This is a guest post made in collaboration with bachelorstudies.com. You can read the full guide on their official website.
Studying for a Bachelor's degree abroad is an exciting step but can also be daunting; here are our tips on how to prepare to make the process less stressful.
1. Do your research
The most important part of your preparation should be the research. Make sure to research both the practical information and general nice-to-knows.
Familiarise yourself with the transport network, and note down any places of interest close to your student accommodation, including; local cafes, train or metro stations, or restaurants and supermarkets. Planning how to get to and from places like the campus library and local amenities will boost your confidence when you first arrive.
We go into more detail on what you should research in advance in our full guide on study abroad tips.
2. Plan early
Start planning once you have been accepted for your bachelor's degree of choice. You will need to start looking at flights, accommodation, and a visa depending on the country you are heading to.
Keep your important documents organized and easily accessible. This way, you will know where everything is, such as your:
- passport
- travel insurance
- health insurance
- visa
- emergency contact information.
3. Take care of your physical and mental health
Adjusting to life in a new country can be a whirlwind of emotions and experiences, making it all the more important to prioritize your health.
While there are lots of specific tips and individual habits you may already follow, it’s important not to disregard the basics:
- Eat well
- Stay active (consider joining a gym or a sports team)
- Reach out for support if/when needed
It's normal to feel overwhelmed at times, so maintaining communication with your support system back home and utilizing any counseling services available on campus is key to taking care of your well-being.
4. Stick to a budget
If you are studying for your bachelor's degree abroad, it might be your first time living away from home and the first time you have to manage a range of costs, including food and living expenses. If you’ve never created a budget before, don’t worry – here are our best tips on how to budget for university. You can also read how this Swedish student studied in Portugal on a budget.
In short, you can save money by choosing to cook your meals, taking public transport, and taking advantage of student discount prices at cinemas and clothes shops.
Sticking to a budget will allow you to manage financial stress, focus on your studies, and have a good time during your study abroad adventure.
5. Don’t be afraid to socialize and make friends
Studying abroad will allow you to meet people from all over the world. Try not to limit yourself to only hanging out with other international students; try to meet locals to learn more about the country and culture.
- Learn the local language to help you connect with locals and immerse further in your new study destination.
- Join a university club or society which interests you.
- Spend time in the common rooms of your student accommodation, and chat with people in your classes.
If you’d like to learn more about how to network and make friends while studying abroad, check out our 10 tips on how to make friends in college.
6. Stay safe
Of course, we hope you don't experience any dangerous situations while studying for your bachelor's degree abroad; it's smart to take steps to keep yourself safe.
- Familiarise yourself with your new surroundings: know the safest routes to your campus and accommodation, and to and from the bars, supermarkets, and local amenities.
- Ensure you lock your student dorm room properly, even if you live on campus, and keep valuables such as your passport safe.
- Stay in regular contact with family and friends and inform them about your whereabouts.
- Take out travel insurance; it'll give you peace of mind in case anything goes wrong.
7. Don't forget to have fun!
Studying abroad is more than just an academic pursuit; it's a journey of personal growth and exploration. Be open to new experiences, whether it's trying out local cuisines, joining university clubs, or exploring the country.
This is your chance to step out of your comfort zone, discover new interests, and form lasting friendships. Say yes to opportunities that come your way and make the most of this transformative period in your life.
Want to learn even more tips for Bachelor’s students? Check out the original article on the tips every Bachelor’s student should know.