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5 Last Minute Things to Do Before You Leave for Study Abroad

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

You’ve done everything you need to: packed your bags, hugged mom and dad, fed your dog, but wait! Now you’re panicking, were those 50 pairs of shoes enough? Too little? Too much? What if you forget your travel documents? Or worse, land up in the country and creep people out because you’re wearing your sock as a glove?! Take a deep breath and relax because here are 5 last minute tips before you pick up your suitcases and step into a new world for the semester…

1. Last Minute Packing Check

Make sure you’ve packed everything you need. This isn’t the time to be rethinking whether you really need 20 pairs of socks or 10 different dresses for a night out, but just an overall check to make sure you’re not really missing anything.

2. Say Your Goodbyes

Say goodbye to all your friends and make sure you call everyone you need to. Chances are you probably won’t be able to meet everyone in one or two days, but remember that you probably won’t see them for an entire semester (or year). Good thing Skype exists!

3. Travel Document Check

Make sure you have all your documentation! The last thing you want is to turn up at the airport and tell them that you left your passport at home! Memorizing your passport number isn’t going to help at this point and bribing the attendant with a 20 dollar bill is not an option.

4. Carry Toiletries

Make sure you carry a small pouch of travel essentials and toiletries for the flight. Flying for hours without a toothbrush, hairbrush or floss can leave you feeling pretty gross when you land! No one wants their first step in a foreign land to cause spectators to projectile vomit.

5. Carry Some Entertainment

Make sure you carry something fun to do on the plane. There probably will be in-flight entertainment but you never know! It’s better to carry a Cosmo/Vogue than regret not bringing one when they seat you next to a flatulent 5 year old.

Good luck and safe travels, collegiettes™!

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Divija Mohan

Westminster

A UMass girl who's originally from Bombay, India and currently studying abroad for a year in London at the University of Westminster! Loves watching the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Colbert Report, Scandal, Sherlock (A member of the Cumbercollective), Modern Family, SATC and PLL. A wannabe screenwriter and future filmmaker, she devotes all her time watching cinema from all over the world and trying out new cuisines, places and styles.
Contributors from the University of Massachusetts Amherst