My Essential Packing List for a Term on the Island: Comforts of Home and Heart

Packing for a term on the island is something I thought I had figured out before I ever boarded the plane. I made countless lists, watched videos, read packing guides, and carefully planned what would fit into each suitcase. I was focused on making sure I had everything I needed for medical school.

What I did not realize at the time was that some of the most important things I would bring with me had absolutely nothing to do with academics.

When I moved 3,500 miles away from home to begin medical school in Grenada, I was not just packing for classes and exams. I was packing for an entirely new chapter of life. It was the first time I had ever lived on my own, the first time I had been so far away from my family, and the first time I had to learn how to build a life from scratch in a place that was completely unfamiliar.

Over the years, I have learned that packing smart is not just about deciding how many pairs of scrubs to bring or making sure you have enough school supplies. It is about bringing the things that keep you grounded when you are homesick, the things that make a new apartment feel like home, and the little comforts that remind you who you are outside of medicine.

Of course there are practical essentials that I bring every term, but there are also things I now consider non-negotiable for my well-being. Some are practical, some are sentimental, and some probably seem silly to anyone else. But each one has helped me create a space that feels safe, familiar, and comforting during some of the most challenging period of my life.

So whether you are preparing for your first term on the island or simply curious about what life here actually looks like, this is my honest essentials list, the practical items I buy in bulk, the comforts I cannot live without, and the little pieces of home and heart that make all the difference.

Bringing Skincare and Beauty Products in Bulk

One thing I learned very quickly after moving to the island, is that I never want to be scrambling to replace my favorite skincare or beauty products halfway through a term...and the products I live by are not available over here.

The combination of the Caribbean heat, humidity, long study hours, stress, and exhaustion can definitely take a toll on your skin, hair, and overall well-being. And while skincare and beauty products might seem like a small thing in the grand scheme of medical school, they have become an important part of how I take care of myself.

Every term, I make it a point to bring enough of my favorite products to last me the entire semester. That means my skincare staples, haircare products, makeup essentials, and anything else that helps me feel like myself.

For me, this isn't about vanity. It is about consistency and self-care.

Medical school asks so much of us. There are days where you are exhausted, overwhelmed, stressed, and questioning everything. During those seasons, having small routines that make you feel put together can make a much bigger difference than people realize.

I have always loved skincare, beauty, and all things feminine. Taking ten minutes in the morning to do my skincare routine or getting ready for the day helps me feel grounded before diving into lectures, studying, or clinical responsibilities. It reminds me that I am still a person outside of medicine. I am not just a student, an exam score, or a future physician. I am still me.

Because of that, I always bring my trusted essentials in bulk. My cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, serums, makeup products, haircare products, and a few favorite extras that make me feel confident and comfortable.

And honestly, there is something incredibly reassuring about knowing that no matter how chaotic life gets, I can still maintain those little routines that help me feel my best.

One of the greatest lessons medical school has taught me is that self-care does not have to be elaborate to be meaningful. Sometimes it looks like a long walk. Sometimes it looks like reading a book. And sometimes it looks like packing enough skincare products to make it through an entire term on the island without having to worry about running out.

Those small acts of care add up, and for me, this has become one of the most overlooked but essential parts of packing for a semester away from home.

My Nespresso Machine and Coffee Pods

If you have followed me for any length of time, this one probably will not surprise you.

My Nespresso machine comes with me every single term.

When I was first preparing to move to Grenada, people gave me all kinds of packing advice. Bring extra chargers. Bring enough scrubs. Bring a good umbrella. And while all of those things are important, nobody told me how much comfort I would find in the small daily rituals that made life feel familiar.

For me, one of those rituals is coffee.

Every morning, before the lectures, flashcards, practice questions, and endless to-do lists begin, I make myself a cup of coffee. It is a simple routine, but it is one that instantly makes the day feel a little more manageable.

