8 Countries in 9 Weeks Plus 9 College Credits – Beautiful

By Jessica Smith

One of the first things you consider once you’ve decided to study abroad is what country you want to explore. Italy? England? Australia? Maybe even somewhere out of the ordinary like Kenya or India? For me, this first, elementary step was the hardest. There were so many places I wanted to see (I had never been to Europe before!), I had trouble making this decision – not to mention the countless number of study abroad programs there are out there. Seriously, now I understand why there are study abroad advisors at nearly every college these days. After hours of browsing the web, I remembered the name of a one-of-a-kind study abroad program that one of my sorority sisters had done: Semester at Sea. What made it stand out? You travel to 8 to 11 countries. On a renovated cruise ship. With 500 other university students from around the globe.

View from my room

When I flew into the Bahamas, where I would embark on the MV Explorer (my new home for the next 66 day!) I had this eerie feeling that my summer was about to fly by. And here I am, one year from that day in Freeport, left with huge ziploc bags of postcards and ticket stubs (I keep telling myself that I’ll craft…), crazy memories to last me the next few decades, and four, best friends from all over the United States. They say 98% of Semester at Sea alumni claim that their voyage was THE most significant experience during their time at college, and I can safely say I’m in that ridiculous majority.

Where do I even begin? There’s so much that makes up The SAS Experience (and each one is entirely unique), I know I won’t be able to get it all in this single blog post. But, as I’ve had many of my own sorority sisters considering their own stint on the MV Explorer, I’ll throw in some of the questions I keep getting.

What is Semester at Sea? 

Life-changing. A study abroad experience unlike any other, where you can walk across your campus in less than a minute and you never know what language they’re speaking in “the field”. A Semester at Sea is entirely out of your comfort zone and the beginning of your new life.

During my trip to Essaouira, Morocco

Where countries did you go to? 

I began in Freeport, Bahamas – sailed across the Atlantic Ocean (talk about H2O as scenery for ~10 days), and traveled to Barcelona (Spain), Rome & Naples (Italy), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Athens & Paros (Greece), Istanbul (Turkey), Casablanca & Marrakech (Morocco), and Lisbon (Portugal). Who gets to say they’ve been to all those in just one summer?

At the Alumni Ball, one of the final nights on the MV Explorer

What classes did you take?

So, mine wasn’t technically a semester, but I did take 9 credits – more than any other study abroad program I was looking at. You could take up to 12 credits on the summer voyages, but no one on the faculty recommended it. I didn’t come into college with 12+ credits like a lot of my W&M peers, so finding a study abroad program that helped in that department was really important to me. While I may have taken more credits than friends who spent only a month in Italy, I never felt like the academics took over my life (…we never had class while in port!). I took Global Studies, an overview of each port’s history, complete with map quizzes we all crammed for last minute, as well as Advanced Creative Writing and Food, Gender, and Culture, which had field work at Les4Gats, one of the absolute best restaurants I’ve ever been to. Not too shabby.

What did you do on the ship?

So, for the 10 days across the Atlantic and the 10 days back, you learn quickly how to swap music and movies with everyone on your hall (USB flash drives are crucial). But really, there’s a ton of other activities; students start interest groups and clubs (I remember there was a ballroom dancing club!) and various speakers are hosted each night (one of my favorites was when Captain Jeremy and his right-hand men spoke to us on what it’s like to be a captain of the MV Explorer) – there’s always opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. One of the fan-favorite extracurriculars is the Extended Family program, where students are paired with Life Long Learners (older adults who audit classes and explore the countries as well) who act as their “mom and dad”. Throughout the voyage, families meet up (typically for meals) and share stories from their time in port. My “dad” was Semester at Sea’s professional photographer, which means we had access to some of the most amazing pictures I’ve seen.

What did you do in port? 

This was probably the reason why I decided to Semester at Sea. We like to say there’s only one real rule on Semester at Sea: you can’t leave the country (basically, you can go anywhere by train, plane, ferry, etc. but you can’t visit another country while in port). After this, there’s pretty much two routes you can take: sign up for Semester at Sea’s sponsored trips (some are just day trips, others last the span of the MV’s stay) or arrange your own independent travel. I think most of us agreed that a combination of the two is your best bet. Independent travel saves a lot of money, but for countries like Italy, where there’s so much to see in just four days, a SAS-sponsored trip is a good way to go (they have everything planned from rooming, food, sight-seeing, etc.). I found it quite freeing to explore these countries as I wanted to and became an expert on all forms of public transportation and how to read a map. I only did one pre-planned trip to Marrakech and loved organizing my own trips to Ibiza and the Greek islands.

