Top 5 Lessons I've Learned About Being Prepared While Studying Abroad

Studying abroad in Barcelona has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life so far. Between exploring the city, traveling on weekends, and adjusting to living in a new country, I've learned so much outside of the classroom. However, one of the biggest lessons I've learned is that things don't always go according to plan. Whether it's an unexpected cancellation, extreme weather, or just trying to cook yourself dinner, being prepared can make a huge difference. Here are five lessons I've learned so far that I wish I'd known before coming abroad.

1. Learn to Cook a Few Basic Meals
Before studying abroad, I didn't fully realize how important knowing how to cook would be. While Barcelona has amazing restaurants, eating out for every meal quickly becomes expensive. I used to dislike cooking, but here I’ve started making meals with friends and cooking is no longer a chore. Learning to make even a few simple dishes can save money, time, and effort, and even create fond memories with friends. You don't need to become an amazing chef, but having a handful of easy meals you can make with basic ingredients makes everyday life much easier.

2. Don’t Book Travel Through a Third Party
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is to book flights and transportation directly through the airline or company whenever possible. While third-party websites might offer slightly cheaper prices, they can make things much more complicated when something goes wrong. If your flight or train gets canceled or you need to change your reservation, dealing with a middleman can be frustrating and time-consuming. Airlines will offer compensation or solutions when flights are delayed, and if you book through a third party you don’t receive these benefits. I've learned that paying a little extra for the convenience and security of booking directly is often worth it.

3. Put AirTags on Your Belongings
When you're constantly traveling between cities and countries, keeping track of your belongings becomes especially important. AirTags are a simple way to give yourself some peace of mind. Especially in Barcelona and other popular tourist destinations, pickpockets are a big problem. Keeping an AirTag in my wallet means I know my wallet is always with me, and if someone were to grab it out of my bag I would receive a notification immediately. Whether it's your suitcase, backpack, or another valuable item, being able to check its location can save you a lot of stress. Even if you never end up needing them, they're worth having just in case something gets lost.

4. Always Pack an Umbrella
This might sound silly, but an umbrella is something that's easy to forget until you desperately need one. Weather can be unpredictable, especially when you're traveling to unfamiliar places. Barcelona has had an unexpectedly rainy fall, and having a small, portable umbrella in my backpack has saved me multiple times. It's a small thing that can make a surprisingly big difference, and I would highly recommend keeping one with you when you travel.

5. Keep an Eye Mask in Your Travel Bag
If studying abroad has taught me anything, it's to expect the unexpected when traveling. Flights get delayed, plans change, and sometimes you might even find yourself sleeping in an airport after a cancellation. Having an eye mask in your bag makes it much easier to get some rest wherever you end up. You’ll be sleeping in different places such as hostels, and an eye mask can help you get some much needed sleep. It's one of those things you might not think to pack, but you'll be grateful for it when you need it.
 

Final Thoughts
Studying abroad is all about trying new things, becoming more independent, and learning to adapt. While it's impossible to prepare for everything, these five small lessons have made navigating life abroad much easier. Sometimes the most valuable lessons come from the moments that don't go as planned!