Top 10 Tips For Students Going Abroad That Could Make Your Life Easier

Pursuing an education abroad can be enriching and fun, but it does bring along with it some changes. Here are some tips that could make your life easier as a student abroad.

1.  Get an International Student Card

An International Student Card has a lot of advantages – it helps you get a lot offers and discounts on places such as restaurant, museums, movies and other places that you will be frequently visiting. You can even use it online at some of the most popular stores such as Target.com and the Apple Store.

2.  Read about the city and country you visit

Usually, even though students are excited to visit an international study destination, some amount of homesickness may seep in. Starting a new life in a new place can be more fun if you take the time and familiarize yourself with the city and the country you are visiting. Find out from beforehand if you can enrol in an activity that you used to do or if you like going for a run, where the nearest park or running track is.

3.  Keep documents handy and safe

Your passport and your visa are your actual tickets to the country that you are visiting. Keep them safe and ensure that you have multiple copies of the same. Also, carrying around the passport on your person may not be the best thing to do, so think of a safe place where you can keep it along with your other valuables.

4.  Familiarize yourself with customs and cultures

Each country has its own set of customs and cultures, which again get further nuanced in its cities and regions. As a good practice you may want to get upto speed. In a new country it might just help you making new friends that much easier.

5.  Get a multi-currency Forex Card

Generally, courses abroad are divided into terms which are punctuated with breaks of a couple of weeks. If you who wish to come back to your home country do so, however, this opportunity can be used to travel and explore other places. One of the things that will make that easy to do is a Forex Card – as you can load multiple currencies in it and it is completely safe and convenient to carry around. 

6.  Don’t stockpile

We all have our favourite things – from a snack we love to a shampoo that we use. But it is advisable to not carry all those with you in bulk amounts. When going abroad to study, use the opportunity to explore the local produce of the place. For all you know you might just discover your new favourite thing!

7.  Pack a medicine box

Though all foreign universities offer basic medical amenities to their students, it is always better to be prepared with medicines that you are familiar with so that headache can be conquered and tummy ache driven away. Take a box full of medicines that you are used to and familiar with as prevention and cure.

8.  Be safe and smart

Most universities hold a session with the local authorities and policeman as part of the induction ceremony to help you get abreast with the laws of the land. As precaution, you might want to still be vigilant and safe by reading about common laws such parking policies, littering policies, trespassing areas, etc.

9.  Join activity clubs

Thanks to the infrastructure and also their curriculum, you will be able to take part in a lot of extra-curricular activities of your choice. From Harry Potter fan clubs to reading groups, you will be spoilt for choice and short for time, so choose well and wisely.

10.  Know where you can find the best resources

Apart from exploring the place and having fun, remember that you are there to pursue an education. Most foreign curriculums are rather particular about their syllabus and will require you to do extensive research. The internet is a go-to option, but make sure you have access to libraries – including your university library, that will add value to your assignments.

These tips could help you ensure that your course abroad is free of most hassles. Enjoy your pursuit and we wish you the best!