8 Survival Tips for International Students to enjoy their First Year

Digging at some of the effective survival strategies that will help you make the best out of your fresher year at the international university,

We, humans, love admiration. And, if you are a young student stepping into abroad education, you will definitely want to present yourself as a confident, successful and versatile person from the very first year. Besides, being in a new atmosphere, learning several skills will help you survive through the unknown rather smoothly.  

While some skills you have to learn on the go, some you can develop or nurture beforehand to match your present scenario. Though we still believe that your new academic experience is going to be fine with all the highs and lows, here are our eight pro tips to make this new chapter in your life slightly easier and enjoyable.

8. Learning the Language

No, we are not asking you to be a pro in the new language. But at least learn a few basics. It will help you to interact with new acquaintances, professors and locals. Also, communication with them will not be limited to the classes but also in the informal settings. You will have to talk with people from different countries, cultures and languages. Sharpening your communication skills will boost your confidence, reduce the awkward pauses in interactions and enhance your small talk skills.

7. Foreign Currency

Money management is a skill you must excel in before getting on the plane. No matter which country you move to, it’s best to have a certain amount of their currency cash as a backup. You will find ATMs everywhere, but locating them within the first few days might not be possible. So, cash will save you until you have a local bank account. Moreover, there will be some start-up expenses that you will have to bear like food, essentials, rides, and so on. Alternately, you can invest in a Forex card to manage your daily, monthly and one-time purchases.

6. Unpacking

It is likely that your accommodation will be booked way before travelling. So, let us consider the next step – unpacking and settling in slowly by making the new house more of a home. It’s amazing what something as simple as unpacking can contribute to an international student’s abroad experience. While you organize your stuff in your room, you will slowly feel the stress of the big change that is coming around. Make sure you take some pictures or pieces from home to keep yourself attached back home and keep homesickness at bay.

5. Motivation to Study

Motivation is a skill that you will require every moment while studying abroad. Being alone for the first time, loneliness and homesickness will engulf you frequently. In such a situation, it is probable that you will often lack motivation. So, you will need to learn the skill to motivate yourself. This is the skill that will decide whether you should spend your day with friends or in the library. Start with defined long-term goals. Keeping your ultimate goal in mind will keep you focused on your task. Motivating yourself is crucial to avoid wasting your time.

4. Basic Cooking Knowledge

Wondering why you need to cook when the campus canteen is always available for you? A little cooking knowledge can save you from plenty of awkward situations. Cooking is also a great way to make new friends. Learning how to cook your favourite pasta, boil an egg, or bake your favourite meat can make you a champ among your group or society. Needless to mention the numerous health benefits of cooking your own meal. It is also a good way to save money and build your confidence Student Accommodation Sheffield.

3. Time Management Skills

Being an overseas student, you will have to manage plenty of things alone on a single day. Mastering time management skills will effectively organize your day without stress and procrastination. And, the process is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is compartmentalize all your activities for that day such as sleep, study, social life, eating, and house chores. Then prioritize each task with a defined time slot. Starting might be difficult, but once you learn the drill, you will enjoy the perks it has.  

2. Medical Necessities

You will not have your parents to look after you during sickness. You have to handle those awful days alone. So, it is essential you know what medical aid or medicine you can find on or off the campus. If you have to register in the on-campus medical unit, make sure you do it beforehand. Convey your concerns to the doctor in clear words without worrying about being judged. The first aid and medical insurance hotline can be a useful tool during emergencies.  

1. Travelling Arrangements

Travelling is a major challenge faced by most first-year students. The availability of public transport varies with the location of campus or student accommodation. Befriend some locals, seniors or use Google Maps to locate the nearest transport facilities. You can take the buses, use the subway, ride the tram or bikes. Large cities like London or Canada often provide discounted fare options for students. Don’t forget to carry your student identity card. However, in case of emergency or during the first few days you can book a pick-up cab to take you to your destination. Also, before you get a licence learn the local traffic rules clearly, know how to change a tire, or hire a car through a dealership.

Bottom Line

While there will be plenty of things that must be spontaneously handled, these are a few tips that will prepare you to survive the first year abroad. Remember, stress, anxiety, and embarrassment will be your best companion abroad. Don’t let it take away your focus to grab such an amazing opportunity to develop and grow Student Accommodation Leeds.

What will Ocxee do for you?

Ocxee Ltd is the leading global marketplace of international student services to accompany you during the whole process of admission, visa application and relocation process abroad. Our only focus is to make your stay hassle-free and safe in any city or country.

How to find Student Accommodation in the UK for International Students

 

Find and book the best student accommodation in the UK for international students. Search and compare rooms by city, region and universities in the United Kingdom. For more information visit Ocxee.com

So, you’ve got into the UK university that you have always dreamed of – the hard part is now over, right? Well, the next step is probably one of the most stressful parts of moving abroad, you need to find your perfect accommodation. It can be a difficult time, as you will have a million and one other things to be thinking about before your move. As a top student accommodation provider, here at Oxcee we have put together a few tips to find a perfect student accommodation to make your time at university as easy and as stress free as possible, as well as a few examples of popular university city accommodations.