What was your favorite country/experience?

I always say Barcelona stole my heart, but I also have to remember it was our first port after much waiting and anticipation. Dubrovnik was stunning; Istanbul was a whole new world. One of my favorite moments was when my best friend, Emily (UVA ’14), and I decided to participate in one of the five prayers at the New Mosque – during Ramandan. After making sure we were dressed appropriately, we took our places in the separate women’s section, located all the way in the back of the mosque. I was extremely nervous that we would come off as immature Americans assuming we could do whatever we wanted, but the Turkish women accepted us graciously, teaching the poses and how to use the prayer beads. While neither of us spoke the other’s language, I will always remember their kindness.

This is only a small sampling of everything that Semester at Sea has to offer. Read my SASsy blog here. You can also learn more about Semester at Sea on their website. Take a big risk – take a Semester at Sea.

The New Mosque, Istanbul

Bristol boasts some of the most lively-yet quirky student life in the UK.

If you’re about to begin your studies at Bristol University, let me tell you, there is a LOT to be excited about. With 3 years of experience, I can proudly say that Bristol boasts some of the most lively-yet-quirky student life in the UK. Whether you’re raring to get all dolled up to go clubbing or simply want to throw on a tee and relax in a quiet café, there really is something for everyone. As you prepare for Bristol, take a look at these tips of what you should do and see to really experience Bristol life as a local.

1.       Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Designed by Brunel in 1864, the Suspension Bridge is arguably the most iconic landmark of Bristol city, impressively straddling the Avon Gorge.  Either admire the view from an overlooking bar or take the trip up the treacherous side slopes of the Gorge to the official viewing point, to fully appreciate the site.

Photo: Zoe Nash

Top tip: Visit The Bridge Café, Clifton at sunset for optimal experience.

2.       Bristol Harbourside.

After recent regeneration, the harbourside really is now a bustling hub of enjoyment, experience and exploration.  Home to the Watershed – Britain’s first media centre – and the Arnolfini – presenting contemporary art – alongside countless bars, it’s an ideal day out. If you’ve ever been a fan of Wallace & Gromit, be sure to check out the Aardvark animation centre, which originated it Bristol!

Top tip: Hang around until summer for the annual Bristol Harbourside festival.

3.       Bring hats, and plenty of them.

Photo: Issy Croker

No, this is not because of the cold weather, but because wearing some form of hat seems to be pretty much compulsory to pass as a legit Bristol Uni student. It might be a snapback, a bowler or – my personal hat-of-choice – a beanie. Just add one to ANY outfit to give off those real ‘Bristol’ vibes.

Top tip: Beanies are not only for winter in Bristol, they are for all year round.

4.       Banksy.

Bristol is home to this now world-renowned graffiti artist. Although you’ll spot some ‘Banksy’s’ almost immediately as you stroll round, try to find as many of the hidden gems as you can. With the appearance of a new piece of street art last month, word on the street is that Banksy might be back in Bristol, so keep an eye out for the man himself.

Top tip: Do not try this at night and/or after a few drinks. Not only it is highly dangerous, but your visual impairment will likely lead to the claim that any graffiti you stumble upon is ‘A BANKSY’!

5.       Browse the vintage shops on Gloucester Road.

Bristol students are not only hat-obsessed, but there is a prominent fashion scene here too. The shops on Gloucester road, punctuated by cutesie cafes, are a great start. There’s an array of reasonably priced vintage shops; great for finding one-off pieces or some traveller-style jewellery.

Top tip: Be brave with your fashion choices in Bristol. Trust me, you always be able to find people dressed more bizarrely than you.

Photo: Issy Croker

6.       Party on a boat.

Thekla is unique in the sense that it is a nightclub on a moored boat. With two levels and a spacious on-deck sitting area, it makes for a guaranteed fun night. Recently hitting the headlines for a surprise appearance by Macaulay Culkin, there’s no doubt it will remain popular in the upcoming years.

