Days to go: 5 DAYS!
It’s the Final Countdown (da-na-na-na, da-na-na-na-na)! That song will now be stuck in your head for at least 10 minutes, readers – yes that applies to both of you! Hopefully my blog will get a little more interesting from here on out, as I won’t just be waffling about packing…
So before I go, here’s a nice list of things to do before you go:
1. Tidy/Hoover your room
I know this sounds like common sense/nagging but seriously, do you want to come back to a tip in a year’s time? It also means that if your parents decide to rent out/loan your room to relatives while you’re away, you needn’t worry about them standing on/breaking important items that may live in the floor/floordrobe.
2. Go out for dinner/a coffee with your parents/friends
Remember: you’re going away for a whole year – this is the perfect time to catch up with people, or one last ‘setting the world right’ session face-to-face before you have to do it over Skype. That’s just not the same!
3. Let the bank know you’re going abroad
This is a must! You don’t want to be running out of money in a foreign country, only to find your card has been blocked – banks will think it has been stolen. Best thing is to go into your local branch and just let them know where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone – it only takes 5 minutes, so don’t put it off!
4. Check your case
Don’t let last minute packing catch you out. Double check the weight of your luggage, double check your list of packed items, make sure the last-minute items are ready to go, check all the liquids in your hand luggage are easy to access and the right size. All common sense, but still….just check!
5. Try to get along with your sister/brother/hell-child of a sibling
As in the previous point, this is the last time you’re going to see your family for a while – don’t leave things on a bad note. Put aside those grudges and enjoy your last little while at home. It’s inevitable that stress/excitements/panic will be causing tension in the house, but don’t let this amazing experience abroad ruin your standing relationship with your family.
I’m speaking from experience here: I had a huge argument with my mum last week after everything came to a head, and that got everything out in the open before I left. Similarly, don’t spend all your time, before you leave, packing and sorting out year abroad things – play with your little brother or sister, help your mum make dinner, offer to babysit. Just spend time with everyone as much as you can.
Any other suggestions? Leave a comment below 🙂
Scot in Akita 