In almost one week I will be heading overseas to go on the adventure of a life time. Since I was younger I've always wanted to travel, travel, travel. Fast forward to now and that want has become a reality. When I was accepted into my study abroad program and even when I started receiving emails about filling out my visa and enrolling in classes, the fact that my summer would end once I board the plane to London did not seem real. However, when my visa came in mail two weeks ago (I kinda cut it close) and I got the email about meeting up after landing, reality finally started to set in. With that being said, here are five thoughts I believe anyone studying abroad is bound to have heading out on their new adventure.
1. I'm going to have to have a workout plan to balance out the amount I plan to eat.
Because if you'd like to avoid having to say the quote above, or turning out like Homer Simpson, finding a way to burn all of the delicious carbs that you're about to intake is a must. With my program we receive "countdown" emails and fortunately one of the recent emails informed students of ways to get involved and how to stay active with gym memberships and sports clubs. That way, we can all feel a little less guilty for eating the good bread and drinking the tasty wine.
2. I'm going to be broke once I return home.
As I'm looking at the expenses required to study abroad, the money needed for shopping before I even leave the country, and imagining the money I'll spend once I'm there... well my pockets are already crying. However, I'm keeping in mind that this trip is worth every penny. Besides, it'll be Christmas upon return (and I get to celebrate my 21st a month after that!).
3. So much to do and so little time to do it
This thought could not hold more truth. Besides packing (that's a whole separate thought), there's getting months supplies of prescriptions or vitamins, figuring out a phone plane, contacting banks, going shopping, hanging out with friends and family beforehand and so much more. All while trying to remain calm.
4. I have absolutely no idea what to pack.
Considering what I've heard about the weather in London, when it comes to packing I have no clue what to put in my bags. Along with that, as someone who procrastinates I know I won't really start packing until about three days before I leave. Luckily, I'm not in this boat alone. Most students who study abroad spend months looking up travel guides and gain some pointers from the people who have already gone through the struggle. For example, I now know better than to pack rain boots despite how much it rains over there. Besides that... that's the only thing I know I won't be packing.
5. I'm sure gonna miss this place I call home.
Four months is a long time to be away from home when you're thousands of miles away and plane tickets cost $1,500 round trip. This definitely applies to students who are going abroad during the fall semester. Meaning, more than likely they won't be returning for Thanksgiving break. When it comes to home, there are so many things, and people, that I'll miss. But as they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder, right? Plus, I know when I come back home, I'll be missing my new found in London.
Cheerio!
