Students from all over the world travel and study abroad to take advantage of courses and education opportunities, and experience that only a foreign university offers. However, It is essential to make the most of your student life experience and integrate yourself into the local culture. Studying abroad is one of the most memorable and learning experiences you can do in your life as you get a huge opportunity to discover the world around you. You are probably feeling super excited or extremely nervous, but all you have to do is to take a deep breath and take this as an exciting opportunity to grow yourself.
Here are five tips that you could follow to study abroad and make the most of your student life there.
1) Pack smart and make a check-list.
Everything in your room is not an essential item to keep in your suitcase when you are moving abroad. “what should I pack” is the toughest part of the process- Carefully planned essentials list will help you with that. There are many factors to consider when you are packing for study abroad like the University location, weather, stay duration abroad, accommodation area.
It is essential to know how much luggage you are bringing because each airline has different baggage requirements, so don’t get hit with overweight baggage fees. Make sure you pack these essential documents in your carry-on luggage. Passport, Visa, Student ID, or any other identification, Driving Licence, an Acceptance letter from the University, and travel insurance details.
2) Sort your accommodation.
You must sort your student accommodation before you arrive to study abroad. This can be exciting and the most important decision you make once you have accepted the offer from the University.
Either you live in the university hall of residence, shared En-suite, private rented flat, homestays, or independent studio, You have to be ensured about the facilities they provide so that it doesn’t become like a burden for you as you have just left your comfort zone.
There are many ways through which you can find your comfortable home away from home.
– Visit the student accommodation site.
– Check the facilities that property provides to check whether it suits all your requirements or not.
– Check those ratings and reviews.
– Don’t be afraid to ask your queries directly to the booking agent.
3) Get through the feeling of Homesickness.
The first few days can be a bit difficult for you because it takes some time to settle down and get used to this new student life since you have to adjust to new college culture and meet people from different places. According to the (NUS) National Union of Students, about 70% of freshers feel homesick within the first few days of joining University. Remember that you are not alone and it’s okay to feel homesick, you’re certainly not the only one. Homesickness is something that most people feel at some point in their life, and you will get over it soon.
Here are quick tips for you to deal with Homesickness- Check out your University’s international student’s society where you can meet other people who are feeling the same and keep yourself busy by doing activities you like. Beat Homesickness if you have something to make your new room feel more like home, so don’t forget to pack some of your home comforts. The first few days might be struggling, but once you get used to living away, You will make the most of your student life experience abroad.
4) Embrace Diversity and Experience the local culture.
Being an international student, you will be able to experience the local culture. To know most of the country you are heading to- Find relatable books, movies, music, and food of your soon-to-be-adopted culture and try to build a connection with your new home and overcome the language barrier. You will be surrounded by people from worldwide countries, and you can even get the opportunity to learn or know thousands of new cultures if you embrace diversity in every single place.
5) Make a budget and manage your finances.
The major challenge most of the young adults face during their college days is managing their finances on their own. Financial pressure has a grave impact on the students; the good news is that you can learn to manage your money and avoid possible mistakes responsibly and debt in the long run. Start your budgeting plan by listing all your needs and wants- including your monthly income, estimated expense, savings, and parental allowance (if any) and Make a separate emergency fund account so that you can get back on your feet during the worst days.
Living abroad is undeniably one of the most exciting components of a student’s life. The first few days can be a bit difficult as you are away from home, you are settling down and getting used to the new student life, adjusting to new college culture, meeting people from different places. These quick tips will help you have a memorable and fun time abroad.
Glenn Fernandes is a Content Writer at AmberStudent. A writer by day and reader by night, his passion includes football, the TV show FRIENDS and Brookly Nine-Nine, poetry and an unhealthy obsession for sarcastic replies. He has his own Poetry account on Instagram.