Top 10 'Must Do' Things when Studying Abroad
So you know where you’ll be living, you’ve figured out how to use the university library, and you’re ready to make the most of your time in an exciting new place. Whether it’s a new country or just a new city, gli-student.com has come up with the top ten ‘must do’ things for every student studying in a new place.
Be a Tourist
Every town has a history, and particularly university towns. Visit the local information bureau and aim to visit as many of their recommended sites and attractions before your time at university is over. Bus tours, museums, galleries and local sights of historic interest or natural beauty should all be on your list. Treat your leisure time at university like an extended holiday and don’t leave wishing you had made more of your stay!
Find the student second-hand book shop
On the first day of lectures you can be sure that the university-approved bookshops will be overflowing with Freshers. Be smart and skip the queues, and the cost, by buying as many books as possible from a second-hand book shop. Top tip: Ask a member of bar staff at the Student Union which second-hand bookshop is the ‘go to’ option.
Attend a Language Café
A social group where anyone can practise a language informally, Language Cafés exist all over Europe. Particularly useful if your new university is in a foreign country, it’s also a great way to improve that rusty high school French you keep meaning to work on. Swallow your fear and join in; language skills are always a plus for your CV.
Visit a Local Market
Whether you’re studying in a quaint medieval town or a shiny-lights metropolis, there will always be a market. From cheap stuff for your room to speciality foods, there’s no better day than market day.
Take Part in an Annual Event
The running of the bulls in Pamplona, St Patricks day in Dublin and the Mardi Gras in Sydney are all examples of free events that are up for grabs. Find out what your city has to offer, dress up in a silly costume, and get involved!
Visit the Capital
Even if you’re not in a new country, capital-city sightseeing is a fantastic not-to-be-missed experience. Don’t forget your camera and guide book, and keep your belongings safe.
Escape to the countryside
Your new university is the perfect base from which to explore the area, so take the opportunity to backpack with new friends and witness the sights and smells of the surrounding countryside – even for one day.
Try It All
Push yourself to try new foods and drinks, including local wines and beers, and speciality national or regional dishes. Haggis and lutefisk may sound disgusting, but if you never try them, you’ll never know!
Get Sporty
Join a sports club. Sound easy? Here’s the catch – it has to be a sport you have never heard of before. Korfball, Hurling, and Pesäpallo are all examples of national sports to try. If you’re more of a spectator than a participant, make sure you attend at least one sports match between your university town and its biggest rival.
Get out of your Comfort Zone
By choosing to study in a new place, you’ve already gone some way to stepping out of your comfort zone, but it’s all too easy to slip back in to old routines. Avoid this by accomplishing everything on this list, and more, and aim to get the most out of your time as a student studying in a new place!
