Staying organized is crucial for any student who desires to study abroad. However, it’s not just a useful habit for students studying abroad, anyone who wants to make the most out of their time must learn the art of organization. There are different benefits you stand to gain when to are organized as a student, and some of them include the following:
- You’ll know how to properly manage your time and it’ll increase your productivity.
- Additionally, being organized also improves your academic performance as you’ll be able to focus on all the important aspects.
- Your mental health and your overall health will be improved when you live an organized life as a student.
- Also, proper money management is an added advantage for a student who is organized. Impulsive buying and spending wouldn’t be there as the students know to follow a budget.
- Overall, staying organized improves your self-esteem as a student because you will be efficient and well-rounded as a student.
Are you a student planning to study abroad but need to learn how to stay organized? Or are you struggling to keep up with all of the demands that come with the student’s life and it’s leading to exhaustion? Then this article is for you! Let’s explore the ways you can stay organized as a student studying abroad. However, do not forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more updates.
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Staying organized while studying abroad
Below is a list of tips that you can adopt and implement to help you stay organized while studying abroad:
1. Pre-Departure Planning
The first step to staying organized is through the proper population. There are several things you should take into consideration. It’s exciting to gain admission into a university abroad and to get your visa and passport ready but this is not all you need to prepare for the big journey ahead. Some important things to consider in your pre-departure planning include:
– Documentation
You must gather the necessary documents you will need to ensure that you have all the required and necessary documents properly labeled in a file that is easily accessible. Some of these documents include:
- Acceptance letter
- High school transcripts
- Final high school exam results
- Passport
- Student visa
- Tuition and funding proof
- Accommodation contract
- English language test results
- Travel Insurance
- Health insurance or registration forms for the country’s universal healthcare system
– Packing your box
Just as it is important to ensure your documents are in order, you should not also forget to pack accordingly. This means taking into consideration the type of clothing, and food items(if you desire to bring some along), medications (if any), and books among other things. The contents of your travel bag should consist of the important things you will need so that adjusting to a new environment and schedule will not be exhausting. The first few weeks of getting to a foreign country certainly cannot be for exploration as you have to put things in order first, hence the importance of ensuring you carry along the right things that will make the whole journey easy.
Read also: The Benefits Of Combining Study And Work Abroad
– Finances
Another important thing you need to settle is the money. Money is important and you will need it for so many things. If your home country’s currency is different from the currency used in your study abroad destination, you will have to change it so you will not be stranded. You will consider opening a new bank account and having a functional card. Additionally, it’s also important you have cash at hand especially if it’s your first time traveling. More importantly, ensure you pay your tuition fees and you settle your accommodation fees before traveling from your home country to your study abroad destination. While you’re studying abroad, it is also important that you keep track of your finances. Having a budget or a scale of preference will go a long way in helping you track your income and your expenses as you study.
2. Navigating Cultural Differences
Culture shock is not a foreign term for students who study abroad or people who decide to relocate abroad to live there. There are so many things that will seem foreign to you and you might not be able to relate with it because what you’re used to is different. Studying abroad means you’ll have to get used to the food, language, clothes, climate, and the laws of your new country. It can be draining and demanding leaving you unorganized and unable to focus on what matters. For you to stay organized and maintain a balanced life even after traveling abroad to study you should prepare yourself beforehand. Some tips that can help you successfully navigate the cultural differences you will experience while studying abroad include:
- Read about your study abroad destination before you embark on the journey.
- Try to identify helpful places like libraries, bookstores, and other places that can enhance your learning process.
- Don’t forget to learn the language. You can take language classes or adopt applications to put you through.
- Finally, it is important to ask questions where necessary.
Read also: How To Adjust To Living And Working In A Foreign Country
3. Time Zone Management
Furthermore, living and studying in a country with a different time zone from your home country might not be easy. You’ll have to keep up with your family whilst also trying to keep up with your academics and this can be exhausting. As a student who now works and studies together, it is even more tedious. Staying organized would certainly not be esay for a student in the situation. To prevent this, you can plan earlier while you’re still in your home country by trying to adapt to the change in the time difference. Also, adopting tools like the alarm clock and reminders on your phone will go a long way in helping you stay organized as you adjust to studying abroad.
4. Creating a Portable Study Kit
Also, creating a portable study kit and and having a study schedule will go a long way in ensuring you are organized while studying abroad. Having a notepad/journal, a pen, and a functioning laptop among other gadgets will help you keep track of your activities.
You can also adopt technological tools to help source study materials online and to keep your study activities organized. Getting to identify important places like the library, cafes, and study spaces around your school area or accommodation area abroad will also enhance your organization if adopted properly.
5. Building a Support System
Finally, starting out life in a new country can be demanding, and trying to navigate your way will certainly not be easy hence the need to be part of a community of like-minded people. Finding a community you can fit in and making friends can help you adjust to the system. Also, remember to obey the rules in your host country. Ask questions where necessary so that you don’t go against the laws. As a student abroad, you can visit your counselor’s office to be informed on the things you need to know and to help you properly settle down in the country.
Read also: How To Find A Job Abroad
Start With Us
Do you desire to start a career in STEM? The first thing is to pursue a degree in STEM. Wondering how to go about pursuing a postgraduate degree in STEM courses abroad? We can guide you through your journey and make your dreams come true. Contact us at EdXtra to access opportunities that will help you on your journey.
Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career.
MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require any cosigner or collateral before application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consultancy services for international students to help make your journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey.
