Since I have now officially Landed In Lisbon I have noted everything I have learned so far or wish I did differently. Some things may be obvious, but it can be easy to forget the most simple things when there is so much going on leading to your departure. It already has been close to 3 weeks since I have moved and I learn more and more everyday, so I am sure this list will continuously grow throughout the months.
Preparation
- Make sure your room has windows
- This seems obvious, but I was unaware that rooms here could not have windows… $347 rent seemed a little too good to be true and that’s because my room is black whole with no sunlight. It could be 6 in the morning or 8 in the afternoon and I could not tell you the difference. But, this can be seen as a good thing since it keeps me outside most of the day.
- Pick an apartment close to a metro station
- Especially if you’re not going to live by campus, make sure it’s a quick walk so it is easy to get around the city. I live 40 minutes from my campus, but living 2 minutes (by foot) away from the train makes the commute very easy.
- Try to take the language class the semester before going abroad
- People often add their ‘new’ language course (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian…) on top of their full schedule while they are abroad.
- It adds to your workload and you start becoming proficient when it’s time to leave.
- Locals appreciate the effort of having a base understanding of the language and practicing when you know a little goes a long way.
- Taking a course at USC could even count towards GE requirements, but even a random online program/app will do.
- People often add their ‘new’ language course (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian…) on top of their full schedule while they are abroad.
- Consolidate your class schedule into 3/4 days
- It helps avoid skipping classes on days you only have 1 class and you give more time to travel on the weekends.
- Get the Revolut app/debit card before coming
- Revolut exchanges money into any currency and allows you to send money to bank accounts/friends like Venmo.
- It is $20 to ship a card to Portugal, it may be cheaper to ship to the US.
- If you withdraw cash at Multi Banco ATM there are no ATM Fees (which is hard to find).
- Don’t take (dollar) cash:
- From my experience, exchange rates were high, you’re better off using your card and taking out cash from your Revolut card so there are no exchange, international, & ATM fees, and it is more dangerous.
- Take advantage of having the contacts of those who went to your location previously
- I coincidently got lucky and picked an apartment in the most perfect location, but if you are in doubt reach out to people so they can give you recommendations or even links of the apartments they lived in their semester abroad.
Packing
Prioritize walking/ running shoes and headphones
- Main source of transportation in Europe are your feet so if you’re debating between a pair of dressy shoes or sneakers, pick your sneakers.
- Take a half empty suitcase
- Depending on how much luggage you are taking, try to fill one of your bags halfway so you can bring everything you buy abroad back home without having to buy another suitcase.
- You need less than you think (clothes)
- If possible, bring a towel, a couple pillowcases (things that don’t take up too much room).
- It will save you a lot of money to take as much daily necessities as you can fit, for what you’re not able to pack, find an Ikea close by for the cheapest options for things such as a hamper, toiletry basket, pillows.
- Bring a few outlet adaptors
- It is very annoying to only have 1 or 2 adaptors and always having to unplug your chargers to use your items. Bring a couple for your room and one for bag to always have on you.
- Bring pictures to make your room feel cozy
- I often justified 5 months being a really long time, and a very short time in regards to spending when it came decorating and making my room feel comfortable, so bringing pictures from home is a free way to do that.
Traveling
- Get global entry
- If you are going to be traveling a lot it might be worth it to get it to avoid lines and save time at the airport.
- Get an international license
- This may be excessive, but you can find car rentals for as little as 5 euros a day.
Depending on your trip and destination, taking a road trip could be more worth it than taking a train or flying especially when you can make several stops along the way. - Portugal allows you to drive with a US license, but Spain for example requires an international license.
- I had a road trip planned to go from Lisbon to Seville/ Granada in Spain (car rental costing a total of 10 euros a person for 4 days) and later found out you needed an International License…
- This is a link to a website who can give you a same-day International License for $30.
- This may be excessive, but you can find car rentals for as little as 5 euros a day.
Next Up: Blog 3 - Living In Lisbon
