Arriving in Philadelphia with only two suitcases…

Hi all! 

AS it is my first time blogging here and consequently the first time you (virtually) meet me, I’d like to begin by presenting myself. 

My name is Sally, just a nickname for a much harder name to pronounce for anglophones, let’s be honest, and I have just started living my version of the American dream, meaning an exchange year at Drexel University! 

The prospect of studying abroad is exciting for many, but can also be a stressful idea. In my case it was a mix of both that inhabited my heart the months before my departure. One of the focuses of my stress was actually packing my subcases. 

I mean, the idea of fitting your whole life into the airport-dictated dimensions really makes you look differently at everything you own and whether you actually need them or not. I also arrived at an off-campus housing unit that was unfurnished, so I had to take that into account as well. 

The fun part of packing and thinking about how all of the objects you have will serve you during your adventure quickly gets replaced by calculations of weights, price comparisons, and wondering if you will have the time to go out and buy from various shops once you’ve arrived. 

Now that my flat is well furnished and that I have started to experience my exchange student life, I would like to share my list of stuff I have found so helpful to have with me, and what I regret not packing. 

1- To start with, bed sheets! 

I think it is common knowledge that a good night of sleep defines everything about your next day, plus, after what like in my case can be a very long trip to reach your destination, you don’t want to find yourself sleeping on a bare mattress. 

Bringing bedsheets with you not only avoids a big headache and more work to put in when arriving before being able to sleep. In addition, they can remind you of your home and start the decoration of your dorm/ accommodation by bringing a pop of color. 

2- Converters for chargers

Let’s not lie, we are all addicted to technology (not judging, me too !), so obviously we might not risk forgetting our chargers at home. However, what seems to fly above our heads for some reason is that not all countries and regions use the same outlet! Even if you can probably just buy the local outlet on Amazon for all USB cables, some of your appliances might still need a converter (a hair straightener for example), and having at least two can be a lifesaver! I would also recommend packing a small power strip cause you probably won’t know how many outlets your accom will provide, especially if you have only one converter. 

3- Pictures! 

This might be the most emotional item of this top 3, but I’m a firm believer that you get used to your environment more rapidly if you make it your own. As such I highly encourage visiting the city and your neighborhood and finding your spots (which I will talk about in another post :), but also personalizing your accommodation as you come back to it every night. Packing decorations and trinkets can be tricky whereas pictures do not take up a lot of space, can be arranged easily and in so many different ways, are cheap to print in local stores, and can make a place feel very homey so fast while having the comforting looks of your loved ones around! 

Now, for the things I wish I had taken with me! 

1- transitional seasonal wear

That one might seem obvious, but the thought that went through my mind was that finding appropriate weather clothes for the US would be easier… in the US and that locals would have tips and where to shop and what to get. What I had not taken into account was that seasonal switch happens way earlier than expected, I already regret not having enough autumnal clothes, having only prepared for the sweet summer or harsh winter. So make sure to check for not only the weather but also the climate of the region you’re visiting while packing, and do not forget transition season wear! 

2- Food staples from home 

Let’s be clear, I do not recommend bringing a subcase as your pantry, especially as the regulations at the American borders for bringing food inside the territories are strict for a reason. However, you might quickly find yourself craving little staples that were so evident in your diet at home that you can actually feel their lack upon arriving, especially as what you might consider easy-to-find ingredients in your home supermarkets might be way more specific here! Because finding special shops in a new city is definitely not your priority as you enter a new chapter in your life, I think it can be useful to pack little samples of your favorite foods just for the time you’ll need to get settled. 

I wish I had taken with me a few spices that we use a lot in our Mediterranean kitchen such as this pepper salt from the south of France/Spain and Zaatar… no not the croissant (I am not that much of a cliché of a French come on!).

3- Flap shirt 

This one might seem a bit random but hear me out: an important part of the study abroad experience is studying, and in order to succeed in a new academic environment (with a different language !) organization seems to be key. A flap shirt is necessary for all the important documents, whether medical or visa-related, but also for all of the handouts and material you might receive in your classes. I would recommend packing one for each class per semester/quarter you are thinking of taking, and having them in different colors so you’re sure not to mix them up. 

I sure hope those packing tips were useful! Please tell me If you have any other recommendations. See you next week