With the increasing frequency of international exchanges, more and more students choose to study abroad. For new students and international first-year students who have just arrived in an unfamiliar environment, how to adapt to the new environment and successfully complete their studies is an important and challenging event.
It is worth mentioning that many international first-year students are not prepared in advance, resulting in a rush when facing problems, and even a lot of mistakes. This will not only interfere with the pace of study and life of international first-year students, but also make them feel bad.
As the saying goes, "Don't forget the past, the teacher of the future." In fact, international first-year students can learn from the mistakes of previous students to avoid similar mistakes themselves. N mistakes that international first-year students must avoid are mentioned below, and it is highly recommended to collect!
Mistakes in life should be avoided as much as possible
For international first-year students, it is easier to make a lot of mistakes because of their lack of experience. Let's start with the example of life's mistakes and see how you can avoid them.
Many students do not book their flights immediately after the overseas university publishes the information of the orientation date, but instead thinks that they can go later, which is not advisable. This is because overseas universities often hold orientation events a few days before the official start of the semester, which is designed to help new students socialize and familiarize themselves with their surroundings.
It is important to get in touch with the International Student Office and to familiarize yourself with the campus and its surroundings. Therefore, international Year One students should book their flights as soon as they receive the information so as not to miss out on orientation.
Not being in touch with other students before arrival was also a mistake. Overseas universities often organize social media campaigns to connect students with other freshmen in their class, current students, etc., before orientation. It's worth noting that this is a great opportunity to meet potential roommates and get acquainted with faces, and freshmen shouldn't miss it.
Forgetting to call home on arrival is also a common mistake. International Year One students may be so excited about starting their new life that they forget to contact home. But families need to know that their child arrives safe and sound, so be sure to call to report safety.
Not exchanging cash, again, was a mistake. It is advisable to exchange local currency in advance and obtain an international credit card. And by using credit cards normally, students are able to build their credit scores.
Academic and activity mistakes should be avoided
Mistakes, big and small, can run through the entire study abroad process. However, mistakes in academics and activities are important for international first-year students to avoid at the beginning.
Missing a course registration is a very big mistake. Because many courses in overseas universities follow the principle of "first come, first served" when selecting courses, excellent courses are easy to be selected quickly. Missing out on a course enrollment can result in a student losing the course they need or want.
The most important thing an international Year One student should do is to take a variety of courses in different majors in their first year. Because there is a great possibility that you will find a discipline that suits you, a major direction, or even excellent professors, etc., to motivate yourself to develop in a new direction. It is important to take advantage of the university's course selection and actively explore before deciding on your final major.
Of course, buying a book from a school bookstore is also a big mistake – because the price will be expensive. Students can shop around online sites for new books, as well as buy or rent second-hand books. Even borrowing textbooks through the school's library is one way to do it. Either way, it's important to check the ISBN so you don't buy the wrong version.
It is not advisable to participate in too many or too few activities. Insufficient participation in activities can get in the way of getting the full international student experience, but it's also advisable not to go overboard. The best way to do this is to balance school-related activities so as not to interfere with your energy and time.
It's also important to note that international Year One students don't just take advice from their peers. Students may receive misinformation from their peers about important aspects such as maintaining their visa status, studying, and living. It is important to know that the school's international student office is the best resource for all the problems that international students may have.
Write at the end:
For international first-year students, knowing more about the mistakes ahead of time and being prepared can make a real difference. In order to make the study abroad journey more colorful, initiatives like this are crucial.