It's the final countdown!

Change is not always easy. There is nothing more demanding than breaking a habit. For me, breaking the habit of living in the house I was born in, in the neighborhood where I grew up, seemed like an almost impossible task. A 25 year-old habit on one hand, the fear of moving to a completely different continent I had never even visited before on the other. It looked like all I had to look forward to were more reasons to panic.

That was a completely rational response, and that is crucial for everyone you guys to understand. There is nothing wrong with you if ehenever your friends say "Oh God you are so lucky to be moving to California in less than a week!", you just freeze and think "Have I made a huge mistake?". It is completely acceptable to be 50% unbelievably excited and 50% completely terrified about your move. Change is hard and sometimes frightening. Change is hard and sometimes frightening.

How can you turn the unknown into a less scary place? By being super organized and prepared for any emergencies!

That is the very reason why I am welcoming you to this series of posts with a brief summary and a to-do list for the final week before your departure.

1. Make sure you have proper suitcases

If you are moving to the other end of the world, the old suitcase you used during your camping trip in Crete might not be the best idea. If you just go for a quick walk in any large department store, you will find dozens of new, cheap, large, durable suitcases that will fit your needs. Remember to check BOTH your flights' allowances. For transatlantic flights the baggage size can be larger, but that doesn't mean that the same applies to your connecting flight in Europe. Also, do not overload your bags just because you have permission to carry more weight. There is a reason why airlines suggest 25 kg as the maximum weight in most flights, and it doesn't have to do only with space. Have you tried lifting a 32kg suitcase? Trust me, it is not easy, and a back injury is the last thing you want on your move-in week. Pro tip: you will probably have a small studio or a bedroom to yourself. That means that having 3 large suitcases lying around will take up most of your valuable space. When shopping for suitcases, ask whether they have bags that can fit into one another. Most brands do. That way, you can buy the largest size and the medium size and store one inside the other when you 're not using them.

2. Copy EVERYTHING

I cannot stress this enough: make photocopies of all your important documentation (passport, VISA, ID, acceptance letter, etc.) and keep one set of copies on your cabin bag, one in your suitcase and definitely leave one back home with someone you know can help you if you need anything. That saved me when my wallet got stolen on my 3rd day in California (more on that later!).

3. Pack smart

You seriously do not need to bring bedsheets or towels from home. They are super cheap and easy to find. IKEA has them, local stores sell them, large department stores sell them. Do not leave out clothes that you like or need in order to pack towels. Wanna be safe? Just pack one pillowcase and one small face towel in case you don't have time to wash the new ones before going to sleep. That is more than enough to get you through the first night, and by the second night you will be set. Also, bring only the clothes you actually wear (in accordance to the weather of the place you're travelling to, of course). I can guarantee you that these are the only ones you are going to need! And if you ever need more, the US is known for its amazing malls and discount stores. You can find everything there! Pro tip: You should totally get air suction bags for your clothes. That way, even your winter feather jacket is going to take up so little space. You can find them in any super market.

4. Stay connected

Have all your devices completely charged before leaving home. It will be a long trip and you need to be able to stay connected and have service in case you need anything when you arrive. Many airlines will ask you to turn on devices during the security control. If your device is uncharged and cannot turn on, you might actually get into some trouble and be delayed. What's more: ADAPTORS. Definitely get 2 or 3 of those so that you can actually use your devices when you get to the States. Also, you might want to make a call before your departure to make sure your phone will actually work in the US. It is going to be expensive but you will need a way to communicate for the first couple of days until you get your US number.

5. Keep your friends close

Even though you are embarking on an amazing adventure, where you will meet so many amazing people (again, more on that later), you will definitely miss your friends and family. It might be a good idea to bring some photos with you to decorate your place. And instead of spending the last days in your home country trying to pack everything you own into 2 suitcases, just go out with your family and friends, and create some more memories you can carry with you across the ocean.

6. Get an international driver's license

It will only take up an hour of your time and 50 euros (if you live in Greece). Our driver's license is european, but if you plan on driving in the States, you need an international one. Do not put it off by saying "oh I won't actually be driving a lot, my place is next to the University", because I can guarantee you that throughout the year you will want to go on a roadtrip, and if you haven't got an international driver's license, you have to apply for a local license and go through the entire exam in the US. Not cool, bro.

7. Stay healthy

The States are much more strict when it comes to medications and prescriptions. So be sure to pack any medication you may need throughout the course of your program, and any you might be taking already. It will be much harder to get them once you are in the States. Needless to say, that doesn't mean you should self-medicate. Always visit a doctor if you are feeling unwell. But if you have headaches or indigestion, or any other mild discomfort, be prepared! Another good idea is to visit any doctors you would visit for a casual check up in advance. Book an appointment at the dentist, the eye doctor, the dermatologists, the OB/GYN, whatever fits your needs. When you get to the States it is going to be more difficult, more expensive and you will not feel as covered, since the doctors currently treating you know your history better. Plan ahead, so you don't get stressed.

8. Make sure someone back home can take care of emergencies

Be sure to follow the necessary steps to give someone your proxy, in case there is some emergency with a Bank, the tax office, or any other national department. It's better to go though some extra trouble before you leave, than booking last minute tickets for a 15 hour flight because you need to sign a document for the greek tax office.

Each one has his/her own method and needs, and the same thing won't work for everyone. But following these guidelines is bound to make you will feel less stressed during the final days before your departure, and therefore allow you to enjoy yourself. The next post will be about the day of the trip and the first day at the States, so stay tuned! :-)

#trip #getaway #America