You have applied for your student visa to study abroad. Your visa was approved; then you can proceed to pack your bags and any essential documents the border officers may request. You are fully prepared and can’t wait for your first day at school.
However, you are hit with lots of activities on your first day or week in a foreign land, meeting new people. You suddenly start feeling nervous, unsure of what to do, how to register for your classes, how to attend the orientation, or how to change your currency.
In all of this chaos, you suddenly become homesick and wish you could go back. This feeling is normal for international students leaving home to study abroad for the first time.
What Nobody Tells You About Your First 30 Days as an International Student
After all the euphoria of travelling to study in a new country, you are finally there, and it begins to dawn on you that you are miles away from home. Your parents and friends are all back home, and you are here all alone with no clear understanding of how to navigate this new phase. This story is the same as that of many international students who are studying abroad for the first time. Everything feels uncertain and overwhelming.
What nobody tells you is that your first 30 days in this new place are not for vacation or holidaying, but for survival and building a bright future. You have to set clear priorities and consider getting the basi,cs, which include food, shelter, water, and rest, to kick-start your journey.
Here are some of the realities many first-time international students face once they land abroad:
Continuous Paperwork and Registration
All the paperwork and registration you have done back home are just the stepping stones. You will encounter more registration once you land abroad. From immigration check-ins, biometric checks, bank registration, filling in your new address at the local municipal registry or town hall, and so on. There is always so much to do once you get to your destination in order for you to become a legitimate student.
You Have to Register for Your Classes
Depending on your university, you may be able to register for your courses and classes back home before you travel to the country. Some universities also provide you with advisors to guide you in your registration.
For those who have to enter the country before completing their class registration, most universities give students ample time to settle in and prepare before classes begin.
There are also orientation programs that new students need to participate in to fully understand how the system works and what support networks are available.
For instance, the UK Council for International Student Affairs UKCISA provides guidance for students on various queries. From visas and immigration to student advice and more, students can get firsthand information about studying in the United Kingdom.
Cultural Shock
Another thing nobody tells you about is the cultural shock. Especially if it is your first time travelling abroad, it can feel overwhelming to understand and adapt to the new society. What you can do in this case is to prepare your mind to embrace your new environment and take your time to understand how it works there.
If they speak another language apart from English, you can start preparing yourself even before you travel. With diligence and the willingness to learn, it will become easy to adapt.
You Need a Local Bank Account
Getting a local bank account once you have settled in the country will make your everyday spending easy. Find out which banks provide student accounts with fewer requirements and open one. Once you start working while you study, your bank account will come in handy for your payments.
Getting a Job is Not Always Easy
Many international students go abroad to study, expecting to find a job in the first week. This is not always the case, and that is why study abroad destinations always require students to provide proof of their financial means during the application process.
The financial proof will come in handy to cover your living expenses while you take time to settle and adapt to your new environment.
Getting a job in a new country takes time; however, with consistent applications, checking for job openings, and volunteering, you can create a clear path.
You Will Spend More Money
If you are travelling abroad for the first time and planning to stay longer, as in the case of you studying abroad, you need to have enough money. You will spend more money if you don’t already plan for your airport trip and accommodation before you depart your home country.
You will also spend more money if you don’t take warm clothing with you, prompting you to buy when you get to your destination. When it comes to food, you may spend less if you buy your groceries to cook at home. Eating out or buying food packs will cost more.
Homesickness is Real
You are miles away from home, from your family, friends and familiar environment. All alone in an unfamiliar country, trying to understand how the system works and adapt properly. You suddenly become overwhelmed and wish to go back home. This scenario is not different for many international students who are leaving home to study abroad for the first time.
While feeling homesick is a normal occurrence for many foreign students, it should not deter you. Participate in social and academic activities often, volunteer when you can and interact with your neighbours. Even when you feel home sick and overwhelemed having the right people by you will quickly make you feel relaxed and safe.
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First 30 Days Checklist for International Students Studying Abroad
Here is what you can do for your first 30 days as an international student studying abroad with ease.
Pack your Documents into a Folder
As you prepare for your trip, pack your documents in a single folder and put that into your hand luggage. Take along your passport (including your visa), proof of funds, vaccination or medical reports, health insurance documents, admission letter, andother required documentsn. Make sure you bring both physical and digital copies of your documents.
Prepare for Your Airport Pick-Up and Accommodation
Moving to a new country can be both thrilling and tiring if you don’t prepare well. Arranging your airport pickup and accommodation once you land in the country can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. For accommodation, you can choose between staying in the student hostels on campus or off-campus through shared apartments.
Locate Your University
Once you have settled in your accommodation and gotten enough rest, the next step is to locate your university. As a new student, you need to familiarise yourself with the campus, your classmates and lecture halls. Also, take the time to complete any on-campus academic and administrative registrations to get fully settled as a bona fide student.
Attend Your Classes
The sole purpose of travelling all the way from your home country to a new destination is to study. Therefore, ensure that you attend your classes regularly and familiarise yourself with the available study guides and academic support networks.
Familiarise Yourself With Your Environment
As a newbie in a new place, you have to familiarise yourself with your surroundings to understand how things work. Know where the bus stop is to make it easy to get to school and other places you may want to be. Find out where the grocery store, the local health centre, banks, and so on are. Knowing these will make your settling in as a new student in a foreign land easy.
Build a Routine
To help you survive in a different country while you are still trying to figure out your way around, build a clear routine. Know your class schedule and fit it into your daily routine. Also, knowing when the bus runs, when to shop for groceries, and sleeping and waking up at the same time will limit your stress level.
Make Good Friends and Acquaintances
Your friends, neighbours, and people you randomly meet as you go about your day can become good, helpful friends in the long term. Participate in social and academic activities that are helpful. Also, volunteering is another great way to make friends, help people, get work experience and build a vibrant network.
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Final Thoughts
Don’t expect your first 30 days as an international student abroad not to come with some challenges. You will experience some, however, with clear and practical steps, you will be able to adapt seamlessly with no worries.
The most important point you should understand is that you don’t have to panic or feel overwhelmed; take it easy, one step at a time and rest as much as you can.
Doing this will reduce your stress level and give you the edge to go another day. Remember, your first 30 days as an international student abroad don’t need to be perfect, but should serve as a stepping stone to a bright future.
