Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for any student but preparing for it would seem quite daunting. Buying necessary items for your stay and travel, choosing accommodation, the list goes on. Here, we would like to provide you with the best tips for your studying abroad preparation. Read further to know more!

1. Visa

If your university is helping you out with your visa-related matters, then it’s highly probable that all details regarding what documents you require, which visa category you need to apply for, etc, will be provided by your university. Keep in mind that visa processing and arrival will take several weeks. So, start early! Also, make sure that their passport is up to date and that there is no issue related to their passport expiration date. 

2. Weather conditions

Get a good understanding of the weather conditions of your destination country. This is very important so that you can carry suitable footwear and clothes with you. Make sure you check a few different weather sites so that you can have a fairly accurate understanding of the weather condition during your time of arrival and stay. Also, don’t pressure yourself into buying every single thing. You can also buy things after reaching your destination. Keep in mind your baggage allowance and plan accordingly.

3. Accomodation

In most cases, the university will take care of the accommodation needs of the student. If your university isn’t helpful in this regard, you will have to find accommodation on your own which can be very difficult to achieve if you don’t look at it early enough. First of all, make sure you understand well the facilities that your university is offering and get in touch with the international office of your university regarding other accommodation recommendations that they can guide you with.

4. Bank account

Opening a bank account in your destination country is an important and immediate matter you have to get done post-arrival. Two of the most common options are a traditional bank account or an online bank account. A traditional bank account can be incredibly helpful because of the availability in multiple locations, spending tracking, no charge for conversion rates, etc. Carry some local currency with you as you might need it for your immediate expenses as opening an account will usually take a bit of time depending on the formalities that are in place in the destination country. 

5. Lifestyle 

One important thing to think about is what kind of lifestyle you will be leading in the destination country through your overseas education and what kind of place you will be at. Packing comfortable shoes might be necessary if you are going to a bustling city where you might need to walk a lot. If you like beaches and if the destination country has possibilities for them then you will need to carry appropriate attire and other necessary things. Also, take into consideration the local community while packing your clothes and other items. If the destination country is quite conservative, bring clothing that is modest and adheres to societal expectations. 

6. Insurance

Having the right and credible health and travel insurance is of absolute importance. Get advice from peers and search online to find the best options for you. Different kinds of travel insurance can cover the safety of your luggage. In case your luggage gets stolen or damaged, it might be of great help. Understand the details of the health insurance you intend to choose. Also, check if any mandatory vaccination requirements are in place. Have a good supply of your regular prescriptions so that you are well covered in case of any unfortunate health situations especially soon after arrival.

7. SIM Card

Depending on the duration of your stay, there would be a need for a local sim card. If your stay is short you can purchase an international plan for your current sim card and use it during your stay. If your stay is for more than a year and you need to communicate via the local numbers in the destination country, then purchasing a local SIM card would be the best idea. Also make sure you have apps installed like Skype, Whatsapp, etc, which you can use for communication purposes with the help of wifi.

8. Destination particulars

One of the best parts of studying abroad is that you get the chance to explore the new country at full capacity. Getting a good understanding of the local tourist destinations you would like to visit, local restaurants that you would like to go to, the possibilities of day trips or weekend trips, etc, can be a good way to make the best of the study time abroad. Also, try to learn a few of the common phrases in the local language so that you can communicate something in case of any unpleasant situations or if you require any assistance. Today many overseas education consultants helps you to guide all your study abroad needs from application to departure.