Phone plans, travel, and packing: All the things I wish I knew before going abroad

Advice to every student on the best ways to save money and to have a successful study abroad from someone who’s been there

Since January, I have been studying abroad. I was in Sydney, Australia for three months followed by a short visit to the states before leaving for a month in Dublin, Ireland and now I am about to finish my final month in Rome. I have seen a total of five countries during my time abroad, and within those five countries, I have seen 12 different cities.

Over the duration of my experience, I have learned a few tips that I wish I had known before embarking on my journey. Hopefully this list will help all you future study abroad students!

Do your research

This sounds obvious, but the research I’m referring to probably isn’t what you’re thinking. I barely prepared for my trips in the sense that I didn’t really spend time reading over the program details or housing arrangements. I wanted to wing it and be surprised, and I’m glad I did. I ended up going on random trips with other students not really knowing what I was going to see and that was probably the best way to travel. The research I’m talking about is knowing your surroundings. Research the location you are going to including local grocery stores, the local cuisine, as well as cheap bars, activities and phone plans.

Best pizza in Sydney

Don’t break the bank for a phone plan

This is one of the more important things to know. Do not, I repeat DO NOT use an international plan. They are insanely expensive and give you a very low amount of data (which, lets be honest, is the most important thing). Phone plans abroad are much cheaper than plans in the U.S. and give you much more. I paid 20 euros in both countries I visited in the EU and got no less than 10 GB of data. In some cases, you get unlimited. For Europe, I recommend 3 or TIM. In Australia, I recommend Optus. Also, you should not have to pay over 35 euros, but you should go for 20.

Power strips are your absolute best friend, like ever

When I got to the airport I bought an international converter and thought I was the smartest person ever. It has two USB slots for my phone charger and an outlet for my laptop charger. It unfortunately broke halfway through study abroad, so I couldn’t charge everything at once anymore.

When I came home to relax for a few weeks before taking off again, it occurred to me that as long as the regular outlet in my international converter worked, all I needed was a power strip. Bam. Multiple outlets, one converter. Best discovery ever.

Don’t be afraid to get lost

When you first arrive, I recommend putting your phone away and exploring for a while. This is hands down the best way to get to know the area. Bring a friend, bring a group, or go alone. The more attention you pay to your surroundings, the quicker you’ll know how to get around. Also, make sure you insert yourself into the culture. Go to local restaurants and bars and meet the locals. Currently in Rome, there are four different shops that know who I am, and two of the shops even know my order.

For cheap travel use Ryanair

If you are traveling in Europe, Ryanair is your best friend. They offer very cheap flights and sometimes they offer shuttles to the airport for a low cost. I was able to go to Prague for under 60 euros! The airline itself kind of sucks but hey, you save big!

Learn to pack light, seriously

I’m probably one of the least savvy packers in the world. I need to bring everything everywhere I go. I learned quickly that bringing a giant suitcase just isn’t logical or necessary. Get yourself a nice big backpack and pick only what you need. As a girl, I tend to take mostly lightweight rompers and one pair of walking shoes. That leaves room for a set of sleeping clothes (if you wear those) and your toiletries, which obviously you need.

This outfit weighed about half a pound!

Don’t rely on others

You don’t need other people in order to travel. You can do it on your own, and Europe makes it easy with transportation and phone plans that work all over Europe. Getting a group together to go somewhere is so hard, and sometimes you don’t get to do what you want because of others. I took a trip in Australia where I ended up splitting from my friends because our priorities didn’t align. During my last program, I went to Prague on my own and had the best time meeting new people.

Met this cool guy on a walking tour in Prague and spent the night at an ice bar with him and his wife!

Leave the bad attitude at home

Whatever you’ve heard about other people and cultures, leave it at home. Never go to a new place thinking that a particular group of people or a specific culture is going to be a certain way. The stereotypes need to go. Everyone has their own individual story, and deserves to be understood and respected. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that the people are very nice in most places. Give every persona and place a chance.

Moral of the story, a positive attitude will get you anywhere. Be excited for you trip and get to know the area beforehand. Believe in your ability to fit all your belongings into one bag, and accept that if you can’t you are definitely bringing too much. Most importantly, embrace your sense of adventure and keep your mind open!

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