Take Pictures

Take so many pictures, not only for yourself but for everyone (like me) who lives for your every update. Needless to say, campus isn't the same without you. When you return, I expect a PowerPoint presentation on each and every adventure. but, as I said. This isn't just about me. When I went to Barcelona last spring break, I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I would have liked; I relied simply on my memory to preserve the little moments that I've consequently forgotten. Be the person with the camera out. Grab a disposable camera from the nearest convenience store and keep it with you, just in case your phone dies. You'll thank me when you come back, and every detail of your trip is preserved in those ever-present moments.

Get Souvenirs 

And I don't just mean little novelty glasses from one of the 18 touristy bodegas on the corner. Explore the city you're in and go down literally every street until you find that one perfect ring shop, nestled between a restaurant and lighting fixture shop. Get something that you would never in a million years get yourself back home. I'm very much a fan of saving money and bargain hunting, but I think this is one experience you'll never be able to relive (unless you fall in love with Lille or Madrid and decide to move there for permanent, in which case, we have to talk about my guest room). So, in the wise, wise words of Tom Haverford, "Treat yo' self"

Live

I don't mean just come back in one piece. Come back with pieces of everywhere you've been. Come back with stories of skydiving in Switzerland, camelback rides in Morocco, Oktoberfest in Munich or recreating the Cheetah Girls' iconic "Strut" music video in Parc Güell in Barcelona. Come back with the most enviable photo album of experiences.

Study 

Okay, I know I sound like your mom on this one but trust me. I want you to have the absolute best time abroad, and if you're not doing as well in your classes, that's definitely going to put a damper on your weekend mood. So yeah, go out often, but carve out time in your schedule to study hard. And, although I love studying on campus, you can study in historic cities and really live your best life.

Remember to text

Please. I miss you guys like crazy, and I know I'm not the only one. When my phone lights up with a Snapchat or text message from across the Atlantic Ocean, I don't think words can accurately describe how excited I am. Seeing your stories posted from Lisbon, Galway, Madrid and beyond make me so ridiculously happy and even if I'm one of seven people receiving your daily snap streak, I consider myself lucky to be one of the people you decided to keep in contact with while you're on the adventure of a lifetime.