Our advice for new students

Four international students studying in the UK, US and China share their top advice to guarantee an amazing study abroad experience…

Keep up with each and every lecture! Don’t put work off to the end, it will make your course very hard. In your spare time, think about what you are going to do in the future. You need to start planning in advance.

Don’t worry about asking teachers for help. Email them and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You need to keep good relationships with teachers. They are really patient; you can catch them after a lecture. If the teachers know the problem, they will definitely help. They will always give you good tips.”

Nanye, from China

Studied International Foundation in Business and Economics with Accounting at INTO City University London

Make the most of your first year! Do things, make friends, be productive with your day- nap is not necessary if you sleep well at night. Give yourself to everything, but be responsible.

Yes, you might need some alone me-time, but these things will help you find something you are actually passionate about. So go on and get out of your comfort zone, because honestly, Game of Thrones can wait.

That is one of the many things I wish someone had told me before I began my first year abroad. From then on, I can only hope that you spare yourself the mistakes.”

Kezia, from Indonesia studied International Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences at INTO Newcastle

She is now studying Combined Honours at Newcastle University

Instagram: @keziacharissa

I guess I would tell myself to prepare for GMAT before arriving to the US. I spent a lot of time trying to pass this exam. It was difficult to manage time in the beginning when I had Pathway classes plus GMAT to pass.

Since the beginning I made many international friends and few American. I think you should hang out more with American students. That would have definitely sped up my adaptation and decrease the language barrier.”

Mikhail, from Russia

Studied a Graduate Pathway in Marketing at INTO University of South Florida.

Aside from your absolute favourite Star Wars tee shirt, don’t bring anything in the way of clothes for two reasons.

First, you can find anything from super Chinese fashion to exactly what you would buy back home just by taking a shopping day at any of the city’s many malls or shopping streets. H&M, Uniqlo, and Zara are just some of the western brands you’ll find. Secondly, you will either gain or lose enough weight that your clothes will not fit “just right” after the first semester here.

All of my jeans and shorts from back home require the last notch on my belt, while some of my friends are sporting the “muffin top” on some of their favourite pants.”

Ryan, from the USA

Studying MA International Relations at INTO China

You may also like to read: how to make new best friends at university or 5 tips to enjoy your first week. 

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