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.