On the journey to earn a living and attaining success, challenges and hurdles are galore. Right from our primary education to each & every job search, every one of us has to cope with cutthroat competition, drastic circumstantial changes, and ever-changing relationships. The scent of success, the allure of money, and the hope of a better life cause millions of students to migrate to foreign lands.
The necessity and urgency of acquiring a good degree and landing a proper job increase manifold when one is trying to striving for success in a foreign land. Any international student needs to develop a resilient mindset, nurture a heuristic way of thinking and be perseverant enough to achieve their objectives despite all odds, irrespective of whether you aspire to be a manager of a multinational or a successful essay writer.
A survival guide for international students must lay down tips and advice to deal with any challenging situations one can encounter in their first few years abroad.
That is what this article aims to do, so let’s start right away.
Take Care of All Essentials ASAP
- Remember To Carry All Essential Documents
Make a list of the most vital documents you need to carry around with you. Tick them one by one and keep them secure in an easy-access location.
Study permits, temporary resident or student visas, and the passport are some of the essential documents for any international student, and you should make it a point to carry them with you always. Check the expiry dates of all vital records and mark them in a calendar. Remember that you need a valid passport and a student or work visa to justify your presence in a foreign country.
Here’s a list of some of the most common & critical documents for any international student.
- Student Visa,
- Passport,
- Country specific eligibility certificates
- Institute Admission forms,
- CVs and other vital academic documents,
- Financial & Insurance details,
- Medical Records & Any Prescriptions,
- Travel Documents such as tickets & itinerary,
Make a photocopy of every vital document just in case and keep the originals readily accessible. They are as precious as the money you have on you.
- Connect with essential contacts before departing
If you do not want to feel overwhelmed or lost after landing there, get in touch with the people or the authorities who can guide you around. More often than not, it will be the authorities from the concerned educational institutions and/or any third party through whom you have applied.
- List out all emergency contacts and keep them at hand. And, find out how to obtain a means of contacting others right after you arrive. Discuss this and be prepared to shell out some extra cash as many countries like the UK require monthly fees for getting a mobile phone contract.
- Get a pay-as-you-go communication schemeif possible. They might be expensive up-front but do not have any monthly tariffs.
- Also, obtain a long-distance communication scheme to stay in touch with your homeland. It can be a bit costly, but it’s essential.
- Scope out local college assignment helpservices and genuine essay writers if you need some professional help.
Remember to be sure about whom to contact once you arrive at your destination. Keep those individuals & the institution updated with your arrival & travel itinerary’s tentative date.
- Do Not Forget To Take Technology With You
Smartphones, laptops, tabs, and other electronic devices have become indispensable today.
- While packing for your trip abroad, remember to bring them along to prevent wasting extra money on buying them out there. Shopping in foreign countries will always be expensive, and you will have to run around quite a bit to get your currencies exchange.
- Cellphones, smartphones, adapters, etc. — make sure to pack them in your luggage. Find out whether your devices are compatible with the power supply of the country you are visiting. Getting a cellphone connection can be a bit tricky, as discussed above. Choose between a tariffed mobile connection or one that suits you the best.
Orient Yourself Right
Orientation sessions in colleges and universities allow international students to acquaint themselves with their new surroundings.
- College orientations can help one overcome culture shock, allowing students to blend in and adapt to a new country’s customs. Some of the most significant differences most international students encounter are food, climate, social rules, and relationship metrics.
- Besides acquainting one with their new surroundings, college orientations also give students a clear idea about what to expect from the course program, the facilities, rules & regulations and the like.
- These sessions can offer a sense of direction, help acclimatize & adjust and get one started on the right path. Many countries’ immigration laws make it mandatory for international students to attend college orientation.
It’s quite natural to experience culture shock and go through withdrawal & a sense of isolation.
While orientations can be a big help, here are some tips to help overcome a new culture’s disorienting effect.
- Stay positive
- Explore and look forward to learning
- Give yourself some time to adapt.
- Keep a journal about your experiences.
- Interact with others and make friends
- Stay in touch with your family.
- Take up a hobby
- Volunteer and participate in campus activities
- Look forward to new experiences and a better future.
Find Appropriate Accommodation
A roof above one’s head is a necessity. Scope out your accommodation options beforehand and proactively. Be sure to research all the possible options and choose one that best suits you & your budget. University accommodation is often the best option, which most international students opt for.
It is imperative to be informed whether your institution can accommodate you or not. Find out early on and inform the concerned authorities well ahead of your departure in this regard.
Stay Safe, Stay Secure
Finally, but importantly, every international student must be aware of the laws of the land, scope out all available & affordable healthcare sources and keep themselves & their belongings safe and secure.
- Get contents insurance as soon as possible.
- Buy some good quality door and window locks.
- Mark all your possessions with your name & student ID.
- Check for local transportation times.
- List of emergency contacts.
- Carry a personal alarm and vital contact numbers on speed-dial.
- Be aware of your surroundings when you go out.
- Do not be flash your cash. Stay confident and avoid any confrontations.
- Try your best to blend in with your new surroundings as much as possible.
- Get in touch with your college authorities and the police in case of any trouble.
- Maintain good grades to secure more scholarships, work on & off-campus and be eligible for other programs.
Surviving the first year of college in a foreign land is all about making the right decision and making the right choices. Be tactful, be confident and use this guide for a smooth start to your international academic career & brighter future. Remember to maintain good grades and avail professional essay & academic writers to overcome any seemingly unsurpassable challenge.
All the best!
Author-Bio: Clara Smith teaches finance and counsels students on their way to success.She is also a successful freelance essay writer and a tutor at AllEssayWriter.com, the best place to hire exceptional essay writers in the USA.
