Here are some tips for studying abroad:
do your research
it’s a good idea to get to home the environment of where you will be staying. What’s the common transportation system?
what’s the exchange rate + where to exchange your money?
where is the closest bank and what do you need to set up a bank account as a foreigner?
what data plan should you get for your phone?
let’s talk the noms (aka food)
you will miss the comforts of home cooking; that’s normal. i missed the southern chinese food that my family makes and the soups. There are just some things you won’t be able to find in your new location.
learn how to cook a few simple dishes to save that $$$. say your mom has a really good recipe and it’s your fav, learn how to make it from her so you can make it yourself if you want a piece of home.
do a google map search or walk around to find where the nearest grocery store is and what types of food (ie fruits, veggies, snacks) are available. don’t be afraid to try something new
bring some snacks that remind you of home. when you get homesick, reward yourself. easy things to pack include dried fruit, local cookies/biscuits, spices and seasoning (you know for instant ramen or some quick fixes)
packing
try to bring things that are practical. aka don’t take your entire wardrobe; chances are you won’t be wearing all of it. yes, do bring your favorite shirts and your favorite pjs, but also check the weather. for example, on london, the winters aren’t cold, but always rainy. In the usa, i didn’t really get much use out of my trench coat, but i realize that there is a reason why trench coats are a thing in london. they are perfect for those rainy, foggy mornings with a slight chill. Be sure to pack layers so you are prepared no matter if there is a sudden weather change.
consider: is there a chance that you will be traveling during your breaks. In london, there are reading breaks in the middle of your term/semester/trimester/etc. and being in europe, you can very easily travel to another country (i.e. 3 hours to paris via eurostar!), so do you need a travel backpack or mini shampoo/soap bar for your travels?
make sure to buy international converters and adapters. check your electronics to make sure that the voltage is compatible. in the uk, iphones and most computers just need an adapter. but your hair curler may need a converter.
dorm life
in london, most of the accommodations by the universities are single suites, so you don’t have to worry about a roommate that you may potentially disagree with.
but if you will have a roommate, talk to each other first to lay down some ground rules as a common courtesy. what are your likes and dislikes, wake/sleep habits, things to avoid doing, and just be considerate of each other. you don’t have be bffs with your roommate, if you are than great!, but if not that’s ok too but be friendly!
if your accommodation hall organizes events, go to them. meet new people that are not from your program or university. when you are alone in a new country, friends are what can be the difference from a great experience or a bad, isolated experience. so be bold and meet new people. you may find yourself learning something new.
Battling homesickness
try to arrange a designated time to call family, taking into account time differences – no use waking everyone up in the middle of the night or have your parents call you when you are in the middle of class or studying!
social support is very important, especially when you have had a bad day, and you just need someone to talk to, so make sure you call home!
don’t forget your friends too. that’s the beauty of social media, make sure you talk to your friends once in a while, and keep each other updated on what’s going on.
i’m not saying you won’t ever feel homesickness, because you will and that’s natural. but to help combat that that, stay in touch with the fam and friends back home.
and even if you aren’t a ‘social butterfly’, try to branch out and get connected with other students and new friends. after all, you are in a whole other country, and that calls for adventures. adventures are twice the fun when you share them! honestly, there are so many places that i wouldn’t have thought i’d go to if it weren’t from friends’ recommendations and planning as a group.
what’s studying in london (as an american) like?
watch my day in the life on youtube ✨
**if you have any questions feel free to leave an ‘ask me’ or comment!**
other links:
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