4 Tips to Surviving your Study Abroad Journey

Everybody knows there are huge benefits to studying overseas. You will make lifelong friends from around the world. Become a global citizen. Improve your employability skills. Grow in confidence. Independence. Resilience.

But on day one of your adventure, gaining these life skills will be the last thing on your mind as you navigate your way in a new country.

Here are some tips from Edge Hill University International office on what you can do in the early weeks to help you settle in as quickly as possible:

1.Some universities may invite you to join a Facebook group for new arrivals - follow their Facebook page – be sure to engage with this; knowing someone before you arrive will be a great comfort.

2.Your new institution will run an orientation week; throw yourself into these activities with gusto. These are designed to be fun and friendly and help you to get to know the campus, the local area and meet other new students.

3.UK universities hold a Freshers Fair the week before classes begin, where all sporting clubs and societies gather in one place trying to recruit new members. Taking part in extracurricular activities is a great way to meet local students and have a wider group of friends outside of your course.

4. You are likely to have a single study bedroom and share a kitchen with other students. Cooking dinner and sharing new foods is a great way to ‘break the ice’.

Here at Edge Hill University, the International Office run social events and day trips all through the academic year and are really popular and cost-effective way to meet people and explore the region.

So – start as you mean to go on, get involved and stay involved and before you know it you’ll be making plans to travel with new friends and extend your adventure even further!