1. Figure out your finances

How much money do you need? Research the cost of living for your country of destination and check with the embassy (www.embassy.org/embassies) to see how much money you will need to have in your account upon entering the country.

Anyone assisting you? If you will be receiving funds from another party (parents, sponsors, etc.), gather letters confirming the amounts, delivery dates, and the terms of your agreement.

2. Get easy access to your money

Consult with your financial institution, plan your expenses and ready your accounts at home to meet your needs.  Make sure you gain access to both online and phone banking systems to check your finances from overseas. If possible, work with only one bank. If both accounts and credit cards are with the same financial institution it's easier to make payments and transfers. Even better, ask your bank to assign you a personal adviser which you can contact directly whenever necessary.

3. Apply for a visa

In all European countries, you are required to hold either a work or a student visa for stays longer than three months. Get in touch with the embassy of the country where you are planning your stay at least six months before your intended moving date. At a minimum, you will be required to show: a passport valid up to two months after your date of return, a certificate of enrollment in a school (not a certificate of acceptance) or a work offer, the address where you will be staying, and your last three bank statements and any other proof of financial independence.

Remember that a student visa entitles you to work up to 20 hours in Britain and up to 90 days in Germany. However, in France and in Spain, you will need to seek special permission.

Student Visa information:

Britain: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/immigration.php
France : www.consulfrance-washington.org
Germany : www.studentenwerk-berlin.de
Spain : www.learn4good.com/travel/es_visa.htm

4. Getting insurance

You will need coverage in case of sickness or an accident. Budget anywhere between $500 and $1,000 per year. Travel Cuts (www.travelcuts.com) offers great deal for students.

5. Updating your driver's license

Not all European countries will recognize your driving license. In Spain and Germany, for instance, you will be required to hold a valid international driving license before leasing a vehicle. France accepts licenses from a limited number of states; Britain accepts any valid driver's license.  Please check however before traveling.

6. Renewing your IDs and cards

You do not want to be stuck overseas with an expired ID. Make sure you leave with an updated passport, driver's license, health insurance card, and credit cards.

Once you're finished, make a photocopy of all official documents and cards that you are bringing with you.  That includes: plane tickets, insurance, birth certificates, all agreements and cards, and, most importantly, page 3 of your passport.

7. Sorting out your mail

Make sure you register a change of address with all of the institutions you have been dealing with: banks, schools, clubs, and relevant governmental departments. The U.S. postal services can also redirect your mail for a minimal charge (moversguide.usps.com). In all cases, it's probably best to keep a "home" address and have someone gather your mail.

8. Calling home

International phone cards provide the best option to keep in touch, for both yourself and the people who will call you. They offer excellent value for money, are easy to find (in most newsstands) and to use, and they allow you to monitor your spending.

9. Watch for adapters

Europe runs on 220 volts instead of America's 110, so it's probably best to purchase your electrical appliances on site to avoid grilling your own. If your laptop is traveling with you, drop by a computer shop to make sure you get the right adapter. Don't settle for the cheaper ones; you're better safe than sorry.