Embarking on a journey to study abroad is an exciting and transformative experience, but it can also be overwhelming for students. Most of the study abroad aspirants might ask the same questions as, how do you study abroad, and where do you even start? Well, studying abroad is truly life-changing, and you should do it if you can. But first things first about your path to study overseas– a lot of planning needs to go right from choosing the courses to ultimately reaching the destination and beyond. The Indian Student Mobility Report 2023-24 launched by University Living offers a 20-step roadmap with actionable steps to help students successfully navigate through the plan.
PHASE-ONE: RESEARCH & PLANNING
• Self-Assessment: Evaluate your academic goals and personal preferences to ensure alignment with your chosen study abroad destination. Consider factors such as program offerings, cultural immersion opportunities, and language proficiency requirements.
• Budget Planning: Develop a comprehensive budget to cover tuition, accommodation, and cost of living expenses, taking into account currency exchange rates and potential fluctuations. Explore scholarship and financial aid options to alleviate financial burdens and ensure a smooth transition abroad. University Living offers cost of living calculator which might be a helping hand in foreseeing the major costs which a student might incur.
• Shortlist Universities: Research and compile a list of potential universities based on your academic interests, career aspirations, and desired location. Consider factors such as reputation, faculty expertise, and available resources to make informed decisions.
• Consult Advisors: Seek guidance from educational consultants or advisors to clarify doubts and gain insights into the application process, visa requirements, and documentation procedures. Leverage their expertise to streamline the application process and maximize your chances of acceptance.
PHASE-TWO: EXAMINATION & TEST PREPARATION
• Identify Exams: Research the specific standardized tests needed for admission to your preferred universities, considering their academic requirements and your desired program of study.
• Exams Preparation: Utilize a variety of study materials, practice exams, and preparatory courses to thoroughly prepare for the exams relevant to your chosen universities and academic program.
• Take Exams: Register in advance for the necessary exams at approved testing centres, ensuring compliance with deadlines and guidelines set by the testing organizations and universities.
PHASE-THREE: APPLICATION PROCESS
• Gather Documents: Organize your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and test scores meticulously to ensure a smooth application process and meet university requirements.
• Apply: Be proactive in submitting your applications to your chosen universities, paying close attention to deadlines and ensuring all required materials are included to enhance your chances of acceptance.
• Financial Aid: Research on available scholarships, grants, and loans to alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad, considering both merit-based and need-based opportunities to support your educational journey. In addition to the merit-based academic scholarships, there are others like University Living Social Scholarship that aims to reward ‘Good Work over Good Grades’. Indian students flying to UK or Australia, who have demonstrated their involvement in initiatives that foster social cohesion, empower underprivileged communities, or promote environmental and animal welfare can apply through our official website.
PHASE-FOUR: POST-APPLICATION
• Awaits Response: While awaiting admission decisions, maintain open communication with universities and be prepared to provide any additional information they may request.
• Accept Offer: Upon receiving an acceptance offer, carefully review the terms and conditions before confirming your decision to ensure it aligns with your academic and personal goals.
• Visa Application: Start the visa application process early to allow ample time for processing and to address any potential challenges that may arise along the way. Be thorough in preparing all required documents to facilitate a smooth application.
PHASE-FIVE: ACCOMMODATION & PRE-DEPARTURE
• Accommodation: Research and compare various accommodation options to find the best fit for your needs, considering factors such as location, amenities, and budget constraints. With a presence in 500+ cities around the world, University Living offers a multitude of safe options to suit the specific needs of each student.
• Health Check-up: Consult with healthcare professionals to address any medical concerns and ensure you are physically prepared for the demands of studying abroad.
• Financial Planning: Create a detailed budget outlining anticipated expenses for tuition, accommodation, meals, transportation, and other living costs, and explore potential sources of funding such as scholarships, grants, or part-time employment opportunities. It may be worth checking out our Cost-of-Living Calculator that helps you assess an average cost of living in a particular city. This is greatly helpful in planning your funds in tandem with the expectation.
• Pre-Departure Briefing: Take advantage of pre-departure workshops or webinars offered by your university or study abroad program to gain valuable insights into cultural norms, safety tips, and practical advice for navigating life in your host country.
PHASE-SIX: DEPARTURE & ARRIVAL
• Packing: Organize your belongings efficiently, prioritizing essential items such as travel documents, clothing suitable for your destination’s climate, and any necessary electronics or medications.
• Travel Arrangements: Research transportation options and secure your travel bookings well in advance to ensure smooth logistics for your journey abroad, considering factors such as flight schedules, layovers, and airport transfers. Do explore the various offers that you can avail as student travellers. Some of the prominent airlines including Emirates, Etihad that University Living collaborates with offer extra luggage support, priority check-ins, student discounts, etc. while booking through specific platforms. These ways one can save a lot while making travel arrangements to the destination.
