When it came to getting ready for study abroad, I took a pretty practical approach. I focused on the essentials, especially clothes. A few solid pairs of pants and shorts, some reliable t-shirts, and that’s really all I brought. I knew I didn’t want to overpack, especially since I’d be doing a lot of traveling. Packing light was a priority for me because I wanted to be able to move around easily and not feel weighed down by too much stuff. I also considered the laundry situation. Most places in Europe don’t have dryers, so I made sure to bring clothes that could air-dry fairly quickly. That small detail ended up being more important than I realized, especially when I needed to re-wear things quickly.
Mentally, I was excited. I’ve always wanted to see more of the world, and I knew studying abroad would open up that chance. I told myself early on that I was going to say “yes” to everything, every opportunity, trip, event, or even random dinner invite. That mindset helped shape how I prepared. I wasn’t just packing a suitcase, I was preparing to jump into a completely new lifestyle with an open mind.
I also didn’t stress too much about being 100% prepared. I knew if I forgot something, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. Florence has plenty of stores, and I’d be able to grab anything I missed. I tried to plan what I could, but I also left room for flexibility. The goal wasn’t to be perfect, it was to be ready enough to fully embrace the experience ahead.
