16 tips to prepare for studying abroad

The time has finally come when you pack your whole life in just one suitcase and embark on a journey to a new place and a new university (the introvert in us screaming!). It is definitely nerve-wracking, but it is time to become Courage and fight the monsters. We know it is hard in Nowhere, so we have prepared a special list of tips for preparing for studying abroad.

1. Manage Your Finances

Money talks! Another step in preparing to study abroad is to manage your finances. Make sure you have the required finances available and ready before you move so that you do not face any problems there. Setting up an online bank account, if you don’t have one already, is one of the easiest ways to manage currency rather than carry cash everywhere. 

You need to inform your current bank and any credit card companies of your plans to study abroad. Otherwise, you run the risk of having your account locked while travelling (they might flag it as fraud). You will also have to inculcate the habit of budgeting for students when you live away so that managing expenses and finances becomes easy.

2. Compile and Make a Copy of Your Documents

You definitely wouldn’t want to be drowned in the pile of documents everywhere you go. So, the first step to preparing for studying abroad is to ensure you have all the necessary valid documents and keep paper and digital copies of your documents. Have both digital and paper copies of all of your key documents, such as your passport, insurance information, and credit card company information, and store them in various locations. 

3. Book Your Plane Tickets

Time and cheap student flight tickets wait for none. Booking your plane tickets at least 3 months before your departure will help you save a lot of money. Depending on when you want to fly and where you buy your ticket, prices can vary substantially. So as a part of preparing for studying abroad, it is advisable to research thoroughly about the airfares before booking your ticket.

Pro tip- if you arrive a couple of days before your programme starts, it will give you a chance to get comfortable and manage and fix your jet lag.

4. Research the Commute Options

A small but essential and energy-saver tip for preparing for studying abroad is organizing a commute option from the airport to your destination. Researching the transport options beforehand and downloading the necessary app will help you save a lot of time and energy. Research about the commute options will also help you get around the city or the state you move to easily. 

5. Get Your Forex

Forex is basically the exchange of one country’s currency into another. Exchanging your currency before moving abroad is a safe and better option. Getting your forex should be one of the main priorities on your how to prepare for studying abroad list. This will be very helpful for you while preparing for studying abroad. It is very important to research the forex and the forex market and also be aware of the exchange rates so that you can save on forex.

You can also use a Forex card which will be beneficial for you. Depending on the country to which you are travelling, you can fill the card with any currency. A forex card can be used to make reservations for hotels, restaurants, theatres, transport or train tickets, and shopping. 

6. Book Your Student Accommodation 

Leaving one home for another is an immensely difficult task. So it is important that you find and choose the right student accommodation for yourself. The next important step in preparing for studying abroad is to decide whether you would like to live on-campus or off-campus accommodations (which will be an amazing experience for you). If you choose the off-campus housing option, then make sure you thoroughly research the area, the accommodation, the amenities they provide and if the place fits the checklist of your preferences and needs. 

Also, remember, this will be your home away from home and will be a crucial part of your college experience so make sure you choose your accommodation smartly and be aware of and safe from rental scams. 

7. Plan Your Insurance

While you are studying abroad, it's crucial to have a good and reliable health and accident insurance plan that also includes coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation (although let's hope it never does!). While preparing for studying abroad, it is a smart choice to also check if your student accommodation covers contents insurance. Make sure you act on this tip for preparing to study abroad.

8. Research the Place You’re Moving to

Time to dive deep into researching the place you will be moving to. This is one of the fun and important tips for preparing for studying abroad. Make sure you spend some time researching and getting to know your study abroad destination better. by having a basic understanding of every aspect of your new country, including its geography, economy, government, and culture. Your time will be spent with greater significance, and your study abroad experience will be enhanced.