Photo: Issy Croker

Top tip: Make sure you have plenty of cash. Thekla is one of the more pricey clubs and – being on a boat and all – there are no cash machines available!

7.       Wills Memorial Building.

Designed by Sir George Oatley in memory of Henry Wills and opened in 1925, this is considered to be one of the last great Gothic buildings created in England. This really is a must-see as it is not only an architectural spectacle, it is also where students graduate (and sit exams!).

Top tip: Don’t storm in and make a scene! The building is home to law students who are often working very studiously inside.

8.       Bask in the sun

Although a rare occasion, when the sun does come out to play, it completely transforms the feel of Bristol. Really make the most of it and head to one of the many green areas with friends for chilled picnic. Head to College Green, where you can admire the cathedral, Castle Park next to the shopping centre, or the expansive Durdham Downs, to soak up those rays.

Photo: Issy Croker

Top tip: DO NOT be fooled by the sun into thinking you’re safe. Always take an umbrella – Bristol weather is unbelievably fickle.

Although there is of course so much more to see in Bristol, armed with these pearls of wisdom and the map featured below, you can start your studies with the knowledge of where to start your explorations!

Learning the local dance will put you closer in touch with your new study abroad home.

By Emma Cramer.

Whether your style is ballet, jazz, hip-hop, or the Cha-Cha-Slide, dancers of all genres can broaden their horizons by studying abroad! Learning the local dance will have a whole slew of benefits: you will engage with locals, meet fellow dance-loving women, experience the country’s culture intimately, challenge yourself, and grow in a new style of dance. And that long list doesn’t even mention all the fun you’ll have. Here are the top 5 places to study abroad for those of you who love to boogie with your bad selves:

1. Argentina: To meet the Argentinean of your dreams, try perfecting your tango moves! This sensual partner dance is a staple in Argentine culture.  In fact, the country is known for impromptu street performances, where dancers and live bands put on a show for everyone around. Though the dance originated in poor immigrant circles, it now optimizes grace and class. Understanding the volatile history of the tango will only help you better discern life in your new country.

2. India: As the “Brangelina”-equivalent of Bombay (now Mumbai) and Hollywood, Bollywood dance is a traditional Indian dance known for unique hand movements and some really fabulously colorful costumes! There’s also usually a storyline behind the dances, and the dancers are generally celebrities in their own right.  Hey, after a semester of studying in India, you might be the next superstar! So start packing your most beautiful saris, lace up your dancing shoes and get exploring.

3. Caribbean: If you’re into hip-hop or jazz, then you should definitely head to the Caribbean to study those styles’ most prestigious ancestor — salsa! This dance definitely brings the heat;  it includes improvisations, spins, quick rhythms, and a whole ‘lotta attitude. And once you’re time studying abroad is over, there are plenty of salsa clubs all over the world where you can keep practicing those steps.

4. Ireland: For dancers with quick feet, Irish step dancing could be your new favorite style!  These Irish dancers have a controlled upper body but quick and sharp leg movements. Rumor has it that this contained movement became popular because performance areas used to be so tiny. In fact, people sometimes danced on top of barrels for space (were they filled with Guinness?). Studying abroad in Ireland isn’t just for the lucky. Even after the jig’s up, there is plenty of beautiful natural greenery to discover.

5. Turkey: If your hips don’t lie, why not try belly dancing in Turkey? This festive dance is an integral part of Middle Eastern culture–men and women of all ages test out their moves at celebrations and social gatherings! The signature moves are shimmies and vibrations, and the movement switches between fluid and percussive. Buy yourself a sparkly new set of finger cymbals, and head to Turkey already.

Taking a dance class if you aren’t fluent in the language might be a bit of an obstacle at first, but persevere!  You’ll quickly learn to pick up the movements by sight and mimic, and you’ll be fluent in both tongue AND dance in no time. You can take classes at local dance studios, check whether your host institution offers dance courses, search the class catalog at local gyms, recreation centers, and cultural centers, or ask a local! Regardless of how you find it, learning the local dance will put you closer in touch with your new home. It will help you better understand and relate to both the culture and the people, since as you know, dance can be a window into the soul!

Additional Resources:

10 Most Famous Dance Styles in the World

Best Colleges and Universities for Dance Majors

photo credit

Check out these hostel apps that make booking a breeze!

