There are lots of tasks to get done before you can start your study abroad experience. Use our before you go checklist to make sure you haven't forgotten anything.

what to do before you go

Go through the checklist below and tick things off as you do them. Or you might want to print it off and put it with your important documents.

6 months before you travel
Start saving. From now on, everything you don’t spend at home will make your time abroad easier.
Look for additional funding, scholarships or grants. There is no such thing as too much money!
Start researching your destination and getting to know your host country’s culture. Read books, watch films and check our region pages for detailed information.
Liaise with your new university’s international office about accommodation.
Book flights.
Apply for passport and visa(s). Delay in processing visas is a very real prospect so the sooner you apply the better.
Apply for an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) and a student rail pass for your host country.
3 months before you travel
Start building a network of friends. Connect with bloggers on i-studentglobal and see if your university has a Twitter or Facebook account you can follow.
Start working out your budget. Find out about the likely cost of living.
Apply for a bank account or credit card that can be used around the world.
1 month before you travel
Have medical and dental checkups. Make sure that if you need medication you can bring it into the country.
Start writing a list of things you want to do and researching the places you want to go.
Research the best internet and mobile phone deals.
Start looking into travel insurance. It may sound boring, but it is essential.
2 weeks before you travel
Tell everyone your new contact details and look into getting Skype.
Start saying your farewells.
Set up a travel blog or better still start blogging for i-studentglobal.
Make sure you’ve cancelled any existing direct debits.
Tell your bank and credit card companies you’re going away.
Check luggage allowance.
Scan all important documents including birth certificate, driving licence, passport, ID card etc and email them to yourself. You never know when you might need them.
1 day before you travel
Pack all valuables in your hand luggage not your suitcase.
Make sure you have your new address in your hand luggage.
Try to get some sleep!
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