Because of that, I always bring my Nespresso machine and enough pods to last the entire term. I pack my favorite blends, a few seasonal flavors if I can get them, and enough extras that I never have to worry about running out in the middle of a particularly stressful exam block (if Nespresso wants to sponsor a broke med student...I am VERY open to cute little collab...*cough cough*).

And of course, the Nespresso machine does not travel alone.

Every term, I also pack my favorite pink espresso cups.

Could I drink my coffee from any mug? Absolutely. But those little pink cups have become part of the ritual too. They are one of those small details that make my apartment feel like my space rather than just a place I am temporarily living while in school.

It might sound silly to some people, but I have learned that the little things matter. Medical school asks us to sacrifice a lot of our time and energy, but that does not mean we have to sacrifice the parts of ourselves that bring us joy.

For me, that includes my pink espresso cups, cozy blankets, books, flower arrangements, and all the little feminine touches that make me feel at home. Every morning when I make my coffee, seeing those familiar pink cups sitting on my counter reminds me that I am still allowed to create beauty and comfort in my everyday life, even during the busiest and most demanding seasons.

Of course, having reliable coffee on hand is practical. Island coffee shops are not always open when you need them, and sometimes there simply is not time (or lets be real...funds) to stop somewhere before heading to campus.

But honestly, the reason I bring it has very little to do with caffeine.

What I love most is the ritual.

It is the quiet few minutes in the morning before the world starts demanding things from me. It is the smell of coffee filling my apartment. It is sitting in my favorite chair while mentally preparing for the day ahead. It is the sense of familiarity that comes from doing something that feels exactly the same whether I am in Arizona or Grenada.

Some of my favorite memories from home involve slow Sunday mornings in the kitchen with my mom, coffee in hand, talking about life before the day officially began. Those mornings were never anything extravagant, but they were filled with comfort, love, and togetherness. And while making coffee on the island is not exactly the same, there is something incredibly comforting about maintaining a small piece of that routine from 3,500 miles away.

During difficult exam weeks, it becomes even more important.

Sometimes after a long day of studying, I will make an afternoon coffee and sit down with a book for a little while. Sometimes it is the reward I give myself after finishing a difficult chapter. Sometimes it is simply a reminder to slow down and enjoy a few quiet moments before diving back into the chaos.

Medical school often teaches us to focus on the big things: exam scores, clinical skills, future careers. But I have learned that sometimes it is the smallest routines that help carry you through the hardest days.

For me, that routine starts with a Nespresso machine, a pink espresso cup, and a really good cup of coffee.

Choosing Favorite Clothing Items

One of the biggest packing mistakes I made when I first moved to the island was thinking I needed to bring everything.

I quickly learned that I did not need a massive wardrobe, I needed the right wardrobe.

Now, instead of overpacking, I focus on bringing the pieces that I genuinely love wearing. The outfits I automatically reach for. The clothes that make me feel comfortable, confident, and most like myself.

Because when you are living 3,500 miles away from home, those things matter more than you might think.

Medical school can be incredibly demanding, and there are days when you are stressed, exhausted, overwhelmed, or questioning yourself. On those days, putting on an outfit that makes you feel good is not about being fashionable, it is about feeling grounded.

For me, that means packing comfortable scrubs that I feel confident in, easy everyday outfits for studying and running errands, workout clothes for walks and gym sessions, and a few dressier pieces for dinners, events, or the occasional opportunity to get off campus and enjoy the island.

And if you have read some of my previous posts, you will know that I am a firm believer that professionalism and femininity can absolutely coexist.

So yes, there is plenty of pink in my suitcase.

There are soft colors, feminine details, comfortable dresses, and pieces that make me feel polished without feeling like I am trying to be someone I am not. One of the biggest lessons I have learned throughout medical school is that you do not have to sacrifice your personality in order to be taken seriously.

In fact, I think there is something incredibly powerful about embracing the things that make you feel most confident.

