Packing, Unpacking, and Repacking for Florence

Danya Migdali is a student at California Lutheran University and an ISA Featured Blogger. Danya is currently studying abroad with ISA in Florence, Italy.

So here it is. A week to go before I will be on a plane headed for New York, then Paris, and finally arrive in Florence! I thought I would be smart and get everything together to pack, and all my paperwork and documents completed at the beginning of the month so I wouldn’t have to worry, but like everything else in life, I procrastinated a little. Not to worry though, I still have time to do everything, and have compiled a list for those who experience this weird thing called ‘procrastination’ like I do!

First of all make a list of the things you need to do before you leave. For me that list comprised of packing (with a separate list for what to bring…I’m a planner), all the important documents I needed to print out and make copies of (ISA has lists about what you need to bring and what you need copies of, make sure to check this before you leave), checking with my home University to make sure everything is in order, and researching Italy and the various things that I need to know about living there for almost four months.

So I packed. Realized I am bringing too much stuff, and unpacked. Tried a second time, which was successful! Until I unpacked again to finish some laundry. Then I checked the weather. Decided that multiple pairs of shorts are probably not needed for 40-50 degree weather, and added some extra socks instead.

I made sure to add a few things in that remind me of home, but are light and small (trinkets from friends, bracelets my father bought me) so if I get homesick, I’ll have something to comfort me.

Tonight I’ll pack and finally leave everything in my suitcase, put it in the corner of my room, and go out and enjoy my last week before embarking on the most exciting adventure of my life! But don’t worry, I’ll be sure to update you on whether extra shorts would have been a better choice than extra socks.