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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UC Berkeley chapter.

I met a study abroad student on the plane who was writing down her experiences in a small notebook. Each page was filled with details about her experiences in various countries. After chatting with her during the fight, I was inspired to buy my own sketchbook. Here are four reasons why you should have your own sketchbook when you travel. 

1. Admire what’s in front of you 

Whenever I enter a new city, I always have a list of various places I want to visit, eager to get to each location. I’ve realized rushing through different locations made it harder to truly enjoy the places, and I wasn’t spending enough time exploring the area and enjoying the views. Having a sketchbook really led me to sit down and admire each part of the building, viewpoint, and location. I loved exploring the details of each place within my sketchbook. It forced me to take my time and appreciate what’s in front of me. 

art watercolor painting
Photo by Victoria Bilsborough from Unsplash

2. Creating Memories

Looking back in the pages of my sketchbook, I begin reminiscing about the trip. Creating drawings of my favorite locations abroad allowed me to capture the memories created at that location as well as the overall feeling of how I felt in the location. With each destination drawn, I can look back in my sketchbook and think of the live music playing, the people I was with, and the different memories created. 

3. Making friends 

Sitting on a bench outside drawing famous tourist destinations became an easy and approachable way to meet new people while traveling. I’ve met locals who have complimented my sketches, tourists who ask to take photos of the drawing, and even other artists who are also sketching outside. I’ve also joined a club where I met other student artists who enjoy drawing. 

Two students sitting in the grass talking and studying LLC article
Photo by Keira Burton from Pexels

4. IMPROVING OVER TIME

With each sketch, I’ve noticed improvements in my drawing abilities. I’ve also grown accustomed to watercolor painting, something I never tried before when drawing outside. I’ve also tried acrylic painting after growing accustomed to doing sketches outside. Different pages reflect my improvements since the start of the semester as I learn the different ways to capture the moment abroad.

Melanie Wu

UC Berkeley '25

Melanie Wu is a second-year studying Media Studies with a Rhetoric Minor. She has an interest in writing and art. In the future, she hopes to work within marketing, communications, and PR.