Study Abroad – Tips Learned from Mistakes Made!

This blog is for those with children planning to study abroad in the UK. Hopefully these random tips will come in handy when you’re getting ready to send them off.

Study Abroad – Visas

Many people use agents to arrange all the paper work. Being a thrifty type, I like to think if you can read you can do anything yourself. This is not always the best decision! If it seems straightforward then by all means go for it. But if you don’t have the time, or acceptance is not always a given, then ask the experts.

Paying Extra for Priority and Express

Again, I like to think that if one has time one does not need to pay extra for fast track. This is absolutely the wrong thinking! Always pay extra and have the peace of mind when your application is approved in days rather than months!

Student Fare

Always get your travel agent (or yourself) to book student airfares. Not only will they get a discount but they will also get extra baggage allowance. This is most helpful in their first year when they have a ton of belongings to cart over. Students are usually all seated together too.

Amazon is your Friend

Try and order as much as you can online and have it delivered to their accommodations. This saves packing and trying to source items on arrival.

Study Abroad – 4 Must Buy Items

Vacuum and Wipes

Coming from Asia we take cleaning seriously! On moving in day we wiped down all surfaces and vacuumed carpets, curtains, bed and chairs! Buying a stick vacuum cleaner is really handy and doesn’t take up much space.

Mattress Topper

A mattress topper makes a huge difference to the comfort of one’s bed. For most students this is a must have item. It looks thin on delivery but expands to a decent level of comfort.

Hangers and Hooks

Student accommodation will probably not allow sticking items on walls or drilling holes. Over the door hooks are very useful for hanging towels, hats and other miscellaneous items. Space saving hangers are also useful.

Vitamins/Berocca/Panadol

For university students in preparation for Freshers Flu make sure they have a stash of over the counter medicines. Even if they don’t get sick in their first week they will inevitably catch something later.

Studying abroad is an exciting and wonderful experience. It also comes with challenges and unknowns. University education in the UK is fantastic and will be a most memorable time of their lives. If your children do choose the UK they should embrace all that is on offer.

Thank you for reading and best of luck!

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