Think about getting off a plane, where new sights, new sounds, and a new world fills the curious traveller’s nostrils. Excited, yet a little terrified about how life would change from then onwards. You have a suitcase in your hand, ready to take on an adventure of studying abroad. Studying abroad is never just about earning credits in a different country. It’s all about embracing growth and self-discovery while carving out lifelong memories. No matter if you are heading to Sydney, London or Tokyo, this article serves as a roadmap to making the most out of the experience. Having a concrete plan to study abroad would make the trip feel more enriching in terms of friendships, experiences and even the sense of confidence.
Live large while packing light.
When going for an international trip your study abroad program can be exhausting. With the adrenaline pumping it is very tempting to just go shopping, but the last thing you would want is to carry 3 suitcases. One of the key points would pack not only light, but lighter than needed. This is because once you are at the destination, there is guaranteed to be thrifty shops or jacket stores which you will fall in love with. The bottom half of the students who go on exchange are likely to toss out clothes they brought with them in order to make space for new things they want to buy, so do yourself a favour and plan ahead. Listen to suggestions from your mates who have already attended the program, and for the love of God do not ignore it.
A slim suitcase lets you gather memories without stressing over baggage fees. What is one thing you could leave behind to make more room for new adventures?
Embrace the Unknown: You’ll Find Your People
Relocating to a different country all by yourself can feel like the beginning of an award-winning movie based on a book that has yet to be published. Will you be making any friends? Undoubtedly. The interactions within study abroad programs are akin to the first semester of college; it’s all a melting pot of people in one place, all looking for like-minded individuals. Everyone will come together in appreciation of culture shocks, excitement, and late-night exams. You only need to be yourself, greet everyone, and get involved early on. Those people that you are bombarded within orientation lectures, group sessions, might just be the ones who become your best friends who will be sharing memes on group chats years later. Yes, you might feel anxious and that striping knot on your stomach, but who do you wish to make friends with while abroad?
Say yes to trying something new
This rare opportunity boils down into one sentence, do not be afraid to live life to its fullest while abroad. Saying yes to that trip to the museum, a festival you’ve never been to, and that city you want to spend the weekend at all adds on to new friendships, priceless experiences, and stories you will love retelling over and over again.
As always, remain safe and do not participate in anything sketchy or illegal, but also embrace opportunities that stretch you out of your comfort zone. Strolling in a new city with your classmates can lead to uncovered quaint cafés, not to mention other delightful surprises. Think about any encounter that makes you anxious, but you could say yes to.
Don’t Worry about Missing Home (Or not)
Here’s something interesting: not everyone feels homesick and that is completely normal. It is common for some students to miss home and shed some tears. Many others are so busy having fun that they do not feel that pull. If you’re loving every moment of your time abroad and have not thought about your furry friends yet, do not feel guilty. It does not mean you love your family any less. Instead, it makes you succeeding in the moment. If homesickness creeps in, talk to friends and share your feelings, or write them down; it will eventually fade. No matter the case, you’re not broken. You are simply living a vibrant life. How do you feel living so far away from home?
Studying abroad does not need to cost an arm and a leg. Check for local bargains such as coffee shop subscriptions like Pret A Manger in London where $25-30 gets you five free drinks a day. These little hacks allow students to spend money they would otherwise use on coffee to charter on trips, or indulge in fine dining.
If you are studying abroad, don’t waste your time with expensive Starbucks locations- we know how overpriced that brand is back home. Instead, look for hidden gems of places that allow you to experience the local culture. Starbucks abroad and other overpriced chains aren’t worth visiting if you want to go sightseeing and make the most of your trip. So remember, saving buying expensive coffee means more money that can be used for activities.
Your travel journal should serve as a scrapbook of your memories. With this in mind, record and take pictures as often as possible. Postcards from places of travel are inexpensive but serve as wonderful cornerstones of memories.
While on holiday, don’t forget to bring a film camera for some retro style, as its great to take snaps digitally on your mobile phone. We all have memories of the sounds of friends laughing and the smells of street markets, and prior to those memories, you’ll always be grateful for the ability to take snaps of loved ones and magic of those street markets over the years, and the details captured will always leave you nostalgic.
Trembling in your boots and raspy breathing- get ready to lean into discomfort. You may be suffering some form of imposter syndrome, where you will tend to overthink about your current condition, as in ‘belonging’. But guess what, feeling discomfort from studying abroad high likely leads to discomfort. Realising this will allow you to bloom, and it’s always okay to feel out of touch or even have dreams of fever.
Ready in the end, you’ll be astounded at the amount of strength and confidence you’ve gained. What is the one fear you would confront while traveling?
Key Takeaways
- Pack Light, Live Large: Travel with less to make room for new finds, saving space and stress.
- Embrace the Unknown: You’ll make friends in your program—everyone’s looking to connect.
- Say Yes to New Experiences: Openness to safe adventures creates unforgettable memories.
- Don’t Sweat Homesickness: It’s okay to feel it or not—focus on thriving where you are.
- Budget Smart, Savor More: Use local deals to stretch your funds for more experiences.
- Capture the Moment: Journal and take photos to preserve the magic of your journey.
- Lean Into the Discomfort: Growth happens when you embrace the unfamiliar.
Conclusion
Your study abroad adventure is yours to shape—there’s no one-size-fits-all way to do it. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a Parisian café or exploring temples in Kyoto, these months are a gift. They’ll challenge you, surprise you, and show you what you’re capable of. Pack light, say yes, and soak up every moment, even the uncomfortable ones. You don’t need to have it all figured out—just start where you are and experiment. So, grab your journal, book that weekend trip, and dive into the journey. The world is waiting, and so is the best version of you. What’s the first step you’ll take?