Essentials for studying abroad: How to make the most of it

Are you a student studying abroad, or want to study abroad? Here's our guide to make the most out of the experience

Studying abroad is a great opportunity for many students to get out and see the world, often for the first time. As a student, it is one of the most exciting things a young person can do. It’s easy however to not make the most of your time there, however.

Often there may be cultural, social and language barriers to overcome. There’s also the whole studying thing to contend with too. Make sure you don’t fall into the trap of not making the most of this amazing experience with our top tips for making the most of studying abroad.

Get organised before you go

It might be tempting to leave everything until the last minute, but you will regret it when you come to going away! There are so many things that need to be sorted out beforehand, such as university documentation, living arrangements as well as any travel documents and visas that you may need. If you need any help, ask those who have already studied abroad or any advisers you may have at your school/current institution for any advice and guidance you may need.

Go with an open mind

Like so many things in life, chances are you will go into your study abroad with so many preconceptions in your head. These could be about your course, the country you are moving to and even the people that you will meet. As a student studying abroad, leave all of these at the boarding gate and go forward with an open mind. Don’t compare your host country to your home country. Instead, just go with the flow and take every opportunity with both hands.

Learn the language

This is one of the biggest faux pas that many students make when they move to a new country, not learning the language. Not only will it make it harder for you and others to communicate, you’ll not impress the locals very much. We’re not saying that you need to be completely fluent in a totally new language, but you will be surprised how far a little bit of language goes.

Do as the locals do

You’ve probably heard the expression ‘when in Rome…’, you should try to live your life by it. Get a feel for how your new host city operates and how the locals go about their day to day lives. Ask them for the best places to go and the best things to see and do. They’ll also be a good source for local customs and no-nos. You’ll probably find that you’re living like a local in no time.

Get out and explore

It can be incredibly intimidating moving to a whole new country by yourself. You’ll probably find yourself tempted to just stay in your room and just attend classes at your new university. You are a student studying abroad, get yourself out there and have fun! There is so much out there for you to explore, and if you don’t, you’ll probably be kicking yourself once you get back home. Plus, think of all the pictures that you’ll be able to take to show friends and family back home to make them jealous!

Make new friends

One of the absolute best things about studying abroad has to be the fact that you will make a whole host of new friends, some of which will be friends for life. You’re going to be away from home for quite some time, so you’ll need a new group of friends and a support network to keep you going. Once it’s all over, you’ll have an amazing global network of friends to call upon and visit in later life.

Don’t forget to study

Yes, studying abroad will be a great experience for seeing the world and socialising, but you are also here to study too. You’ll still need to attend any university lectures and classes, as well as complete any assignments and essays required of you. If you don’t keep up with your studies, this may impact you further down the line, especially if you are only studying abroad for a year, and your marks will impact your final grades.

Hopefully, by now, we’ll have imparted some of our best tips for making the most of studying abroad to you, and you’ll be feeling excited to go. Perhaps you are coming to the UK to study and are looking for accommodation. If that’s the case, be sure to check out our website for all of your accommodation needs.

Are you a student studying abroad, or want to study abroad? Here's our guide to make the most out of the experience

Studying abroad is a great opportunity for many students to get out and see the world, often for the first time. As a student, it is one of the most exciting things a young person can do. It’s easy however to not make the most of your time there, however.

Get organised before you go

Go with an open mind

Learn the language

Do as the locals do

Get out and explore

Make new friends

Don’t forget to study

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