Here is the packing list that I was using for myself when preparing for my SEP to Sweden in Semester 2. You can use this and adjust accordingly depending on amount of baggage weight you have available and the kind of weather you are expecting to face. I also included some explanations below about some of the stuff I suggest. Oh and I was flying via Qatar Airways which had a student promotion for 40kg of luggage!
This was my first winter ever. Normally I can’t deal with cold well (I flew on January 12th 2016 to Stockholm, Sweden where temperatures were expected to be about -10°C), so I was very prepared with winter clothing. On hindsight, I definitely didn’t need that much winter clothing and should have brought more summer clothes like berms for the months to come zz. I was sure that I would buy clothes while travelling but nope. Various reasons like not having enough time, too expensive or how the cutting was never good etc.
Things you may want to note:
- The maximum size luggage you can bring is about 28 inches.
- If you have 2 luggages, try to pack your items evenly between the 2 bags so that if one bag goes missing, you will still have your second luggage.
1 | Toiletries |
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2 | School items |
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3 | Electronics |
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4 | Clothes |
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5 | Footwear |
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6 | Important items, documents & cards |
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7 | Bags |
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8 | Emergency items |
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9 | Vaccinations |
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10 | Food (Up to you really) |
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11 | Miscellaneous |
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12 | Optional Comfort Items |
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13 | Remember to do SAF Overseas Notification (for guys) | Notify if less than 6 months.
If more than 6 months, apply for exit permit. |
In case you’re wondering about some of the items,
Items | Explanation |
Universal/European Socket Adaptors | If going to Europe, I recommend the Europe-specific ones over the universal ones. While they serve the same purpose, the Europe-specific ones can fit in better without dropping out than universal ones due to the circular cover. See here for picture. You can leave one in your room, the second to bring when travelling and a third for a spare. |
Multiplug extension cord | I would even say this is a necessity. Get one from Singapore as those sold in Europe are obviously meant for their 2 pin plugs, so if you buy it there, you’ll need 4 adaptors to go with it -.-. |
Clothes | Do read up online on layering so that you know what to buy. General rule is that the outermost jacket and your boots should be windproof and waterproof. Quantities are up to personal preference. |
International Driving Permit | I prepared this in Singapore for S$20, but honestly it might not be necessary as our driving license is in English. Still, just in case. If you would like to read up on the application process, you can see here. |
Sling bag / Small backpack | Bring this. Super important so that when you go backpacking you can leave all your stuff in the hostel/bnb and carry this smaller bag as you explore each place. |
Phone IMEI Number & “Find my Phone” | Phone IMEI is your phone’s unique identification number. It’s good to know to help track and check a phone is yours but this is not as important if you lose it overseas. The “Find my Phone” function though is pretty much essential for whatever phone you’re using. |
Vaccinations | Again, optional. I recommend at least those 2 though. Most guys should be fine for tetanus as you took a shot during NS. |
Food | Bring whatever you want. Just providing some recommendations. Campbell soup was a lifesaver for me whenever I was saving on meals, just add hot water and you got breakfast. And I brought Bak Gua for Chinese New Year HAHAHA. (Check the country’s regulations first for any food that you bring in.) |
Vacuum / Thermal Flask | SUPER DUPER IMPORTANT, godly in keeping your hot and cold drinks the way they should be. Otherwise, at least a normal water bottle is essential as most places charge you for water in Europe so you will be drinking tap water a lot. Always check if tap water is safe to drink (most touristy cities / capitals should be safe). |
Flexible Small Lock | Something like this would be very useful. At times you might stay in a hostel where you need to either rent their locks or use your own lock for their lockers. I found this lock to be one of the most versatile ones as it fits into a wide variety of different lock holes. |
Router & Ethernet cable | Another item that I would say is necessary. Your hostel may not provide it and it may be expensive to buy there. A simple one in Singapore may cost like S$25-30 while in Sweden it was at least S$50. |
Rice Cooker |
Another item that I would say is necessary. Super useful for cooking rice and can also double as a steamboat hot pot. I bought Sona SRC2072 model for myself for $42.90 from Courts. It’s a small one that weighed about 2 kg and can cook 2-3 people serving. You can definitely buy cheaper online or for larger sizes, but this size worked for me to fit into my limited luggage size and weight. I also managed to sell it off for about $22 before leaving so I spent about $20 to use it for 4 months, really worth it in my opinion. |
Luggage weighing scale | Very useful to have so that you can check before flying there and flying back at the end. |
Offline Google Map and Translate | Super useful to prepare beforehand when first flying to a place. |
Have fun packing xD.