PHASE-SEVEN: SETTING-IN
• Orientation: Participate in orientation programs organized by your university to acclimate to your new academic and social environment. Studying abroad is a transformative adventure.
By following these steps, a study abroad aspirant can not only succeed academically but also enjoy every moment of his journey. Keep an open mind, be proactive, and make the most of the opportunities that come their way. Refine but keep the format and tonality intact.
PHASE-ONE: RESEARCH & PLANNING
• Self-Assessment: Evaluate your academic goals and personal preferences to ensure alignment with your chosen study abroad destination. Consider factors such as program offerings, cultural immersion opportunities, and language proficiency requirements.
• Budget Planning: Develop a comprehensive budget to cover tuition, accommodation, and cost of living expenses, taking into account currency exchange rates and potential fluctuations. Explore scholarship and financial aid options to alleviate financial burdens and ensure a smooth transition abroad. University Living offers cost of living calculator which might be a helping hand in foreseeing the major costs which a student might incur.
• Shortlist Universities: Research and compile a list of potential universities based on your academic interests, career aspirations, and desired location. Consider factors such as reputation, faculty expertise, and available resources to make informed decisions.
• Consult Advisors: Seek guidance from educational consultants or advisors to clarify doubts and gain insights into the application process, visa requirements, and documentation procedures. Leverage their expertise to streamline the application process and maximize your chances of acceptance.
PHASE-TWO: EXAMINATION & TEST PREPARATION
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• Exams Preparation: Utilize a variety of study materials, practice exams, and preparatory courses to thoroughly prepare for the exams relevant to your chosen universities and academic program.
• Take Exams: Register in advance for the necessary exams at approved testing centres, ensuring compliance with deadlines and guidelines set by the testing organizations and universities.
PHASE-THREE: APPLICATION PROCESS
• Gather Documents: Organize your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and test scores meticulously to ensure a smooth application process and meet university requirements.
• Apply: Be proactive in submitting your applications to your chosen universities, paying close attention to deadlines and ensuring all required materials are included to enhance your chances of acceptance.
• Financial Aid: Research on available scholarships, grants, and loans to alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad, considering both merit-based and need-based opportunities to support your educational journey. In addition to the merit-based academic scholarships, there are others like University Living Social Scholarship that aims to reward ‘Good Work over Good Grades’. Indian students flying to UK or Australia, who have demonstrated their involvement in initiatives that foster social cohesion, empower underprivileged communities, or promote environmental and animal welfare can apply through our official website.
PHASE-FOUR: POST-APPLICATION
• Awaits Response: While awaiting admission decisions, maintain open communication with universities and be prepared to provide any additional information they may request.
• Accept Offer: Upon receiving an acceptance offer, carefully review the terms and conditions before confirming your decision to ensure it aligns with your academic and personal goals.
• Visa Application: Start the visa application process early to allow ample time for processing and to address any potential challenges that may arise along the way. Be thorough in preparing all required documents to facilitate a smooth application.
PHASE-FIVE: ACCOMMODATION & PRE-DEPARTURE
• Accommodation: Research and compare various accommodation options to find the best fit for your needs, considering factors such as location, amenities, and budget constraints. With a presence in 500+ cities around the world, University Living offers a multitude of safe options to suit the specific needs of each student.
• Health Check-up: Consult with healthcare professionals to address any medical concerns and ensure you are physically prepared for the demands of studying abroad.
• Financial Planning: Create a detailed budget outlining anticipated expenses for tuition, accommodation, meals, transportation, and other living costs, and explore potential sources of funding such as scholarships, grants, or part-time employment opportunities. It may be worth checking out our Cost-of-Living Calculator that helps you assess an average cost of living in a particular city. This is greatly helpful in planning your funds in tandem with the expectation.
• Pre-Departure Briefing: Take advantage of pre-departure workshops or webinars offered by your university or study abroad program to gain valuable insights into cultural norms, safety tips, and practical advice for navigating life in your host country.
PHASE-SIX: DEPARTURE & ARRIVAL
• Packing: Organize your belongings efficiently, prioritizing essential items such as travel documents, clothing suitable for your destination’s climate, and any necessary electronics or medications.
• Travel Arrangements: Research transportation options and secure your travel bookings well in advance to ensure smooth logistics for your journey abroad, considering factors such as flight schedules, layovers, and airport transfers. Do explore the various offers that you can avail as student travellers. Some of the prominent airlines including Emirates, Etihad that University Living collaborates with offer extra luggage support, priority check-ins, student discounts, etc. while booking through specific platforms. These ways one can save a lot while making travel arrangements to the destination.
PHASE-SEVEN: SETTING-IN
• Orientation: Participate in orientation programs organized by your university to acclimate to your new academic and social environment. Studying abroad is a transformative adventure.
By following these steps, a study abroad aspirant can not only succeed academically but also enjoy every moment of his journey. Keep an open mind, be proactive, and make the most of the opportunities that come their way. Refine but keep the format and tonality intact.