The end of summer is slowly approaching and no matter how much students may wish for an endless vacation, eventually it will be time to go back to school. If you’re heading off to university, starting a semester abroad or moving before the first day, you or your youngster might have some travel involved before starting the new school year. Here are some key points to keep in mind for travelling back to school as you head into the beginning of a new chapter!
Documentation and Visas
If you are starting school in a foreign country, it is extremely important to ensure you have all of your paperwork and visas in line before you leave the country. Depending on where you will be studying, the requirements can differ and you may need approvals and documents from both your school and federal government. Be sure to start early to avoid any delays or issues and use any resources offered by your school or experienced peers.
Transportation
As you begin your preparation to head back to school, consider the best form of transportation for you to get there based on the distance and luggage you need to bring. If your trip to school is drivable, this is a great option as it allows you to pack up the whole car with minimal restrictions for baggage and space. If a plane or train are your only options, make sure to find out your limits for weight and bags and see if you can purchase extra luggage in advance if you expect to be travelling with a lot of goods. Consider if you will be purchasing a one-way ticket or round-trip for your next visit home.
Packing
Once your travel is decided, you will need to start packing and the list may seem intimidating. But don’t stress, start by making a list of your essential items for school (laptop and chargers, books, supplies) and personal belongings that you cannot replace, as these are the most important things to have. For clothing, make sure to be informed of the typical weather for the location you are moving to, this will help reduce bringing pieces that you may never wear. If you can, try having a family or friend bring anything else when they come to see you – this could be a great excuse to have your loved ones come visit!
Health Check
Your health should always be a top priority and this is something you should make sure of before heading out to school. Try and schedule a doctor’s appointment for a regular check-up, or renew any prescriptions before you need to travel. Once you start school, your schedule is bound to fill up and the last thing you want to worry about is getting sick or needing to find medical care abroad. There’s no harm in making sure your health records are up to date before you leave for the school year!
Enjoy the end of your summer!
Finally, it is important you rest and enjoy your time with your friends and family while you are still close to home. Starting a new school year can be exciting but also nerve-wracking, so it is understandable if you are feeling stressed. Just remember to try and make the most of the end of your vacation and take in the moments of this new adventure you will be starting!
