The excitement that follows after months of anticipating, going through the admission process, and finally getting enroled in your dream college is out of this world. You can’t wait to start your journey in a completely new country and make new friends but despite all the planning and research, the first few weeks in a new country can be overwhelming for most.
From filling out important documents on arrival, finding your university accommodation to familiarizing yourself with new people and places, the first week can get a little hectic for international students. To make the whole process a little less daunting so you can breathe and take in your ‘new home’ for the next year or two, we’ve come up with the top 5 tips to help you survive your first week abroad.
1. Fill Out The College Formalities
Your first week in the university will demand a lot of formalities and documents to be filled out and it is important that you do just the same to not miss out on any last dates. As soon as you enter the university you need to find your student ID and set up your student account. Take time out to meet your university advisors and complete all necessary procedures in due time. Make sure you also have stacked up on your program books before the semester and read up on the rules and regulations.
2. Sort Out Your Schedule
You will be handed an official university schedule for your program which will mark all the important holidays, exam dates and assignment submissions beforehand. Apart from that you also need to collect your schedule for all the classes you will be attending in the semester. Maintaining an organised schedule from the start will help you avoid unnecessary clashes in schedules if you plan on taking up more classes or work part-time.
3. Connect With Locals
If you feel lost at the start of the week, you can contact your inter-nation office keep you up-to-date with all the procedures and events that are happening around you. It is also important that you meet a few locals through societies an events and make friends. Connecting with local people will help you experience the lifestyle and culture of the country you’re visiting and help you get accustomed to the place.
4. Take Advantage Of Societies & Clubs
By the end of orientation week, most of the students will have selected clubs and societies they want to be a part of. You should also make the necessary efforts to get into university societies to socialize and get acquainted with new people. Joining clubs is also one of the best ways to soak up a new culture and improve your language skills.
5. Explore Your New Home
Once you’re done with all the necessary guidelines and have settled in by the end of the week, you are truly free to enjoy the weekend. Take time to yourself and explore the city and campus life. Take long walks on the campus and discover the best coffee spots and hidden gems around the city. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the new city, soak in the uni life and also shop for necessary items while you’re at it!
Lastly, try to keep yourself happy during the first week. The first few days in a new city are bound to take a toll on you and bring some unexpected challenges your way. The important thing is to learn to say yes to every opportunity that crosses your way and enjoy the experiences coming your way.
If you’re planning to study abroad and require expert guidance and professional help you can arrange a free consultation with iStudyAbroad. iStudyAbroad is India’s no.1 free study abroad consultants who help students get access to study abroad programs in top universities across Ireland, Canada, UK, and the USA.
You can sign up for a free counselling and discuss your aspirations with us- https://istudyabroad.co.in/get-started/
