Money:
- Save yourself the hassle of wiring money to a foreign country and open a Charles Schwab bank account. This card is phenomenal whether you are studying overseas or for everyday use. Most bank cards charge a currency exchange fee in other countries, but this has unlimited international usage. It also reimburses your account each month for ATM transaction fees. Best travel card ever!
Packing:
- Take 2 suitcases. Use one suitcase for as many articles of clothing as possible without breaking the weight limit. Then use the second suitcase for wire hangers, hygienic products, school supplies, and things that will be used throughout your stay. Speaking from Australian prices, things are outrageous compared to home. This also makes way for plenty of room for purchases made abroad.
- Research the climate you're about to live in for the semester. Will it be warm? cold? rainy? I had a rude awakening with cold and damp weather the first several months abroad.
- Don't forget a copy of your passport. This will be of great use if you travel and stay in a hostel. Most hostels want a copy of your passport on file, and this eliminates the security risk and hassle associated with holding your only way out of the country.
Electronics:
- When in doubt, don't bring it. Computers and phone chargers are alright. They are programmed to slow down currents and be able to go global. But as for any electric razors, straighteners, curling irons, blow dryers...leave them at home. Thankfully I was advised of this tip before leaving. But Anna wasn't so lucky when she plugged her new Chi into the power point only to hear a quick ping followed by excessive heat fuming from the product and its power cord. Don't even try it!
Travel Binder:
- Pull a mom move and create a travel binder with everything needed for your stay abroad. This can include a trip itinerary, confirmation numbers for tours/flights, frequent flyer numbers (you never know when you'll need them), copy of your visa, important school program emails. It is also helpful to take any addresses of people you want to write back home. Everything will be in one place and always accessible.
Phone:
- Unlock your phone and bring it with you. Simply call your primary provider and have them unlock your phone from their service. This allows your phone to work with any SIM card and you don't have to waste $30 on a tacky phone you will never use again. Buy a pre-paid plan that fits your usage and you're set! I started with a Telstra account, then switched to Vodafone. I found Telstra to have better coverage, but the rates were high compared to the amount of talk/text time you received using Vodafone. With Vodafone I have the $35 All-Time Recharge which entitles me to $35 credit mainly for phone calls, unlimited Australian texting, and a small data package. Perfect for a student abroad.
- Amateur move: Place your primary SIM card in a safe place. Although I thought my side purse was the perfect spot, I lost it. Leaving my mom with the annoying task of dealing with AT&T and sending a new SIM card overseas so I would have service once I landed in L.A. Still don't feel good about that.
Room Supplies:
- Pictures. An easy way to brighten your dull dorm or host family room is to bring pictures of your friends/family from home. Photos are light and small enough to not affect packing, but the best when you are homesick or just need a smile.
- Air freshener. Before I came to Australia I had a free voucher for Bath & Body Works and I found these amazing compact air fresheners that smell wonderful. My suite mates are jealous of the scent that always lingers in the air, and it masks any uncomfortable dorm odor.
Best Study Abroad Token:
- Buy a flag. I have an Australian flag hanging in my room. Anytime people are in my room, I have them sign with a silver sharpie. It's a great memory to take home, and have pride for your exchange country.
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