Lindsey'stoppackingtips

"Bring clothing that can easily be layered and transition between seasons. Also make sure your waterproof clothing can truly withstand the rain. Leave extra room in your luggage for shopping

Use vacuum bags to compress bulky items such as sweaters

Make sure you can lift all your luggage on your own! This includes up and down stairs. Be vigilant about your belongings since some of them are more difficult to replace while abroad. A wrist or neck strap for your phone will help prevent accidental drops and theft. Create a habit of checking your seat for belongings you may have left behind as you exit buses, trains, and planes. Get a sense for the local fashion through social media. People are more put-together than in the US, which means you will stand out if you wear sweatpants or athleisure in public!

Be mindful of the weight of each item. If you are deciding between two similar items, bring the lighter version! You may not notice while you're packing at home, but you definitely will when you are running to catch a train with the weight on your back!"

"When I was preparing to study abroad I was so anxious about not being able to find the products, food, and essentials that I needed in the Netherlands, which caused me to overpack. There are so many places to access things in Maastricht and if you forgot something essential there is no need to be worried about having to go without it."

"Bring a good backpack that can be used as your suitcase while traveling Luckily my sister gave me this advice after she studied abroad. Having a travel backpack is super convenient and great when traveling on the train or companies like RyanAir so you don't have to buy extra luggage on your flight."

"When you finish packing your suitcase, try taking five items out to make more space, but remember the essentials: waterproof shoes/boots, a good raincoat, and a warm, windproof jacket."

- Emily