Of course, practical considerations matter too. Grenada is warm for most of the year, so lightweight fabrics are essential. Breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, and pieces that can handle the heat and humidity make day-to-day life much easier. I also like having a few light layers on hand for heavily air-conditioned lecture halls, rainy days, or evenings when there is a beautiful ocean breeze.

But at the end of the day, my packing philosophy is simple: bring the clothes that make you feel like you.

Not the clothes you think you should wear. Not the clothes that spend months sitting untouched in the back of your closet. The clothes that make you feel comfortable in your own skin.

Because when so much around you feels unfamiliar, there is something incredibly comforting about looking in the mirror and still recognizing yourself.

For me, those favorite pieces are not just clothes. They are another small reminder of home, confidence, and the person I was before medical school, and the person I still am today.

Letters, Notes, Pictures, and Small Items from Loved Ones

While there are plenty of practical items that make their way into my suitcases every term, the most important things I pack are not things I can buy in a store.

They are the pieces of home that remind me who I am, where I come from, and how deeply loved I am.

When you're living thousands of miles away from the people who mean the most to you, those reminders become incredibly important.

Every term, I bring photos, handwritten notes, cards, letters, and little keepsakes that connect me back to the people and memories that have shaped me. Some of these items have traveled back and forth with me for both years now. Others have been tucked into care packages, slipped into suitcases by family members, or given to me during seasons when I needed encouragement the most.

To anyone else, they might look like simple pieces of paper, photographs, or small decorations.

To me, they are priceless.

Some of my favorite items are handwritten notes from my parents and cards from my mom's best friend, who has always felt like a second mother to me. I have photos of my favorite family memories, snapshots of my dog, pictures with friends, and little reminders of the people waiting for me back home.

I also keep the letters, notes, and messages from the people I worked with at the medical examiner's office before coming to medical school.

Over the years, they became so much more than coworkers. They became mentors, role models, and a huge part of my support system. Even now, while I am thousands of miles away, they continue to check in on me, celebrate my accomplishments, encourage me through difficult seasons, and remind me that I have an entire group of people back home cheering me on.

Those letters and messages mean more to me than I can fully explain.

There have been moments during medical school where I felt overwhelmed, discouraged, homesick, or questioned whether I was capable of continuing forward. And sometimes, reading a simple note from someone who believes in me has been enough to help me keep going.

One of the greatest gifts this journey has given me is realizing how many people have quietly helped shape the person I am becoming. My family, my closest friends, my mentors, and my work family have all left fingerprints on this path.

And honestly, there have been days where those reminders meant more than I can put into words.

Medical school can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be lonely. There are difficult exam weeks, challenging semesters, moments of self-doubt, and days where being 3,500 miles away feels incredibly heavy.

On those days, I often find myself looking through old photos, rereading notes, or simply sitting with those reminders of home.

Because sometimes what you need most is not advice.

Sometimes you just need to remember that you are loved.

You need to remember that there are people cheering for you from across the ocean. People who believe in you on the days when believing in yourself feels difficult. People who are proud of you, not because of your grades or accomplishments, but simply because you are you.

I keep many of these items displayed throughout my apartment, while others are tucked away in a special box that I pull out whenever I need a little extra encouragement.

And while they do not make exams easier or shorten study hours, they do something equally important.

They remind me that my life is bigger than medical school.

They remind me that I am a daughter, a friend, a partner, a dog mom, a future physician, and a person who is deeply loved long before I ever became a medical student.

So when I pack for another term on the island, I am not just bringing clothes, coffee pods, or study supplies.

I am bringing reminders of every person who helped me get here.

For me, these emotional anchors are the most important things I pack every single term.

Because when life on the island feels challenging, they help keep my heart connected to home.

Other Practical Essentials for Island Life

Of course, there are plenty of practical items that come with me every term.

My laptop, chargers, headphones, notebooks, medical equipment, study supplies, and all of the little necessities that make day-to-day life and medical school possible. I also bring household basics like a reusable water bottle, my favorite snacks, medications (because your girl will not be caught without her Wellbutrin), and a small first aid kit.

