Congratulations! You have finally made it to your chosen university. Now, you will be departing soon to begin the most exciting adventure of your life: your study abroad journey!
It is true your time in your host country will disappear like sand through a sieve. So it becomes imperative to make the most out of this experience by committing every minute of your time to learn, explore, and enjoy this journey!
And to help you with that, we have prepared a list of five effective ways to maximise your study abroad experience so that you can create cherished memories and no regrets!
Do Your Homework Before You Leave!
You must be excited and can hardly wait to start this crucial chapter in your life. But try to understand that casually showing up in your host country without a proper plan and prior preparations can give you a hard time settling in.
So it is advisable to do your homework well in advance to make the right and informed decisions. Follow these tips below to have a fair idea.
- Do thorough research about your host country before setting your foot there. Know about the language, weather, culture, tourist places, economic and political situations, current events, etc.
- Seek advice from your professors, former study abroad students, or study advisor.
- Connect with past alumni of your uni and ask them for recommendations and practical advice.
- Book your student housing in advance. Whether you want to settle in a student flat in Nottingham or fancy student accommodation in Coventry, book your home before arriving at your host country to avoid the last-minute hassle and stress.
Immerse Fully in the Culture of Your Host Country
We understand it is easier said than done when it comes to settling in a new place quickly. You are bound to go through bouts of culture shock and homesickness. And in your initial days, you would even feel like running back to your home country! But we can assure you if you accept your new lifestyle and give your best to adapt to it, you will reap benefits way before you can imagine!
Moreover, not everyone gets to experience a foreign culture, and you would be the lucky one. So make the best use of it by:
- Travelling around the country and viewing the breathtaking sites, and exploring off the beaten tracks.
- Learning the local language, customs, values, and enjoying different festivals and cultural events.
- Exploring your new country’s rich history and heritage by visiting famous museums, tourist spots, libraries, and art galleries.
- And lastly, by leaving behind a head full of stereotypes to accept your new home and your new life.
Always Keep Your Finances in Check
Living in a new country on your own can be pretty expensive, especially when you are a student. It is natural and understandable to get caught up in your fancy new life and splurge out your money now and then.
We understand the study abroad journey is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many. But if you do not pay attention to your finances, it will break your bank, making you miserable throughout your stay.
So what can you do about it? Simply make smart money decisions by saving, earning, and spending money wisely. And how can you achieve it? Follow the tips below:
- Create a daily, weekly, and monthly budget plan and spend your money accordingly.
- Take advantage of your student status by availing discounts on transport, restaurants, shopping stores, trips, etc.
- Find a part-time job or internship to earn some extra cash. It is a great way to gain some skills and experience to showcase on your resume. If you have a time constraint and want to avoid commuting to the workplace, you can also take remote jobs and work from the comfort of your student housing in Birmingham or London.
Expand Your Social Circle
It is often said, ‘Your net worth is your network’, and we couldn’t agree more! You may never know what kind of opportunities are waiting for you if you don’t spend your time and effort networking effectively.
Your hard-earned skills need a platform to be in use and to make you successful. And you can get that easily with proper communication at the right time with the right people. So put your shyness away and start approaching and befriending people. Take the following tips below on where and how you can socialise better.
- Try connecting with your uni past alumni and make a good professional bond with them. You can search for them on social media platforms like LinkedIn or meet them through various networking events at your university.
- Join student clubs and organisations at your university. It is one of the best ways to not only work on your skills and passions but also meet the right people with whom you can share ideas, knowledge, and experiences to grow both professionally and personally.
- You can take your hobbies and interests to the next level by taking professional courses and classes, such as language learning, dancing, art and design, etc. Again, it is the best way to meet new people other than your uni and make good friends and connections.
Retain Your Focus on the Main Goal: Studies!
Don’t lose sight of why you are here in the first place: to pursue your education! While it is essential to explore and enjoy every significant experience your new country has to offer, it is also vital to keep your focus intact on your studies. So, find a perfect balance between your studies and extracurricular activities. The absence of any can affect your personal or professional growth.
Are you searching for perfect student housing abroad?
amber is an international student accommodation booking platform devoted to helping students all over the world with the best and affordable options for booking a home. We are constantly upgraded with the latest COVID-19 policies and would be delighted to assist you in finding your ideal home. Connect with us on our Instagram and Facebook pages for more latest offers and fresh updates.
Writer: Harshita Anand is a postgraduate in English Journalism and a graduate in Hotel Management. She has worked in a varied range of industries and with people from all walks of life. Her dynamic experience piqued her curiosity to constantly learn new things about the world and write passionately about them!
