I had the incredible opportunity to study in France this past semester, and let me tell you—it might just be one of the most amazing experiences you'll ever have. But that doesn’t mean it’s 100% easy.

Living abroad takes time, effort, and preparation—not just when packing for the trip, but throughout your entire journey. Whether you're traveling for a few days or a few years, adjusting to a new country can be mentally and physically exhausting.

To help you make the most of your time abroad, I’ve put together a few essential self-care tips and ways to ensure your experience is as rewarding as possible.

8. The First Mistake I Made When Packing for Europe

Most locations in Europe have an abundance of pharmacies, grocery stores, restaurants, and shops. And yet—despite living in a medieval village in the middle of nowhere—I still didn’t use half the products I packed.

Lesson learned: Pack smarter.

When it comes to toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and perfume, bring only the essentials. These products add unnecessary weight to your luggage, and in most cases, you can find better-quality, more affordable alternatives once you arrive.

Clothes? Bring the ones you love most because, trust me, you will get sick of them eventually. But be sure to leave plenty of room for souvenirs—you’re going to want to bring back more than you originally packed. The clothes, accessories, and items you pick up abroad won’t just be stylish; they’ll serve as reminders of your experience, the memories you made, and the amazing quality (often at a lower price) that European shops have to offer.

Packing Tips to Avoid Overstuffing Your Suitcase

Make a list of necessities—items you absolutely need for your first week and can’t live without.
Check your list at least five times before placing anything in your suitcase to avoid last-minute panic.
Master efficient packing techniques. Rolling your clothes is a game-changer, but I also learned another method while abroad:
- Lay your largest clothing items flat at the bottom of your suitcase.
- Stack the rest of your clothes flat on top.
- Press everything down firmly, then fold in any sleeves or fabric hanging over the edges.

Using these space-saving strategies will help maximize your luggage space—because trust me, you’ll need it!

7. CHOOSE YOUR TRAVEL MATES WISELY

Most people won’t mention this, but I think it’s one of the most important things to consider when traveling abroad. Of course, you’ll want to explore different countries while you’re there, but who you travel with can make or break your experience.

Remember, you’re in a foreign country, often far from home and any familiar support systems. It’s essential to take trips with people who not only share your interests but also have your back. You want to be with people who make you feel safe, energized, and happy—not those who drain you or create unnecessary stress.

For many students, studying abroad means meeting entirely new people, and at first, you might not know anyone. Take the time to get to know them—their values, travel style, and personalities—before committing to a trip together. Compatibility goes beyond simply getting along; it’s about aligning expectations and priorities.

Ask or consider important questions:

What activities do you want to do in [insert country or city]?
What’s your travel budget?
What time do you wake up and go to bed?
Have you traveled before, and what were your experiences like?
Do we have similar interests and approaches to exploring new places?

Spend some time with them before booking a trip, because trust me—just a few days with someone who isn’t a good match can be exhausting. If you’re constantly compromising or feeling out of sync, it’s harder to fully enjoy the incredible places you’re visiting.

At the end of the day, you should be doing things for you and making the most of your time abroad. If you don’t find people who match your travel style, that’s okay! A solo trip or having friends/family visit might be a better option than tagging along with just anyone for the sake of company.

I wish I had done this. While I still had a great time, my only regret was not exploring more on my own. Instead, I ended up traveling with people whose plans and perspectives on travel didn’t fully align with mine. I even had an important personal item stolen from my room—despite the entrance always being locked—which only reinforced the importance of choosing who you trust carefully.

And if you’re lucky? You’ll have great friends by your side from the start.

6. KEEP. TAKING. PICTURES.

You’re going to want to hold onto these moments and breathtaking visuals for a lifetime. While it’s important to stay off your phone and fully immerse yourself in your surroundings, don’t forget to capture those magical memories when you can.

I brought a digital camera to record vintage-style vlogs and take more detailed photos, while my iPhone was perfect for snapping iconic sights like the sparkling Eiffel Tower at night and the London Bridge. When I return in six months, I’ll be taking even more pictures, especially now that my photography skills have improved.

But here’s the key: take photos for yourself, not for social media or to impress others. Yes, traveling to a foreign country is exciting, but too many people focus on taking pictures just to show off rather than truly appreciating what’s in front of them.

You can scroll through your phone any day of the year—but opportunities like this? They don’t come around often. Don’t let the moment slip away because you're too caught up in a screen. Focus on the experiences, the people, and the memories that will stay with you long after the trip is over.

5. YOU’LL NEED EUROS… BUT NOT AS MANY AS YOU THINK

Everyone says to go to your local bank or ATM to exchange your U.S. dollars for Euros—and they’re right. Having some cash on hand is always a smart move. But be aware of pickpockets at all times. Keep your possessions secure and on your body, especially in big cities where theft is common.