By Angela Strohbeck

It looks like I am New York bound once again and I couldn’t be more excited! Last time I was in the city, I had the privilege of staying with an awesome friend. This time I will be crashing the party that is everyday life at a hostel in Chelsea. While I can’t speak for other U.S. cities, I’ve grown up in an area that loves to love expensive hotels and essentially ignores local hostels. I never really understood why hostels were treated as an odd concept while I grew up, but I also never took the time to understand why they shouldn’t be thought of as such… At least not until I studied abroad last summer.

Last year, I stayed in a bunch of different hostels in Czech Republic, Switzerland, Germany, France, and Luxembourg. My thoughts? European hostels are hands down the way to go if you are a twenty-something traveler, particularly if you are looking to make friends with other travelers.

I haven’t had a chance to experience an American hostel, but I have decided to welcome the opportunity to change that on my next trip to New York – so stay tuned! If you have been considering booking a hostel for yourself whether that is stateside or overseas, I have discovered a couple awesome apps that will help you decide where, when, and how to book your hostel!

WeHostels

For my upcoming east coast adventure, I went ahead and booked my temporary Manhattan homebase using a mobile app called WeHostels. WeHostels allows you to book hostels while you are busy discovering the world!

I love travelling to different festivals whether that is for music, food, beer, or all three. WeHostels provides a visually appealing list of awesome upcoming events and festivals happening all over the world. On top of that, when you click on an event of your choice it helps you find accommodations for the duration of that event.

One of the things I enjoy about the app is the ability to meet your hostel mates ahead of time. If you are sharing a room with travelers you haven’t met, you have the opportunity to get to know them as soon as you have booked a bed for yourself! You can connect your WeHostels profile to your Facebook page to display pages you recently liked. This is a great way to see what you already have in common with your hostel mates. WeHostels goes beyond simply booking and helps to facilitate communication. As a communication major, I absolutely love that aspect.

Bonus: If you invite your friends to use the app, they get $10 off their first booking and you get $10 in credits once their first hostel has been booked.

Hostelling International

Hostelling International (HI) is a network of Youth Hostel Associations all over the world. They have a great app that is similar to WeHostels. You are able to browse and book hostels via your mobile device, but there are no details about local events unless they are stated in the review of a particular hostel.

One of the main differences is that all hostels shown in the HI app are part of the HI network. There are some great hostels listed within the app. In fact, one of my favorites in Europe was a Hosteling International Youth Hostel in Luxembourg City. The environment in this hostel was incredibly conducive to conversations with strangers – something I’ve always enjoyed regardless of my age and parents’ house rules. I met quite a few people within the hostel itself and I still keep in touch with them even a year after having met them. Connections like these are what make travel so amazing. The places you go and the people you meet are beyond anything you can imagine! A different environment could have altered the entire scenario, so props to Hostelling International for maintaining an ambience that fosters those connections.

 HostelBookers

Another helpful hostel-booking app is brought to you by HostelBookers.com. This app’s main function is essentially the same as WeHostels and Hostelling International, they all allow you to book your hostels on the go! HostelBookers’ mobile app is extremely easy to use and does not require you to create a profile to browse. The lack of booking fees serves as an added bonus! The app is well organized so you can approach your search from a multitude of different starting points and still find just what you are looking for. One thing that makes this app great for international travelers is the option to convert the listed prices to your local currency. WeHostels allows you to do this as well, however, they only provide American Dollars, British Pounds, and Euros. HostelBookers, on the other hand, has about 25 currency options.

Take a second to evaluate what kind of traveler you are. If you love the thrill that comes with not knowing where you’ll be staying until you are midway across the atlantic ocean, you might be able to benefit from having these mobile apps on your phone. You might be the kind of person who wouldn’t mind walking up to the guy working the front desk and letting him know you don’t have reservation  but you sure would love a bed. If that doesn’t work out, you could hunt down some WiFi, bring up your trusty app, and  find other possibilities of shelter.

If you are the planning type and don’t think you need on-the-go access, keep in mind these apps are great resources to find Hostels at cheaper rates – even if it is $10 cheaper than other sources. Hey, that’s still one or two meals if you play it right!

Download the apps and get out there. The world keeps spinning, so spin with it!

Happy travels!

Memorial Day has come and gone, but American-themed apparel is here to stay.

