Ready? Set? Glasgow!

*From the archives - Greg, from Greece, blogs about his final days before heading to Glasgow... (2015)*



And there it is. Just a few days left for my departure to Scotland and it feels so good!

I have travelled to many places abroad but this will be my first time in the UK. As the days close by, I can’t stop thinking of Glasgow. I am really looking forward to delving into so many things there. The University, the streets, my new home (Kelvinhaugh Residences), the nightlife, the live gigs…everything looks perfect from my laptop screen. I will make many discoveries during my first days in the city, for sure. I feel pretty amazing browsing through sites about Glasgow but I remind myself that I must start to put my stuff together and start packing.

But, how can you pack luggage with everything you need for a year abroad? I always travelled light but packing for my Postgraduate year is really challenging.

It seemed impossible but I found a handy checklist of things to take in addition to:

• Documents - obviously
• Underwear - obviously, but how much?
• Electronics - phone, laptop, earphones (I will probably forget these)
• Watch
• Glasses

One of the biggest challenges is the clothing part. I decided to take with me clothes that I just can’t leave behind. I keep in mind that if I find out that I need anything else I will plan a small part of my budget to get it from the shops in Glasgow. I heard there are shops for all tastes and wallets.  

Also, a word of advice from a friend who studied in the Orkneys: “Warm clothes”

The next thing that hit me: Find / print photos of family and friends as I have all them only in my laptop.

As I start to organize all of the above, I google:

• How to pack for college
• How to fold t-shirts for travel
• How to fold underwear for travel
• How to fold everything for travel 

It really helped. From just putting clothes into the luggage neatly I started layering the clothes, tightly, and playing something like tetris 3D. The result was way better than expected. 

OK, now that almost everything is ready, I feel a little nervous. I can’t tell why!

It is like a cocktail: excitement (3 parts), mysterious anxiety (1 part).

One thing's for sure, Scotland is going to be a great journey for me…

Summing up my packing experience:

• A checklist is a must
• You will end up packing less than expected
• Choose wisely (e.g. If you did not wear it back home, leave it)
• Learn to take advantage of every little space in your luggage
• Chargers, adapters, toiletries, medicines
• Plan your travel outfit
• Check all necessary documents
• Get really excited about studying at Glasgow