The decision you’ve made to go live or study abroad is a big one. Visas, plane tickets, financial planning, and discussion with family and significant others are just some of the things you have to do before you leave. Not to mention housing arrangements, making new friends, home-sickness, and drum roll please… packing!

I was lucky enough to study abroad twice. I went to Australia during my junior year of college. I applied to Melbourne University through a program that set me up with housing, an advisor, and instant friends. The second time was for a graduate school program. I applied to the school, RMIT, screamed and stressed out over international red-tape and university stupidity, found an apartment, and got a student loan. It was amazing.

Before you leave, make a to-do list before you leave, and hang it up. Include everything: appointments with doctors, goodbyes to friends, paperwork you need, things you need to buy, etc. That way you can see what needs to get done, and do it before you leave.

After all of that, however, it still doesn’t hurt to think of some more things to do to help make your journey a little more pleasant.

People:
Ask amongst friends, family, even random third-degree connections and see if they have friends or relatives living in the city you are going to.

Buy a travel guide. I prefer Lonely Planet books because they give you history, culture, and etiquette lessons in each guide. Plus, they are geared towards young people on a budget.

Talk to your study abroad office, and get names of students who have been on your program. Maybe they have friends still there you could meet?

If you are going for work, or just to live for a few months, don’t be shy! Talk to people in your office, or in bars, don’t be afraid to ask “what’s your phone number? Let’s hang out again”. The fact that you are a cool American may be a big plus in their eyes.

Money:
Think about whether you want to bring a banker’s check and open an account overseas, or keep your money at home. Sometimes, if you withdraw from a foreign ATM from your home account, you have to pay a transaction fee at both ends. If you want to set up an account, look at bank websites where you are going: check out fees, what paperwork you need, and if they have student rates.

Come up with a weekly budget for yourself, and stick to it.
Try to buy your groceries once a week, and limit going to restaurants all the time, or getting take out. Trust me, eating out and buying coffee sucks up so much money. I once did the math, and I had spent 15 Australian dollars on coffee in one week! Ouch.

If you know you have something fun coming up, like a sporting event, weekend getaway, or a big night out, just make smarter spending choices in the days leading up to it.

Housing:
If you don’t have a host-family, student housing, or an apartment through work, check out housemate websites. Apartment hunt online so you can set up inspection appointments as soon as you arrive.

Check out the real estate pages (online of course) of the local newspaper where you will be going. Find out if your university has a housing office that can help you find a place.

Homesickness/Depression
Missing friends, family, your food, language, or culture are all totally normal. But don’t let it get you down so much that you have a hard time enjoying your new experiences. Talk to friends (new, and old).
Connect with other Americans and share your experiences.

If you miss talking to your best pal, your mom, or your boyfriend, get skype (www.skype.com) which is internet phone. It is free if two people use it to call each other, and it a great way to stay in touch. Not to mention emails, blogs, and postcards.

Stay busy – get out there, do new things. If you sit in your room alone too much, you will think too much, and it will only get worse.

Talk to a study abroad advisor, or co-worker, maybe they can offer you help if you really feel low, you might need counseling.

Health:
Find out where local hospitals are located, the emergency phone number, and about sexual health clinics.

Find out where your school’s health center is located.

Talk to school, friends, or workmates about other important health services.

Find out about emergency contraception (Plan B), and how to get it, just in case.

Bring your favorite over-the-counter remedies with you, including painkillers (Advil, Tylenol), decongestants, or vitamins. You may not find the brands you like overseas, and it is legal to bring in those types of medications.

Pack condoms.

Last, but not least, clothes:
My mother always said to me “pack as much underwear and socks you’ll need for fourteen days”. So true.

Look at your favorite clothes, and bring them, since you will wear them.

Don’t overdo it on things like shirts, outerwear, and shoes.

Pack a jacket for the rain, one for cold weather (if it will be winter) and something light.

Bring five or six warm shirts/sweaters.

If the seasons will change while you are away, pack up your winter, or summer clothes and have your parents ship them once you arrive and are settled.

And also:

Pack only the CDs you listen to the most.

Bring some photos, a journal, and small mementos from home to decorate your room with.

Bon Voyage!