 By Crystal Myers

As I’ve always been a sucker for a theme, I’ve cheerfully planned out my Americana outfits for the appropriate holidays since before I knew their meaning. Subsequently, it is safe to say the rise in popularity among stars and stripes in fashion has me all sorts of thrilled. Whether you need the perfect outfit for the Forth of July or you dream of being the next President of these United States, try out some of these ideas and let your patriotism shine bright.

The minimalist

If prints aren’t your thing, try incorporating those iconic colors into your ensemble.  Throw on your favorite pair of blue jeans, pair it with a simple white top and lace up a pair of red shoes. Or wear a pair of red shorts with a white tank top and a blue chambray shirt.  This look gives you all of the cheer with items you likely already own.

The effortless DIY-er

So, maybe their isn’t a patriotic event to attend, but you want to spice up your style for the day. The flag can be worn casually, as long as you make sure not to over do it. For an everyday look, choose one piece of your outfit to make a statement with. This can cheaply and easily be done with an accessory. A flag-print scarf or headband will add some patriotic pop to any casual getup. To make this style a little more fun, create your own statement piece. With a couple tubes of paint, you can transform any T-shirt or pair of shorts into a fun wardrobe addition. Not only will your piece be uniquely you, it can be a great conversation starter.

The Olympic teammate

Yes, when I saw the video for Telephone by Lady Gaga and Beyonce, I, too, wished I could look that fab in head to toe flag. But, if you’ve got the guts to be this bold, I say go for it! If you’re willing to splurge on a trend, pick up a bold pair of flag printed leggings, or even some boots covered in stars and stripes. I’ve seen American-themed apparel on sale everywhere, from Wal-mart to Forever 21. Go ahead and sport your look to a baseball game or festival and just wait for the “U.S.A” chants to begin.

We Think They’re Pretty Awesome!

An exploration into the importance of traveling at a young age and some suggestions on how to finance it.

By Angela Strohbeck

Most people I know who say they want to travel but don’t, usually give me the excuse that they can’t afford it. I get it! No one has money these days! I understand the woes of a perpetually broke college student with an unquenchable thirst to embrace the wonders of the world through travel. I actually used to be one of these people who would occasionally moan about an inability to financially support my dreams of being footloose and fancy free. And then something changed…

I can tell you one thing for sure, there was definitely no change in my income. The key thing that changed was my attitude. I met other people who loved to travel and became even more determined to get my glutes around the globe. My curiosity for the world and affinity for travel began to overpower almost everything else. When I finally made the mental commitment to “follow my bliss” (as my legendary AP Lit teacher, Bud Mayfield, would put it), my dreams of exploration became reality.

The act of traveling changed the way I think about money and affordability. As a matter of fact, it has changed the way I think about a lot of things. It has exposed me to so many different cultures with multitudes of values, beliefs, food, fashion, customs, and norms. I have only seen a small sliver of the world, especially in comparison to the inspirational, seasoned travelers I meet every so often, but one thing I learn each time I travel anywhere is that there is much more out there yet to be discovered… So much more. It seems that this is what allows the ubiquitous travel bug to stay alive and I do not see many people complaining about that.  In fact, no one ever wants to cure the travel bug. We simply seek to satisfy the symptomatic urges.

There are so many other lessons I have learned, but the biggest and brightest gem I have gained is a rather important piece of wisdom. Traveling while you are young will give you a clearer vision of the world and it will shape the way you live each day for the rest of your life. It will inspire you, test you, and make you more curious. It will breed creativity, courage, independence, and confidence.

Listen up, this is the important part! Money will flow in and out of your life, but when your youth is gone it is gone for good. Essentially the take away message is: money is replaceable, the experiences that shape who you become are not.

This is not to say that money is entirely unimportant. The truth is you will need money, but you can still have a great time with a modest amount and you should not let a lack of money deter you from traveling. You should also not feel guilty spending money on an experience that you believe will change your life in a positive way.

Now, let’s get one thing straight. Given the state of the American economy and the likelihood that you, as a student, probably have some hefty student loans, I am not saying that you should take out more loans you are uncomfortable with. (In fact, I am pretty much against taking out loans unless you absolutely have to.) However, I am saying that you should not let the depressing state of your bank account be the single most important factor that determines whether or not you travel at a young age.

