Many of us have a dream to pursue higher education abroad, however not everyone is able to fulfil this dream for a number of reasons. Oddly in some cases, people end up getting an admission, flying abroad but what follows afterwards totally puts them off their tracks, sometimes demotivating them to a point where they decide to pack their bags in the first six months and fly back home, leaving an opportunity that has the capacity to change the course of their entire lives.
Why does it happen?
That’s because nobody prepared you on how to deal with the changing shift of routine in a new country. Below we’ll share a list of tips and tricks that have helped our students to ease into their lives once they set foot abroad.
That’s because nobody prepared you on how to deal with the changing shift of routine in a new country. Below we’ll share a list of tips and tricks that have helped our students to ease into their lives once they set foot abroad.
1. Manage your money
- The first and the foremost thing that matters is your finances. You need to write down every expense you are doing.
- Get a local bank account to avoid transaction fees on debit cards.
- There are student discounts offered in most cities for bus and cab fares, food and cultural activities and books. Always carry your student ID along with you.
- Prepare your meals at home. Eating out is always expensive.
- Find activities such as free events, festivals or public lectures will keep you engaged and get familiar with the local culture.
2. Affordable Housing
- Look for housing services that are given by the university to the students, such as dorms, apartments, or shared rooms especially for international students.
- Check out flat sharing options on Craigslist etc to find affordable shared accommodation. (Always check reviews before finalizing any options)
- If you have easy access to the buses or trains then you can explore living outside the city centres. Housing near your university can be very costly. The farther you go, the cheaper it gets.
3. Socialize and expand your network
- Participate in extracurricular activities at your college/university. Meet around people and take part in group activities. It helps you create a support system for yourself.
- Keep an eye for international student events. These events have useful information. It may also provide you a chance to meet people from your own home country.
- Embrace the cultural exchange. Engage with local students and learn about their culture. Don’t limit your interactions to people from your own country only.
4. Dealing with homesickness
- Make a routine of calling your family or friends at least once a day to feel connected. You can always use skype, WhatsApp or social media to give a quick call back home.
- Create a warm and homey space for yourself.
- Join a support group
- Make time for yourself. Ensure to keep a comfort ritual for yourself, it could be even a warm cup of tea at the balcony.
5. Language Barriers
- For places such as Germany, China and Japan you need to have command over the language to blend with the local community. You can try to learn and use simple words from the local language for small conversations.
- Find a practice peer. You can practice the language with someone who is also learning. It is one of the best ways to improve language.
- Take help from translation apps when you feel you are stuck in a tricky situation which needs clear communication.
6. Focus on health
- Don’t rely on junk for quick food. There’s always a farmer’s market or wholesales places where fresh fruits and vegetables are available at reasonable rates. Plus, it’s great to try different local produce and spices.
- Your university might be offering a free gym for students. Make most of the opportunity and enjoy the free options given. You can also hike, jog and walk with your buddies.
- Keep yourself mentally sane by ensuring proper sleep hours. Studying abroad can be super overwhelming. You can always make sure of free student counselling services.
7. Manage time and stay organized
- Make a to-do list for every day. It will support you in staying on top of your work assignments.
- Study groups are a great way to remain on track with studies. It’s also builds a sense of community among international students.
- Be focused but avoid the burnout. Regular breaks can help u maintain focus and productivity
8. Enjoy your experience abroad
- Travel and roam around during your term breaks. Most countries offer special discounts for international students for sightseeing and tourism. Offer your friends to go along
These tips and hacks will make your experience studying abroad easy and less stressful, helping you settle down and balance your academic and personal life.