An Entire Semester...what's necessary?

[TexasRoyalty]

From August to December I'll be spending an entire semester in Germany taking classes, with traveling on the weekends and during my 10-day break. A friend of mine went to Italy last fall and took only a large backpack, which he said was great especially when he traveled. Unfortunately, I don't think I can pull that off.

I'm a girl, and there's no way I could get just my face wash on a carry-on bag because everything is over 3 oz. I know I'll need to check luggage. My question is: should I bring things like toothpaste, face wash, shampoo with me or just buy them in Germany? It'd probably save a lot of packing space. Also, for anyone who's spent a semester abroad (especially during cold months), do you have any clothes packing tips? Should I bring one heavy jacket, one light jacket? Lots of clothes that can be worn in layers? Should I buy a jacket in Germany and save the space in my suitcase?

Hope this isn't a ridiculous post...I just fill a bit lost, and as the trip is approaching I'm feeling less and less prepared! More questions to come, I'm sure. Thanks
Bri

[Elizabeth]

I think if you're going to be moving somewhere for 5 months vs travelling for 5 months you have a little leeway on the pack light thing. Hopefully you will only have to deal with the baggage to and fro the airport and you can bring a smaller bag for the weekend trips.

If there is a one certain facewash, toothpaste, shampoo, etc that you cannot live without I would stock up and check your bag. No shame in that. I brought a stock of shampoo, toothpaste, and facewash for 3 months travelling and I still feel like I packed light. If you feel like you're running low ask someone back home to send you some like a month before you think you'll run out.

You could also wait to buy clothes in Germany so you can feel really German. Hopefully I will be studying abroad in Russia during the spring semester, and I'm totally going to replicate the look. I visited this Feb. and I had an overcoat that is good in America; but the Russian girls do the fur hoodie thing (and can walk on ice in heels!) so I felt rly out of place.

[Esterina]

^^^

Bri, where are you going in Germany ? The weather in winter varies by region, the coldest being southeast. I was in Bavaria in January, and the temperture was a very low and cold -20 celsius ! I was more than happy I had brought my canadian snow jacket.


edited to add : The german institute you'll be studying at should provide you with clothing and weather infos.

[TexasRoyalty]

Very true...I have an excuse to pack more Apparently there are some new fees associated with checking luggage, so I'll have to look into that. I will definitely be purchasing clothes in Germany, but I don't want to go too crazy because I want to spend most of my money on traveling!

I'll be in Germany from August to early December, so I've heard it won't be too cold. I figure taking a light jacket is best, and if I need something heavier I can layer up or make a purchase. It's a shame though because I have a nice jacket here, but it's bulky.

Thank you for all your advice!

[maracle]

Hmm, I think the checked baggage fees are actually only on domestic flights. And you're usually allowed more bags on international fligts as well. At least that's the case for American, but every airline is a bit different.