Studying abroad is undoubtedly one of the best and most exciting things you can do at uni. However, it’s also one of the scariest and most stressful things to prepare for!
It can feel like there are a million and one things to sort out for a trip to what is, essentially, the unknown. Fear not, as we’ve created a list of key things you must sort before you jet off around the world (and trust us, it will be worth it).
Get your accommodation sorted ASAP
Knowing that you have somewhere to live will take a huge weight off your shoulders. If you want the authentic study abroad experience then looking at university halls can be a good way to go.
They’ll likely be more social and will give you an insight into exactly what uni life is like for the locals.
Although, bear in mind that it is often a lot more expensive for a less nice play to stay. Lia, who studied abroad in America, said “I stayed in dorms and had to pay nearly double that of my friends who stayed in apartments and I had to share with my roommate. Dorms did mean that I got a meal plan- so didn’t have to cook for six months- but it did feel a bit like a step backward as there was a lot less freedom.”Lia also added that her uni charged a 5% charge when paying with a debit or credit card, so make sure you set up a bank account that can transfer e-cheques to avoid hidden fees.
Remember to rent out your room at home
This only really applies if you’re doing a semester, and not a year, abroad. Advertising your room a good few months before you go will give you plenty of time to sort things with your landlord and make sure you find a replacement.
Also, if you know you are going to later study abroad when signing for a new house in the UK, make sure you okay it with your landlord to prevent any unnecessary confusion down the line. Advertising you room on Gumtree, Spareroom, and Facebook are great ways to get the ball rolling.
Also, be aware that exchange students from other countries will be looking to find somewhere to stay, so get in touch with your International Office and see if they can help you advertise your room to newcomers.
Cancel any memberships you have at home
Eg. gym memberships; cinema memberships- essentially any activities, clubs or subscriptions that you won’t be using whilst you’re away. Most things are done via direct debit so check your internet banking and make sure you’ve cancelled anything that you won’t use whilst you’re away.
Speaking of banks… let them know you’re going abroad!
This is SO important, otherwise if you use your card abroad without letting them know it will look a hell of a lot like fraud. It’s usually very simple, just log onto your online bank and select the ‘travel’ option and fill in the dates you’ll be away, or go and see them in store.
Also, it won’t do any harm to make small purchases at the airport to prove that you’ve travelled to the new destination you’ll be using your card at.
Only book your plane tickets once you’ve got the all clear on your visa.
This will avoid instances such as arriving at Singapore only to discover that your visa was not processed properly, forcing you to fly out of the country for four days until border control got their shit together (true story).
It is worth adding, nonetheless, that once you do get your visa through you book your tickets ASAP to get them as cheap as possible.
Once you get your visa papers through, don’t lose them.
If like naïve little me you thought the stamp in your passport was enough, you are incorrect.
To avoid a stressful and humiliating debacle whereby you empty the entire contents of your suitcase out onto the floor of Chicago International Airport in a desperate attempt to find your papers, just make sure you have them to hand in an organised folder.
Pack light
It will be so tempting to pack five pairs of jeans and six different styles of trainer ‘just in case’ but seriously- don’t do it. You might go in with a ‘new country, new me’ mindset but the fact is you will literally hoard everything in a desperate attempt at accumulating memorabilia. Leave space for your souvenirs as having to pay for extra baggage on the flight home is not ideal.