Those items help me function.

But the things that help me feel at home are something entirely different.

One of the biggest lessons I learned after moving to Grenada is that creating a comfortable living space is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

When you are spending long hours studying, living far from family, and navigating the challenges of medical school, your apartment becomes more than just a place to sleep. It becomes your safe space. Your refuge. The place where you recharge after difficult days and celebrate the victories, both big and small.

Because of that, I intentionally pack items that make my apartment feel like me.

If you have followed my blog for a while, you will know that pink is basically a personality trait at this point.

So naturally, my pink bedding makes the trip every term.

There was something incredibly comforting about unpacking those familiar blankets and pillows during my first few days on the island. As silly as it sounds, seeing my bed look like my bed made everything feel a little less overwhelming. It felt like I had brought a piece of Arizona with me.

One of my absolute favorite things I brought were the beautiful floral arrangements my mom made for me before I moved away.

They are not real flowers, but honestly, that almost makes them more special. Every time I look at them, I think of the time, effort, and love she put into creating something beautiful for me to take across the ocean. They add warmth, color, and familiarity to my apartment while serving as a constant reminder of home.

And then there are all the little things that probably seem insignificant to anyone else.

My pink espresso cups. Cozy blankets. Candles. Decorative touches. The small accessories that make my apartment feel feminine, warm, and welcoming.

For a long time, I thought I needed to separate the version of me who loved all things pink, cozy, and feminine from the version of me pursuing medicine.

Now I know better.

I have learned that holding onto those pieces of yourself is incredibly important.

Medical school asks a lot from us, but it should never require us to abandon the things that make us who we are.

I also always make sure to bring books for the term and my Kindle.

And honestly, I consider them necessities.

When I first moved to the island, I quickly realized that medical school can consume as much of your identity as you allow it to. Between lectures, labs, studying, exams, and clinical responsibilities, it becomes very easy to let medicine become the only thing you think about.

For me, reading has become one of the most important ways I protect the parts of myself that exist outside of medicine.

Whether it is spending an hour curled up with a romantasy novel after an exam, reading a few chapters before bed, or escaping into another world for a little while after a difficult week, books help me mentally step away from school and reconnect with myself.

Because of that, I always make sure my Kindle is fully loaded before returning to the island, and I usually bring a small stack of physical books too. There is something incredibly comforting about knowing that no matter how stressful a semester becomes, I have stories waiting for me when I need them.

Some people pack extra shoes.

I pack extra books.

And honestly, they have gotten me through some of the hardest seasons of medical school.

Reading became a lifeline for me during a period where I was struggling mentally and emotionally. It helped me rediscover joy, rest, imagination, and parts of myself that had gotten buried underneath stress, burnout, and the constant pressure of medical school.

My bookshelves may not always be filled with pathology textbooks and anatomy atlases.

In reality, they are usually overflowing with romantasy novels, morally gray men, dragons, shadow daddies, and whatever fictional character currently has me in an emotional chokehold.

And honestly, I would not have it any other way.

As much as I love medicine, I think it is important to have things in your life that have absolutely nothing to do with exam scores, disease processes, or board exams. My books remind me that there is a whole world outside of medicine waiting for me when I need a break.

They remind me to laugh, imagine, dream, and occasionally fall in love with fictional men who would almost certainly be terrible life choices in reality.

More importantly, they remind me that I am more than a medical student.

I am still the girl who loves stories, adventure, fantasy worlds, and getting completely lost in a book after a difficult week. Holding onto those parts of myself has been one of the best things I have done throughout medical school.

So while books might not technically belong on a traditional packing list, they will always be one of the first things I put in my suitcase.

For me, they are every bit as essential as my laptop, my notes, or my stethoscope.

Why These Essentials Matter for Med Students on an Island

Medical school is demanding no matter where you attend, but living on an island adds its own unique challenges.

You are often far from family, navigating an unfamiliar environment, adapting to a different culture, and learning how to build a life from scratch while simultaneously managing one of the most academically demanding experiences of your life.

