5 things I wish I had done while studying abroad
Hello, loves!
As I reflect on my time studying abroad in Florence, Italy, in 2022, I can’t help but smile at the memories I created. From exploring the stunning streets of Florence to traveling to eight countries and 15 cities, it was truly a dream come true. But, as with any experience, there are always those little "I wish I had" moments that come to mind when I look back.
Today, I’m sharing a few of those things I wish I’d done while studying abroad—not regrets exactly, but lessons learned that might help you make the most of your own journey.
1. Journal More Often
If there’s one thing at the top of my list, it’s this: I wish I had journaled more. Even if it wasn’t every day, taking time each week—or after every trip—would have been so valuable.
I’ve always loved writing, and I even bought a journal specifically for this reason before heading abroad. But life got busy, and that journal ended up being filled with class notes rather than memories of my adventures. Looking back, I wish I’d captured the details of my days—the sights, sounds, and feelings of being in those incredible places.
So, here’s my advice: make time to write, even if it’s just a few sentences. Your future self will thank you.
2. Collect Meaningful Keepsakes
I’ll be honest: my "collection" during my travels consisted of shot glasses. Cute? Yes. Practical? Not so much. Many broke, and they added unnecessary weight to my suitcase.
Here are a few things I wish I’d collected instead:
Postcards: Affordable, lightweight, and unique to every city. Write a sentence or two on the back about your experience to make them even more special.
Magnets: My current favorite. They’re fun, compact, and look amazing displayed on a fridge. Bonus: they’re great conversation starters!
Patches: A friend of mine collected patches from every city she visited and later ironed them onto a thrifted jean jacket. It’s such a cute and creative idea that I plan to try myself!
3. Create a Photo Book
One of my biggest “why didn’t I do this sooner” moments? Not creating a photo book of my time abroad. It’s such a beautiful way to document your adventures and share them with friends and family who might not follow every moment on social media.
To make it easier, start building it while you’re still abroad—week by week—so it’s not overwhelming at the end. And if you’re looking for a platform, I highly recommend Canva. You can design your pages and even print the book directly from there!
4. Send Postcards Home
Speaking of postcards, I wish I had sent more of them to my friends and family back home. It’s such a sweet way to share your adventures, especially with loved ones who might not be on social media.
Don’t let the idea of international mailing intimidate you. Just pop into a local post office, grab a few stamps, write a short note, and send them off. It’s a small gesture that means so much to the people who miss you while you’re away.
5. Plan Travels Better
Last, but certainly not least, I wish I’d planned my travels more strategically. A little research goes a long way—both for saving money and making the most of your time.
Here’s what I recommend:
Choose a few must-visit destinations and figure out the best times to go.
Look into events like Oktoberfest or St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland to add unique experiences to your trip.
Always use private browsing when booking flights and accommodations to avoid price hikes.
A bit of effort upfront can save you stress (and cash) later on!
Looking back, these aren’t life-changing things, but they’re little details that could have made my incredible experience even better. If you’re about to embark on your own study abroad adventure, I hope this helps you create even more wonderful memories.
Until next time…
Xoxo, Avalon