Pre-abroad tips

Prepping for study abroad? From visas and housing to what to pack and how to stay healthy, we’ve got all the essentials to get you ready. Start your semester strong with tips tailored for students heading to Europe, Asia, and beyond.

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Apartments

Study aBROAD APARTMENTS

Study Abroad Apartments is one of the best companies to find living options in Madrid, Barcelona, Prague and London.

Use Promo Code 'flextrip' for 5% OFF your booking fee.


Best Areas to live in per city:

Madrid:  Malasana, sol (very crowded but in the centre of everything), wouldn’t recommended living near retiro cuz its pretty expensive, tribunal, plaza de mayor, plaza de santa  

Barcelona: Gothic Quarter, Gracia, Near sagrada familia,Gran via de les corts catalanes, or Eixample  

SPOTAHOME

If you're trying to lock down your apartment before you land abroad, Spotahome is a lifesaver. It’s basically like Airbnb but for mid- to long-term stays — perfect for study abroad. Every listing has photos, video tours, and verified details, so you can actually see the apartment and neighborhood vibe before booking.

Medicine

Logo with black letters 'MD' surrounded by four curved segments in blue, red, green, and orange.

My Abroad md's

My Abroad MDs connects study abroad students with trusted English-speaking doctors in Europe. Whether it’s a prescription refill or a quick consultation, they make it super easy. Especially helpful if you have medical conditions.

The "students safe abroad" membership is the best option for students. Use promo code "Flex" for $20 off!

For Parents: Check out the "Care Beyond Borders" membership and use promo code "Flex" for potential deals.

Packing List

Packing list for guys by FlexTrip showing clothing and shoes & accessories categories with detailed items like underwear, socks, workout shorts, and various shoes.

Guys ABroad

Download the Packing lists and check out the storefront for the specific items we recommend.
Packing list titled 'Packing List, Girls' from FLEXTRIP, divided into two sections: Clothing with basics including underwear, socks, bras, sports bras, pajamas, and loungewear; and Shoes & Accessories listing various pairs of sneakers, beaters for night, wedge sandals, and flat sandals.

Girls Abroad

Download the Packing lists and check out the storefront for the specific items we recommend.

Stylist

Person lying on back with legs raised, wearing beige pants, dark green jacket, and burgundy sneakers, next to text reading 'STYLE IS PERSONALITY PASSION PERSPECTIVE'.

Summer Puricelli (aka SumthingStyled)

Not sure what to pack or how to not look like a tourist abroad? We got you.

We teamed up with Summer Puricelli — fashion creator, personal stylist who works with study abroad students to make sure they step off the plane looking like locals, not tourists.  Through packing, outfit-planning, shopping, and styling sessions, she helps build wardrobes that feel effortless but versatile —think chic classroom looks, nights out, and weekend trips all with a Euro-cool edge. Her approach is all about packing smarter, shopping better, and making style the easiest part of the abroad experience.


Pack & prep smarter. Book your consult and use code Flextrip for 5% off your first session.

Visa Info

Close-up of a Schengen visa document partially covered by a blue passport with the European Union flag stars.

Visa Info

Every program has specific instructions and rules around obtaining your visa. Make sure you are prepared in advance because it could take weeks to reschedule appoitnments.

Visa Info

Omio company logo with white letters and a red dot on a dark blue background.

Omio

Omio is a great app find the best train times and flight prices.

DONT BOOK FLIGHTS ON HERE: Much better to book direct through airlines.
Collage of a modern home featuring a pool with lounge chairs, an outdoor dining area, a bedroom with a large upholstered headboard, and a living room with a pool table and sectional sofa.

Lodging Tips

Finding a place to stay is easier than you think!

1. Start with our “Living” tab for each location – we’ve organized options by price, quality, and proximity.

2. If nothing fits (sold out, too pricey, or not your style), note the hotel names and search them on Airbnb to get a feel for the area.

3. On Airbnb, look for listings 8.5+ rating with at least 10 reviews – that’s the sweet spot!

Styling by Summer

Person lying on back with legs raised, wearing beige pants, dark green jacket, and burgundy sneakers, next to text reading 'STYLE IS PERSONALITY PASSION PERSPECTIVE'.

Summer Puricelli

Not sure what to pack or how to not look like a tourist abroad? We got you.

We teamed up with Summer Puricelli — fashion creator, personal stylist, and study abroad alum — to help you figure out exactly what to wear and how to wear it when you’re living in Europe. From must-have staples to going-out fits to everyday Euro-cool vibes, Summer breaks it all down so you’re not stressing over every outfit.

Packing light but still want to look good? Start here. Use Promo Code: "Flextrip" to save 5% on your first consult! 
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Typically replies in a few minutes
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FlexTrip Concierge
Hey! How can I help you?
Two overlapping white speech bubbles representing a chat or conversation.