4. FAMILY AND FRIEND PHOTOS You can put these sentimental items on the walls of your room as a decorative element or just keep them to feel closer to the loved ones in your home country. Putting them in an album or frames will preserve them better and will remind you of the people who are always there for you. 7. COPIES OF IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS It is advisable to have them both in a physical and digital form, because technology can be unreliable sometimes. Make sure you have copies of your ID, passport, visa, and your health insurance card always with you because unexpected situations like having them lost can happen and being prepared will ease your life. 5. DUTCH POCKET DICTIONARY / PHRASEBOOK While you can invariably look up a new word or translate something on your phone, possessing a physical paper dictionary or phrasebook can introduce you to a lot of useful expressions that you can always revise, and it feels much more authentic than a screen version. 6. TYPICAL FOODS FROM HOME Luckily, in Utrecht you can find lots of international stores to indulge in the 'taste of home'. Nevertheless, it is always fun (if your luggage has the capacity) to bring some hardto-find goods such as special condiments or your favourite treats you would like your international friends to try. 8. PORTABLE LUGGAGE SCALE A portable luggage scale is useful to have at hand so that you do not need to worry about overweight luggage. Once you are in the Netherlands, you might want to explore its neighbouring countries; this item will be an essential for your travel kit. 9. A POSITIVE MINDSET Even though some people can experience homesickness from time to time, living abroad and building a life from scratch is extremely fulfilling, not to mention all the valuable connections with people one can create. Seeing your glass half-full and having a positive mindset is an important step to make sure you have the best time in the Netherlands. PAGE 11
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