How to Prepare for Study Abroad First Semester?

Studying abroad comes with great risks and rewards. The opportunities that you receive at a young age are vast and enriching, preparing you for a diverse personal, academic and professional life. In your first semester at a foreign college or university, you will gain exposure to cultures and ways of thinking that will prepare you as a multifaceted individual for your professional career abroad.

You will get the scope to manage your life on your terms by being responsible for attending classes, organising your routine without the supervision of parents and taking charge of your own life. This process makes you mature in the first semester of university.

The top universities abroad have a high-quality learning environment which will be different from the education ecosystem of your country. Hence, it is essential for you to be open-minded to embrace a bunch of new experiences, a whole new international community to be friends with and a course to study for which you have spent a huge sum of money. Let us be your torch bearer through what you should expect in the first semester of your university education.

Our study abroad experts have helped students understand the education system in major study abroad countries. 

When Does the First Semester Begin at Universities Abroad?

The first semester at universities abroad begins depending on the intake season. In India, you will find only one intake season but in foreign universities, you will find multiple intakes to choose from. In this way, you can save a year even if you miss one intake. Let us know first the common intakes and their beginnings in popular study abroad destinations:

What to Expect in the First Few Weeks at the University Abroad?

The initial, as well as the subsequent days at the university, will divide you between impeccable university grades and making unforgettable memories with your new friends. To comfort you, we must say that you can have both.

The first few weeks at the university will be exciting as well as hectic. You will have to settle in and find your way around the campus and life in general. You will have to undergo lots of paperwork and formalities to get started with your university days. Here are some of the common things to expect during your first few weeks at the university abroad:

• Once you reach the university, you will receive your term dates along with a schedule for the orientation activities conducted by your college or department. There will be pre-sessional courses, events for freshers, teaching and class tests. 

• You will be given an online access guide to move across the university. Explore the campus as well as the city and know where to find your essentials. In the freshers’ week, orientation activities will happen for new students. They generally include Freshers’ fair, registrations to various clubs, counselling services and student support services, tours and other social events.

• Universities caution new students against being duped by scammers during the first few weeks at the university. You should not provide any money or personal information to anyone. You can seek help from your department or university.

• There will be health care and welfare services in the universities to take care of your health. There are counselling centres to help you to manage the transitions and expectations related to starting university. You can also check out our article on mental health tips for international students studying abroad.

• There are innumerable clubs in the universities where you can join, it may be the drama club, football association or your country’s student organisation. Sign up during your freshers. 

• Get your university card after your university registration process is complete. Through your university identity card, you can access facilities and services like libraries, language centres, computer services, etc. You can use it as a payment card if your college allows it.

• Your university can arrange for a matriculation ceremony to mark your formal admission to the university. Attendance at such events is compulsory.

• The biggest challenge is to learn how to manage your time for the course. Different courses will have different patterns of work. You will have to figure out a balance between classroom studies and personal study. You will be provided with reading lists and assignments to complete on time once the classes get started.

Essential Skills for College Students in First Semester Abroad

Succeeding in college or university does not essentially mean listening to lectures, taking notes and getting good grades. As a freshman living outside your comfort zone, your personal responsibilities will increase, and you will find difficulty in managing your chores and dividing your time.  

There will be a greater need to multitask and balance new opportunities and challenges. You will have to excel both inside and outside the classroom and possessing certain skills will help you do so. Here are some essential skills to master:

Time Management Skills

You should be able to manage your time well. You can do so by making a schedule on a daily, weekly and monthly basis to adjust classes, study, cook, shop and spend time with friends. Use the library often during your college hours so that you can utilise the spare time between classes. You will have to learn self-management techniques.

Stress Management Skills 

There will be several stressors in your way. You have to deal with them with proper nutrition, exercises, meditation and other self-care techniques. Reach out to your close ones if you need.

Money Management Skills

Studying abroad entails high expenditure and therefore efficiently managing money can help you in the long run. You should try to curtail unnecessary costs and expenditures and keep a track of your expenses. Learn to use an ATM, chequebooks and other money management skills.

Assertive Skills 

You should be assertive and know how to make your voice heard. You should speak up in case of discomfort. This will ensure better experiences, help in communication and avoid conflicts. So, practice and maintain healthy boundaries.

Collaboration Skills

You will be given a lot of group work in college which you need to complete with the aid of your peers. Therefore, you will have to learn to work in a group or team. You should support others and do your portion of the tasks diligently.

How to Get Good College GPA in the First Semester of Study Abroad?

The Grade Point Average or GPA is an important part of your study abroad as you have higher stakes like huge expenses and scholarships. You cannot afford to score a low GPA as it can affect your goals. If you ask what is a good GPA for college, we will recommend you to get at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 to be eligible to pursue higher education and get a good job. Also, in case you are applying for a Master’s abroad, GPA vs GRE score might turn out to be a cause for concern. 

At first, you should develop a mindset to work hard and spend your limited study time in an effective way. You will have to be focused from the very first semester and keep your motivation high. Here are a few tips to get a good college GPA in the first semester of study abroad and also in subsequent semesters:

• Adapt a mindset to grow. You should learn to use your experience and failures to start again.

• Attend classes regularly to know what is being taught. Get your doubts cleared by professors and your peers.

• Make a timetable for study. Plan your schedule ahead of time. Do your assignments early so that you do not have a deadline pouncing on you.

• Make friends with students who are studious. You can group study with them and grow by sharing knowledge.

• Attend lectures, seminars and other workshops. This will help you to gather knowledge outside the classroom and help you to utilise them during your assignments or writing exams.

A university abroad is the first place where you are given a wide spectrum of choices but you will soon realise that prioritising one may make you miss the others. On the other hand, it may also teach you how to choose your priorities. Stay strong and utilise every opportunity that knocks your step but also calculative during the first semester as this is the time to learn and unlearn several things.

Wish to know more about the experiences of the first year at university abroad? Send in your queries at abroad@collegedekho.com.