The study guide abroad

Settling into a new life can be extremely daunting for adults and youngsters alike

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of heading off to college this year, don’t sweat it! You’re hardly the only one. The feeling is natural. After all, you’re about to embark on a whole new journey and that too, in a strange country far far away.

It’s both thrilling and terrifying at the same time, isn’t it? There are countless possibilities and adventures awaiting you, along with a freedom and independence you have never experienced before. On the other hand, you will be riding solo through these adventures, responsible for everything from studies to doing your own laundry without anyone else to fall back upon. We speak from experience when we say that you’ll soon realise that longwinded college applications and visa processing is just the beginning, but you know what? Once you’ve settled in, there is no looking back. College is considered the best time of one’s life and we’re sure that by the end of your degree, you will agree.

Still, it never hurts to be prepared beforehand so why not consider our college preparation kit? Read on to find out the seven key things you must do to make your transition as painless as possible. We guarantee you won’t regret it!

Do your research



Thanks to the internet, there is nothing that we can’t find information on online. From the big issues like sorting out your accommodation to smaller things like locating the halal supermarkets closest to your dorms, the internet knows it all. You can even view 3D tours of your university campus online! In fact, the deluge of information might be overwhelming in itself since there is so much to know. Make sure you don’t slip down the Internet rabbit hole. Learn how to distinguish between useful and useless info.

Ask others for help



Of course, the possibility on landing upon incorrect information is always there, so it’s useful to find people who can help. You can speak to experienced loved ones or your fellow students who are in the same boat as you. The internet will help with that too. There are online communities for every university, every apartment building and literally, every area code. Almost all schools have some sort of Muslim communities (such as the Muslim Student Association) and other societies and clubs based on religion and ethnicity where you can voice your concerns and get answers. There are also university officials who are willing to speak to you over email or the phone, so don’t hesitate to ask even the silliest of questions.

Get your health affairs in order



Although every university requires you to sign up for health insurance, it is advisable to get your medical check-ups done before leaving. This is especially true of dental and optical issues since most health insurance plans don’t cover these. Your prescriptions should be checked, all required vaccinations administered and all medicines bought in bulk before you leave. Don’t forget that different countries have different requirements. In fact, some states within the US ask for different vaccinations.

Complete all the paperwork



You will be carrying around a whole lot of important documents with you so invest in a sturdy file or folder lest you lose them. Also, make copies of each document so that you have something to hold onto. Contact your college prior to departure to see if they need any specific certificates or transcripts, etcetra. And on your departure day, don’t forget to jot down important contact numbers, addresses and other information in a tiny notebook in case your electronics die out.

Brace yourself for a culture shock



In today’s globalised world, it’s hard to imagine experiencing culture shock, especially if you’re going to the West. Thanks to the media, we are very much used to everything already. But a culture shock isn’t just being unaware of local customs and ways – it is a psychological response that occurs when one moves to a new country. According to psychologists, culture shock has four phases and you should know how to sail through each. The first is the honeymoon phase, in which everything is new and exciting. Like most honeymoon periods, this stage eventually ends, making way for the negotiation period which occurs usually about three months following your arrival. In this period, the differences between your home and the new place no longer seem exciting and will start to give you anxiety. Homesickness is at its peak during this period and you should expect feelings of frustration and anger. This is especially true for students who don’t have a support system with them. It is important to know that all of these stages pass and you will emerge victorious. Just keep yourself busy and socialise with people as alone time can exacerbate the sadness. Eventually, the third phase of adjustment kicks in and soon after that, mastery.

Accept and process homesickness



Even after the adjustment period, homesickness does linger. You must remember that it is perfectly normal to miss your loved ones but it shouldn’t get in the way of your college experience. Social media can bridge the distance you feel, but conversely, it can also instil the anxiety that people are moving on without you. So limit your social media usage to a specific time of the day, like when you are about to go out. Avoid it when you are alone and free, like immediately after waking up or before going to sleep. If you’re already homesick, going through your friends’ newsfeeds and seeing them have fun is not going to help. On the other hand, regular communication definitely helps. Schedule specific times when you can call or Skype with your family and friends and stick to them.

Don’t let others bring you down



In our society, being a girl who is heading abroad for higher education instead of staying home and seeking a husband does raise a few eyebrows and snide remarks from here and there. It’s annoying, yes, but it is also inevitable. The best thing to do is to take these people in your stride, listen to them politely and then forget about what they said. It’s natural to have moments of doubt and feel like you’re in way over your head. But as Taylor Swift says, ‘just shake it off!’

Nudrat Kamal is freelance writer. She tweets @Nudrat kamal 

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, August 2^nd, 2015.