It’s been a little over a year since I moved into my second home for school, and even though it wasn’t my first time living far from home, I still remember how stressed and overwhelmed I felt moving to Manila. In this video, I walk you through the exact move-in prep that helped me feel more organized—starting with building an exhaustive packing list (like, all the tiny household things you don’t realize you need until you’re already there). I share how I visualize my list using Xmind first, then transfer everything into Notion so it becomes a simple checklist on packing day. I also talk about something I learned the hard way: knowing your preferred living conditions and setting non-negotiables. I break down the common student housing options in the Philippines (apartment, dorm, condo), what to look for when scouting a place, and the practical stuff that matters day-to-day—distance from campus (hello, Manila traffic), nearby supermarkets/drugstores, and utilities like laundry and internet. Finally, I cover emergency planning (commuting apps, building safety plans, earthquake/fire exits) and how to deal with culture shock by building routines that make a new place feel like home.