The Ultimate Spring Study Abroad Checklist for American Students (Europe Edition)
Studying abroad in Europe this spring?
You’re probably excited… and low-key stressed.
Most American students don’t struggle because they didn’t care or didn’t prepare. They struggle because no one tells them what actually matters when moving to Europe for a semester, especially in the spring, when timelines are tighter and expectations are different.
This checklist gives you the big picture of what to prepare and when, without overwhelming you. Think of it as your roadmap, not the full instruction manual.
8–12 Weeks Before Departure: Big Decisions First
This is when you set yourself up for a smoother semester.
Focus on:
Understanding how academics work in Europe (very different from the U.S.)
Confirming documents and program details
Getting clear on housing expectations
Thinking through your budget and first-month expenses
👉 Most spring students underestimate how early preparation needs to start.
Your Experience Abroad developed some coaching sessions to help you anticipate the big departure, and understand the academic and cultural expectations, as well as the logistics. We created these coaching sessions because we have been in your shoes multiple times and in multiple countries.
If you are interested, you can check out our different offers here:
Your Experience Abroad Arrival Services
4–6 Weeks Before Departure: Practical Preparation
This phase is about avoiding stress during your first weeks abroad.
Focus on:
Phone and connectivity options
What your housing actually includes (and doesn’t)
Health coverage and basic medical prep
What you’ll need immediately after landing
👉 This is where “I’ll figure it out when I get there” usually backfires.
We have seen so many students make the mistake of waiting until the last week to take care of some of these issues, which usually results in more stress for them once they land in Europe. If you want to know what you need to do, check out this page.
2–3 Weeks Before Departure: Packing Smarter, Not More
Spring in Europe is unpredictable, and overpacking is a mistake.
Focus on:
Packing for layers and walking
Prioritizing essentials over outfits
Preparing for small living spaces
Making sure your tech and documents are ready
👉 Comfort matters more than aesthetics in your first month.
The Week Before Departure: Final Checks & Mental Prep
This is when anxiety usually kicks in, and that’s normal.
Focus on:
Organizing digital documents
Confirming arrival logistics
Setting realistic expectations
Preparing for the adjustment period
👉 You don’t need to feel “ready” to have a good experience.
If you need reassurance from a team that has been there, we offer a 1:1 session to review the documents that you have to take, help you confirm your arrival logistics, and help you figure out what your first few days in your new country will look like. Exchange students often find this helpful and reassuring.
First Days in Europe: Settle Before You Explore
Your first few days abroad shape how the rest of your semester feels.
Focus on:
Getting oriented, not traveling immediately
Setting up essentials
Resting and adjusting
Creating a small routine
👉 A calm start beats a rushed one every time.
Final Thoughts: Preparation Is Your Secret Advantage
Studying abroad isn’t hard because you’re not capable; it’s hard because there’s a gap between what programs provide and what students actually need.
The goal isn’t to know everything.
It’s good to know what to expect and where to get support.
If you are wondering what to expect and where to start this checklist before you go on your exchange, you can book a 15-minute free coaching session to get some of your questions answered and to feel more at peace. Studying abroad is an amazing experience, but it can be scary at times, which is completely normal. That’s why we are here to reassure you.
