I am Manish Abraham these are few tips that should help you to get adjusted in the new atmosphere, Please like the page if you like the post. If you want to read what to carry click here.Some Tips from personal experience for International students to survive while studying..
Try to learn
the local language
Though the course will be in
English it is advised that you learn the local language for the country you are
applying to. It is really important to get involved with the local people and
also in finding a job after you course.
Planning and
organisation are key
Erasmus
paperwork can build up very quickly and not keeping on top of it can mean a lot
of last minute stress, panic-searching for long lost forms and problems with
your application. When I applied for Austria I got my offer visa issued from
London and it took me a lot of paper work, Most of the Universities will be
asking for an appostiled set of documents, Appostiling is a thing which makes
your documents legal outside your country as per the Hague convention. Working
out what you need to do on arrival beforehand is also useful so you don’t find
yourself walking round aimlessly and receiving e-mails from Erasmus
co-ordinators chasing up documents.
Skype
An
exhausted word in the student’s vocabulary is Skype and there’s no denying its
brilliance. This blessing of technology has allowed me to keep up with or
catch-up on everything that has been happening at home and assure my friends
and family, For me in Austria I have got a local number which calls India for free,
I will explain about it below.
Friends
I
would recommend you to start your conversation with any of the students the
first day you reach there, don’t hide away in your room, especially in the
first few weeks, you will have some best experiences during the first few
weeks. You will meet a lot of people, just remember everyone is new and no one
can judge anything in the first two weeks, I can tell you from my experience
that the friends I made in the first few weeks in both England and Austria are
still the ones who always stay in touch. Obviously you make more friends but the speed
will be less may be 10 in one day but in the first few days you will make
hundreds.
Finding things
to do and get involved
Of course, you are there to study but your time abroad will be filled with
far more memories if you line up a few experiences! Travel, join a sports club
and/or attend as many cultural events in your area as possible and before you
know it, you’ll have day trips, festivals and mad weekends to talk about until
you’re grey and old. I would also recommend that you also show take pictures of
every single event so that it can be in your memory throughout.
Look after
your health
There
will be copious amounts of alcohol, wholesome square meals can tend to become
less of a priority and you will more than likely develop a sleeping pattern
that no longer resembles a pattern. Attend as many events as you can,
experience as much as possible and fight tiredness whenever your body will
allow; but give your body enough rest Generally you will have a health
insurance get registered as soon as possible.
Bank Accounts
Normally bank
accounts are free for students, In Europe you have to pay a regular fee to
banks if you are not students. I think for scholarship students it should be
done by the university.Whether you plan to
live off your debit card or want to mostly use cash, decide a set amount of money
to spend the first few weeks. It is normally the first few weeks when you spend
the most as you normally do not realize, During my bachelors in England I faced
this problem but presently in Austria I am not facing this issue as you
understand it then. That will also help you get used to the value of the
foreign currency compared to what you're used to spending at home.
Youth Savings
Most of the
European countries have great offer for the Youth (generally under 26) you
normally get 50 % off for travel as well as many other things. Get a youth rail
card (19 euros) if you want to travel it generally gives you a 50 % off on any
train in your country.
Consider buying a monthly
bus or subway (Underground, Metro) pass! Most public transportation,
especially in Europe, is highly efficient and you'll love it. The Cabs are
really expensive, a tip you could always share a cab with a few of your
friends.
Passports
Keep your passport and other important documents safely hidden. Once you get your residence card I would suggest never carry original documents with you, you will be issued with a student card, just carry a photocopy of passport in your wallet. It is pretty long procedure if you loose your passport because you also have to get a new visa.
A list of things to carry while you study abroad by Manish Abraham
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