Essential Luggage for International Students

Moving abroad to study is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it comes with the very real challenge of fitting your life into a suitcase (or two). Whether you’re heading to Milan or Madrid, one thing’s for sure: overpacking is no longer a harmless rookie mistake, it’s an expensive one. With airline baggage fees on the rise (not even Ryanair is safe anymore), planning what to bring is essential.

At Collegiate IT, we’ve asked our international student community for their top tips. We’ve been able to round up the must-pack essentials and the surprisingly unnecessary items you can confidently leave behind. Here’s how to travel smarter, lighter and better.

Why is it important to plan your luggage well as an international student?

You’re not just going on a trip, you’re moving your whole life. It’s tempting to try and take everything, but hauling oversized luggage through cobblestone streets or across Milan’s metro isn’t fun and fresh. A couple of our students have made that mistake before and absolutely would not do so again.

The key is balance. You want to feel at home, but you also need to keep it practical. Think ahead: whatever you bring, you may have to bring back. And don’t forget, you’ll likely pick up new clothes and other goodies during your time abroad. So, as a rule of thumb, just pack for what you need now.

Basic luggage for international students: What you can’t miss

Here’s your non-negotiable packing list. Keep it in bold at the top of your Notes app and make sure to tick every item off before you get on that plane.

Passport and Student Visa: plus a few photocopies, just in case.
Essential Documents: housing contract, university enrollment confirmation, academic transcripts, driver’s license, and extra copies of everything.
Prescription Medications: if needed, speak with your GP about travel prescriptions; bring enough to cover the academic term or year.
Travel Insurance and Health Documents: keep physical and digital copies.
Local Currency: not every place in Italy takes cards, especially small cafés and taxis.
Power Adapters & Voltage Converters
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Milan is very cold in winter and gets really hot in summer. If you’re going just for the autumn term, bring clothes that will keep you warm. If you’re going for the entire year, you might want to bring a variation.
Chargers and Tech: phone, laptop, headphones, any gear you use daily.
Glasses: Of course, this isn’t for everyone, but if you wear glasses and forget them, it’s very frustrating.

What you can leave at home: Things you don’t need to bring

Packing light can feel like missing out. Here are the things you think you need but honestly really don’t.

Bulky Decor & Room Furnishings

Posters, lamps, fairy lights, funky cushions, you’ll find everything you need (and probably cuter versions) once you arrive. Milan has plenty of student-friendly stores for giving your room that cozy, personal touch.

Kitchenware & Cleaning Supplies

Please don’t try travelling with a frying pan. Your accommodation (like ours at Collegiate IT) already comes with basic supplies. If not, you’ll find affordable kitchen and cleaning items at local shops.

Stationery

You’re in a prime university city. So, when it comes to notebooks, pens, or folders, you’ll find them easily in Milan.

Books

As much as it’s tempting to bring a solid few read with you, Milan, as an international city, has lots of book shops that sell books in English as well as Italian.

Pro tip: Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine for second-hand room decor, kitchenware, and furniture. You can often find pieces sold by other international students who are moving out and eager to offload things cheaply (or even for free).

What you can easily buy when you arrive

Toiletries and cosmetics
Study supplies
Hangers, towels and other small home items
Bedding, pillows, duvet – nothing a trip to IKEA can’t fix

Where to shop

When you arrive at Collegiate Milan, you’ll receive a welcome guide with details on nearby supermarkets, pharmacies, stationery shops, and homeware stores, so you’ll never be far from anything you need.

Pro tip: Erasmus student groups in Milan often organise group IKEA trips at the start of each semester. These Eramus groups often hire a bus so it’s a great way to grab essentials for your room, meet new friends, and avoid hauling furniture through the met. Keep an eye on your Erasmus or university WhatsApp and Facebook groups for details.

Packing for life abroad doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Plan carefully, bring your essentials, and don’t sweat the small stuff, you can pick up plenty once you arrive.

And when it comes to finding the perfect home away from home, we’ve got that covered too. Explore modern, secure, and stylish student accommodation at Collegiate It and make your international journey one to remember.