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10 things to sort before arriving to study as an international student
14th September 2017
Posted by: Lina Cárdenas
HERE is a list that will help you to keep on check the things you need to sort out before arriving to study in a foreign country:
- Visa: Depending on the country you come from, this is a major requirement to sort out which will depend on your particular destination. Make sure you understand the visa process and requirements of your destination country.
- Health insurance: Generally, for visa applications, you will need to pay a health fee, which will be useful during your studies, just in case something happens and you need assistance.
- Vaccinations: Some students from tropical countries are required to hand in a proof of vaccination certificate before they can enter the destination country. In addition, some visa applicants need to be tested for some diseases like tuberculosis.
- Medication: This is up to you and to your special needs. If you suffer from some kind of ailment like migraines, IBS, allergies, you may want to take some medication that you’re used to, to ease the symptoms - just in case this isn’t available in your destination country. It is better to check your arrival countries’ government website beforehand to see what the medication you’re allowed to enter with.
- Food: Same as with medication, some countries have restrictions when it comes to entering with food, hence the importance of checking the government web page of the country you’re planning to study in. The safest choice would be for you to bring along biscuits, crackers, some tea or coffee, basically snacks, as an aid before your body adapts itself to the local cuisine!
- Documents: These are very important during the whole process, and when you arrive. There are the pre-visa and post-visa documents.Keep them safe and handy, as the university and authorities may require these. Documents include: the Certificate of Student Acceptance from the university, the health insurance payment certificate, visa, passport, among others.
- Accommodation: Universities offer accommodation and this is a very good option, as you can be closer to campus and make friends easily, however, it can be expensive and there’s often cheaper housing off campus, which you can find online before travelling, pages like Gumtree or Spare-room (UK) are very useful.
- Bank account: Generally, you do this once you arrive, as there are different banks in each country, however, if your homeland bank has international branches and offers an international service, you should look at these options. You may want to look into money transfer options - apps like TransferWise, which can help you save money on overseas exchanges.
- Travel pass: you can buy your destination travel ticket early with the advantage of cheaper rates. Although, bear in mind that you have to be at the airport on time and fulfil all the airline’s conditions. You definitely don’t want to miss that flight!
- Emergency contacts: These are just in case (be positive that nothing bad will happen). Write down the destination’s country’s emergency details for any situation: lost luggage, assault, health emergency…Remember, hope for the best but be prepared for the worst!
