Before you get up to pack your bag, first think about the important things you’ll need to bring with you. Therefore, do not pack your bags with things that you can easily buy in stores such as toiletries, or simple office and household items.
You can also save extra space by leaving some unnecessary clothes; Because if the weather in your new destination is not like the climate of your home country that you are used to, you will have to buy new clothes that match the weather of the new country.
Prepare your personal bag smoothly to make it easier for you to carry it on a daily basis, and do not forget to put a distinctive mark on it. It is worth noting that many universities provide a free airport pick-up and drop-off service for international students.
Learn more tips on organizing your bags before you travel.
2) Take advantage of technology
In such a digital world, it would be very beneficial for you to upload copies of the documents and documents you will need and the music you like on cloud digital storage tools and services, so that it is easy for you to access them wherever and whenever you want. Likewise, save the numbers and data of your most important and private contacts in Google Documents or any similar online or digital software and services. It is also okay for you to keep some hard copies of the documents you need.
It is also useful to download electronic messaging applications on your mobile phone so that you can contact your family members and friends after you have access to any Wi-Fi network. We also advise you to go to the nearest technical store after your arrival to buy a local SIM card.
Do not forget to bring or buy some electrical connectors with various outlets, in order to make it easier for you to connect several electrical devices at the same time. And if the quality of the electrical outlets in the new country is completely different from the quality in your home country, you should buy an electrical transformer as soon as possible so as not to damage your electronic devices.
3) Choose your accommodation carefully
Your choice of new residence will have a direct impact on your studies, your educational path, and your right to personal well-being in general. Therefore, do extensive research online before choosing your new home.
In fact, your IDP advisor can help you explore available housing options, such as homestay, hostel accommodation, rental apartments or university townships, and come to a decision that suits your needs and budget at the same time.
To get to know your new surroundings, manage your new home in a friendly and easy way through “open communication” with your neighbors and co-students. It is a great idea to make paper notes and stick them in a place where your colleagues, friends or neighbors can see them (such as the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror).
The truth of the matter is that the difficulty of living with different personal habits can never be overlooked, and to overcome this is essential, never be shy about agreeing with your roommates, roommates or neighbors on some clear rules and responsibilities from the start.
Find out more tips about accommodation and living abroad with new friends.
4) Spend your money wisely
If you are going to live in a country that is notorious for its high cost of living, you undoubtedly need to set your budget carefully from the start. You will be able to save a great deal of money by using the student travel saving cards. But before buying it, know precisely the areas of the city in which you will study and the neighborhoods in which your residence and university are located.
And most importantly, regardless of whether you have cooking experience or not, you still definitely need to learn some cooking basics because that point is a major factor in saving a good amount of money on a daily basis.
Moreover, don’t go shopping whenever that idea pops into your head, it’s better for you to wait for sales periods which are the best times to shop and buy your needs. It is also important to always keep a margin amount in your monthly budget to cover emergency and unplanned expenses.
Learn how to save money abroad with these tips.
5) Mingle with new people
Many universities hire personal assistants or mentors from older students to make sure that you integrate as an international student into your new environment once you are there. IDP also organizes pre-departure events to help you meet many students from your home country who will go to study with you at your university or in the city where you will be staying.
Also, be sure to make good use of social media, for example, look for group chat groups for students of your university or city where you live. Through this, before you travel, you will get to know quite a few people with whom you may live in the future or go together to the same department and college lectures!
