In just a few weeks, I’ll be boarding a one-way flight to Spain with two suitcases, a backpack, and a heart full of anticipation. This isn’t just a move abroad — it’s the beginning of a new chapter rooted in food, culture, and courage. But what does it really mean to start over in your mid-30s? Why Spain? Why now? And what happens when excitement and fear live side by side?

Applying for a Spanish student visa can feel overwhelming — documents, appointments, apostilles, translations, insurance, finances. In this guide, I’ve laid out the checklist I wish I had when I started. Have you ever had to gather paperwork that felt impossible? What’s your biggest fear about applying for a visa?

Two checked bags, a carry-on, and a new chapter. Here’s my complete, rain-ready packing checklist for grad school abroad. Wwhat to bring, what to skip, and how to keep it calm and organized.

What’s one thing you packed for a long trip that you never used?

• If you had to choose: extra shoes or extra layers?

• What’s your non-negotiable comfort item for a new country?