When I first moved to Grenada, I thought packing was mostly about making sure I had everything I needed for classes.

Now I know it is about so much more than that.

Over the past couple of years, I have learned that the items I bring each term are not just things, they are pieces of stability.

My skincare and beauty products help me maintain routines that make me feel like myself. My Nespresso machine and pink espresso cups create small moments of comfort and familiarity during stressful weeks. My favorite clothes help me feel confident and grounded. My books and Kindle remind me that there is a world beyond medicine waiting for me when I need a break. The photos, letters, and keepsakes from family, friends, mentors, and my work family remind me that I am deeply loved and supported, even from thousands of miles away.

And then there are the practical necessities: the laptop, chargers, study materials, medical equipment, and everyday essentials that help me stay organized and prepared for whatever the semester brings.

Each item serves a purpose.

Some help me succeed academically.

Some help me care for myself.

Some help me stay connected to the people I love.

And some simply remind me who I am.

I think that is one of the most important lessons I have learned during my time on the island: thriving is not just about having the right study resources or the perfect schedule.

It is about intentionally creating a life that supports you.

A life that includes routines, joy, comfort, connection, and pieces of yourself that exist outside of medicine.

Because while medical school is certainly a huge part of my life, it is not my entire life.

And the things I choose to bring with me every term help me remember that.

They help transform an apartment into a home, a difficult season into a manageable one, and a place far away from family into somewhere I can truly belong.

At the end of the day, the most important things in my suitcase are not necessarily the most expensive, the most practical, or even the most impressive.

They are the things that help me feel grounded, connected, comforted, and loved.

And honestly, those are the things that have helped me thrive, not just survive, during my time on the island.

Final Thoughts with the Packing List: Packing Your Life, Not Just Your Suitcase

When I first moved to Grenada, I thought packing for medical school was simply about making sure I had enough clothes, school supplies, and practical necessities to get through the semester.

What I did not realize was that I was also packing for an entirely new chapter of my life.

Over the past two years, I have learned that the true essentials are not always the things that seem most obvious.

Yes, I need my laptop, study materials, chargers, and scrubs. Those things help me succeed academically. But the items that have made the biggest difference in my day-to-day life are often the ones that help me feel comfortable, confident, connected, and grounded.

The skincare products that keep my routines consistent. The Nespresso machine and pink espresso cups that make every morning feel a little more familiar. The favorite clothes that help me feel like myself. The books and Kindle that remind me there is a world beyond medicine. The photos, letters, and keepsakes that keep my heart connected to the people I love most.

Those are the things that have carried me through homesickness, difficult exam weeks, moments of self-doubt, and some of the most challenging seasons of medical school.

Because at the end of the day, packing for a term on the island is not just about fitting your belongings into a suitcase.

It is about bringing pieces of yourself with you.

It is about creating a space that feels safe when everything else feels unfamiliar. It is about surrounding yourself with reminders of who you are outside of medicine. And it is about recognizing that taking care of yourself emotionally is every bit as important as preparing academically.

If you are preparing for your own move to the island, my biggest piece of advice is this: do not just pack what you need for school.

Pack what you need for you.

Pack the things that make you feel at home. Pack the things that bring you comfort. Pack the things that make you smile after a long day. Pack the things that remind you of the people who love you.

Those are often the items you will reach for most.

I hope you enjoyed spending a little time with me in this week's post and getting a glimpse into the things that have helped me build a life here on the island. Thank you for being here, for reading, and for allowing me to share a small piece of my journey with you.

Whether you are preparing for medical school, moving away from home, or simply entering a new season of life, I hope this serves as a gentle reminder that it is okay to hold onto the things that bring you comfort and joy.

Take care of yourself, pack a few extra pieces of home and heart, and I will see you next week. 💗

XOXO,

Kenzie

The Forensic Fashionista

i mean...i could not even fit everything in the frame. reading these frequently keeps me grounded and reminds me of who i am.