A crucial question that all year-abroad students face: what to pack, and how much of it. Vicky and I were volunteering in Orion - a tiny therapeutic community in the Russian countryside. Our nearest and only shop had a very limited and sporadic stock of items, so we had to pack many things that perhaps you could buy when you reach your destination. Though this list isn't complete by any means, we hope that this might help you, the reader, decide how much to pack when going on your year abroad, and guide you to not over-pack as we did.

These tried-and-tested apps will help you plan, enjoy and make the most of your time abroad...

When I first contacted ThirdYearAbroad.com about writing for the site, I was asked whether there was anything I'd liked to have known prior to my current situation (which is starting the physical journey down to Jean-Moulin University in Lyon from Lancaster University). To be honest, I found this website whilst in one of my many emotional flaps in the hope that I'd find a childlike version of instructions which essentially reassured me I will survive. This time last year, or even 3 or 4 months ago, I'd have appreciated the following basic advice when it came to my preparations...