Surviving Your First Days Abroad: What to Expect & How to Handle It

Studying abroad opens doors to global exposure and independence, but the initial days are often accompanied by physical, emotional and cultural challenges with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. This phase is not just about adjusting to a new country but about adjusting to a new version of yourself. 

Understanding what challenges, you face and how you should deal with them makes the journey easy.

1.  Homesickness

   Homesickness pops up at the most unexpected times, like during a festival, a late night, or just after a long day. You start missing your parents, friends and even those little habits you used to follow.

  How to deal with it:

Stick around with the people you're with, but don't cut yourself off from the people back home because having that bit of connection makes a difference you might not notice. Make yourself a few comforts that remind you of home, like a packet of your favorite food or some routines that make you feel like you've still got a bit of that same life.

2. Doing Without Anyone Else Around 

Living abroad is about getting used to doing everything on your own, be it dealing with your own finances, getting your own meals on the table, or doing your own laundry. It is indeed very challenging to learn how to manage everything all at once.

How to deal with it:

Take things one day at a time and don't worry if it all doesn't come together perfectly the first time. Be real, no one is perfect! You will eventually figure everything out. And if you need a hand, just ask for one. It IS possible!

3. Adjusting to new academic routines

Settling abroad also comes with difficulties of understanding the new education system adopted there. During the initial days you are bound to feel underconfident. But it is a phase! 

How to deal with it:

Attend every orientation! It is very important to familiarize yourself with the academic policies of your university. Don’t hesitate to seek help from mentors and professors whenever needed. 

4. Dealing with emotional highs and lows

You will often feel proud and confident of your decision, but some days you will also feel lost and doubtful, and it’s okay.

How to deal with it:

It is very important that you make new friends while also remaining in touch with people back home. This will help you come out of your comfort zone along with that comfort back home.

5. Communication Barriers

It is quite normal to adjust to the accent of the natives, and it WILL take some time to adjust to both, their slang and accent.

How to deal with it:

   You CAN ask people to repeat themselves. Eventually, it will help you in getting   

    used to their speed and accent. 

6. Managing finances

Managing finances abroad can feel stressful due to new currency and higher expenses. The major shift is doing it all by yourself now! Along with the pressure to budget wisely.

How to deal with it:

Track your expenses. Make sure to separate your needs and wants. Do not hesitate to ask seniors for money management tips. And don’t hesitate to seek student discounts wherever available.

The Bottom Line

Studying abroad is a thrill, but those first few days can be emotionally draining. You might find yourself missing home, struggling to communicate, feeling academic pressure, and trying to sort things by yourself all at once. Getting used to a new way of teaching and living your life can be a real challenge at first. But given time, patience and a bit of support these tough early days can turn into some really valuable life lessons.

Still skeptical? Don’t worry, we're here to support you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.

Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.

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