DIS Blog
Packing list for your time abroad in Scandinavia
Published
October 08, 2024
Study Abroad Tips
How much luggage should I bring?
When preparing to study abroad with DIS in Stockholm or Copenhagen, we strongly recommend you bring only one large piece of luggage (within the weight restrictions of the airline) and one small carry on.
The main item you need to pack is clothing; nearly everything else is provided by DIS or can be bought in Scandinavia. You will have a better travel experience if you are not transporting multiple pieces of luggage. You will also likely acquire things during your time abroad and will need some extra packing space on the trip home, so try to pack as light as possible on the way to Scandinavia.
What to put in your carry-on bag
Most commercial airlines have regulations regarding what you can pack in a carry-on bag. Be mindful of these restrictions. Below are important items that you should pack in your carry-on bag:
- Passport (carry a copy of the main page of your passport)
- Face masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes
- Medication (do not pack your medication in your checked luggage on the off-chance your luggage is lost)
- Personal health insurance card (if applicable)
- Student ID card from home university
- Printed flight itinerary (make a copy for yourself and leave a copy with your family)
- Printed copy of your housing address abroad
- Laptop and charger
- Phone and charger charger
- Electrical adapters (required for all U.S. electronics. Read more about which electrical adaptors to use)
You may also want to have a few personal items in your carry-on in order to make your trip more comfortable. Consider including a water bottle, book, headphones, toothbrush and toothpaste, and change of clothes in case of flight delay/cancellation.
Items to pack in checked luggage
Weather in Sweden and Denmark can be unpredictable. Temperatures can be as low as mid-20s Fahrenheit, and climb all the way up to mid-70s Fahrenheit over the course of the year. During the summer months, temperatures typically ranging between 52 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Our advice: bring layers and versatile pieces to minimize excess packing!
Beyond clothes and toiletries, here are some additional pieces we recommend you bring:
- Umbrella or raincoat
- Comfortable shoes (Stockholm and Copenhagen have cobblestoned streets)
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Backpack for class and day trips
- Weekend bag (e.g. a duffle bag) for short excursions
- Cosmetics (if there are specific brands you use which might not be sold in Scandinavia)
- Small gift for Homestay or Visiting Hosts (if you choose)
- Hanging lock (this is helpful if you’ll be using lockers at DIS, staying at hostels, or going to a local gym)
Leave these at home
- Copies of your passport, credit cards, housing address abroad, and flight itinerary for your parents
- Anything of great personal or financial value that is irreplaceable
- Books/materials (provided by DIS)
- Bedding & Towels (provided by DIS)
- Kitchenware (provided by DIS)
- Toiletries (can be bought in Scandinavia)
- Clothes hangers
- Curling irons, hair dryers, straighteners and other related appliances (due to the different electric currents in Denmark, these items typically result in fuses shorting, which can cause power outages even if you use an electrical converter. Plan to purchase these appliances once abroad)