Studying abroad is not easy. The application process is competitive, long, and complex. Often students start preparing years in advance. However, despite the gruesome and nerve-wracking process, millions of international students get admission to some of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. But getting in is only the first step. 

If you have decided to study overseas, you should take the steps needed to thrive and succeed in your academic journey. We have created this guide to help an international students out and make their school life easier. So use these survival tips to succeed while in school. 

Create and Stick to a Schedule

For optimal productivity, learners in all education levels should set goals and have a daily schedule. A schedule will also assist in combating the time zone challenges that cause changes in sleep routine. 

You can also use calendars to create a schedule and ensure you don’t miss out on important dates like assignment deadlines. For the first week, track the hours or minutes needed to complete a task. Finish even small or easy tasks because they are more likely to overwhelm you once they pile up.

Create a Timetable

As an international student, you should strive to perform well in all courses. Otherwise, low grades may affect self-esteem, ability to get a scholarship and reduce the chances of graduating on time. With a schedule, you will know what needs to be completed that day and how much time will be spent on each activity.



Besides, learners in all education levels need practical time management techniques to flourish in their education, and a timetable helps in that. With a program in place, a student will finish assignments before the deadlines.

Students who have several assignments and can’t complete most of them can seek help from an essay writer. It’s best to set your study time at the same time on weekdays to create a consistent routine. Once you are committed to learning, you will stick to a schedule and achieve the set goals.

Have a Budget Breakdown

A student's studies will be affected if they are constantly thinking about how they shall pay bills. Without prior planning and research, you might find out that the cost of living abroad, including buying books, paying for tuition, accommodation, and food, is quite expensive. 

That is why it is essential to research the cost of living in the city or town where the campus is located. Most international learners opt to take a part-time job to avoid financial stress. Remember how much money you need depends on three crucial things:

• Lifestyle
• Location of the campus or where you will live
• Tuition

So early on in the semester, have a budget breakdown. Include crucial things like how much income you expect to have monthly. This could be from working or parents. Bills, transport, food, education costs, personal items, recreation, and accommodation are some of the basic things that international students should include in their budget.

File Your Tax Return

All international students working in the US must file a tax return. Failure to do it accurately can result in penalties. In the worst-case scenario, it can affect your chances of re-entering the country later. However, the tax filing process can be time-consuming and confusing. In such a case, it's best to seek help from a professional.



Build Social Life

Pursuing an education is more than just studying and attending classes. To thrive, you must balance school and social life. Building a social life can be intimidating for an international student because there is a high chance you are studying in a country where you don’t know anyone, and you’re still trying to master the local language. However, having friends you can confide in will fill your education journey with memories worth keeping.

To get social, start by making yourself available. In your free time, join a study group as it will allow you to interact with like-minded peers freely. Volunteering is also a great way to meet people from campus and the local community.

Build Connections with Faculty

Communicating outside the classroom with professors or instructors plays a role in a student’s success. The student-teacher interaction outside class takes several forms, such as email exchanges, going in-person during office hours, and serving as an advisor for a club. 

In a large class, individualized interactions create a safe space for international students to air out their problems and ask questions related to their interests and struggles. Furthermore, one-on-one interactions allow the teacher to understand better the students preferred learning style and tailor the teaching or course material.