By Rita Pan

Setting off for my first adventure abroad to study for two years, my feelings right now are definitely anxious yet full of expectations. After months of getting ready, here are some of my packing experiences and tips that come to mind:

I-20 & Visa
Facing the first challenge: the visa. Honestly, the visa application isn't as complex as I'd anticipated. Just have all your documents ready, and there's no need to worry! From my experience, it's the interview that really gets the nerves going. But guess what? It's more like having a chat with the interviewer, discussing your field of study and your plans for the future. So, in a nutshell, it's like sharing your story with a friend, just in English.

Immunizations
Temple University mandates that all incoming students adhere to vaccination regulations. With my departure date approaching, I opted to take all four shots at once—two in each arm... However, I remained uncertain about the safety of this decision, and my concerns were confirmed by the doctor. Given the rarity of taking four shots simultaneously, medical professionals were surprised but praised my resilience as I handled the increased virus load well. Nevertheless, I strongly advise completing your vaccination requirements over time if there is sufficient time. Also, remember to keep your immunization documents handy for the English immunization record application.

Flight
My journey starts with a direct flight to Los Angeles, followed by a domestic connection to Philadelphia. The first leg, a 13-hour flight, seems daunting, and the subsequent 7-hour Los Angeles to Philadelphia flight adds to my nerves. I've never been on such lengthy flights. To cope, I'm arming myself with ample snacks and a stash of downloaded Netflix series to pass the time. Additionally, I recognize that flying presents a chance to tackle jet lag effectively. I’ll be arriving in Philadelphia in the afternoon. Fingers crossed for my journey.

Luggage
For me, packing is the biggest challenge. With restricted luggage space, the dilemma of what to include has consumed my thoughts. In total, I brought two big suitcases and a carry-on with me. Here’s what I packed: First and foremost, clothes! Essential garments for varying seasons, including thermal wear and a cozy coat for extreme cold. Since I can foresee that I will cook a lot in the future, I have brought a Taiwanese steam cooker for preparing Taiwanese cuisine anytime. And since I’m a coffee lover, I also brought a dripper with me in avoid of buying a new one. In general, I would suggest bringing things you can leave or sell after leaving the states. This tactful approach conserves space and weight on the outbound journey, with savings allocated for the return leg.

Mentality
To be completely honest, I'm grappling with a whirlwind of uncertainty and anxiety about what lies ahead after I touch down. The thought of a laundry list of tasks awaiting me on arrival keeps me tossing and turning at night. Yet, in the midst of this storm, there's a silver lining – a network of incredible souls who are ready to offer instant support for any questions that come up. Personally, I've encountered my fair share of challenges, some resolved but a handful still lingering. But as the saying goes, "Every hurdle is difficult at first, but it will be overcome eventually." A wisdom deeply ingrained in my culture. The beauty of it all? The warmth and guidance from university peers and seasoned alumni. With this pillar of support, I'm confident everything will fall into place. And so, with a hopeful heart, I eagerly await the journey that awaits me!