Many markets, small businesses, and even some restaurants prefer cash over cards, so don’t rely solely on plastic. If you’re traveling to a country that uses a currency other than Euros, use an ATM at the airport or once you arrive at your destination to avoid higher exchange fees. This applies to Euro-based countries too, but bringing a small amount of Euros with you in advance isn’t a bad idea.

A few extra tips:
✔️ Call your bank before you leave so they don’t flag your transactions as fraud and freeze your card.
✔️ Spend your foreign currency wisely—leftover cash can be useful for future trips.
✔️ If you have extra Euros when you return, consider keeping them instead of converting back, especially if you plan to visit again.

4. WHATSAPP WILL BE YOUR BEST PAL

A phone plan for international travel can be ridiculously expensive—and honestly, unnecessary. Depending on your carrier and plan, going over call or data limits could cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Instead, WhatsApp is a lifesaver. It’s user-friendly, offers good call quality (most of the time), and works just as efficiently as any other messaging app. The best part? It’s completely free.

Before you leave, download WhatsApp and make sure everyone you regularly communicate with has it too. Whether it’s for staying in touch with family, making travel plans with friends, or even booking reservations, it will make your life so much easier while abroad.

3. CULTURE SHOCK IS REAL. HERE’S HOW TO HANDLE BEING HOMESICK.

It happens to all of us—even those who live and breathe travel, like me. I rarely felt homesick in the traditional sense, but I definitely missed the people back home. I love being away, exploring new places, and immersing myself in different cultures, but at the same time, my home and the familiar comforts of my own space will always be important to me.

Even if you love where you are, being away from the people you see every day and the bed you sleep in for months at a time can throw your brain off. Our bodies adapt to new places, but they also remain wired to the old ones.

To navigate this, check in regularly with loved ones, therapists, or anyone who brings you comfort. There will be moments when homesickness hits hard and others when it barely crosses your mind. If you ever feel overwhelmed or struggle to function, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust and figure out what’s best for you.

Most importantly, take care of yourself. There will be both good and bad days, even in the most breathtaking destinations. Many people forget that studying abroad still means being in school—with all the academic pressure, social dynamics, and emotional ups and downs that come with it. Plus, adjusting to a new country involves dietary changes, environmental stressors, and potential loneliness, all of which can take a toll on your well-being.

The key is understanding how to manage these feelings and staying connected—not just to the people back home, but also to your peers abroad. Maintaining a balance between embracing your experience and taking care of yourself will help you make the most of your time away.

2. SOME FASHION PACKING TIPS FOR TRAVEL

Before packing for your trip, research both current and timeless fashion trends in your destination to ensure you stay stylish while blending in effortlessly. Consider key factors like weather, location, cultural norms, and areas of respect—this will help you dress appropriately for the climate, local customs, and occasions while enhancing your overall experience.

That doesn’t mean abandoning your personal style! Instead, try incorporating a few local fashion trends into your wardrobe. Not only can this be exciting, but it can also help you feel more connected to the culture. Look up the season you’ll be visiting, common color palettes, and popular clothing items—you’ll find plenty of inspiration to elevate your outfits while staying true to your aesthetic.

To build a versatile and long-lasting wardrobe, focus on mix-and-match pieces that keep your outfits fresh without overpacking. And remember—you can always shop for more once you arrive! Limiting how much you pack will make your travels easier and leave room for unique finds from your destination.

Even if you’re not a fashion enthusiast, understanding the basics of how people dress in your chosen country is worthwhile. Europeans, in particular, tend to dress to impress, and you’ll want to feel and look your best while immersing yourself in the experience.

Lastly—This Should Be Obvious, But Do Your Work!

I didn’t realize just how difficult it would be to stay motivated and keep up with classes while traveling. And I wasn’t alone—almost everyone around me shared the same struggle. It’s easy to get caught up in planning your next trip, exploring your new surroundings, or just hanging out with friends. All you want to do is have fun.

But studying abroad will seriously test your discipline and time management skills. Whether or not grades are a top priority for you, putting in a decent amount of effort can help you maintain a steady rhythm, give you a sense of accomplishment, and even open the door for future study abroad opportunities.

To balance travel and schoolwork effectively, try:
✔️ Prioritizing your coursework on weekdays so you have more time for weekend trips.
✔️ Practicing strong time management—it will be more important than ever.
✔️ Getting enough sleep—your health, productivity, and ability to fully enjoy your experience depend on it.

Everyone finds their own way to manage these aspects, and if you haven’t yet, studying abroad is the perfect time to develop healthy habits and routines.

Final Thoughts: Let Go of the "What Ifs"

Don’t stress about the “what ifs” unless they’re positive. Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—thrilling, special, and unforgettable. Trust your intuition, stay safe, be your authentic self, and everything will fall into place.

Most importantly, take care of yourself—mentally and physically. If you find balance between traveling and schoolwork, your experience will be even more rewarding.

I hope this guide helped in some way. Note that these are my tips and experiences and everyone thinks differently. Thanks for reading, and have an amazing trip!

Studying Abroad in Europe: Essential Tips & What I Wish I Knew Beforehand