Packing for a semester abroad is one thing. Packing for two years of grad school in another country is something else entirely. With two checked bags, a carry-on, and a personal item, I’ve had to make clear choices about what comes with me—and what stays to make space for the life I’m building.

This guide is the exact checklist and system I’m using as I prepare for San Sebastián and the Master’s in Gastronomic Sciences at the Basque Culinary Center. It’s practical and thorough, but it’s also values-driven: lighter, intentional, rain-ready, and designed to protect my energy as a neurodivergent student rebuilding with purpose.

Use what helps. Leave what doesn’t. Make it yours.

How to Use This Guide

Two checked bags + carry-on + personal item: I show what lives where for my travels.

Rain-ready Basque autumn: layers, waterproofs, fast-dry pieces for what I need.

ADHD-friendly system: color-coded cubes, “last-minute tote,” and a pre-zip checklist.

Counts, not perfection: target ranges (e.g., 7–10 tops) so you can adapt.

I made this list for myself when beginning a new semester in the fall. Please adjust accordingly depending on when you will first arrive abroad.

Quick-Start: 7-Day Basque Autumn Capsule (mix-and-match)

Tops: 4 tees, 2 long-sleeves, 1 light blouse
Layers: 1 cardigan, 1 fleece or sweatshirt, 1 breathable rain shell
Bottoms: 2 jeans/trousers, 1 lighter pant, 1 comfy travel pant/legging
Footwear: waterproof sneaker, casual shoe/loafer, ankle boot (water-resistant)
Accessories: compact umbrella, scarf, small crossbody, wool beanie (optional)
Underthings: 7–10 underwear, 3–4 bras/sports bras, 7 socks (2 wool)

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

1) Absolute Essentials (Carry-On Only)

Passport + 4 photocopies
Visa approval/receipt + consulate checklist (printed)
Admission letter (stamped/signed) + housing confirmation
Insurance certificate (English + Spanish if available)
Proof of funds/sponsorship letter(s)
Flight itinerary + onward/return info
Emergency contacts list (paper + digital)
Phone with eSIM plan/SIM unlock confirmed
Credit/debit cards (2–3, separate locations), €100–€200 cash
Document organizer (accordion with tabs): IDs, medical, academic, finance
One full outfit (top/bottom/underwear/socks) in case of luggage delay

Pro tip: put a card with your name, email, and address inside every bag, just in case.

2) Money & Admin

Banking: travel notification set, ATM/FX fees checked
Wise/Revolut or similar for EUR transfers
Copies of key agreements (lease, tuition, support)
Small pouch with passport photos (4–6)
USB with PDFs of documents (encrypted) + cloud backups

3) Tech & Content Kit

Laptop + charger
Phone charger + power bank (airline-safe, in carry-on)
Universal EU plug adapters (2–3) + short extension (EU plug)
External SSD (backup) + 2 USB sticks
Earbuds/headphones (wired + BT)
Small tripod or clamp mount (content capture)
Travel power strip (EU) without surge protection if flying
Cable ties/labels + tech pouch

Note: lithium batteries and power banks go in carry-on.

4) Health & Meds

Personal prescriptions (original bottles, 90-day supply if possible)
Printed medication letter (generic names + dosages)
Mini first-aid: bandages, blister pads, antiseptic wipes
Pain/fever reducer, antihistamine, motion relief
Electrolyte packets; travel-size heat/cold patches
Eye mask + earplugs (carry-on)
Reusable water bottle (empty through security)

5) Wardrobe (Counts are targets—adjust for you)

Tops

4–6 tees (mix of short/long sleeve)
2–3 blouses/knits (dress-up/down)
2 performance long-sleeves (quick-dry)

Layers

1 mid-layer fleece or sweatshirt
1 cardigan/light sweater
1 breathable waterproof shell (hooded)
1 medium-weight coat (Oct/Nov arrival buffer)

Bottoms

2 jeans or structured trousers
1 lighter pant/chino
1 comfortable legging/jogger (travel/class)

Dresses/Skirts (optional)

1–2 versatile pieces that work with tights + boots

Underthings

7–10 underwear
3–4 bras (include 1 sports bra)
7–10 socks (2–3 wool or wool-blend)

Sleep/Active

1–2 pajamas
1 light workout set
Swimsuit (Donostia beaches + spa days)

Rain-Ready Kit

Compact umbrella
Waterproof shoe spray
Quick-dry scarf

6) Footwear (aim for 2–3 pairs)

Waterproof sneaker (walkable, neutral)
Casual shoe/loafer (class/going out)
Water-resistant ankle boot (lug sole for slick stones)

Tip: Break in shoes before you fly. Add thin insoles; pack blister pads.

