Chapter 11: Luggage and Packing

Pack Light: You'll be glad later

With recent changes to security rules for carry-on baggage, be sure to check your airline's website for allowed and restricted items. Wherever possible, pack any real necessities in your carry-on. NEVER check important medications, contact lenses, cameras, money, etc. Always keep those, plus at least one change of clothing in your possession at all times in case your checked luggage gets delayed. If your bags are delayed, please don't have your parents call us at our office in Connecticut. The International Student Office in Galway can help you, but very often the only thing you can do is file a missing baggage report with your airline, be patient...and wash your socks out at night.

Luggage and Packing

Be brutal. Be ruthless. When packing, that is. Take as little as sensibly possible. This is a great time to learn how to live light and travel light. Too many possessions will just slow you down. There's no need to bring a semester's worth of shampoo. Do you really need to pack 20 t-shirts? Bring what's necessary to get started; you can replace anything that runs out in Galway. Yes, you will be in Ireland for a semester. You may even be in Europe for more time than that. But don't pack your entire wardrobe. We strongly suggest:

One Large Suitcase Or Duffel: Remember, you and you alone will have to carry your luggage. If you're struggling to carry your luggage now, imagine carrying while traveling, and how hard it will be to bring it all home again, plus all the things you will accumulate while abroad! The maximum weight for checked luggage is usually 70lbs; the maximum combined measurements (length, height and width) are usually 62 inches. However, these figures change Check with your airline for current allowable weight and dimensions. Airlines are getting more serious about charging for excessive weight. Never pack valuables in your checked luggage.

One Carry-On: In this carry-on, you should pack all your important items, such as medications, extra glasses, etc. Call the airline or check their website to find out maximum measurements and restrictions. Please note: Backpacks with frames are NOT carry-on luggage. Remember, you will be traveling great distances and the heavier the luggage, the less enjoyable the experience. You can live very comfortably in Ireland with what we suggest. Students never return from studying abroad with the comment, "I wish I'd brought more."

Note That The Federal Aviation Agency Has Limited Carry-Ons To One Item (not counting purses). You Will Not Be Allowed More Than One Carry-On Bag By Airport Officials. Do not include sharp items (nail files, razors, etc.) in your carry-on.

Clothing

What you wear to class in the United States should work in Galway. Sweat pants and pajama bottoms will brand you as a (less-than-chic) American instantly. Jeans are acceptable. While in some European countries, the standard for dress is a bit more formal than in American, don't worry about taking lots of dressy clothes. The Irish are relatively casual, especially students. For special occasions men should take one dress suit or sport coat/dress slacks and tie. Women should take a few dressy separates that can be combined in various ways. Avoid wearing pro-sports T-shirts, NBA-type sneakers, and other items that scream "I'm an American - steal from me!"

It's okay to wear the same outfits frequently. Europeans do, and find the huge wardrobes of Americans somewhat ostentatious. Choose carefully and take as little as possible.

You will do a lot of walking, so take comfortable walking shoes, like sneakers. During the fall and winter months, you will need a good, heavy sweater...but Ireland is famous for sweaters, so you might want to buy one there. The climate tends to be cool and damp in summer, cold and rainy in winter. Obviously, you'll need to be prepared for wet weather, so take rain-proof shoes, jacket, etc. Plan to wear layers. Pack a swimsuit and a bath or beach towel in case you decide to travel to warmer climates. Most important; take clothing that you know, for sure, you are going to wear and need; it should be washable, versatile, durable and light. You'll probably want to buy a few items during your semester... wait to see what European chic is really like.

Other Essentials and Non-Essentials

Take a small travel alarm clock so you wake up on time for class. Do not bring expensive jewelry. Don't risk losing or having stolen that precious bracelet or costly watch. Don't bring anything you could not bear to lose.

Regarding laptops: If you have one, you'll want to bring it with you. Check with your manufacturer or retailer to see what voltage transformer and/or adaptor plug or other equipment you'll need to safely use it in Ireland.

Suggested items:

• Small umbrella and folding raincoat/poncho
• Travel alarm clock (battery or wind-up)
• Under-the-clothes money pouch or belt (available in travel stores, luggage departments, or AAA)
• A few dressy separates for special nights out
• Comfortable shoes for lots of walking
• Comfortable clothing that you will wear More Than Once.
• Bathing suit
• Jeans
• Toiletries, including your usual over-the-counter medicines and contact lens solutions.
• Extra pair of contacts or glasses
• Any necessary prescription medication (full supply for your stay)
• Camera

Items You Should Leave at Home:

• Valuables. Don't bring good watches, jewelry, or anything you couldn't bear to lose.
• Electrical items, including your hairdryer. Even with adapters, they don't work well in Ireland. Buy one there.
• Anything that needs to be dry-cleaned
• ... and half the clothes you think you can't live without.

Remember that you'll need room in your suitcase for the inevitable purchases you'll be making. While Ireland and Europe in general can be expensive, you're sure to come home with even heavier bags!