Once the program is booked, the flights are confirmed and the budget is planned, the same question comes up every time: what should you pack for a gap year in Barcelona?
It sounds simple until you open the suitcase. Should you pack for six months? What if you forget something important? How many clothes do you really need? Most packing lists are written for tourists spending a long weekend in the city, and living here for five, ten, twelve or twenty-four weeks is a different exercise altogether.
This guide is based on advice from former students who have already done it. They know what proved useful, what never left the suitcase, and what they ended up buying after they arrived.
Pack less than you think you'll need
If there's one piece of advice that comes up every time we speak to alumni, it's to bring less than you think you need.
Barcelona is one of Europe's best cities for shopping. You'll find Zara, Mango, H&M, Primor, Decathlon, pharmacies, supermarkets and dozens of local shops within walking distance of your accommodation, so if you forget something, replacing it is usually quick and affordable.
You'll also find that your style changes a little once you arrive. Barcelona has a relaxed but well-dressed atmosphere, and many students end up buying clothes during their stay anyway.
Instead of packing for your entire program, pack enough clothing for around two weeks. You'll have access to laundry facilities, and a lighter suitcase makes arrival much easier.
Keep your important documents together
Nothing causes more stress than losing paperwork while travelling. Before you fly, make sure you have:
Passport with at least six months' validity beyond your program end date
Student visa if you are a Double Semester student
Travel insurance documents
Program confirmation
Two bank cards from different accounts
EHIC or GHIC card if you're eligible
Printed and digital copies of every important document
Store digital copies in cloud storage such as Google Drive or iCloud, and email copies to yourself as another backup. Keep the originals in your carry-on luggage rather than your checked suitcase.
What clothes to pack for Barcelona
Barcelona enjoys warm summers, mild winters and plenty of sunshine, but evenings can cool down even during the hottest months. A practical wardrobe usually looks something like this.
Everyday clothing
5 to 7 lightweight t-shirts
2 to 3 long-sleeve tops or thin jumpers
2 to 3 pairs of shorts (summer)
2 to 3 pairs of jeans or trousers
One light jacket or denim jacket
Swimwear
Underwear for around one week
Comfortable sleepwear
Shoes matter more than anything else
You'll spend far more time walking than you expect. Between the Metro, exploring neighbourhoods, weekend trips and everyday life, 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day becomes completely normal. Bring:
One pair of well-broken-in sneakers
A second comfortable pair of shoes
Sandals or flip-flops
One slightly smarter pair
Avoid bringing shoes you've never worn. Breaking them in while exploring Barcelona usually ends in blisters, and high heels rarely survive the cobbled streets.
Electronics you'll use every day
Barcelona has everything you need, but a few essentials should come with you:
Mobile phone
Phone charger
Spare charging cable
European power adapter (Type C or Type F)
Portable battery pack
Laptop
Headphones
If you're travelling from the UK or North America, don't forget the plug adapter; buying one before departure is usually cheaper than buying one at the airport. A laptop is necessary during the CertTESOL course for lesson planning, assignments and teaching resources.
Toiletries and medication
There's no need to pack six months of shampoo. Bring enough toiletries to cover your first few days while you settle in, and buy the rest here.
The exception is prescription medication. If you take regular medication, bring enough for your entire stay along with a copy of your prescription. Medication names often differ between countries, and replacing prescriptions abroad isn't always straightforward.
Other useful items include:
Small first aid kit
Sunscreen
Reusable water bottle
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Basic toiletries for arrival
Everything else is easy to buy once you're in Barcelona.
CertTESOL supplies worth buying here
Students are often surprised by how much lesson planning they do during the Trinity CertTESOL. A few inexpensive supplies make life much easier:
Notebooks
Pens and highlighters
Folder or binder
Sticky tack
Scissors
Tape
Wristwatch for timing lessons
The academy provides teaching resources, but having your own basic stationery means you're never hunting for supplies the night before teaching practice.
Small things alumni were glad they packed
Some of the most appreciated items weren't expensive. Students regularly mention:
Laundry bag
Slippers
Extra phone charger
These take up very little room but often make everyday life more comfortable during the first few weeks abroad.
Things most students wish they had left at home
Overpacking follows a familiar pattern. The items people regret bringing include:
Heavy winter coats (unless arriving during winter)
Too many shoes
Formal clothing
Large hardback books
Expensive valuables
Hairdryer
Excess clothing
Leaving around 20% of your suitcase empty is one of the smartest packing decisions you can make. You'll almost certainly return home with souvenirs, gifts and a few purchases from Barcelona.
Choosing the right suitcase
For most students, one medium suitcase plus one day bag is ideal. Your main suitcase should be large enough for your clothing while still leaving extra space.
For everyday use, bring a secure backpack or cross-body bag. Barcelona is generally very safe, but pickpocketing can happen in busy tourist areas, so a secure bag is always the better option.
What to buy after you arrive
Some items simply make more sense to purchase in Spain:
Full-size toiletries
Hairdryer
Extra clothing
Winter coat if needed
Household items for your room
Additional stationery
Travelling lighter makes the journey easier and gives you flexibility once you're settled.
Ready to start planning? and .