ABOUT to study abroad for the first time? You are probably already counting the days and worrying whether you will forget to take something important from home. Don’t worry too much – you will certainly forget something. However, here is a short list that might be helpful when packing.
1. The essentials
Documents, visa, passport, insurance, specific medicaments – check that you have everything that you will need to get on the plane and to cope with the bureaucracy in your new home! And then check once again before you leave for the airport!
2. Notebook for your adventures
Start using it on the plane! You will have so many thoughts about what you are leaving behind and what awaits you that there is nothing better than putting them on paper. You will find them quite interesting to read a few months later.
3. An extra memory card for your camera
You will find yourself taking pictures of all small and new things in your new home, so enough space to store your memories is a must!
4. Photos of your friends and family
Holiday photos or old postcards might turn into the best decoration of your new room. They will make you feel at home and will make you smile every morning!
5. A sewing kit.
Nothing makes you feel so grown-up as sewing your own clothes: instead of panicking when that button falls, be prepared and sew it!
6. Your favorite book
It will be your best friend every now and then. You will sometimes want to communicate on your own language and the book might be the best way to take a break from the English-language environment.
7. Your enthusiasm and willingness to explore the world
If you forget or lose your enthusiasm somewhere on the way, you won’t be able to make the most out of your stay abroad. So don’t be afraid to try new things, new food and to meet new people!
7½ An umbrella
Ok, so this is mostly for the people who are heading to Britain or Ireland. There is a high probability it will be raining on your way from the airport to your new home so pack one in your suitcase; you don’t want to have crazy frizzy hair when you meet your new flatmates, do you? It's best not to spend too much money on an umbrella, however, and just accept that it will turn inside out on a windy day. You'll soon have a nice little collection of broken brollies.
This guest post was written by Yuliya, who is studying journalism at the University of the West of England in Bristol, UK.