Proper preparation is essential to get the most out of studying abroad and the personal growth, academic development, and cultural immersion that comes with it. In this blog, we’ll give you practical steps and advice to help you prepare to study abroad, so you can make the most of your adventure.

Apply for your study abroad visa

Most countries will require you to have a special visa to allow you to study abroad. Each country will have a slightly different process and timeline to apply for this visa, so make sure you research exactly what will be needed for the country you’ll be studying in. Remember that there can often be delays with applications, so ensure you apply in good time.

Your university might be able to provide guidance and advice on how to apply for your visa to study abroad. You will need to also ensure that all your documents are in order, such as having confirmation to study and a passport that is valid and won’t expire while you’re living abroad.

Find accommodation

You will have to decide what sort of accommodation you would like whilst you’re studying. Most universities will be able to provide student halls, where you can stay on a university site with other students. This can be a great way of mixing with fellow students, as well as being convenient as you’ll be close to the university facilities and classrooms.

Another option will be to privately rent accommodation. You can do this individually or share with other students. This can be great if you want to submerse yourself in the city where your university is based, but it can often cost a little more. If you share with students, the university might be able to connect you with people who are looking to share.

An alternative is to find a homestay abroad. This is where you would stay with a local family close to your university. This can be a great way of getting involved in the local culture, but there will typically be house rules you will need to follow, such as having a curfew.

Make a budget

Before you go abroad to study, you should assess your finances and make a budget. Consider how much money you will need each month to cover everything from accommodation costs, groceries, your phone, and money for fun and entertainment. It’s best to overestimate, as you will likely need more than you might think.

You will need to regularly refer to your budget whilst you’re abroad, to ensure you stick to it. Many places offer student discount to people with a valid student ID, so make sure you carry yours around with you so you can benefit from this. You can also look to save money by preparing meals at home rather than eating out and finding fun, free activities in your local area.

Get health insurance

Many study visas will require you to have some sort of health insurance to qualify. You can find comprehensive health insurance for international students that will keep you protected whilst you’re abroad and also ensure you’re compliant for your visa application.

Even for countries where it isn’t mandatory to have health insurance, it can still be worth considering. International health insurance for students means you will be able to access quality, private healthcare facilities and professionals, and often avoid long wait times. This means you can focus on your studies knowing that your health will be well taken care of.

Purchase plane tickets in advance

Ticket prices for your plane journey will typically fluctuate, and factors such as when you travel and the airports you travel to and from can all affect how much you pay. Generally, it can be best to buy tickets around two to three months before you want to travel.

Buying a return ticket will usually work out cheaper than buying two single tickets, but it can be restrictive. You might not yet know exactly when you’ll want to come home, and you might find that by the end of the school year you want to extend your stay a little to experience more of the country. Sometimes, airlines will offer a ticket with a flexible return date, which can be a good option.

Inform your bank

You should let your bank know that you will be spending time in another country. If you don’t, your bank might see your activity abroad and think it’s unauthorised, which can lead them to freezing your card and your account. This can be a frustrating experience as you won’t be able to access your money until you can contact them and inform them that you’re in another country. To avoid all this, just let them know before you fly.

Learn some of the language

If you’re studying in a country that speaks a different language to your own, you should aim to pick up some of the basics before you travel. You’ll likely learn the language fairly quickly once you’re living there, but it can be helpful to already know some common words and phrases to help you along. This should include greetings, please and thank you, and questions and answers you’ll need day-to-day, such as purchasing tickets for public transport or ordering food.

You can use a language book to help you learn or utilise interactive teaching tools such as apps or online courses. Once you arrive abroad, it might be helpful to enrol in lessons to help speed up your language acquisition and make it easier to communicate.

Learn local customs

You should research the country before you travel to learn about local customs and, importantly, local laws that might differ from your home country. Knowing what will be expected from you legally can help you to avoid fines and even arrest.

Learning local customs will have less severe repercussions if you do something wrong, but it can still be beneficial. Knowing local etiquette will save you embarrassment from doing something wrong or accidentally insulting someone by doing something that’s seen as rude in that country.