My time in Florence has some how come to an end, without my permission. As we prepare for finals and pack our bags, I have taken some time to make a little guide to anyone who is about to start their own adventures abroad (I already envy you). I wish it wasn't ending, but I'm so excited to get home and share what I have learned here. So here's some important things I wish I had figured out sooner.
Also, enjoy the photography by Candra, Monique, and myself.
2. Eventually, flying with Ryanair is going to cost you more than you thought.
3. Worrying about money can hurt you as much as it can help you.
4. It's okay to be lazy every once in a while, even abroad.
5. Reusable water bottles are not easy to find in Europe.
6. The nightlife is an important part of the culture.
7. The nightlife isn't the only part of the culture.
8. Always have an umbrella... or two.
9. A good backpack is the difference between a good trip and
a great trip.
10. "Hot shower" means something very different in other countries.
11. Part of studying abroad is studying... a small part, but still a part.
12. Have some destinations in mind before you leave home.
13. Dressing like a European is a science and an art.
14. It's okay to feel homesick, no matter where you are.
15. Sometimes it's nice to have someone else plan the trip for you - tour groups aren't the enemy.
16. Plan your next semester's registration and housing before you leave.
17. It's worth the walk.
18. Cobblestone streets are no place for high heels.
19. Staying with someone who lives there will make visiting a city so much better.
20. The language.
21. Weigh the vegetables before getting to the checkout stand.
22. Just do your dishes.
23. Pick your battles (when people don't do their dishes).
24. Reading maps is a dying art but a useful one.
25. Download your social media apps before you go.
26. You only need one suitcase.
27. Bank of America will save you a lot on international fees.
28. Figure out how to get international data.
29. Enjoy the journey.
30. Gaining weight while you're abroad is more than acceptable.
31. Your apartment doesn't have to be perfect but it helps to know how to clean it.
32. Always keep at least $100 somewhere in your house for when your credit card stops working.
33. Wifi is not available as often as it is in America.
34. Don't flush anything down the toilet that's not supposed to go there.
35. Roll your clothes, don't fold them.
36. Rental phones are only cheap if you have them at the end of the semester.
37. Get to the big attractions before tourism season starts.
38. Overnight buses are cheap for a reason.
39. Have a plan for how you're going to keep things going with your friends back home.
40. Get the museum pass.
41. The money you pay online at hostelworld.com doesn't ever go to the hostel.
42. Going somewhere by yourself will give you skills you didn't know you lacked.
43. Your apartment will be cold.
44. The attendance policy is a real thing.
45. If mama says eat, you eat. No arguing.
46. All food goes bad eventually.
47. Simple home comforts go a long way.
48. skyscanner.com
51. Always bring your journal.
52. You might have to pay to pee.
53. Traveler's Tummy. Google it.
54. Sunscreen is expensive here, so bring it from home.
55. Get some traveler's insurance on your flight home, if you
can.
56. That airline blanket is a good blanket... keep it.
57. Extra socks. Extra underwear.
58. It will be much harder to learn the language if you live with other English speakers. Unless the language you're trying to learn is English.
59. Bring your headphones.
60. Make friends with the people you buy produce from. There may be discounts.
61. You're not studying abroad because it's easy. Accept the challenges.
62. Skype your dog as often as you Skype your parents.
63. Skype your parents.
64. Don't use Google Translate.
65. The photo isn't the point.
66. Cover your card number at the ATM.
67. Learn the art of a good grocery store meal. It will save you money.
68. Airbnb.com
69. You might have to hang your clothes to dry. It'll be okay.
70. Layovers are fine, unless you're too hungry, too tired, or too cold.
71. Don't take the hostel keys home with you.
72. Bring from home anything you'd normally buy at a gas station or a pharmacy: tampons, etc.
73. Get people to come visit you. It'll be worth it for everyone.
74. Master the public transportation and you will master the city.
75. Have a plan to cope when you get home. We all have to get back to the real world eventually.
