My visa!! I've finally got it! It came in the mail on Monday, actually. And it only cost me $150! *tearing up a little, so much money* Well, that's less things on my list of things to worry about. Now onto the next thing! Packing. (Lord, help me.)
I've actually spent quite a bit of time thinking about this subject. Made a spreadsheet and everything. I debated for a while about how much clothing to bring. My mom suggested only two weeks worth of clothes, but I was like, 'Two weeks of clothes for FOUR MONTHS? Are you cray-cray?" But then, I thought about it and if I brought a month's worth of clothes, I'd only wear each thing about four times before I came home. So I decided to compromise and bring about three weeks worth of clothes. Well, actually it's more like 18 shirts, 9 sweaters/jackets, 7 undershirts, 32 "undergarments" (counting socks and underwear), 17 bottoms, 5 full outfits, 8 pairs of shoes, 20 accessories, along with all my toiletries, documents, electronics, and other miscellaneous things. Some websites suggest only bringing a week's worth of clothes, but as I'll be working with a fashion website, I decided that rule didn't apply to me. Otherwise, I think I did pretty good. But I'm gonna have to fit it all into one giganto-normous suitcase, because Delta Airlines only allows one free checked bag with each flight. Of course later, I'm gonna have to figure out how to get all the stuff I buy over in London back to the States, but we'll get there when we get there.
Anyways, here are some tips for packing for students going abroad.
1) Plan accordingly. How long will you be there? Consider what you'll be doing in your host country. I'll be working three days a week at an internship, so obviously I'll need some nice business clothes.
2) What's the weather like there? If you're going somewhere warm, you might want to consider a bathing suit. I'll probably bring mine along, even though I don't think I'll need it.
3) What are your habits? If you work out a lot, bring some shorts and t-shirts. If you're a journaler, bring that along as well!
4) What will be available? Some countries don't have electricity or running water available everywhere, so it wouldn't exactly be prudent to bring all your electronic toys and things.
5) Forget about school supplies. Until you get there at least. Because who really wants to lug around ALL THAT PAPER in airports and taxis and up stairs and stuff.
6) DON'T FORGET your visa, passport, important documents, credit cards, international cell phone and all that jazz. You should definitely keep these in your carry-on bag, so you can keep track of them. You should also have a change of clothes and a toothbrush handy, in case your other luggage gets lost.
7) Stay organized. The more you do this, the less frazzled you'll be, and the more fun you'll have on your trip!
So that's about it! If you have anymore tips or tricks to suggest, leave them in the comments. Man, can you believe I'm leaving for LONDON in a WEEK AND A HALF???? WUUUUUUUUUUT? I still can't even believe it! This is crazy! I'll be an OCEAN away from my family for FOUR MONTHS! I'll also be spending my 21st birthday overseas (which is less of a big deal over there, as the legal drinking age in the UK is 16), but thankfully I'll be back about two weeks afterward and then I can celebrate. I'm working at a FASHION MAGAZINE! Me! A self proclaimed "nerd" who hated shopping until I was about 18. Ugh. I'm freaking out here a little, if you couldn't tell. So many emotions! Wheeeeee! (That's me, screaming on the roller coaster that is life.)
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