In this picture, Veronica has pared some leggings with a simple tee and a cardigan, as well as comfortable shoes so that she is able to do classes and walk around the city with her backpack all day and still be comfortable. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021

Before coming to Jordan, I scoured the internet for outfit ideas that I can wear while abroad. To say the least, I had a very difficult time packing clothes. I made lists upon lists. Omitted and added and categorized outfits for hours. But, even with immense preparation, I still wish I had packed some stuff differently and kept back some stuff, as well.

I have outlined my regrets for you below – what I wish I had packed, and what I wish I would have omitted from lugging all the way to Jordan, so that you do not make the same mistakes as me. And here are a few different outfits that my friends on the program have worn while in Amman to give you some inspiration, so you are not as lost as I was when I was packing.

Packing for a vacation is one of my worst nightmares. So, multiply packing for a week-long vacation by a three-month stay and you have a disaster. I’ll admit, my packing adventure before studying abroad did not go as smoothly as I had hoped. But, with the packing list below, I hope that you do not make the same mistakes as I did. And that you can have a smooth few weeks before departing, without the agony of overpacking or under-packing.

Bags - حقائب

Drew here has also packed minimally but has packed well! Here we have another pair of comfortable day-to-day jeans with a simple t-shirt and a backpack. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021

Having a mini backpack, or tote bag or crossbody purse can be very helpful when you are walking out and about. Preferably, you want something that can fit a mini water bottle and all your necessities, like wallet and keys. But you also want something that you can walk around comfortably in. Many people carry their whole school backpacks with them. But that may get too heavy and unnecessary at times, but it’s still doable.
You also want to bring your school backpack with you, so you can take your laptop, notebooks, and all your important things to school with you daily.

Clothes - ملابس

Hope has paired a cute top with some jeans. This outfit is very versatile for school and going out and is still comfortable for the hot Amman weather. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021

This is probably the biggest source of anxiety for many people who are studying abroad. What to pack can be nerve-wracking, especially that you do not want to overpack and then go to your host location and not have room to buy, but you also do not want to under pack and must search and buy everything new. So, the dilemma is real.

Another simple, but comfortable outfit. Peyton packed a variety of jeans to pair with long and short sleeved tops but has also brought some joggers and workout clothes to fit his day-to-day activities. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021

I would say that you cannot go wrong with packing two pairs of jeans that you really enjoy wearing and fit you well. Those are staples on days when you just want to throw on a shirt and call it a day.
You should also bring some flowy and airy pants, as those can be your go-to on days where you know you are going to be doing a lot of walking, and you want something light and comfortable to wear throughout the day.
With these pieces, pair a few simple non-graphic shirts that you can re-wear with multiple pieces, and you should be set. I would recommend these shirts to be in versatile colors, such as gray or black – or for you to pair them with the colors of jeans and pants that you are bringing. You should be able to wear each shirt with multiple pants because you do not want pieces that you can only wear once or twice, and not get much use out of them.
I would also recommend bringing a few tank tops and shorts if you would like to wear those pieces to the gym. There are many ladies-only gyms in Amman, where you can wear all the leggings, tank tops, and shorts that you want and be comfortable.
You may also benefit from bringing a few dressy tops. These have come in handy when going out with friends at night to restaurants and just walking around. You can pair those tops with a scarf or cardigan, and some jeans.
Also, I enjoy wearing dresses, so I have found that having a few long dresses and jumpsuits have benefited me immensely. I have seen many people also wearing long skirts and pairing them with simple tees, which can be a great plan during the summer months.
But, do not forget to pack some winter outfits, as well, depending on the season you are going.
Do not forget a few pairs of pajamas. Many families do not do laundry more than once a week, so you want to be sure that you have enough clothes to last you at least 2 weeks.

Shoes - أحذية

If you want to go minimalist on anything, I highly recommend that it is not on shoes.

Erik knows how to mix fashion with chic and comfort. As you see here, you can never go wrong with a pair of jeans, as they can be paired with any statement top to make a comfortable and elegant outfit. And do not forget the sneakers. Comfortable shoes are a necessity for Amman’s hilly terrain. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021

Take shoes that you are comfortable walking in. I took shoes that I was comfortable walking in NYC with, but that was not enough for Amman’s hilly streets, which I regret.
Bring hiking shoes if you own them. There are many beautiful places outside of Amman to hike in. And you can benefit from sturdy hiking shoes when you are in desert areas, like Wadi Rum. And, if you do not own any, then I highly recommend bringing good sneakers, that are sturdy and can last and not blister your feet during long walks.

Another great outfit! Ben was able to mix another staple item – khakis, with a statement top and a pair of good comfortable shoes. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021

Also, bring some shower shoes or some waterproof shoes like Teva’s or Chaco’s. You will benefit from these when you go to areas with water, so you do not have to take something heavy like sneakers, but you also have shoes that are strong and are holding your feet, as opposed to flip-flops.
Also, have some booties for the winter. These can be paired with jeans or dresses and tights.
Do not bring heels. They are not practical, and not necessary when walking around Amman, and will only take up unnecessary room in your suitcase.

Jackets - جاكيتات

Jordan gets chilly at night.

So, depending on how much cold you can stand, I would recommend bringing a light sweater that you can just throw on any day when it is windy.
I would also recommend having a light winter jacket or rain jacket, and, a cardigan or jean jacket, depending on your preference and packed clothes.

Accessories - إكسسوارات

I would say that the Amman sun is brutal, especially in the afternoon.

Destiny packed minimally, only packing necessities for her study abroad in Amman. On this day, she wore versatile jeans with a chic top and comfortable sandals. However, she also packed comfortable overalls that were great to wear on excursions. Pho… — Destiny packed minimally, only packing necessities for her study abroad in Amman. On this day, she wore versatile jeans with a chic top and comfortable sandals. However, she also packed comfortable overalls that were great to wear on excursions. Photo credit: Al Obaidi, 2021

So, sunglasses and sunscreen and even a hat or a scarf to shield you from the sun are crucial. I was never a sunglasses person, but you really do need them while you are here, because you want to be able to enjoy the sites that you are visiting and adventures you are taking, without hurting your eyes in the process. And, if you forget your sunglasses, there are many stores here for you to buy from – especially in downtown, so it shouldn’t be a major worry, but I would still say it is a necessary item to bring with you. Many people here also wear visors or baseball hats. This is up to you, but it can be a necessity if you want to shield your face from the sun.
Other options can be scarves or bandanas, as well. If you are bringing a scarf, I do recommend something light for everyday use, and then another that is somewhat heavier for the colder winter months. That way you have two pieces that you can alternate between depending on the activity and season. My regret was that I am not a hat person, so I did not bring any with me. And, I also only brought heavy scarves, which were too hot and heavy to carry around when the sun was beating down, and not very practical. So, I would advise against bringing only one kind.