like fashion and shopping, please, please, please only bring your favorite pieces. I can guarantee that you will be shopping when abroad. Germany is cold almost year round (at least to me), so be sure to pack more winter clothes than summer clothes. Always budget for the worst case fiscal scenario. Otherwise, make sure that you will have a stable allowance while abroad.

Another important thing to note is that Germans tend to line dry their clothing, so you might not have access to a dryer. It is best to bring clothes that don't need to be hand washed, because your clothes will most likely be washed with theirs (unless you specifically indicate that you want to wash your own, but that will depend on your family).

This list is brought to you by my cohort's brains :)  **Before packing, PLEASE do yourself a favor and check the TSA travel regulations!**

Before we move on, look at this picture and follow the directions so that you can pack your luggage efficiently! Rolling and packing order is *KEY*. HOWEVER: I do not recommend putting your pants on the bottom as the picture shows. Spread your jackets on the bottom instead. 

The rationale is that it will be hard to get out and your clothes risk unrolling. As my brother says: The clothes need to be easy to pack in and easy to get out. #GoodThinking

winter essentials

• 1 warm coat
• 1 pair of water resistant boots 
• 1 pair of gloves (something warm, or you will regret it--texting gloves are not going to cut it)
• 1 warm hat 
• 1 scarf (scarves are huge in Germany, so many people end up buying a huge load of them. However, bring one just in case you aren't near a city or can't go shopping)
• 1 raincoat/windbreaker  

regular clothes

• 7-8 outfits--bringing basics that can be layered will serve double duty
• pajamas and lounge clothes (I just used all the AFS/long camp t-shirts I had, but if you want, remember to bring some)
• 1 nice outfit for special events (don't forget the shoes)
• extra socks, underwear, other undergarments 
• 1 pair of slippers to wear in the house (preferably not flip flops) 
• sneakers 
• swimsuit 

toiletries 

Remember, you need to keep liquids in plastic baggies; these things can also be brought in travel sized amounts to save room and to bring down the weight of your luggage. 

• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• lotions
• shampoo/conditioner 
• soap
• razor
• shaving cream
• floss
• brush
• contacts and contact solution; be sure to bring enough to last your entire year (for those who need them)
• glasses (for those who need them)
• girls: anything you need for that time of the month
• year supply of medication for those who need it (unless you are sure you can get it in Germany--make sure you know all the names of the medication, and bring a legible prescription from your doctor) 

extracurricular activity materials 

• sports gear
• instruments 
• art materials 

foods

• peanut butter (almost non-existent, otherwise super expensive. If you can't live without this, bring some.)
• assortment of American candy 
• anything ethnic, unless you're living in a large city
• brownie mix 

travel

• emergency phrasebook/dictionary
• wallet with some cash (Euros)
• passport
• boarding pass
• two 2x2 pictures for resident permit when you get there

technology

• Calculator (German graphing calculators are so different)
• laptop
• iPod/iPad
• camera
• adapters/converters
• batteries
• small travel alarm
• watch, because being on time is extremely important in the German culture! ( make sure to adjust it for the time zone when you get there)

misc

• journal (so you can write down all your cool experiences!)
• presents for host family--Germans like either a) decorative items or b) practical things 

possible presents: foods/stuff from your hometown , US picture book, alphabet keyboard stickers for kids, football, NFL/state t-shirts/American brand clothes 

• stuff to show school about the US
• your yearbook
• measuring tape with the metric system (they use SI)