Five Tips for First-Time Study Abroad Students

When I initially signed up for the First-Year Study Abroad Experience (FYSAE) program at Arcadia, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Now that I’ve completed my semester abroad and am back home, I have a lot to reflect on.

Studying abroad for the first time, especially as a college freshman, is an overwhelming experience to say the least. The FYSAE program is so much to take in and the pre-departure orientation can only cover so much. Here are five things that I wish I had known before my semester abroad.

1. You Don’t Have to Travel to Have a Good Time

My immediate assumption about my semester abroad was that I would be spending every weekend traveling to a new country. That could not be further from the truth. 

While a lot of people did choose to take the opportunity to travel a bit, I did not leave London during my time there. Truth be told, I don’t regret this decision. Staying local allowed me time to explore London and all it has to offer.

If you’re planning on studying abroad in London, the possibilities of adventures are endless. Each train stop and sector of the city feels like its own world. For some must-see spots, check out my blog “London’s Best Hidden Spots for Arcadia Abroad Students.”

2. Get Ready for Long Commutes

One thing that I certainly was not ready for was the commute that came with being in London. When Arcadia students study at the London Center, we are housed in the Princess Elizabeth House, which is approximately a 40-minute commute away from the center.

Of course, coming from a campus as small as Arcadia, this was a big adjustment. I went from walking five minutes to class from my dorm to walking 15 minutes just to catch the Tube.

Using public transportation as a whole was a big adjustment for me. I come from a pretty suburban area where there aren’t many buses or trains, so it was a learning curve with this being my only mode of transportation. 

3. You Are On. Your. Own.

I know that this phrasing may seem a little intimidating, but this level of independence isn’t as scary as it seems. What I mean by “on your own” is that studying abroad comes with a new level of responsibility and independence than you may be used to.

Within my first few days in London, I was asked to meet my professors at different locations across the city and has to figure out public transportation with little to no assistance. While intimidating, these experiences taught me a lot about independence and how to be successful in situations out of my comfort zone.

Of course, we did get a sufficient orientation period. While you can expect people to be there to help you and answer questions when needed, don’t expect anyone to hold your hand through the entire semester.

4. It’s Important to Set Goals and Expectations

One thing that you may not think of ahead of time is how easy it is to waste time when you have so many options. For example, you might keep pushing off trips and experiences because you have “plenty of time.” In reality, the time goes fast.

A good way to combat this is by setting specific goals and expectations. Where do you want to visit? What kind of expectations do you have for your night out? How will you accomplish these goals and who has similar ones?

I would suggest talking these over with your fellow classmates and finding a suitable group to do what interests you. Make sure that you’re planning trips and nights out with people who want the same results as you, which will make your  experience much more enjoyable.

5. Schedule Time for Yourself

Lastly, you will want (and deserve) some “me time.” I feel as though when we talk about studying abroad and traveling, we always talk about the exciting outings with large groups and tend to neglect the idea of spending time alone.

Before coming, I had a long list of things that I wanted to experience with all of my friends, but once I got into the semester, I began to realize the value of alone time. Living in a foreign country with a small circle of people for three months can become overwhelming and it’s important to know how to combat that kind of stress when it arises. 

Think about what you enjoy doing to unwind when you need some time to yourself. I personally enjoyed listening to music while cooking. Even something as small as having a playlist to listen to or book to read on the Tube can make a world of difference.