12 tips to survive studying abroad
1. Stock up on necessities, especially those that are not readily available wherever you'll be, such as medicine and special brands of beauty products. Don't be caught like me in my first year when I had the worst allergy and had to run to town to find medicine. It's terrible when people keep saying hey, you got a lil somethin somethin on your face. Like, dude, that is my face (or at least grew to be part of my face)
2. Always have emergency numbers and kits ready. Have a first aid kit in your room in case you decide to cook for the first time ever and well, sometimes things don't go as planned. Or if you're a clumsypot like I am, who can crumble even while standing still, you'll be thanking yourself you have supplies. Especially when it's nighttime and there's no 24 hour Mustafa or people to help you.
3. Carry around a pocket knife or pepper spray when you go travelling. Better safe than sorry.
4. Always ensure you're aware of your surroundings when you travel and that your bag can be zipped closed. If you have a bag pack, carry it on the front. (I personally try to carry a small sling bag and never let my hand off it) Also, split up your cash so if some get stolen, you're not going to end up broke and crying for help - not so glamourous then huh.
5. Always stay hydrated. The change in weather means there's a high chance of falling sick. Especially when the weather is colder, you won't feel the need to replenish water because you don't perspire. But the air is a lot dryer so it's easy to catch a cold (starting to sound a lot like a granny)
6. If you're forever hungry like me, always have some noodles or snacks lying around in your room. For when those hunger pangs hit at night and there's no Newton or Prata places to satisfy your supper needs. (Never appreciated 24hour food places until I went overseas - woes of a vampire)
7. Don't be afraid to meet new people and make friends. Everyone is on the same boat so just be nice. Get out of your comfort zone and hang out with friends from other places in the world. Studying abroad gives you the best opportunity to learn more about other cultures, taste food from around the world, and maybe even experience their lifestyles when you travel to visit them.
8. Try not to take offence when people don't know where you're from. Just google world map and maybe point it out.
9. Download useful apps before leaving to ensure you can arrive safely to wherever you need to be without getting too lost. It's quite loserly (if that's even a word) but I save images off google of maps, booking confirmations and train lines so i can refer to it when I have no data connection (happens more often than you can imagine, and at times you need it most)
10. If the word "sale" excites you, please don't overpack. If you think you've under brought stuff, chances are, you're still overpacked. Student discounts and next day delivery are literally the key words of shopping heaven. And you don't even have to leave your bed! Plus, you'll be pretty popular in your building by the end of the term because everyone will know your name from all the parcels. (Whoops!) But yeah, point is, when you have to move, that is going to be a major headache. Storage and movers might not come cheap, and shipping has to be planned way in advanced. (Don't want to be stuck having to rush for a flight while movers delay in collecting your boxes)
11. Pack things you're sure you can get over there last. Toiletries such as tooth brush and soaps take up a lot of baggage weight and space. If you're really pushing it, take out clothes and heavier items such as soaps. Pack some travel size ones to last over the few days as you arrive and get stuff ready for school.
12. There's not much need to be kiasu (afraid to lose) and bring rice cooker, pots, woks and what not. Chances are there will be Asian stores that will sell them. And honestly, it's such a hassle to carry that onto the trains along with your giant bags. (It was such a struggle and I barely managed to make it back with everything) One thing you should be kiasu about if you're fussy is to bring along your bolster. I had no idea it was a Asian thing, and I had the hardest time trying to buy one over in the UK (trust me, there was hardly any - even on Amazon) Most other things are pretty much easy to find.
Can't wait to start my final year and graduate to be officially unemployed. It's going to be so different. But let's just stay positive. To those just starting their first years, have fun, it's going to be an unforgettable experience.
X, Amelia
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