Topics
- Stay calm and positive
- Don’t be a target of homesickness
- Expand your social circle
- Immerse yourself in the local culture
- Make time to explore the city
- Get a productive study routine
- Set goals and work on it
- Watch out for your wallet
- Be open-minded
- Make sure to have lots of fun
Studying abroad brings out a new perspective into our lives. We tend to grow faster, be smarter, learn things independently and efficiently. These are all good things but it is not as easy as it sounds. Living and studying abroad has its own challenges and it all boils down to you to make things right. Over the years many students go for overseas study and have their own tales to tell. Likewise, if you plan to study in Russia, there are many obstacles to surpass but it can be done eventually, just need a push and guidance for first-time students studying abroad. So, in this blog, I will be talking about the survival tips to study abroad that you will probably need to have successful and fruitful abroad studies.
Stay calm and positive
It’s no secret that the first nights are always the most difficult. It can be daunting to even think of living countries, oceans and cities apart from your home. There are cases when students panic and decide to leave for their homeland within days. But this is the life you choose so better stay calm and positive. All you need is to give yourself time to adjust. It takes time to find the right group of friends, that is why colleges in Russia organise meet and greet events for new students. This helps everyone to engage and have a social gathering.
Don’t be a target of homesickness
Initially, during the first few weeks of college life in Russia, you’ll want to stay indoors and avoid going out. Makes sense because we are new and do not want to confront the unwanted crowd. But do not make this a habit, it can lead to feeling homesick, and trust me, the homesick feeling is the worst kind. Go out, look for applications that will guide you across the city. It is not like you won’t return home, you will eventually, till then experience your study abroad.
Expand your social circle
Sure, you are travelling abroad for studies but you are not excepted to run off to the nearest library and class throughout the programme. In foreign countries, you get marks for other activities as well. Make an effort to go out and make friends. You can collaborate together on class projects. Also, having a local friend will save you in so many situations like interacting with a local person or dealing with translations. It will also give you a closer perspective of Russian culture.
Immerse yourself in the local culture
Speaking of exploring culture, making friends with locals will give you opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture, food, festivity and more. Any study abroad success stories begin by experiencing the true vibe of the place you are studying from. You can also visit the museums, learn its history, find books, go watch local movies and eat local food. You can learn a lot about a country this way making you ahead of other international peers. Whenever a foreigner tries to learn the local culture, the people really appreciate it.
Make time to explore the city
Similar to exploring culture, city exploration is a good way to soak in the city life you are living in. It is always exciting to sightsee local attractions, you can also make friends with the locals as you explore sites. When you are studying in Russia, make sure to go for city sightseeing, Russia’s capital Moscow has interesting sites filled with history and art, and so is Saint Petersburg, widely known as the cultural capital.
Get a productive study routine
Exploring the city is just a part of survival tips, make sure to not lose track and prepare a productive study routine. Studying is the central reason for you moving to study abroad so learn as much as you can, if you are studying MBBS in Russia, chances are you will receive tons of assignments and scoring well in your assignments will provide bonus marks. Not to stress so much in studies, you can make a timetable and dedicate yourself to few hours every day. This will help you grasp lessons easily while preparing for the examinations.
Set goals and work on it
Always remind yourself, why did you choose abroad studies and work on your goals. Whenever you feel distracted take some time and write your goals or something you want to achieve. There are no rights and wrongs, you can take a break and unwind if needed, perhaps do some activity to add to your CV for future reference. Without a proper plan, you will feel disoriented and isolated after you arrive in Russia for studies.
Watch out for your wallet
Living in a foreign country means you will want to splurge on many things that we hardly find accessible in India. But remember that you are not in your own country and expenses will increase when in a new place. Managing rent, monthly food expenses, travel to college and other expenses related to mobile network connections are the major outlet sources for money to drain. But if your visa allows you to work part-time, you can find many student jobs that will help you increase your income.
Be open-minded
While you suddenly move to a new country, oftentimes we experience cultural shock. This is because we built a shelf of stereotypes. Instead have an open mind and breathe in the fresh air of your adopted country for your abroad studies. Be prepared to experience a new culture, lifestyle etc as you’ll be spending years until your programme gets over.
Make sure to have lots of fun
In conclusion, have lots of fun because this is the only time to live a free-spirited life, study and party while living abroad. Russia is one of the best countries to study abroad since their universities are exceptionally advanced and renowned for their education. So, do good and explore this transcontinental country.
