I have never studied at a university in my home country.
As a young high school student, this thought would’ve seemed terrifying, but over the years I have learnt to be at peace with it. These are some of the strategies I’ve used to cope along the way!
Research
One of my main tips is to do as much research as possible. Nowadays university websites contain reams of information, page after page: courses, bureaucratic procedures, style guides, accommodation—everything you can think of. While the sheer amount of information may seem a bit stressful at first, feeling confident about what you need to do and what you need to go really pays off. If it all seems a bit too much to digest, look at student forums where the most frequently asked questions will pop up repeatedly.
Integrate
This rings especially true now that I am studying in a country where the local language is one I can’t speak very well. Last summer, after doing some research, I had an idea of a few student organisations I would like to join once I settled in at the University of Helsinki. Bonding with people is so much easier over a shared interest! In fact, I even had a choir audition scheduled a couple months before I even stepped on the plane here! It is important to try to meet as many people as possible, but for international students this often results in sticking to other foreigners. Getting to know some Finns who are happy to take my (often silly) questions has come in extremely useful in day-to-day life.
It’s okay to be homesick
No matter how much research you do, or how well-integrated you are, there will be times you wish teleporting home was an option. Skyping with your loved ones as often as possible is great, but it might not take the sadness away. So once you have identified what it is that is getting you down, allow yourself to be sad. Your home country will inevitably be different, and even better in some aspects, and that is just the way it is. The winter darkness may be particularly hard if you’re not used to it or you come from a warm country. But try to fill your time with things that make you happy, or can otherwise distract you. You decided to study abroad for a reason—remind yourself of it and don’t be afraid to seek support if the going gets tough.
Be bold
Choosing to live abroad for an extended period of time is already a very brave decision in and by itself. This is what I remind myself of when it all gets a little bit too much, or when I need a bit of a stronger push. Some of the most rewarding decisions we make end up being those we were too scared to even entertain. So whether you’re thinking about joining a student organisation’s board or trying to convince yourself to go to a gym class in Finnish (or whatever language is spoken where you are studying)—go for it!
Photos by Unsplash