5 Things Which Students Should Take with Them to Study for the Erasmus Program

Participating in an Erasmus program is a big responsibility. Not only will you move to a different country and study there, but you will have to take care of yourself, so you need to do a lot of preparation for your trip.

• Packing is an important step in this preparation.

If you have no prior experience moving to another country to live there for a long time, you might find yourself in a rather confusing situation, and forget something you will really need.

Packing is also very stressful, especially due to the fact that students often have no idea of the place they are going to.

To help you organize yourself and your thoughts, here’s a comprehensive packing checklist. We will explain each point to you based on our experience working with students like you (and in case you’re in the doubt of what to pack or not).

Let’s start with the essentials and proceed with optional stuff (that you can pack in case there’s space left in your luggage).

Essentials

Passport or other ID

Self-explanatory.

Driver’s license

Packing a driver’s license is optional since not every student can afford to rent a car. But if you are planning on getting a job as an Erasmus student, you may find something that requires a driver’s license.

Border control documents

Students, traveling to another country to study, require a long-term student’s visa, which, in its turn, requires having mandatory documents. These documents include medical insurance, confirmation of accommodation and other documents.

University correspondence

This includes acceptance letter, student loan information and other documents necessary to check in with your university.

Bank account details and credit card

We advise all our students to have all their money on bank accounts and have all bank account information and a copy of it for safety reasons. Having some cash is advised as well, however, your main funds will be safer on your credit card.

Prescriptions

In case you have a health condition and take prescription drugs, you must have a note from your doctor that will allow you to buy it in a local pharmacy at the place you’re moving to.

Clothes

Regardless of what climate you’ll be living in, you’ll need the following clothing essentials (besides underwear and essentials like trousers, T-shirts, and dresses):

Jackets

Even in the warmest places, it can sometimes be chilly. In Madrid, for example, the average temperature in December is around 10 Celsius (50 Fahrenheit). You may not need a coat, but a jacket might be enough to keep you warm.

Sports clothing

Universities, participating in Erasmus programs, often offer students some sporting events, for which you’ll need to dress accordingly. Besides, sports clothing is more comfortable around for you to move around.

Sneakers

Sneakers are universal footwear for almost every weather. No matter what climate you’ll be living in, sneakers will save the day even if you don’t have sandals or boots with you.

Suits or Evening Gowns

Universities, which participate in Erasmus programs, often organize formal events for the students. In case there’s a dress code, you’ll be in full gear.

• Note: getting familiar with the climate of the place you’re moving to is essential. When packing, take into consideration temperature fluctuations as well as precipitation levels (you might need to grab an umbrella with you). Weather channels like Accuweather or The Weather Channel will give you the idea of which clothes would be the most appropriate.

Electronics

Laptop and a charger

Although all universities, which participate in Erasmus programs, offer the students full access to computers in the libraries. However, this access isn’t always 24/7, so having a laptop with you will allow you to plan your studying time according to your preferences.

A smartphone and a charger

Since the universities take responsibility for the Erasmus students, you are required to have a phone and a local SIM card for them to contact you. Besides, you will need a phone in any case of emergency.

USB flash memory card

Students often forget this item. However, a USB flashcard is the easiest way to store information that you’ll need for studying.

Headphones

Besides listening to music or watching YouTube videos on your phone, you might need headphones for studying, especially if you’re going to study a foreign language.

• Note: it’s optional, but you may also pack a camera with you to capture the most memorable moments during the Erasmus program. However, don’t pack too much electronics with you. Take only those appliances that you will definitely use.

Household

Many households that host Erasmus students, already have all necessary household items that students require. However, you might still grab some kitchenware for your personal use.

Greta Johansson, a researcher at a Philosophyessays and a two-time participant of the Erasmus program, shares her checklist of household items to pack:

Forks, Knife, Table- and Teaspoons

Grab enough kitchenware for your personal use if you don’t want to share it with other members of the household. You can also pack your own mug.

Thermos Flask

As an Erasmus student, you’ll spend the main part of your day at the university, so having something warm to drink with you (especially when it’s cold) will keep you up and running.

Tupperware Containers

Greta recommends having at least one small Tupperware container with you, in which you can pack your snacks before going to your lectures.

• Note: we do not recommend packing frying pans or saucepans. Most households that Erasmus program provides, already have all necessary kitchenware. And if not, we recommend you to have a separate budget for the household items that you can buy upon arrival at a local store.

Healthcare

We already mentioned that if you need to take a prescribed drug, you should carry a prescription with you. However, when packing, there are some healthcare items that you can take with you as your first-aid kit.

Glasses and prescription

Take a prescription with you in case you have to see an ophthalmologist or your glasses need to be fixed.

Multivitamins

Many of our first-time students complain about fast-changing weather and the consequences that they face because of it. For instance, Marta, a participant of an Erasmus program in Cologne, Germany, had trouble adjusting to the cold weather of the city. To avoid consequences like cold or flu, you can grab some multivitamins to boost your immune system and make acclimatization easier.

First Aid Kit

Items like pain relief pills, antibacterial pills, cold and flu medicine, allergy tablets, etc. are a must-have.

• Note: since Erasmus program participants are all required to have insurance, they all have free access to health services. Some universities have on-campus hospitals specifically for students. However, having basic healthcare items with you is essential in case of an emergency.

Passports – Check! Money – Check!

Are You Ready for Your Erasmus Experience?

We swear by this checklist, as we hear the experiences of our students, both beginners and who already participated in an Erasmus program.

You might find that this checklist doesn’t have some things that you would like to take, like towels or bed sheets. While this is a fair concern, we recommend you to have a separate budget for these items and buy them upon arrival, in case you don’t have space for them in your luggage.

All Erasmus participants will also have an advisor who will help them adjust to a new place and can give advice on the essentials that you should have with you.

This checklist contains only essential items that all Erasmus students must bring along with them. Our experience shows that students sometimes pack too many unnecessary items, which they don’t usually need. So, don’t worry, pack these essentials, and you’ll be good to go.