Packing Under 50 Pounds of Your Life in One Suitcase

This is a strategic packing list specifically designed for summer in London, but can be used for most countries with some tweaking; amounts vary according to your time abroad and style varies according to the destination and season. Be aware that in London business casual is every day dress - rarely, if ever, will you find people in sweatpants or lazy clothes. This packing list brought my suitcase to 46 pounds, and it was 48 pounds on the way back. 

Clothes:

• Jeans
• Skinny Jeans
• Trench Coat
• Dressy Tops
• Dresses - casual and mildly formal
• Skirts - long and short (in London, shorts, unless worn over black tights - I know, it sounds odd - aren't worn by locals, only tourists; you'll stick out, I promise)
• Tank Tops 
• Cover Ups/Button Downs - in place of sweatshirts on cold days
• T-shirts
• Sweatpants - for lounging around, working out, and plane rides
• Jacket
• Sweaters 

Accessories:

• Scarves - a girl's best accessory, which I only discovered once in London
• Jewelry - not expensive or sentimental stuff, only every day wear that you wouldn't be devastated to lose
• Belt
• Umbrella
• Comfortable - I MEAN EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE - walking shoes 
• Dressy flats 
• Sandals
• Comfortable flats

Toiletries:

• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Toothpaste/Toothbrush
• Hairbrush
• Hairspray - a must in London with wind and rain
• Deodorant
• Body Spray/Perfume
• Hair Ties/Hair Clips 
• Pain Relief Medicine - Advil, Ibuprofen, etc.  
• Prescription Medication - make sure you have enough for the length of your trip
• Blister Pads - you'll be glad you had them
• Face Wash
• Body Wash
• Make-up Remover
• Make-up

Extras:

• Towel 
• Pillow Case - to use as a laundry bag 
• Sheets - if needed, some programs may provide them
• Your favorite bed buddy - this may be a pillow, stuffed animal, or blanket from home
• A picture - mine was of my boyfriend and I 
• A camera/charger/cords
• My phone/charger
• iPod/charger
• Laptop/charger
• Journal
• Notebooks/Folders for school
• Messenger Bag
• Crossbody Purse
• Wallet
• Documents

Packing Tips:

• Roll. Roll. Roll. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them not only creates more space, but also keeps clothes from wrinkling or creasing
• Place heavier items - jeans, jackets, shoes, etc. - at the bottom of your suit case to keep the weight grounded
• Put your toiletries at the top of your suitcase to avoid them being crushed, and consequently spilled/cracked open, during travel
• Wrap your toiletries in Ziploc bags, that way if they do accidentally spill they won't get all over your clothes
• Leave plenty of room (and weight) for bringing things back, or plan on bringing a smaller suitcase back as your carry-on (using your carry-on bag as your personal item)
• Weigh your suitcase before you go to the airport or before you get in line to check in - it will save you, and those in line behind you, time and frustration 

Here are some links to other blogs I found helpful when packing and preparing for my trip:

Study Abroad Packing List: Summer Semester in Europe

Studying Abroad: Packing Tips

Top 15 Items for Studying Abroad in London