After months of researching, applying, anxiously awaiting results, and finally getting accepted to your dream school, the moment has finally come to begin your new adventure abroad!
Check out the following tips to ensure you easily and successfully settle in to your journey abroad.
Get a Local Sim Card
There’s nothing we take for granted more than our phones. For a seamless transition into your new life, be sure to get a local sim card as soon as possible. Having a functioning mobile plan will make it easy to stay in touch with new friends and get around your new city without getting lost.
It’s a good idea to look up the main mobile carriers for the country you’re going to before you head out, so you know where to go once you arrive.
Start Exploring
It can be daunting to suddenly be in a new country, culture, and city, but it’s also a really exciting opportunity to start exploring your new home! Now that you have a sim card, you can easily navigate your way around town without stress.
Take a walk around campus and familiarize yourself before the first day of classes; you may even run into other first year students doing the same thing. It’s also a good idea to locate the classrooms you’ll be in so that you aren’t late to the first day of lessons.
Once you’ve got a feel for the campus, it’s time to get to know your new city! Try renting a bike for a day to look around, start learning the public transit system, or get some exercise exploring by foot.
Put Yourself Out There
It’s normal to feel a bit shy when you first get to your campus, but it’s important to remember that all first year students are in the same position. Even if they aren’t also international students, most first years have all just graduated high school and are on a new experience living away from home for the first time.
So, most people are friendly and also looking to meet new people! Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with others on campus. If you’re living in a campus residence, you can hang out in common areas to meet people and also join on-campus orientation events to make new friends.
Add Your Personal Touch
The most important thing is find your own personal ways to make your university feel like home.
A natural way to add your personal touch is decorating your new room, regardless of if you’re living in a dorm residence or off campus. Decorate your living space to make it a place you feel really comfortable and at ease; you can even add memorabilia or photos to remind you of home.
Breathe & Have Fun
Remember that university is part of a growing experience. It takes time to adjust to a new culture, country, and make friends while getting used to university academics. So, don’t put too much pressure on yourself and just enjoy the exciting experience!
