General List of Preparation

Hey everyone,

Well guys, I just got my acceptance letter to study abroad for a year at Sophia University in Tokyo, and I'm thinking it's best that I better get thinking what I need to bring *now*. So I had a great idea... I'll ask you guys about *everything* I'll need to bring. I was thinking this will end up helping everyone out, because this list could defnitely be used for future reference by other users, but basically I was thinking if everyone were to post about stuff to bring/prepare (or just post a link to something that's been posted already if the issue/item is complicated/requires a lengthy explanation). Anyway, seeing how I want everything to go well next year, I'm hoping I can get *everything* well prepared for all the "just-incases" I may run into. Our college will most liiely have a list of what to bring, but I think it's best to actually ask the foreigners that have lived there about these things, I'd think you guys know better .

Let the list begin!. The main thing I'm concerned about is getting my...

Item #1) visa!

First of all, congrats. Studying abroad is a great experience for most people and I remember those times as some of the best in my life.

The best plan is to look at what you use on a daily basis and decide what's easier to get on an as-need basis when you're there. When I studied abroad, I brought so much miscellaneous crap I didn't need (like an umbrella...wasted space when they're 400 yen) or hardly used (like a trenchcoat I didn't use because I wanted a P-coat anyways).

The things I found absolutely necessary, other than clothes and a sturdy bag: mp3 player/music, camera, rechargeable batteries, dictionary (bought an electronic dictionary over there), and a willingness to put myself out there and make mistakes.

Have fun and be sure to post any more specific questions you might have.