As an international student, studying in another country can seem exciting. On one hand, you’re anticipating the adventure, and on the other hand, there’s a mix of anxiety in the picture. It’s bound to happen. You’ll experience the thrill of a new city, the joy of making new friends, and the constant tug of homesickness in the background. It can be quite tedious trying to figure out transport routes, local customs, and maybe even a new language, all while juggling classes and assignments.
In the midst of all this, there’s something important that can’t be left out of the mix, and that is your safety. It doesn’t matter if you’re settling into student life in a different city or navigating life overseas; staying safe isn’t just about avoiding danger, it’s about being proactive, aware, and prepared. This article explores seven tips that aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. Because while the journey is yours to enjoy, your well-being is the foundation that keeps it all going.
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7 Essential Tips for Students Studying Far From Home
Below is a list of 7 essential tips international students must take note of when studying in a foreign country.
Tip #1: Get to Know Your Environment
First things first, ensure you know your environment. Pay attention to the area and familiarize yourself with the places around that area. It’s also important to take note of important locations like hospitals, police stations, restaurants, churches, etc. When you first arrive, you can incorporate sightseeing into your schedule so you get to know the places around your locality. You can explore with friends or go solo, but ensure you ask questions and ask for directions when needed.
Additionally, explore safe zones, emergency services, late-night routes, short cuts etc. It’s important to explore these places during the day when you’re settling, so you don’t move around at night. When you’re used to the area, you can now decide to go out at night.
Saving key locations on Google Maps will also help during emergencies.
Tip #2: Secure Your Accommodation
It’s not just enough to get a place to stay, you also need to be security conscious. Ensure that your doors, windows, and cupboards/storage spaces can be properly locked without being compromised. Whether it’s private accommodation, shared spaces, or even dorms, ensure you lock the appropriate place when you’re not around. You should also be private with your key codes and spare keys. If you’ll be staying in a private accommodation, you can try installing a door stop alarm or a smart lock if it is permitted for security purposes.
Tip 3: Keep Important Numbers Handy
Furthermore, be sure to keep important numbers because you never know when they can come in handy. Local emergency contacts like police, ambulance, school campus security, embassy(for international), etc, should be kept close by.
It’s also not enough to store these numbers only on your phone, as your battery power can go out, or it may get lost or stolen. So, in addition to storing important numbers digitally, also store them manually and put them within reach, like in purses or wallets, so they can be accessible during emergencies.
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Tip 4: Stay Smart Online
When you’re in a new place, you have to be extra-cautious, and this goes not only to international students but to travellers altogether. It’s very important not to post in “real time”. This means that you don’t put up a picture of you in a particular place while you’re still there. I once heard a travel content creator shed more light on this aspect. He travels across countries and continents but never posts in real time because of security reasons. Posting in real time puts you at the risk of being tracked. So, when you go out to have a good time, or you hang out with friends, or attend an event, remember that posting in real time might not be the best option.
Additionally, watch out for scams, phishing emails, and suspicious links. Ensure you check and authenticate the quality of the messages you receive. You should also watch out and ensure you don’t click on malicious links, as people can steal your data or hack into your system through this.
When it comes to accounts, either bank accounts, school accounts, or any important account, ensure that you use a strong password that you can easily remember.
Tip 5: Move in Groups When You Can
Being a lone ranger may not be the best option when you’re in a new location, especially at night in unfamiliar areas. It’s important to make friends with people, at least one or two people who are close and maintain a good relationship with others, especially people who are around you.
When you have to go to a new place, you can explore going out in groups, after all, aren’t two better than one?
Tip 6: Keep a Basic Safety Kit
Another thing to consider when it comes you your strategy as an international student in a foreign country is to keep a basic safety kit. You should keep items like a mini-flashlight, a power bank, emergency cash, means of identification, pepper spray (if it is allowed or legal), etc. These aren’t things you use every day, but they’ll come in handy one day.
Essentials: mini flashlight, pepper spray (if legal in your area), power bank, emergency cash, ID copy. It’s not just enough to have these items; put them in a place that is easily accessible when you need them.
Tip 7: Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your instincts! If something feels off, pay attention. If a person or a situation feels as bit weird or different, pay attention and take the next best step of action. Also, if need be, excuse yourself from gatherings you don’t feel too comfortable being in. If you’re not sure about locking your doors, double-check it to ensure everything is in order, and if you can, learn basic self-defense either at your school or online. Above all, ensure you pay attention at all times and prioritize your safety.
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Conclusion
You don’t have to live in fear, just be prepared. It’s the little things that make a big difference. From keeping your emergency contacts handy to staying aware of your environment, these habits help you move smarter. Safety doesn’t box you in, it gives you room to explore with confidence. When you feel secure, you’re free to make the most of your time abroad and enjoy the experience. So, what’s your go-to safety tip while studying away from home? Let’s know!
