THINGS YOU NEED TO PREPARE BEFORE STUDYING IN SPAIN
LUGGAGE
Luggage is usually the last thing ppl will start preparing, like 1 day before the departure haha, but seriously u should start packing already. Let's talk about what you should bring with u before a long stay in Spain.
Well, there r a lot of things to bring and i could go on about it for hours, but i will just cut to the chase right away. What r the essentials that must be packed into that tiny suitcase??
First of all..
1. ADAPTERS
In spain, they use two types of adapters,type C & F, so remember to bring a few adapters. Here I recommend to bring some smaller adapters than the universal one if u r staying longer, since the universal ones sometimes could be too big to fit into the socket.
As for the voltage, usually it is around 220-240v, but nowadays most laptops or phones r around 110-240v, so shouldn't be a problem.
2. CREDIT CARD
Some ppl choose to open a bank account in spain in some Spanish banks like Santander, Bankia, or BBVA, and then transfer the money from their home country. However, I would recommend to bring another credit or debit card for international purchase, since a lot of transportation and accommodation require credit card if u reserve it online. Therefore, if u have to close the bank account beforehand, u would still have another way of payment.
3. CAMERA
One of the things i regret the most is not bringing my camera. There r just view that a mobile phone could never capture. Believe me, Spain has a lot amazing view to offer, so pack up ur camera!
4. INTERNATIONAL LICENSE
If u r planning to travel to some Spanish islands, it is recommended to change to an international license since public transport is not that convenient and usually more expensive than renting a car.
5. MEDICATION
Wherever u travel, it is always recommended to bring ur medication in case of emergency. however, if needed, there is always "farmacia" (pharmacy) on the street.
6. EXTRA PAIR OF GLASSES
In most of the countries, it is always expensive to measure ur diopter or purchase glasses. Therefore, I recommend to bring an extra pair of glasses or the report of ur diopter. An off-page note is that in Taiwan the price of a prescribed glasses is quite cheap and the price include the service of diopter measurement.
7. THINGS THAT REPRESENT UR COUNTRY
If u r a student, definitely bring sth that represents ur country, cuz there will be a lot of events held for exchange students or au-pairs! Some suggestions r flag, stickers of flag(especially useful in LE meeting), and some sweets from ur country(always the attention grabber).
8. SPARE PHONE
In some part of Spain, pickpockets r quite rampant. In Madrid for example, the sol station, metro, or nightclub r the places to look out for pickpocket! But just in case, bring an old phone as spare.
ACCOMMODATION
1. START LOOKING FOR ACCOMODATION ALREADY!
I was too naive to think that some accommodation would pop up once I arrived at Madrid. The truth is that i spent like 7 whole days in an airbnb desperately looking for flat. The time I arrived was the end of august, which is the time when spanish went for vacation, and the time when a lot of students were looking for flat. Here I recommend some website to search for flat.
The following r two website to search for flat...
