Countdown to Spain: Preparing for Grad School Abroad

Sep 22

What this week is really about

I’m days away from moving to Spain to start my Master’s in Gastronomic Sciences. This post is my final‑week blueprint: what I’m doing, what I’m packing, and how I’m caring for my nervous system while I get it all done.

The 6‑Day Game Plan (T‑6 → Departure)

Use this like a checklist. I batch tasks so each day has a theme…one clear win per day.

T‑6: Paperwork & “Brain in a Binder”

Print + organize: passport photo page, visa, admission letter, travel insurance certificate, flight & lodging, emergency contacts.
Make digital duplicates (PDFs) in a clearly named folder on phone/laptop + cloud.
Create a 1‑page document map (what’s in each section).
Put 2 spare passport photos in the folder.

T‑5: Money & Phones

Notify bank/credit cards of travel; verify no foreign transaction fee card.
Set up eSIM/SIM plan notes for arrival (or confirm Wi‑Fi calling works).
Download key apps: maps, translation, airline, note‑taking, authenticator.
Screenshot important QR codes / tickets for offline access.

T‑4: Tech for School

Update laptop + tablet; sign into school email and the learning platform.
Install PDF annotator, reference manager (Zotero/Mendeley), and your slide editor of choice.
Prep a Day Pack: 11–13″ tablet or laptop, compact charger, EU plug adapters, small power bank, wired earbuds (for exam days).

T‑3: Capsule Packing

Aim for carry‑on brain, checked‑bag life. If a bag goes missing, you can still function for a week.
Clothes: simple capsule you can layer; 2–3 study outfits, 1 rain layer, comfy walking shoes.
Toiletries: decant essentials; pack meds + print med list.
“Joy items”: one thing that grounds you (scarf, tiny candle, tea bags).

T‑2: Travel Logistics

Check in online; confirm seats and baggage allowance.
Put a paper luggage tag inside each bag with your name/email.
Pack a tiny laundry kit (2 detergent sheets + sink stopper).
Prep snacks + empty water bottle; confirm airport rides.

T‑1: Calm & Content

Gentle tidy; charge everything; set downloaded playlists/podcasts.
Film a short “Tomorrow I leave” clip and 15–30 seconds of B‑roll (bags, passport, sky).
Early night: alarms set on phone + watch + travel partner if possible.

What’s in my Carry‑On (Student Edition)

Docs folder (the binder above) + pen.
Tech pouch: chargers, EU adapters, power bank, USB‑C hub, flash drive.
Health kit: basic meds you already use, tiny first‑aid, lip balm, saline spray.
Comfort: neck pillow you actually like, socks, light scarf, snacks.
Study basics: slim notebook + highlighters or stylus + tablet.
Creator mini‑kit (optional): phone tripod/clip, tiny mic, lens wipe.

Tech Setup I’m Doing Before Takeoff

Sync & backup: turn on cloud backup for Desktop/Documents; verify photos auto‑upload on Wi‑Fi.
Clean home screens: one “Travel” page (airline, maps, translator) and one “School” page (notes, PDFs, calendar).
Reference manager: test a full flow—save an article, tag it, cite it in a dummy doc.
Slides & templates: save one clean presentation template with branded cover and accessible fonts.
Security: enable device passcodes, Find My, and 2FA codes downloaded for offline use.

My “First 72 Hours” Plan in Spain

Day 0 (Arrival): food + shower + short walk; text family that I’m safe; stash passport and documents in one safe spot and don’t over‑plan.
Day 1: local SIM/eSIM if needed; buy transit card; quick grocery basics; location check‑in with program if required.
Day 2: neighborhood orientation walk; organize docs for any campus onboarding; note office hours for admin/student services.
Day 3: gentle start: see campus, tour classrooms, log into Wi‑Fi, find where student cards are issued, locate printers.

A Grad‑School‑Ready Day Pack

Laptop or tablet + pen (pick one primary note system).
Small pouch: USB‑C hub, tiny mouse or Pencil tips, flash drive.
Hydration: slim bottle + small, lidded cup.
Earbuds for videos or quiet time.
Index cards for quick study prompts (or a spaced‑repetition app).
Micro‑umbrella (it’s the Basque Country—rain comes and goes).

Boundaries & Energy: How I’m Keeping This Sustainable

One task per block (a.m. paperwork, p.m. packing). Brains like monotasks.
Body check‑ins: eat something real every ~4 hours; stretch; drink water.
Tiny goodbyes: name one thing I’m grateful for as I leave; let that be enough.
Compassion over perfection: if a task slips, it moves—not everything is urgent.

For Fellow Creators: Content I’m Banking This Week

Countdown series: “6 days,” “5 days,” … “tomorrow I leave.”
Visa recap: 30–60s “What I actually needed for my student visa” (link to post #2).
Carry‑on flat lay: quick reel with text overlays.
Why Gastronomy: short explainer; save longer chat for YouTube.
Florida farewell montage: a soft 10–15 second reel with music.

Packing Lists (Copy/Paste)

Academic mini‑kit

Slim notebook or tablet + Pencil
Highlighters or digital pens
USB‑C hub + flash drive
Reference manager installed + web clipper

Personal

Meds + printed med list
2 weeks of contacts/glasses supplies
Travel‑size toiletries you actually use
A small comfort (scarf/tea/chapstick)

Clothing

3–4 mix‑and‑match study outfits
1–2 “nice casual” pieces for dinners
Light jacket/rain layer; walking shoes
Sleep set + socks + underlayers

Admin

Document binder + copies
Local currency cushion + no‑FX‑fee card
Plug adapters (EU) + power bank
Emergency contacts sheet

What I’m Letting Be Imperfect

I’m not trying to get everything “right.” I’m aiming for enough: enough structure to land softly, enough flexibility to adapt, and enough compassion to enjoy the adventure I’ve worked so hard to begin.

If you’re moving too…

Steal this plan. Tweak it. Make it yours. And if you want deep‑dive posts on student health insurance, housing, or first‑month admin (TIE), tell me what would help most. I’m writing those next.

Moving to Spain

Melanie Rausch