So what should you do? Make a list of all possible options and then find the best solution or combination of solutions for you! Here are a few ideas to start.

• Work within your current budget
• Travel locally, explore every inch of your city until you have to expand outward
• Crash on the couch of a friend, or even a friend of a friend
• Apply for scholarships
• Create a travel savings plan
• Find a job in a foreign country
• Use Workaway.info
• Use current airline miles from a credit card
• Take out a loan you can afford

So get out there! Turn off this electronic device and prepare for flight. If you approach travel with the right attitude, it is more than likely you will learn awe-inspiring life lessons and meet amazing people you cannot afford to live without.

16 Songs to Get You Stoked for Summer

I don’t know about you but summertime is probably my favorite time of the year. School is out and so is the sun! From backyard barbecues to road trips with good company, there are plenty of reasons to love summer. The lively energy and spirit of summer time is what I love the most. Is there better way to kick into the celebratory mindset of summer than to throw on some good tunes and turn the volume up? Nope, I don’t think so… At least not until the music is taken care of!

Here are a few tunes to get you started for the summer.

Metric / Breathing Underwater

Naked and Famous / Young Blood

Givers / Saw You First

Lana Del Rey / Ride / Wes James Remix

Robin Thicke / Blurred Lines

Blondfire / Where The Kids Are

Macklemore & Ryan  Lewis / Can’t Hold Us

Surfer Blood / Swim

Ben Howard / The Wolves

Lana Del Rey / Blue Jeans

Dragonette / Let it Go

Future Islands / Balance

Icona Pop / I love it

Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams / Get Lucky

Justin Timberlake ft. Jay-Z / Suit & Tie

 Zedd / Clarity

To listen to the extended summer playlist from TheCollegeTourist.com on Spotify click here.

Be Frugal When it Comes to Spending Your Money.

By KC Owens, St. Bonaventure University

Unless you have a trust fund, your adventurous spirit is going to need to find the cheapest way to travel and keep your expenses down while on the go.  After all, your college expenses (rent, books and tuition) are already difficult to afford.  But there’s no reason that that you can’t see the world while you’re young as long as you can be frugal and practical in how you spend your money. Be willing to go without some luxuries, like the occasional shower or hot meal, and you’re ready to go!

How to afford it

If you have managed to sock away some travel money, good for you.  That cash will come in handy along the way, as not everyone can (or will) take credit.  But for most of us, traveling on credit is necessary. There are actually some great travel credit cards that are designed just for college students. These cards can be paid back in small increments over long periods of time. Plus, if you live inexpensively along the way it’s really the big-ticket items like plane and train tickets that will be put on your card. Using a credit card is the most effective way I have found to travel. It allows me to get out and see different places and then pay it off when I return home. I would highly recommend doing some research before applying for a card.

Hostel Life

Hostels are the young travelers best friend.  While there are little to no frills or comforts at hostels, they can be very safe and cheap. Plan on spending the night in a room with several bunk beds and other people. Also, plan to share a bathroom with the whole floor.  In some you can get a private room, but that defeats a lot of the purpose and it also costs more. Even in major destination spots like London or Rome you can find hostels for around $40 a night, which is a major step down from a $200 a night hotel room. For the best prices on hostels, stay outside the city.

The other great benefit of hostel living is staying with all sorts of people. Some are just like you and are traveling around the world and experiencing some wild nights. You might get some great cheap tips on other hostels in different cities, or even tips on the best place to wash your load of laundry nearby.  If you don’t want to rely on strangers’ advice, there are some great apps for finding hostels near you.

For their price, hostels will have some specific rules you need to follow.  You have to be in before they lock up or you will be sleeping on a park bench for the night (been there, done that). Also, they are not a charity and expect you to pay ahead.  On the upside, many offer cheaper rates to students, and might also give discounts on food or drink to college kids.

How to Pack?

You can find some really special lightweight packs on the Internet. Everything I bring is weighed. Many travelers invest in high quality equipment that is guaranteed to stay together no matter what you do to it. This isn’t a bad decision, but it is more expensive. The choice is up to you, but remember that a backpacker has to carry all their stuff on them all day, unless they spend the extra cash for a locker at the hostel.  It’s better to pack light and have a small bag that can fit onto a bus, train, or with you in your bunk than just expect you can find a locker for all your equipment.