Packing up and moving on: Beth's story....

*From the archives - Beth, from England, shares some handy tips on how she plans to beat homesickness and make the most of all Glasgow has to offer........(2015)*

As my moving date draws closer and closer, packing is starting to become a more daunting task with each day. I have always lived in the same house and have managed to accumulate a huge amount of objects that are all very dear to me, and although I know I only need a small amount of things for the first term, it feels almost like by leaving certain things behind I'm cutting myself off from my past.

I'm moving from a fairly small, quiet city to a vibrant metropolis full of arts, music, politics and alternative scenes. It's my chance to start to discover more and more about myself and I want to be prepared.

My favourite band of the minute, Belle and Sebastian, are Glaswegian and I have spent many happy summer hours in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, so I know it's right for me. However, by moving away from home to such a vast network of ideas and individuals, I could lose the girl I've always been. That's why I think it's important to not only bring the obvious basics - clothes, stationary, electronics etc, but to bring things that really remind me of who I am.

To remind me of my mum, who is a huge inspiration to me, I am bringing a vintage tartan skirt that she passed down to me when I was 13 or so, which I've worn constantly through my teen years.

It really anchors me to myself - it has been a form of armour against the rest of the world at times, and I have repaired it more often than I can count. A watercolour painting of a childhood cat, done by an artist friend of my parents, is coming with me to be propped up on my desk. I am bringing a few books on Scottish mythology, which I read unrelentingly as a child, and make me proud of my country and the rich history and heritage we have.

My home is only a couple of hours away from Glasgow on the train, so for those who are coming from further afield, Glasgow could be a strange and exciting new experience.

Embrace it fully, let its life and spirit fill you up - but don't forget to bring something reminiscent of home so you won't ever feel lost.