9. Prepare Yourself Mentally for the Big Move

Packing your whole life in just a couple of bags and going abroad for studies can feel very overwhelming and draining. Be it an exchange program or full-time studies, leaving your comfort zone and stepping into an unfamiliar and new place. How to mentally prepare to study abroad can be difficult but consider all the fun experiences you have in store. Another step to preparing for studying abroad is to prepare yourself mentally for the big move. Even though you can never be fully prepared, it will still help you in the long run.

10. Figure Out the Sim Card Plan

Another thing to research for preparing for studying abroad is the phone and sim card plan. Make sure you research well about how to get a local card so that you don’t end up spending a fortune on an international plan. For your cell phones, get a local number and avoid choosing an international plan because they are simply more expensive and unaffordable. You can choose to get an eSIM.

11. Learn the Local Language or the Slang

Actions speak louder than words, but when you move abroad, it won’t be entirely fun to play dumb charades to talk to people all the time. If you are moving to a country where you are not familiar with the language, it is important to know the basic phrases or the commonly used slang. This can be a very fun tip for preparing for studying abroad.

12. Write Down Important Numbers

We don’t live in the days of landlines anymore, where people would remember tens of numbers by heart. In the era of cell phones, we barely remember or recall phone numbers or even passwords. You might need a new phone if you travel abroad, or you might need to sign in to the school computer: Make sure you have a few key phone numbers and passwords (or password hints) written down or memorised so you can call and log in without getting stressed. Noting down important numbers and details is a great practice if you are preparing to study abroad. 

13. Take Necessary Vaccines

It's crucial to be vaccinated before travelling and to be aware of the host country's immunisation regulations. The majority of programmes will advise you on the kinds of vaccines you'll need (if any) while abroad, but you might also wish to get in touch with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most recent disease information. This is one of the vital tips for preparing for studying abroad.

14. Get your Important Prescriptions

Another tip for preparing for studying abroad is to make sure your health is in good shape before you travel and schedule a visit to the doctor for a physical. In case of an emergency while travelling abroad, carry a copy of your medical records. Additionally, you may want to bring enough prescription medications with you to last the duration of your trip abroad if you have a serious medical condition that requires them (if possible). To avoid being confused for illegal substances, prescription medications must be transported in properly labelled containers. You should also bring a prescription or note that has been signed by your physician.

15. Make a Packing Checklist

When you are preparing for studying abroad, you will be drowned in checklists especially student essentials list, but that is the best way to keep a record and track of your progress. (oh, but the satisfaction of crossing off the things from your checklist!) Another important checklist is a packing checklist for universities. Making categories for your checklist will help you make the task easier, and by having a checklist, you will less likely to forget anything important.

16. Pack

Probably the last step to preparing for studying abroad is packing. Make sure you have added everything important to your checklist and packed it smartly. You can check out some packing hacks, tips and tricks online and pack smartly. This will help you save a lot of space in your bag, and you can fit in more clothes and things.

But before you start packing, remember to confirm the weight restrictions with the airline you’re flying with. You would not want to leave back your favourite jacket behind because of the exceeding weight. 

We hope that this blog will help you how to prepare to study abroad. The best advice for preparing for studying abroad is to be open to new experiences, be flexible, and be organized. Make sure to plan and budget for your trip, and be sure to take advantage of all the resources available to you. Finally, remember to have fun and enjoy your time abroad! For deeper insights, explore our comprehensive webstory on 5 trips for adjusting to life abroad.

Amber Ambassador Program: Elevate Your Study Abroad Experience

As you gear up for the adventure of a lifetime to a new country and university, there's an array of challenges and excitement awaiting you. Amidst the whirlwind of preparations, it's essential to equip yourself with the right tools and resources to ensure a smooth transition. That's where the Amber Ambassador Program comes into play, offering a unique opportunity to enrich your study abroad experience. By joining this program, you not only gain valuable insights into accommodation solutions but also tap into a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Whether you're seeking guidance on housing options or looking to expand your professional network, this program offers a comprehensive support system tailored to your needs.