Our Tips to find a Perfect Student Accommodation

Finding a place to stay should definitely be on the top of your list before you arrive in the UK, and it can be tricky when you are trying to find the perfect place when you are still in your home country. There are several different types of accommodation available to international students:

Halls of Residence

This is accommodation provided by the university and can be located either on campus or off campus. Normally used by first year students it is a great way to meet new people and experience British university culture. Some offer food included at the university canteen, which is a brilliant way to help you budget when you first arrive. It will be a basic room with a bed and a desk and chair with enough room to study. There are en-suite options and communal bathroom options as well.

Self-Catered Halls

Very similar to the halls of residence, but these will include communal kitchens as standard – so you are in charge of deciding what you want to eat every day! They tend to be more expensive, but you often get better facilities.

Flats or Houses

These are used by second and third year students typically, as you tend to have found friends to live with in your first year. Most houses tend to become available in June once the university year has ended so you can start your search around then.

Room in a Shared House

If you are not sure who you want to live with, then a room in a shared house is always a good option! You can fit into another house that has a spare room, either with other students or professionals.

Homestays 

This is where you would live with a family in the UK if you don’t want to be living alone. Host families offer rooms to international students and will provide food and let you join in with activities whilst you are there.

How to choose your student accommodation

1. Cost – this is the main factor that you need to think about. Work out your budget and then make sure you stick to it when you are looking for accommodation as costs can vary greatly, for example Edinburgh uni student accommodation can be cheaper than London – you need to make sure you thoroughly research.
2. Type of property -  this is purely a personal preference, and you need to go with the option that you feel most comfortable.
3. Location – You want to make sure that your accommodation is in a good location for you and being closer to the university and city centre will be more expensive than living further away. Weigh up rent versus transport costs to see what will work for you.
4. Furnished – these are the perfect option for international students as you won’t be able to bring furniture with you when you travel, and the gap in rent is small for unfurnished and furnished so you don’t have to worry about it costing a lot more.

Don’t worry if this all seems complicated and confusing! We here at Oxcee - the experienced student accommodation provider - can help sort out everything you need to make sure it is as hassle free as possible. Think of us as a one-stop shop for international students!

Popular student accommodation

We’ve put together a few examples of some of the most popular student cities in the UK, and what accommodation you can expect to find there.

Edinburgh Uni student accommodation

As Scotland’s capital city, being a student accommodation agency Edinburgh means we can offer a whole range of places to stay in one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. Edinburgh is one of the top university cities due to its excellent academic facilities and how student friendly it is. It is not a very expensive city for students to live in, with many places offering discounts. All of our prices are affordable, and the views are simply amazing!

University of Leicester accommodation

With 2 major universities, the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, it is safe to say that Leicester is a very student friendly city to live in. You will find that the city is set up perfectly for students, with several types of University Of Leicester Student Accommodation that are close to clubs, pubs, shops and of course the universities. There are brilliant transport links if you wish to live further away, and there will never be a dull moment with all the events and festivals that the city hosts throughout the year!

Liverpool University student accommodation

Liverpool is home to over 50,000 students due to its 3 universities, and with its rich culture and history it offers a good life to students who live there. There is an exciting blend of students and tourists, and with its nightlife and events there is always something to see and do! Our Liverpool University Student Accommodation offers affordable and comfortable places right in the heart of Liverpool, so you won’t miss out on anything. With so many options to choose from you will be spoilt for choice!

If you don’t see your university city here, don’t panic! We are a student accommodation agency for Edinburgh, Liverpool and Leicester but also every other university city in the UK! Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more.

Golden Advice for Students Who Wish to Find Student Accommodation in United Kingdom

You must be extremely worried if you are trying to find student accommodation Manchester because finding it offline is very difficult because most of the flats get booked way before you approach the owner. Believe it or not, you will not be able to find an apartment in Manchester if you depend on your luck. Thus, you should go online because there are a large number of agencies and forms which can deliver you the service of finding student accommodation in Manchester. The biggest reason why these companies can help you is that they have large number of local connections and hence, they can do  the work with even a simple phone call which would have surely taken days if you had tried to find it by yourself.

 

Looking for Glasgow University student accommodation is not easy, especially, in this time when everyone is ready to pay large amounts just to live in Glasgow. Being a student, finding Glasgow University student accommodation would get more difficult because of financial constraints. Added to this, you also won't be able to find apartments on the basis of your requirements. Managing transportation facilities and finding Glasgow University student accommodation would become a burden if you don’t hire an experienced agency. They will also provide helpline number in case you face any emergencies or if you wish to shift again.