7) Accessories

Daypack/tote for classes + markets
Small crossbody with zipper (anti-pickpocket)
Lightweight scarf/shawl (warmth + style)
Minimal jewelry (capsule)
Packable tote (groceries/laundry)

8) Toiletries (3-1-1 savvy)

Travel sizes in a clear quart bag (carry-on)
Shampoo/conditioner (solid bars travel well)
Face wash/moisturizer/SPF
Makeup capsule (multi-use)
Hair tools (dual-voltage or EU-specific)
Period products (cycle-start buffer)
Nail kit, tweezers, razor, mini brush
Microfiber towel (if needed)

Note: you can buy full sizes in Spain—pack the first 1–2 weeks only.

9) Laundry & Garment Care

6–8 mesh laundry bags (sort whites/darks/delicates)
1–2 solid stain sticks or sheets
Travel clothesline + a few clothespins
Lint roller; mini sewing kit
Few dryer balls or wool balls (if dryers available)

10) Academic / Study

2 notebooks (A5) + 1 folder
Pens/highlighters + sticky tabs
Small planner or digital calendar workflow
Kindle/e-reader (class PDFs, leisure reading)
Reusable water bottle + small thermos/coffee mug

11) Kitchen/Arrival Food (light)

Silicone zip bags (2–4) & 1 foldable container
Spork/compact cutlery & corkscrew (checked bag)
Small spice sampler (sealed; checked)
2–3 familiar snacks for Week 1
Reusable shopping bag

You’ll set up your kitchen there—bring only what eases your first week.

12) Room Comforts (compact)

Pillowcase from home (sensory/familiar)
2–3 small photos/cards
Travel candle (tin; check airline rules) or lavender sachet
Tiny string lights (USB) for soft light

13) Travel-Day “Go Bag” (personal item)

Passport/wallet/phone
Document folder + pen
Headphones + power bank + cords
Hand sanitizer/wipes + lip balm
Snacks + empty bottle
Eye mask + socks + light layer
One change of clothes + underwear
Basic meds (pain/anti-nausea)

14) Emergency & Safety

Mini flashlight (USB)
Extra doorstop or portable lock (optional)
Copies of prescriptions and glasses/contact script
Local emergency numbers saved (112 = EU emergency)
Offline maps for Donostia + campus area

Where Everything Lives (My Bag Strategy)

Carry-On (roller): 1–2 outfits, tech pouch, toiletries quart bag, meds, sleep kit, document organizer back-up, small comforts.
Personal Item (backpack): passport wallet, phone, power bank, cords, snacks, water bottle, eye mask, notebook, pen.
Checked Bag #1 (Clothing Core): capsule wardrobe, underwear/socks, one extra layer, packing cubes (color = category).
Checked Bag #2 (Shoes + Etc.): shoes (in bags), rain shell/coat, laundry kit, room comforts, study supplies, kitchen light kit.

Pro Tip: Color code your cubes (e.g., blue = tops, green = bottoms, red = layers, yellow = underthings) to find things fast on long travel days.

ADHD-Friendly Packing Flow (Fast + Calm)

Stage by category on bed/floor.
Cull once (ask: does it serve comfort, study, or rain?).
Cube by color; list what’s in each cube on a sticky note.
Photograph each open bag before zipping (visual inventory).
Weigh each bag (aim 48–49 lbs if your limit is 50).
Pre-Zip Checklist (next section).

Pre-Zip Checklist (Print This)

Passport + docs copied to cloud/USB
Meds packed + letter printed
Power bank in carry-on (not checked)
Liquids all ≤100 ml in 1 quart bag
Shoes sprayed (waterproofing) & packed toe-to-heel
One “first-night” outfit easy to reach
Address card inside every bag
Bags weighed and labeled
Photos of bag contents saved
Keys/cards/cash separated (not all eggs in one basket)

What Not to Pack (and Why)

Giant toiletries: heavy, leak-risk; buy there.
Multiple formal outfits: one versatile “nice” look is enough.
Single-use kitchen gadgets: wait until you truly need them.
Too many shoes: 2–3 solid pairs beat 6 mediocre ones.
Non-dual-voltage hair tools: will fry or need a costly converter.

Final Thoughts

This list is thorough because the change is big. But the point isn’t to drag your whole life across the ocean—it’s to make space for the life you’re about to live. Pack for comfort, rain, learning, and momentum. The rest, Spain will teach you.

If you used this list, I’d love to know what you added or skipped. Your version helps the next student (and future me) pack even smarter.

What’s one thing you packed for a long trip that you never used?

If you had to choose: extra shoes or extra layers?

What’s your non-negotiable comfort item for a new country?

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My Ultimate Packing Checklist for Grad School Abroad (Two Bags, One New Life)