To my friends who are going abroad..

HERE ARE SOME TIPS AND ADVICE:

1. The weather will change when you're there. Don't just pack for the season you're arriving in.
2. Gaining weight is a normal thing that happens when you study abroad - think of the food and change in routine. This is okay, just remember when you're packing to bring clothes that let you happily stretch. And also, finding a running buddy or something might be a good idea to do early on if you're really concerned, but honestly, don't really worry about it.
   
3. Bring a variety of clothes; the fashion is probably different from home. Wearing white v-neck tshirts, sweatpants, or running shoes out (when you're not exercising) will make you stick out as an American, and you want to semi-blend in. Definitely bring going-out clothes, because even if it isn't your thing at home, you'll probably go to town when you're abroad.
4. Don't travel every single weekend; spend some time in your home city. You should love where you picked, not just use it as a take-off point. Also, nest! Find the little nooks of your city that you love that you discovered because you're living there and not just a tourist. (i.e. a coffee shop or a park)
   
5. That being said, use your location as a take-off point and go travel! Take advantage of your location and see the things nearby. Some of my best experiences abroad were traveling, as well as some of my favorite pictures.
6. Befriend the locals if you can. They're awesome and will teach you more about the culture than you could learn otherwise, plus it's just overall really fun. It's part of what makes you an international student and not just a tourist.
7. But also, make friends with international students. They're the ones who are probably going to want to go travel with you, and they'll also be the ones to talk to when you're homesick or need to talk about home because they understand more.
8. Keep a blog or a journal. You want more than just pictures as a record of your experience. I kept both - my blog was more for my family and friends, and my journal was more for me and for traveling. Take your pick. Both is probably ideal if you can manage it.
9. If you do have space for things like toiletries and what not, pack them. Why not? They're probably more expensive abroad and you'll use them up while there - just make to put them in your checked bag.
10. Don't overpack - you really don't need as much as you think you do and you'll accumulate things while you're abroad too, which will take up space in your suitcase when you're packing to come home at the end of the semester.
    
11. That being said, don't underpack either. I was rather sad with my seven shirts..
12. Things that might be worth packing extra of: contact solution, deodorant, American snacks (if you want them), pictures/posters/things to decorate your room with, sunglasses, notebooks, and an extra set of earbuds.
    
13. There are two parts to studying abroad: study and being abroad. Remember that studying is part of being abroad.. but honestly, the abroad part is more important than the study. Get your stuff done but it's probably going to be an academically easier semester than at home so take advantage of that. When again in your life could you skip class to climb a volcano?
14. Don't be foolish by thinking that you will have weekly skype dates. Maybe with your parents, but probably not. But keep in touch with home when you can!
15. Gmail calling. Do it. It's free to call the US and Canada from abroad - you do need to have money on your account to make a call but it doesn't actually cost you anything and it's SUPER easy. Sometimes way easier than making skype dates. (So bring phone numbers for people who you think you might call?)
    
16. You will get homesick. Let yourself be homesick, but don't dwell on it.
17. Try to get Fridays off of class! I wish I had, it would have been nice for traveling.

...And that's all I got for now. I started this forever ago and haven't really edited it at all so I apologize if it's repetitive. If anybody else who's studied abroad has anything to add.. let me know! I just wish I'd had a few more words of wisdom about studying abroad before I got there. However, I did leave some stuff out.. there are just so many strange and interesting and awesome things that are worth discovering for yourself!

I had SUCH an amazing semester and I'm so lucky I was able to do and see and experience all the things I did while abroad. I loved New Zealand and [almost] everything that went along with it being abroad; currently, I'm experiencing homesickness for my life back in Auckland. I miss it. And hopefully in six months (or whenever) you will be experiencing this homesickness too because you loved where you were so much. Have awesome semesters, loved ones! :)