Last week, I made my final adjustment of packing for my semester abroad. I contemplated many times over which sweaters to bring and which pair of shoes to wear on the plane. But there was one list of things I knew I needed to have before Sunday, most of these ideas I'd gotten from my friends who have studied abroad before me. Here is a list of 12 practical things you'll need while studying abroad!
1. Adapters
Don't buy the one that looks the cutest and is the cheapest. Purchase the one that has good reviews and it priced reasonably for the product.
2. Fuzzy Socks
Even while you're away from home, fuzzy socks will always add comfort to your nights and lazy days. After a long journey, it'll be nice to slip into your favorite fuzzy socks before bed. And they can double as an extra layer if you're traveling during the cold months!
3. Headphones
Headphones will come in handy for the those long waits in the airport, rides on the train, or study nights during the semester.
4. Camera
Although you're phone camera will work just fine, there's nothing like a nice photo from a camera to capture the memories of your trip abroad.
5. Portable Charger
Relying on your phone for maps, contacts, and photos may drain the battery quicker than you'd like. Keeping a portable charger on you at all times during your travels will allow you give your device that extra boost it needs during the day.
6. Pictures Of Home
Homesickness is inevitable while you're so far away from home; however, the best remedy is printing pictures of friends and family to take with you. It will allow you to take a little piece of home wherever you go!
7. Re-Usable Water Bottle
Bringing your own water bottle helps save a few extra dollars at the airport and other tourist-y places, because you can fill up at the closest water fountain instead. Depending on the country you're traveling to, you might want to invent in a Brita water bottle, which will allow you to have clean filtered water throughout your trip.
8. Comfortable Walking Shoes
I don't care what Instagram shows you, trying to make a fashion statement on cobblestone streets is never a good idea. It's better to be comfortable for hours in the shoes you're walking in.
9. School Supplies
I mean--you
are still taking classes abroad.
10. Planner
To keep track of all the courses and travel times over the semester abroad.
11. Passport Wallet
Again, although many of them are aesthetically pleasing, buy the one that makes the most sense and isn't flashy. Amazon sells great deals on RFID wallet, which keeps your passport and other cards safe.
12. Appetite For Adventure
It's okay to be nervous--what's not okay is using nervousness to stay inside your comfort zone.This is the most important: do not forget to pack the reason you went through, what seemed like, an endless application process. Do not forget to pack the reason you left everything you're familiar with for the chance to search for something greater. Do not forget to pack the wanderlust that encouraged you to study abroad.
