If you're planning on studying abroad soon, you probably have a thousand emails all marked important and a mental checklist that never seems to stop. From one study-abroad goer, to another here is my advice: write things down. Lists are your friends. At one point before I left I had three to-do lists each with about 20 things I had to do on them. Here are what my lists were made up of for any adventurers about to venture off:

Packing List

Self-explanatory, really. Make sure you think of everything you need to pack. Some common things many people forget are:

• Adaptors. Check out the countries voltage system. It will give you peace of mind when you’re able to charge your phone immediately, instead of going to a store to find an adaptor. For Macbook lovers, there is a special bundle you can buy for your laptop plug that has every type of adaptor. It is a little pricey, however if you use your computer a lot and plan on traveling in the future, it is a good investment.
• Some of the countries currency. Make sure you have a few bucks before you leave home. You might need to pay for a cab, buy a snack, or something else. Some places don’t accept credit cards. I found you get a great rate if you go through AAA.
• Add some travel-sized toiletries to your luggage so you’re not scavenging around as soon as you land for some shampoo. It’ll take you a few weeks to settle in, and no one wants to meet you when you’re smelly.
• Don't overpack. If you're going somewhere tropical, you won't need a winter jacket. If you're going some place cold, you don't need five jackets. Also shoes take up a lot of room. Keep it to a minimum

Before you leave List

You will be missed while you’re gone! No not just by your friends and family, but other places that need to be alerted you’re leaving!
• Make sure you call your bank before you leave and let them know where you will be traveling. This is key. If they see you bought anything outside of your home country they will put a hold on your account. Make sure you tell them not only where you will be living, but also any other countries you might be traveling to. Setting up an online banking account won’t hurt, either. It’s much easier to manage your money that way.
• Check if there are any mandatory vaccines you need before you study abroad. These are common in places like Africa or Asia. Click here for more information.
• Any other things like paying bills, insurance, etc… should be taken care of. If you have a car, make sure you figure out what you are doing with it while you’re gone. Another reason for online access to your bank is so you can pay bills while abroad. Schools may require a specific health insurance, so make sure you have thoroughly researched that aspect. If you're going during tax season, make sure someone you trust back home is handling it for you.
• Phones need to be unlocked if you are traveling internationally. Many smartphones such as the iPhone should already be unlocked. Otherwise, make sure you have talked to your phone provider before you leave, they can unlock it for you. If not, you can always buy a cheap phone when you land.
• Passports and Visas should be settled well in advance. This is not something you can save for last minute because it takes plenty of time to issue both of them. Keep in mind they can be pricey, especially if you have to expedite them. Furthermore, visas vary in price depending on how long you are studying for. A visa for a semester will cost much less than a visa for an Academic-Year.
• Make copies of everything. Customs is no joke. I had about five copies of my Offer Letter, plus the original. Also make copies of your social security card, birth certificate, passport, visa, etc. And keep them in separate places. If you lose one bag, you don’t want to lose everything.
• I made a word document that had all my basic information listed on it. This included my passport and visa numbers, insurance ID numbers, emergency contacts and contact info for my new school. Try to at least have the number for your study abroad advisor just in case you get lost when you arrive. Keep this folded up and on you at all times.
• Make a plan for after your land. The first step is obviously getting to your new home. Your new school might offer a shuttle from the airport. If you need to take public transportation, print out a map or directions on how to do so.
  
  

  The After You Land List

  You’re going to be tired. You’re going to be sweaty and gross. You’re going to be frazzled and high on adrenaline. But it’s all going to be worth it, I swear.

• Have a folder for anything customs might ask you for. I had my essentials (Offer Letter, copy of passport, school info etc.). I studied in the UK for an Academic-Year so I also needed a CAS letter, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. Other countries/schools may require this, so double check.
• Also in my folder had the information my new school sent me. Chances are your school will send you a very detailed list of what to do when you arrive. They may have sent you your new room address, which you should keep on you at all times until you’re sitting down on your new lumpy dorm mattress.
• Alas, you’re finally here! The next step is letting your friends and family know you are there safe and sound. The first step for many people is going to get an international phone. Pre-paid/Top-up phone plans are very popular overseas and it should be easy to retrieve one. However, if you can email or use your computer to get in contact with your family, the phone doesn’t have to be an urgent first-step.
• Sit back, relax, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime

These are just a few of the things I did building up to my study abroad experience. Of course it varies from person to person and from school to school. If you need help your home school and your study abroad school should have study abroad advisors available to answer all of your questions. Additionally, there are thousands of study abroad blogs that can be helpful.

It may seem like a lot of work, but it is so worth it. Having everything prepared will ease an already stressful situation. Remember, this is the hardest part of studying abroad. You’ve gone through the applications, applied for visas, made your new class schedule, and so much more. The last and final step should be to have fun!