Being prepared when going abroad for college (P3)

Ooh, this is a fun one! The next thing I advise you to do is to make new friends and connections. I understand that going to college in a different country can be an overwhelming experience for various reasons, but one reason that stands out is that you may not know many, or even any, people at these colleges—especially at schools where students come from diverse backgrounds around the world.

However, when going to another country, it is very important to make new connections and friends. First, you will not feel lonely; there will be people you can rely on and work with. Secondly, these connections can create new opportunities for you. Finally, you will be able to engage more with the community when you have relationships with others, which can be beneficial for your CV.

A very effective way to make new connections and friends during college, especially if you’re a freshman who has just arrived and doesn’t know anyone, is to join different clubs and activities. In college, clubs and student organizations play a significant role in building a sense of community. By participating in various activities, you expose yourself to different types of people. If you’re lucky, you may even make friends with some of them.

I know that some people are not very comfortable with the idea of making connections with those they have never spoken to before. However, when you go to college, you may face feelings of loneliness and a lack of support, which can make it hard to adapt to new surroundings. This is why I advise you to step out, be social, and seek new opportunities inside and outside of school. After all, there’s nothing to lose, so why not try?

Next up, consider the geographical area where the college you are attending is located. Many people prefer a city lifestyle, so discovering that the college is situated in a rural area with little nearby can be upsetting. Therefore, before choosing a college, it is crucial to understand the location, as this will help you decide whether it’s the right fit for you.

Another important aspect to plan for when going to college is transportation. Often, you will need to travel to different places for entertainment or to visit relatives a few hours away from campus. Consider how you will get around the city or area where you live. Is there a highway? Will you travel by bus or train? Are there airports nearby for longer trips?

When you study abroad, it’s not uncommon to encounter accidents or emergencies. For instance, you could get hit by a car or fall and hurt yourself. While I hope these things do not happen to you, life is uncertain, and you can’t be completely sure that you will be safe from harm. Therefore, being prepared for emergencies is very important.

Definitely learn about how emergency services work in your area and how much they cost. As I mentioned earlier, it is advisable to have student health insurance because it can significantly reduce the cost of emergencies and hospital bills—especially in countries with high healthcare costs.