Manchester University Student Accommodation in budget

It is often argued that the time that you spent at the University is one of the best phases of your life and you definitely do not want to look back to your University days and think about just a difficult living space where you were forced to live. Therefore, it is important that you leave no stone unturned when it comes to finding Manchester University student accommodation.

Affordable student accommodation is the dream of every University going student and money is the biggest roadblock for any student when it comes to finding a decent student accommodation in a city like Manchester where finding a student accommodation can cost you generously. It is no surprise that many students are forced to take up part time jobs to pay for their rent and other extra expenses. Apart from the little money from the part time jobs, the only source of some extra money is the pocket money that they receive from their parents and no student wants to pay his or her entire pocket money on his rent. Manchester University student accommodation services ensure that the student housing provided to the students is affordable.

Since, all the students wish to go for an affordable accommodation, therefore, you are advised to apply for the Manchester University student accommodation as soon as possible so that you do not miss out on your chance of getting student accommodation in your budget.

Fashion Designing or Engineering? How to recognize the Best Study Abroad Program?

 

Wondering how to choose the right course for abroad education that will make your future? Here are our pro tips to look at it.

Do you review a book without reading it? You don’t. Then how can you choose a study abroad program without knowing if the course will give you a great career or your future will be doomed?

If you are seizing the study opportunity to tour the world, stop right there. Honestly, you can see the world at a lesser expense than going for higher education. As an investment of your money and time, you must take a widely researched and well-informed decision to reap the benefits of an evolving career.  

If you are planning to study abroad, read along to learn the various ways to recognize the best study abroad program perfect for you.

Resources to Compare and Find the Perfect Study Program for You

You can evaluate the options at hand by doing a thorough study abroad program search. While we do prefer some spontaneity in your abroad study experience, it is better to use these resources to navigate your program search and compare it with other available programs to narrow down on the best course:

Google

With Google by your side, what else do you need? Run a search to compare the various study programs across the world. Read student reviews, see if they offer scholarships, read the university history, the program structure, the faculty, and everything you can get your hand on.

College Advisor/Career Counsellors

These are the people who have in-depth knowledge about the various study abroad programs. They would be able to provide personalized guidance to choose the best study abroad program that benefits you. They can also suggest scholarships, program structures, internships, visas, travel arrangements, student accommodation, in short, everything you need before taking the big step.

How to Evaluate the Perfect Study Abroad Program?

There are countless factors that you need to consider before finalizing your course. Program structure, employment opportunities, program cost, financial aids, location, and more. But don’t feel overwhelmed with so much information. Follow the points below and trust us, your study abroad program will be right in front of you.

The Course

Study programs can come in all shapes and sizes. Do you want to choose a program for a semester? Or considering a short-term course for a few months? Whatever you choose, the program must be recognized internationally. It makes no sense to take up a certification course abroad that is only valid in that country.

Make sure the course is accredited by the Ministry of Education, University, Research, anything that gives you a guarantee and will ensure your career prospect enters the global market.

The Institute

Once you have background checked your study abroad program, it’s time for the university and institution. Start with the institute’s official website. It is important that the institute is transparent and reliable. Is the study campus at the location you prefer? Read their objectives, ideas and mission. Do they have a page introducing their faculty? You must know the teaching staff to compare with other institutions. Also, you wouldn’t like to join a course where the mentors aren’t qualified enough.

Check Out the 10 affordable places to study abroad in the world

Before the Registration

Before registering for the course, we suggest you ask for information regarding the curriculum: What is there? How much percentage is theory and practical? How it was built? How it will be taught? What values it will bring to your course of study?

A complete view of the methodologies, processes and the sectoral framework will give you a better idea of whether it will be beneficial for your career or not.

Classmates

It is comfortable when you study in a friendly and inclusive environment. Learning in a class where each student is given the opportunity to deal with multiple realities, both foreign and local, is helpful to enhance your skills and build your confidence. Most international training courses communicate the so-called ‘class profile’, to give an idea about the learning environment students will find themselves in.

Also, the composition of the classroom depicts the school’s design ability and skills to operate a balanced work in favour of an optimal experience.  

Placement and Employment Opportunities

Our ultimate goal lies in your future. We recommend you enquire about the placement rate of the institution. The answer must be clear, communicated and must be a high percentage (the percentage of students who started working after the course).

The placement rate of institutions is directly related to the number of partners they have collaborated with. Check this out too. It is not worth investing your time and money in a school that doesn’t have connections to help you get employment in your dream company.

Final Thoughts

Your study abroad program must give you an experience that enhances your worldview, boosts your skills, adds some international flavour to your transcripts, and makes way to a flourishing and interesting career path. Don’t rush. Choose wisely.   

What will Ocxee do for you?

Ocxee Ltd is the leading global marketplace of international student services to accompany you during the whole process of admission, visa application, student accommodation and relocation process abroad. Our only focus is to make your stay hassle-free and safe abroad.