FOREIGN Study Wardrobe

I spent a quarter (13 weeks) in Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan, when I was in college. My daughter  ( above in MY sunglasses) has grown up on those stories She's chosen to spend a semester in Britain, specifically Edge Hill University outside Liverpool. We are working on a list of clothes to bring. Here's the first draft.

A worst case scenario is not being able to do laundry for 2 weeks. In the real world of college, it might be more than that, but you can't afford the luggage expense.


Every day clothes for going to class and hanging out with friends

• 10 to 15 everyday tops
• 5 to 7 everyday bottoms … jeans, khakis, something that isn't jean and khakis and a skirt.
• Try to have at least 2 tops to go with every bottom. The more limited the item, the further down the priority list you should move it.

Dress up … Think dancing & clubbing. In addition, sometimes colleges have events/dinners for foreign exchange students. You will need both kinds of “dress up” clothes.

• 1 to 2 serious adults-are-around outfits. This can be a blazer to go over a pair of pants that aren't jeans or your everyday skirt. Try to use some pieces from your everyday wardrobe.
• 1 or 2 out-on-the-town outfits. Again try to use some pieces from your everyday wardrobe.

Shoes

• 1 to 2 pairs of walk-all-day shoes
• 1 pair of heels that should be able to to go from meeting the faculty to dancing.
• 1 comfy pair of shoes/slippers for the dorm ... perhaps flip-flops
• Shoes weigh more and take up a lot of luggage space. Be frugal.
• This is where Beth is having the most trouble.

Sloppy and Comfortable: for hanging around the dorm and sleeping in.

• 4 to 5 tops
• 2 bottoms
• Robe (Terry cloth is bulky.  Try something thinner.)
• Include one or 2 things that remind you of home … for example, Ts and sweatshirts from your high school or college.

Undies

• Enough panties, bras, cammies and socks to last 2 weeks
• 2 pairs of tights to go with the skirt ... or leggings
• Make sure you have the right things to go under all the pieces you are bringing.

Outerwear: Look up the weather where you are going. These are the bulkiest things in your suitcase, but they are also the most expensive to buy over there.

• 1 coat for the coldest weather you're likely to experience. Beth is leaving in January, so this will be worn on the plane.
• 1 hoodie … Can be worn alone or added underneath other coats
• 1 water proof coat.
• Beth's comment: But how am I going to pick just 1 hoodie?

Accessories: Because your wardrobe is limited, these give you versatility

• Think dressing up and dressing down.
• Pick items that will go with more than one piece you are taking.
• Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, scarves
• Beth is having trouble with the idea of only 1 purse.

The slush pile:  Pack your suitcase with the minimum.  Weigh it. If it's light, add from the slush pile.  This is the only bring if there's room/available weight.
 
 
Find out if you need to bring

• Towels
• Sheets
• Hangers