Melbel, I would also recommend always to keep in mind that (depending on where you go), it might be way easier and often also cheap to buy new clothes as to lug a vast amount of them to your destination. I would take something for all expected weather scenarios, so that you can cover the first few days or weeks. If you have some really comfortable shoes, I'd take these along, shoes can be tricky, and in the beginning you will put in a lot of walking, wherever you go.
Functioning electronics and enough batteries are essential, you don't want to be forced to shop for new consumer electronics under pressure and you need it for most studies.
Remember to check the weight requirements of your airline, in case you get to your destination by airplane, the airline companies love to get additional cash for a few grams more, and often it is cheaper to take a second suitcase as to stuff everything into one (that also gives you more leeway for the trip back, when you might easily have more stuff, you don't want to be forced to buy another suitcase wherever you are).
Check out my travel hubs, there you might find more tips.
Packing for a semester abroad - I studied abroad for 2 years. Here is what I took.
I took my books and writing utensils. It is expensive to buy books and writing utensils outside. If you already have these, please take them.
Pack some durable clothes - like cotton t-shirts, couple of jeans, and good shoes (a pair of running shoes is recommended). You don't need to take tons of clothes as you won't have luggage space. If you are staying for one semester only, pack few clothes.
I made the mistake of taking too many clothes. I had to leave behind some of it. I also took one frying pan and a rice cooker - it served many purposes.
I didn't have to eat out alot. It all depends on where you are going. I stayed in the Caribbean so I had to take sun tan lotion, sun glasses, a pair of good running shoes and summer clothes.
Don't forget anti-motion tablets.
You can check my hubs on luggage packing tips - if it helps.
Traditionally I am a very light packer, and only take things I'm not sure I will be able to buy easily (and cheaply) in country. Jump online and check out the climate for the time you will be there. Even check out the University webpage and see what most students are wearing, casual, formal etc.Though I am not one to be dictated by fashion trends I'd rather not look too out of place, more than I already do anyway.
Definitely stay under 20kgs or you may be stung with excess baggage charges. Use a bag that is easy to carry. Backpacks are great, just make sure it is large enough for your purposes before you buy one.
A small padlock on your luggage may not stop a thief, but is a deterrent for sticky fingers. A laptop is almost essential, and USB sticks etc.Find out about required text books, it may be cheaper and simpler to buy them from home. I always scan my travel documents such as passport and visa, then email the jpegs to my email account.
Essentially, research what you are doing, where you are going, and be pragmatic.
As some others have said, pack as light as possible. In terms of clothing, I always bring pants and shirts that can mix and match. I don't bring any articles of clothing that I can't combine in multiple ways to make different outfits.
Also, layers is the key, like cardigans, since then you can still wear all your clothes but in different arrangements as the weather changes. In addition, I've noticed that dark colors tend to be great, because you can mix and match them, no one notices if you repeat, and it isn't as noticeable if they get dirty! I always bring a couple of scarves along, because they add color to the outfit and are also great for weather changes, whether throughout the semester or throughout the day.
Oh! One last thing I like to do... I pack my bag with a section of it filled up by things like shampoo, deodorant, and other toiletries (your checked bag of course, within the weight limit), and then at the end of the semester I use this space in the suitcase for souvenirs, since you won't need to bring the toiletries home!
Of course as the others have said, pack light and bring layers. What you pack will depend in when you go (season) and where you go (climate). So just think ahead and plan out outfits that can mix and match.
Don't bring heavy items like Shampoo and Conditioner as you can get them wherever you land.
Another good tip, take a folded up tote or duffel with you in case you need extra room on the way back. Remember you're not going to the moon, what you forget you can always get there. Then you can consider that a souvenir as well.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.