Studying abroad is one of the best experiences you’ll have in college, and if you have the time and means, you should definitely go for it. However, the thought of living in another country can be a little daunting, as there are endless details small and large to consider. I remember before leaving for my trip frantically Googling “study abroad tips” and sifting through countless study abroad blogs to be able to get a sense of what I needed, how best to prepare myself, and to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. Fret not, young one. Ultimately experience is going to be your best teacher, and you’ll be surprised at how much you learn while there on your own and on the fly. However, following is a list of practical and specific tips that helped me to think about before I left, or that I wish I had considered more thoroughly. While these tips can likely apply to wherever you’re going, one disclaimer is that they’re given from the point of view of someone who has only studied abroad in Europe.

One of my favorite places in Barcelona is Barri Gotic, or the Gothic quarter of town. It’s so astounding and unusual in that it is so well preserved – you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time and are walking through Medieval streets and alleys, and only the people in modern garb and souvenir vendors break the illusion. Apparently the entirety of the quarter isn’t preserved from these pre-Modern times, as there have been restorations and additions made throughout the 20th and 19th centuries, but there are structures as old as the Roman empire itself.

Barcelona is such a mixed bag of a city, with seemingly everything you could want in a place – from rich history and architecture, ample parklands and plazas, amazing food all over the place, scenic beaches and boardwalks, a verdant mountain affording stellar views, fashionable shopping districts, plenty of museums and a more than healthy nightlife. Whatever it is you look for as a tourist, Barcelona likely has it. Typical of most European cities, Barcelona is served by a convenient city-wide metro and bus system, but is also highly walkable. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself walking distances of several miles from one part of town to the next, as you can often squeeze other sites or scenic routes in between – but metro stops and cabs are found everywhere. On top of this, the city boasts a warm Mediterranean climate, though beware that this means during the summer there can be intermittent thunder storms and rain.