Tips for Erasmus students leaving: what to bring, what to leave, what to do with the flat

Erasmus is when you realise you have too much stuff

When you pack your bags, the first thing that hits you is how few things you'll take compared to what you accumulated during the year. Books, kitchen kit, sheets, two coats, various keepsakes — all stuff that doesn't fit in 23 kg of luggage allowance. The question becomes: what to do with it?

This guide gathers the most common decisions Erasmus students face before leaving, with the pros and cons of each option.

Flat in Milan: keep it, sublet it, or leave it?

**Keep it**: you pay rent and bills for 4-9 months without using it. Expensive, but on return everything is ready. Works if you have a good contract, locked rent or if you're sure you're coming back to the same city.

**Sublet it**: legally you need the owner's consent. In Milan that's rare. If you get it, you cover the costs and someone keeps the flat alive. But you're responsible for who lives there — choose carefully.

**Leave it**: terminate the contract, pay the final months, free your things. Cleanest option but means double moving work (June to leave, September/October the next year to restart). Often makes economic sense.

Furniture and large items: what to do with them

If the room is furnished by the owner, problem solved. If you bought your own furniture (the classic away-from-home IKEA), options are: sell on Subito.it/Marketplace before leaving, give to a flatmate who's staying, store at friends'/parents'.

Selling takes time: post listings at least 4 weeks before departure, good photos and honest prices. In the last days you'll accept low offers just to clear the room.

For bulky items like bikes, fans, floor lamps: either sell or store. Keeping at a friend's works but it's a big favour — only ask those who really can.

Boxes: what to pack for Erasmus

What you're NOT bringing abroad but want back on return goes into boxes. Typically: Italian study books (you won't reread during Erasmus), summer wardrobe if you're going somewhere cold (and vice versa), Italian kitchen kit, memorabilia, gifts, sentimental items.

Rule of thumb: ask yourself "do I need this in the next 6 months?". If no, into a box. If yes but you can buy it there, into a box. If yes and you can't buy it, into the suitcase.

For the complete packing guide (sizes, materials, labelling) there's our dedicated guide.

Where to store boxes during Erasmus

Three main options:

**Parents' home**: free but logistically tricky if they're far. And on return you have to make the trip again.

**Traditional self-storage**: €80-150/month in Milan for a small box. Convenient if you have car/van to move them — otherwise transport can cost as much as the box.

**Door-to-door pickup service (like Smoves)**: they come to your flat in Milan, store your boxes for as long as you want, and deliver them to your new address on return. For those leaving 6-9 months it's often cheaper than self-storage + transport.

Don't forget in your Erasmus bag

Documents: passport (even for EU countries — many residences ask for it), European health card (TEAM), doctor's note if you take medication, host university acceptance letter, passport photos (for transport passes, gym, library).

Practical items often forgotten: power adapter for the destination country (UK is different from continental Europe, watch out), a heavy hoodie even if you're going somewhere warm (planes and night trains are cold), a minimal "smart" wardrobe for unexpected important events.

Plan your return before you leave

Sounds counterintuitive but it's the most useful advice: before going, know already where you'll come back to. Have you found the new flat for next year? Who's taking your room while you're away? Do you have a plan for the transition days between return and new rental?

If you keep boxes in storage with Smoves or a similar service, already book the delivery window for your return month. September schedules fill up fast — those who book in July have more options than those searching in mid-September.