Things To Do Before Going To Study Abroad

Passport And Visa

Usually, passport and visa processing takes a lot of time. Make sure you start working on these well in advance and contact a visa consultant to gather information. Passport processing in Pakistan takes 10 working days and in case of an urgent passport it’ll be 4 working days.

On the other hand, visa processing needs months. Different countries have different visa requirements, some will require a few weeks of processing and some will take several months, so you better start working on this as soon as possible. If you already have a passport and have traveled before, make sure you have at least 3 blank pages and have at least 6 months on your passport before it expires.

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Gather Information

Before going to study abroad, you need to gather as much information as you can about the country where you are going to study and about the university or college you have been accepted into. You have to gather information about the country’s weather to pack your clothes accordingly.

You have to gather information about the university’s hostel if they are offering any, and if yes, what things are allowed in the hostel and what are not, aka hostel rules. 

• You have to gather information about what a university is offering you while you’re staying in their country. Some universities offer health insurance and tuition fee concessions to international students and some don’t.

• Having the right international bank account can help you save money on currency conversion and foreign transaction fees. It can also make it easier to pay in foreign currencies. However, before you choose the best international account for you, you have to do some research.

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Budget

A budget is the most important thing when you’re planning to study abroad. Make a list of your expenses according to the information you’ve gathered so far like hostel dues, traveling cost, tuition fee, food, clothes and entertainment (i.e. visiting some famous places, planning to eat in a fancy restaurant etc.)

There are some universities that allow students to do part-time jobs and these part-time jobs can really help you in maintaining your budget and also gather new experiences. Besides your budget, take some extra amount with you just in case of any emergency.

Working Opportunities While Studying Abroad

What To Pack

After the budget you have to decide what to pack according to the information you have gathered about the country, university and hostel. You should pack according to the rules and regulations of the university and hostel both. Mobile and laptop are must, leave your other expensive gadgets at home because of the voltage difference in other countries, your gadgets may get fried.

Pack at least two weeks of clothing and you can buy further clothes in abroad according to your need. Keep your laptop, chargers and books in your regular bag and other thing in your luggage but don’t pack unnecessary things like decorations, food items, heavy jewelry and too much toiletries.

Difference In National Vs. International Studying

Mobile Network And Connection

One of the major problem you have to face while your stay abroad is mobile network, how you’re going to communicate with the people there? your local sim will stop working as soon as you land abroad and their international packages are really expensive. You have research about the mobile networks and their internet packages of the country, you are visiting.

Universities and hostels provide Wi-Fi connections but you should always have a backup to communicate with your friends and family in any case of emergency. You can easily buy sim cards after landing from the airport, any mobile shop and convenient stores.