We know that once you start thinking about studying abroad, a thousand questions immediately come to mind about how to prepare. To help you sleep better at night, we spoke with 18 students already studying abroad – and they shared their best tips you definitely need to know!
Tip #1 – from a student in Denmark
Invest in comfortable sneakers. During my first weeks in Denmark, I walked up to 30,000 steps a day because I wanted to explore everything. After just a month, I had worn out the soles of my Converse, so trust me – good walking shoes are a must.
Tip #2 – from a student in the Netherlands
Say YES to everything (at least during your first week!). Moving from a small town to Amsterdam was scary, but I knew I had to push myself. For the first month, I said yes to every invitation (even the craziest ones) – and that’s how I met so many amazing people and had unforgettable adventures. Believe me, you won’t regret it.
Tip #3 – from a student in the UK
Save money in a piggy bank. No matter how much you set aside before moving abroad, it will never feel like enough! Especially once you start traveling with your new international friends (and saving money on accommodation). Trust me – you’ll enjoy a trip or a great night out with classmates way more than buying another pair of jeans.
Tip #4 – from a student in the Netherlands
Learn the local language (or improve the one you already know). Talk to locals, connect with your classmates, and take every chance to practice. Some universities even organize meet-ups for students to exchange languages and learn from each other.
Tip #5 – from a student in Denmark
Master the basics. Even simple words like “thank you,” “hello,” “goodbye,” or “please” can make a difference. Every time I greeted people in their own language at a shop, they treated me with so much more warmth.
Tip #6 – from a student in Denmark
Go to your lectures. Seriously. Even if attendance isn’t mandatory, sitting exams in a foreign language becomes so much easier when you’ve already heard the material explained by your professor.
Tip #7 – from a student in the UK
Pack light. Even if it feels like you’re leaving for “several years,” you really don’t need to bring your whole home with you. One large suitcase is enough – otherwise you’ll feel like a camel carrying stuff around. Plus, it’s cheaper to have your parents send you whatever else you need later. Remember: you’re moving to a city, not a deserted island – you’ll find everything there too!
Tip #8 – from a student in Denmark
Download offline maps. Before you go, download the offline map of the city where you’ll live. During your first week, you might not have a local SIM card yet, and having the map offline will be a lifesaver.
Tip #9 – from a student in the Netherlands
Don’t let a relationship hold you back. You’ve probably heard this a hundred times, but let me repeat it once more – don’t let a relationship stop you from living the adventure of your life. When my boyfriend said, “it’s either me or studying abroad,” I cried for a week… but I chose studying abroad and never regretted it for a second. And don’t worry – there are plenty of people to meet abroad too!
Tip #10 – from a student in the UK
Don’t stick only with people from your own country. If your program has other students from your country, don’t close yourselves off in a small circle. You now have the chance to meet people from all over the world – when else will you get such an opportunity?
Tip #11 – from a student in Denmark
Reach out if you feel lonely. If you ever feel lonely in a new city, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kastu. I’m not kidding – after my first month I was ready to climb the walls. When I contacted Kastu, they connected me with another student living in a nearby city. Now we meet every weekend, and I don’t feel alone anymore.
Tip #12 – from a student in the Netherlands
Prepare for culture shock. You’re not moving to another planet, but local habits can still surprise you. When I arrived in the Netherlands, I stood out at a club because I was the only girl in a dress and high heels. Everyone else was dressed casually! Do yourself a favor and look up local traditions before you go – it’ll save you from some awkward moments.
Tip #13 – from a student in the Netherlands
Join orientation events. Make sure to take part in introduction events before the academic year begins. These weeks help you get used to the university environment, meet your future classmates, and make it easier to find your way once lectures start. By the time you walk into your first class, you’ll already see familiar faces.
Tip #14 – from a student in Denmark
Be smart with housing and work. If you want to save money, consider renting through an agency rather than private landlords – it’s usually cheaper in the long run. If you arrive earlier, use the time wisely by working in a restaurant or volunteering. Even if you can’t find a job in your field during the first year, don’t worry – gaining experience through simpler jobs will still give you extra income, valuable skills, and life experience. And remember: start looking for housing as early as possible.
Tip #15 – from a student in Denmark
Beat the winter blues. Winters in Denmark can feel dark and gloomy. Stock up on vitamins, stay socially active, and connect with other students. Facebook groups are a great way to meet new people, find useful information about your university and program, and stay connected with student life.
Tip #16 – from a student in the Netherlands
Balance study and free time. Student life brings new friends and endless parties, but don’t forget the main reason you’re there – your studies. Work hard and try to pass your exams on the first attempt. That way, your holidays will be longer and stress-free, while the party animals will be stuck in retakes.
Tip #17 – from a student in the UK
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everything is explained step by step, and you won’t be the only newcomer – there will be thousands like you. If you don’t understand something, just ask! At international universities, professors know that students may face challenges understanding everything at first. In my class, for example, there were 20 students from 12 different countries, and asking questions was completely normal.
Tip #18 – from a student in the Netherlands
Pack smart. Check the climate of the country you’re moving to and plan accordingly. For example, if you’re heading to the Netherlands, don’t overpack winter sweaters – temperatures rarely go below –5°C. Fun fact: locals actually look forward to cold weather because frozen canals mean skating! Also, find out if your city has Turkish shops – many products are cheaper there than in Lidl or Aldi. And remember: in the Netherlands, if you work at least 8 hours a week for three months, you may qualify for additional government support.
We hope these student tips will truly come in handy! And remember – no matter how anxious you feel, you’re not alone. Hundreds of other students are going through the exact same emotions before making such a big change in their lives. Trust us – once you arrive and start your studies, you’ll laugh at how much you doubted yourself, because everything will turn out to be amazing!
Any questions? Contact us!
