DO:
Buy yourself a Venti Starbucks and spend a few hours at Boston Public Library or the Barnes & Noble at Prudential checking out travel guides before you leave. Create a bucket list and bring it with you to tape on your wall. This way, you won’t forget all the things you want to do while abroad.
If you have an iPhone, download helpful apps like Viber, iTranslate, Skype, World Lens, Google Maps and XE Currency prior to departing.
Take videos, not just pictures! While pictures are great, there’s something about watching a video that takes you back to that moment. While it might feel awkward to randomly hit record, you’ll end up cherishing those videos the most.
Cliché? Yes, but you need to keep a journal. Not doing this is the one regret you always hear from students. If you need some inspiration, go to the Barneys at Copley Place and buy yourself a Smythson notes diary. Their covers feature cute phrases like, “Game On” and “Make It Happen” and they’re the perfect size for travel.
Plan friend and family visits for mid-semester. If you have visitors come too early, it will throw off your routine and make you more homesick. If they come too late, you will be busy trying to accomplish all the things you forgot to do during the semester. Mid-semester is the perfect time for visitors.
DON’T (but really, don’t):
Don’t pack “maybe” clothes. Always ask yourself, “Would I wear or use this often?” If the answer isn’t immediately “yes”, then don’t pack it. You will undoubtedly buy new clothes throughout the semester. Over packing will also make traveling, which is already a stressful experience, even more of a nightmare for you.
Don’t be afraid to take public transportation. While no one better than me understands that we Northeastern students have been forever traumatized by Boston’s public transportation (thank you T!), the transportation will likely be much better where you’re headed and will be a cost-effective way to get around.
Don’t dwell on the fact that everything’s different. This is inevitable for every study abroad and you knew this when you signed up. Constantly talking about home will bring you down and lead to you missing out on enjoying your new home.
Don’t forget to stay healthy. Letting yourself go completely could potentially end with you having hundreds of unflattering photos of yourself on your Macbook at the semester’s end. Not ideal. If you keep active, you won’t be nearly as stressed during the semester and you will be able to indulge in local favorites (crepes, macarons and gelato, oh my!) without feeling guilty.
Don’t make a habit of doing “American things” while abroad. This means, don’t go to McDonalds everytime you’re drunk. Don’t make American Apparel your go-to store. Don’t get Starbucks the morning of every exam. You will be able to do all of these things when you return. You don’t want to come home from being abroad and accidently admit, “We ordered Domino’s every Tuesday.” Your friends won’t be impressed.