Study Abroad: My BackPack

In two weeks I'll be boarding a plane to Spain! While I don't have all my documents yet (procrastination) here is an over view of what I'm taking with me on the plane. I'll also post what's going in my suitcase that I'm taking with me on the plane once I leave. (Lets be honest that's not happening until Labor Day weekend)

I have The  Northface Borealis backpack in black because I figured it would show stains less, and help me blend in a bit. I'll be bringing this as my "purse" on the plane so that I can have everything important with me. Not the most fashionable bag, but sometimes practicality wins out.

Clockwise starting with my laptop. 

Laptop: Obvious enough, too precious to pack! 

Water bottle:Make sure it's empty! I bring mine so that the stewards can fill it up during the "night" (Make sure to ask nicely and treat them like people) 

Wallet

iPhone charger:Playing music and searching for WiFi in airports drains my battery, so this is the perfect way to make sure it's charged for when I arrive at my destination.

Compact Mirror/Polka dot make-up bag: I bring mascara, oil sheets and cover-up with me to freshen up in the bathroom before grabbing my luggage. 

Blue pencil bag/Gold Dot notebook: In case I need to write things down, like blog posts or random thoughts. I always have something like this with me. 

Lilly Agenda:Basically my life. Of course it's coming with me. 

Charging cords: Easy access to charge any of my devices in airports!

iPad:I can read, watch movies and play games to try and entertain myself on my long flight!

Accordion folder: This has al of my important information in it! This way I have plenty of ways to help myself if something happens,

Not Pictured

Camera: For pictures

Food: You never know what the airplane food will be like or if you'll have a longer lay over than expected. 

Travel Papers: Make sure to have multiple forms of i.d., your passport, your visa, your insurance and copies of all of them. Keep some copies in your suitcase, and on you. 

What do you bring with you? 

xoxo

Study Abroad: Clothes Packing List

I'm really excited to finally start my study abroad series! I leave in 28 days, and I know that it's going to fly by. Every Monday in August I will be posting about my study abroad packing process.

First is what clothes I'm packing. Read: this does not mean shoes (whole different post).

Layering is key:Since I am going to be studying abroad during two major season shifts, I am going to have to layer. That's why I'm bring sweaters and button ups as well as cardigans and t-shirts. I want to stay true to my classic, preppy style while being able to mix & match.

Buy statement pieces there: If you don't know about the magical world of H&M you need to find one. Since I will be there for 4 months I want to kind of blend in, so I am looking to get trendier pieces at H&M. It's cheaper this way and my suitcase will be lighter.

Basically my plan is K.I.S.S. , keep it simple stupid. This way I have what I need but don't spend a lot of time wondering what I am going to wear.

What would you add clothing wise to this list? Any other tips for studying abroad?


xoxo

Packing Tips: Going Home

The end of the year is especially stressful because not only do you have finals, but you have to pack up your room and say good-bye to friends for two to three months!

While packing, there is always that moment where you panic about how all of this stuff fit in your room, and how you're going to pack it all again.

{one} Separate & Label: separate parts of your room: kitchen, desk, nightstand/dresser, closet, and bathroom/toiletries. Than make sure to label what you put in each box. Trust me, when you're trying to figure out what is in each box when you're unpacking you will thank me!

{two} Invest in Plastic Bins: While I use small paper boxes to organize each inside of each bin, plastic bins are a great investment. You'll continue to use them, and they keep your school things dry and safe where ever you have to store them for the summer!

{three} Split Up Packing: With finals and packing it can be difficult to have time. But schedule an hour or two everyday as a study break! Put on your favorite TV show, movie or playlist and just start packing! I always start with the little things, like wall decorations, pictures and trinkets.

Hopefully these help you get started! I know packing is always the most daunting for me because I have no idea how I packed everything in the first place!

Are you home already? How do you find the motivation to pack?

xoxo