If you are planning on seeing as many sites as you can while you are abroad, you may want to purchase an International Student Identity Card . This card gives you a discount at selected museums and tourist attractions around Europe. International Student ID Cards can be purchased through either STA or Council Travel . There is no better companion to take with you when you are traveling through Europe or the British Isles than a current edition of Let s Go or one of Rick Steve's Guides . Both are classic budget traveler s guides to food, lodgings and sites in the major cities of Europe.
More detailed editions are available for specific countries.
You are advised not to take too many electrical appliances with you when studying abroad. A CD player or laptop computer will eventually prove burdensome to transport and to keep safe. Travelers checks are a much safer bet. You can get travelers checks for free at AAA if you are a member. Students studying in Belgium may want to open up a bank account there before they arrive to avoid having to exchange money overseas.