A Classy Guide to Planning for a Semester Abroad

When you’ve just decided to spend a semester abroad, your to do list can seem pretty overwhelming. Between getting all of your paperwork in order and scheduling your classes it is easy to forget that this experience is supposed to be fun! Here are some tips and tricks to keep your life organized as you get ready:

1. Go buy a binder, some dividers and notebook paper. I know, I know—this sounds like a class assignment but trust me that your life will be a whole lot easier if everything for your trip is in the same place. Get a binder that you love since you’ll be spending a lot of time with it!
2. Make tabs for your dividers. A few suggestions
   - Major To Dos: Keep a list of all of those things that need to get done before you leave. As you get things done, rewrite the list to keep it clean and tidy.
   - Packing List: Packing can be the most difficult part of the planning process. Keep track of all of those items you really think you will use in this section so when you get ready to pack there will be less stress.
   - Travel Ideas: Everyone will start making suggestions of places you need to see—this is the place to keep all of those. Once you spend a few afternoons at the library looking through guidebooks, your notes will find a home here.
   - Class Information: If possible, print out your syllabi before you leave. Reading through them will give you peace of mind!
   - Forms: Put information about getting your passport, visa, and housing in here.
3. Keep everything in this binder. The hardest part of getting ready to go abroad is making sure that everything that you’ve been given and everything you’ve looked up is in the same place. As long as you use this binder for your catch-all, your planning should go smoothly!

Alexandra Patterson is an intern for College Lifestyles ™. She has recently started her own study abroad experience at the University of Exeter in the UK. She can’t wait to get settled in and share tips about how to make the most of studying abroad!