The Ultimate Study Abroad Preparation Guide

By Sam Casteris on October 19, 2018

Deciding to study abroad is a life-changing choice, and maybe the best one I’ve ever made. To make it a complete success, there are a few tips you’ll be happy to know as a soon-to-be international student — ones I wish someone had told me along the way. Use this guide to prepare, pack, and arrive stress-free and ready for anything.

Picking a School

This one’s entirely up to you and the process will be different for everyone. Maybe where you’ll go is something you’ve always known but for some, choosing from a long list of schools and programs can be overwhelming. Do lots of research on the university and program, of course, but also be sure to check out what people do for fun in the area. You’ll also want to know what the weather will be like during your time there too.

Sometimes the best way to go about picking your school is by talking to a student who has previously studied at that university. Your study abroad or international office on campus should be able to help make this connection.

Registering for Classes

For me, choosing a school and picking classes was the most stressful part. There were so many different universities and once I started reading into the programs they didn’t align right with my 4-year plan and the classes were named different things than what I was used to. Plus the credit system and homework load per class were totally different.

Again, your study abroad office and mentor will be a lifesaver navigating this process. Be sure you know before you go exactly what credit you’ll be receiving for each class you’re registered in. That way there are no credit transfer surprises when you get back to school the following semester.

Visa Information

Tracking down visa information is another important and sometimes tricky aspect of preparing to go abroad. The best bit of advice I can give is to get on top of it early because the paperwork can take a long time to process and is the one thing that will undoubtedly put a stop to your departure.

Depending on where you go, how long you’ll be gone, whether you’d like to work or if you’ll just be studying all factor into what kind of visa you’ll want to apply for.

Packing Tips

One of the biggest packing mistakes I made was lack of research on the cost of goods in the country where I was moving. I figured sheets and blankets would be cheaper to buy when I got there when in reality they were close to double what I was used to paying at home.

As far as clothes, you’ll want to bring universal items that you can wear interchangeably with all sorts of outfits like high-quality, solid colored yoga pants. I suggest picking up some of these from Spiritual Gangster. The fabric is soft and cozy, plus they stay nice wash after wash. The company also donates part of each purchase to feed hungry children around the world, a little added incentive for ya.

You’ll want to pack strategically so that you can access the things you’ll need during your trip there, but remember less is more. Bring interchangeable items that can be easily worn in several different outfits. Pick the lightest items from your back that seem to be taking up a lot of space and send a box in the mail. You’ll be limited on space for travel there, but mailing heavier items adds up. Choose items that are light but large, send them off, and they’ll be there when you arrive.

10 other quick tips to remember while you pack:

1. Before you start, take inventory of everything you’ll need and write out a detailed list.

2. Choose your personal item wisely.

3. Roll your clothes so they take up less space.

4. When it comes to toiletries try to only bring expensive items like perfume. Purchase your shower supplies and other cheaper products there.

5. Don’t bring something you’ve never worn. Who knows how it will fit, if it’s uncomfortable, or if you’ll have the right pieces to match it with.

6. Really think about every item you pack. Do you need it? And can you afford to lose it? If the answer is no, financially or emotionally, leave it behind.

7. Pick two or three main color schemes to follow and try to only pack outfits that match those. This will help you make the most of the clothes you do bring.

8. Keep your plastic bag of liquids near the top of a suitcase so you can quickly breeze through security.

9. If you’re moving somewhere cold, mail yourself a down or other winter coat rather than packing it. It’s light and will be cheap to mail.

10. Anyone still struggling to find space for everything should consider using compression packing cubes.

The Trip There

Not to say that winging it isn’t a good idea because that’s usually my style when I fly somewhere, but keep in mind you’ll be carrying everything you need for a semester or two. I flew standby to London when I went for my study abroad. As a pilot’s daughter, it made sense but I also showed up a bit later than expected and on a Sunday. Meaning, finding the office where I’d be able to get keys to my dorm took a long time. Mind you I didn’t have a functioning British phone yet so I wandered until someone directed me properly.

Looking back I’d have done a bit more research and possibly printed some campus maps before getting dropped at a bus station on a massive campus with four bags to carry. Depending on when you will arrive, it may be best to arrange that your keys are delivered by your RA at a specific time.

Most people don’t fly standby so when booking flights remember a few things. First, use incognito mode so airlines don’t jack up their prices after they know you’re looking. Next, try different flight search engines that compare prices by day and pre-input promo codes so you never miss a sale.

If your flight arrives in the morning, try to sleep as much as you can on the plane and after landing force yourself to stay up until a regular bedtime that night, if possible. This will help kick jet lag quickly. If your flight lands in the evening you can crash as soon as you find your new home!

.               .               .

After arriving and unpacking, the next challenge you’ll face is adjusting to life, meeting new people, and possibly dealing with roommates. Remember to be aware of cultural differences or barriers and learn to respect them when faced with situations you aren’t used to. Because, believe me, it’ll happen a few times.

Although careful preparation is important and will ease the arrival process, remember that your study abroad is about having fun. So don’t get so caught up in the logistics that you forget to appreciate and experience your journey there. The last bit of advice I will leave you with is to document all the cool and interesting things you see and try. Even if journaling isn’t your style, just a note or two about what you did that day and who with will really help spark your memory someday.

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