Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity and experience – take it from someone who spent a semester in London and traveled to 12 countries in the span of three months. Here are some tips and tricks to know before you go:
Budget Airlines Are The Move
Airlines like Ryan Air and Easy Jet are perfect for studying abroad. They helped me save so much money, and sometimes I was able to get round-trip flights for less than $50. Sure, the seats may not be pillowy, and they might not offer complimentary snacks, but they always got me to my destinations in a safe and speedy manner. Plus, the bag constraints on budget airlines are feasible; I managed to pack everything in one small backpack for all of my weekend trips.
Use Public Transportation
So many cities abroad, especially in Europe, offer extremely cheap, convenient, and safe modes of transportation. From the tube in London to the U-Bahn in Vienna, these transportation systems offer a reliable way to see the cities and can often get you to and from places faster than cars or Ubers.
Pack Smart
Aside from the packing lists that you can find on the internet or that schools may provide, there are a few key items that I’d be sure to bring when studying abroad.
First, an umbrella. London is known for being a rainy city, but I didn’t expect to need an umbrella in so many other places that I traveled, like Ireland and the Cotswolds. Plus, you cannot rely on cheap umbrellas from corner drugstores; I had two umbrellas break during my semester abroad because of high winds or overuse. Instead, rely on strong, durable umbrellas, and you and your clothes will be able to stay dry for your whole experience abroad.
Next, walking shoes. Heels, flats, or flip-flops will simply not cut it if you want to maximize your time abroad. I rotated between a pair of Hokas and a pair of Converse, and towards the end of the semester, my Converse were ripped with half of a sole missing and an entire shoelace gone, whereas my Hokas were still comfortable as ever, albeit slightly muddied.
Lastly, don’t overpack on pants. One or two pairs of jeans is all you need for traveling, and you may want to bring a few additional pairs for classes during the week. But, don’t let too many pairs of pants take up space in your suitcase, closet, and weekend backpacks.
Learn How To Budget
Budgeting is important when studying abroad, especially if you are hoping to travel a lot and are on an average college student budget. Learn how to utilize banking apps, spreadsheets, and credit cards to track and minimize your spending. Before going abroad, decide what your spending priorities are, from experiences to food to museums. I’d recommend prioritizing experiences and spending money on them, as these will truly make your study abroad memories even greater.
Choose Lodging Wisely
Cheap lodging, like hostels or motels, can often work out and provide a safe and budget-friendly place to sleep. I was able to find cheap lodging everywhere I traveled, generally for under $100 per weekend, and I always had safe experiences. But, be sure to check reviews and photos, as some places can turn out to be deceiving or in unsafe areas.
Ensure Your Items Are Protected
GradGuard renters protection plans offer the perfect way to protect your items, even while studying abroad. In popular tourist sites like Big Ben, the Louvre, and Stephansplatz, pick-pocketing is always a danger. Having GradGuard renters protection can help ease the stress in those populous areas, as knowing that your items can be protected in situations like those can help you enjoy the experience more.
Balance Your Health With Your Travels
Traveling is a blast, but it also exposes you to all sorts of new germs and bacteria. I got sick a few times, and I definitely learned the value of taking care of myself. It’s important to locate your nearest drugstore, and don’t be afraid to spend money on medicine. Sanitize everywhere, prioritize sleep, and maintain a healthy diet.
Maintain An Academic Focus
The first word of study abroad is still study. Yes, traveling is fun, and seeing the world is extremely important, but academics should still be on the radar. It’s easy to lose focus of school, let homework pile up, and let grades slide. It’s vital to maintain an academic focus, so you can return from your time abroad thankful for all your travels and experiences while not regretting a lack of academic discipline.
Be flexible. Mistakes are bound to happen. You’ll miss a flight, have a bad meal, or fail a test. Be willing to accept these and move on. Be adaptable and flexible, and you'll have the best experience abroad!
