Being prepared when going abroad for college (P2)

Next up, we have identification papers and visas. As you know, it’s very important to keep an ID with you because if you lose these documents, it can be very tough to stay in a different country. Laws and policies can be strict towards students, especially international students studying there. Therefore, by having your visa and ID by your side, you can prevent yourself from being kicked out of the country in the worst-case scenario.

Next, we have health insurance. Health insurance should be something you consider because, in many countries, the cost of healthcare is very expensive, especially in the U.S. Therefore, you should definitely purchase health insurance if you don’t have it yet, as it can save you from having to pay a ton of money in case of an accident, which I hope you don’t experience.

Next, we have housing arrangements. It is very important to consider what type of housing you would like to live in when you go to college. As you know, housing is essential for students; it’s where you live, sleep, and interact with different people, and it’s also where you will work on your studies. For many schools, it is generally required that for the first few years of your college experience, you stay in one of the dorms or assigned housing. However, many colleges also offer the option to live off-campus, so if that policy exists and you prefer it, you should definitely be prepared for that.

One benefit of staying in a dorm is that you can meet classmates who are in the same major or those who are just in the same college, which can provide support, especially if they are older than you. Another benefit of living in a dorm is that you often purchase something called a meal plan, which means you’ll eat on campus. I believe that trying new cuisines is a valuable experience, but it may not always be readily accessible to you. Therefore, eating on campus may be the best option.

If you decide to live off-campus, you should also consider your eating options. Ask yourself questions such as: Is the place I’m living in near restaurants or places where I can eat out? Just so you know, eating out can be very expensive, so you should keep that in mind. The second question is whether the house you’re going to live in has a kitchen for cooking. Cooking for yourself can be much cheaper than eating out, and since you have a limited budget while studying abroad, it’s crucial to manage your money well.

Another very important thing to consider when going to college abroad is learning how to adapt to the local culture. I understand that in many regions and countries around the world, we practice different customs and that our cultures can be vastly different, even opposite in many cases. However, when you are studying abroad, you are no longer in the majority. You have to learn how to adapt to the local culture and the people, as this will help you fit in and avoid trouble.

Before attending any college abroad, you should definitely research the culture by looking online to understand the environment and the people living near the college. Additionally, it’s essential to learn more about the culture within the school itself, as the college you want to attend may not be the best fit for you in terms of community and people. Therefore, before deciding which college to attend, this is something you should seriously consider.