PRE-DEPARTURE; Still doing paper work

Hello.
So I am still preparing and in the paperwork phase.
Deadlines are nearing for the applications and scholarships.
I am applying for the bridging scholarship and worked on that a little today as well as some budgeting based off of estimates, my experience and friends in Japan's knowledge on prices.

The costs for Nara are based on a tuition exchange program, so it is roughly the same price (excluding airfare and misc.) as attending CMU. 

Housing is the same price as if you lived on CMU's campus, so this is an added cost for me as a student residing off campus who has never lived on campus before.

I have decided that not only to save costs but also for fun I will be getting a bike for the duration of my stay. I plan to use the bus and train system as little as possible to allow extra breathing room. I like to walk, and I like to bike it should be fun.

So after I complete my 2012 Tax returns I can file my FAFSA, and can then finish these applications. Then I will be applying for my Japan visa, possibly by mail? I have to wait and see how they want me to do it.

That's about it at this point.
I have been thinking about how and what to pack, and based off of my previous trip I will be packing light! Man there's nothing like hauling massive luggage in crowded train stations buses  and streets to make you re-think the essentials. I am unsure at this point about how much 'stuff' I actually need, in Japan and really, anywhere.

A few years back I read this article about the 100 item challenge which has helped to shape my views on our attachments to things. I think re-reading this before I leave will help me out.

Here is an article about Tammy Strobel of Rowdy Kittens who's story got me into living less on a consumeristic lifestyle. article from lemondrop