Session Preparation
A Delegate's Guide to Preparing for a Conference
Weeks before the session
The weeks leading up to a session are some of the most important in terms of preparation. It is vital to lay down the correct groundwork for the rest of your experience. Here are the things you should be doing well in advance of attending NSC Ostrava:
- Sleep – At least a week in advance, do your best to get over 8 hours of sleep every night. You’ll enjoy the session much better if you are well-rested
- Don’t get hurt – The session will involve a lot of walking, dancing and playing, so it would be ideal not to break any bones or pull any muscles before the session
- Take care of your health – You can boost your immune system by exercising, spending time outside and eating nutritious foods. Dress in warm clothes and drink plenty of water. Keep an eye on your mental health and avoid excess stress
- Buy your tickets – Remember, you are just one of a hundred Delegates headed to Ostrava, not to mention those travelling for other reasons. By buying your tickets in advance, you will guarantee a spot on your preferred means of transportation
- Stick to the Organisers’ deadlines – Make sure you have filled out the Travel Form and sent in your Jury photos
- Sort things out at school – If you’re scheduled to take an exam during the session, let your teacher know. They’ll be a lot more willing to figure out a suitable solution. A good idea is to see if you can’t get the event marked as an unaccounted absence. We can provide you with an absence letter if that is something your school requires
Days before the session
The week of the session is the best time to ensure you’re ready for the activities. Here are the most important things to do:
- Introduce yourself to your Committee – Your Chairperson most likely contacted you and asked you to send a short introduction. Do so and read the messages from your fellow Delegates
- Read the Topic Overview – If you haven’t done so already, read it. It’ll ensure that you can follow your committee’s conversation and will be able to contribute
- Do your own research – The Academic Preparation Kit is an excellent source of information but only covers the most important aspects of your topic. By doing extra research, you will guarantee that your contributions are valuable and enriching
- Read the rest of the Academic Preparation Kit – By having a general overview of the topics of the other Committees, you will make sure that you will be able to keep up during the General Assembly and that you will be able to make valid points
- Send an electronic copy of your signed Code of Conduct to the Organisers – This will make the check-in process faster and easier. It will also be one less thing to worry about while packing
- Catch up on schoolwork – Check if you don’t have any assignments due during the session. You don’t want to be forced to write an essay instead of enjoying the conference
- Get ready to pack – Decide what you want to take to the session. Make sure your clothes are out of the wash and that you haven’t lost anything you want to bring
- Get ready to cook your Eurovillage meal – Decide what you want to make and get the necessary ingredients. Coordinate the food with the rest of your delegation
One day before the session
The day before the session is the day you want to finish packing. Here are the best ways to ensure you make the most of this crucial day:
- Go through the Packing List – The Organising Team has prepared an itemised list of everything you’ll need at the session
- Pack the extras – The Packing List only contains the essentials. If you need to bring something for yourself like a pillow or a blow-dryer, make sure you remember to pack it
- Don’t overpack – The accommodation is some distance from the city centre so make sure you can comfortably carry all your belongings
- Charge your devices – Aside from packing your chargers, it is also important to charge your devices beforehand
- Get your school affairs in order – Ask a few of your classmates to update you on what you’ve missed and share their notes with you
- Prepare your Eurovillage food – Depending on your meal, the night before is the usually the best time to cook your Eurovillage food
Morning of the session
The morning of the session is the culmination of all your preparations. Here’s what to do to make sure this morning makes the conference instead of breaking it:
- Take care of your Code of Conduct – If you haven’t sent an electronic copy, make sure you don’t forget it. You won’t be able to take part in the session without it
- Go through the Packing List again – Make sure you’ve packed everything you had to
- Make sure you’re not forgetting any personal needs – This could involve medication or other special needs
- Don’t forget your Eurovillage meal
- Count your luggage – Count how many things you leave with. Keep track of how many things you have with you to make sure you don’t lose anything while travelling
All Codes of Conduct
Download hereTravelling to the session
After lots of preparations you’re finally on a train or a bus on route to Ostrava. Take this extra time in transit to do the following:
- Make sure you’ve read the Topic Overview – If you haven’t done so already, take five minutes to go over the Topic Overview. It’ll not take long, and you will ensure you enjoy the session much more
- Look through the Officials announcements – Get to know the Officials that will be attending the event. These are your future peers and friends
- Reflect on your feelings – Are there any fears you have about the session? What are your motivations and what are your goals? What is the ideal version of you and what can you do in Ostrava to get closer to it?