Your official year abroad survival guide from University of Birmingham student experts

If, like me, you’ve just found out where you’re going next year and are anxiously wondering what being abroad will be like, don’t worry!

I’ve spoken to University of Birmingham students all over the world for their survival tips and advice to make the most of your year abroad, no matter where you’re going.

Admin, admin, admin!

After speaking to a student currently in the US, her biggest tip is to get on top of the admin. This can seem overwhelming, but taking it one step at a time and making sure you have things ready will make everything go more smoothly.

A student who recently went away for their semester abroad in Hungary also warned me that a late visa application can mean you have to fly out a few weeks late! Cut yourself the stress and look into it sooner rather than later so you can focus on having an amazing time whilst you’re away.

Try something new

Cerys in Australia says to really experience the culture in your host country, join a group that engages in activities that you’ve never tried before. For example, she joined Ultimate Frisbee! Not only is it fun, but you can meet new people and have something scheduled each week to look forward to.

Maybe see if your country plays a sport you haven’t before – if you’re going to the Netherlands, Korfball is really popular. Depending on the geography of your country, water sports might be popular and accessible, such as kayaking or jet skiing.

Get stuck in and get yourself out there, there’s no better time to find a new interest!

Do your research

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There’s loads to find out online about where you’re going. If you haven’t already done a deep dive on TikTok, have a look at people’s recommendations for wherever you are going.

You can find places to eat, shop, hike, club, and drink, but remember that figuring out the right accommodation for you, which campus you’re on, and how you can live within your budget are just as important! Research before you go and find out the fun stuff once you’re there.

Set yourself up well, and you’ll be able to maximise your experience.

Explore

Bethan, who’s in Wyoming right now, says the best bit of her year abroad has been the traveling. Depending on where you are, public transport can be pretty cheap, or you can group together with some other students and rent a campervan.

Bethan has made the most of being in the US and has so far been to Yellowstone National Park, Chicago, San Francisco, and Hawaii.

Use your holidays and weekends to see as much variety as possible, and remember Selly Oak will always be here for you when you miss the homely sight of overfilled bins and potholes!

Stay in touch

With so many new things to do and people to meet, time goes fast. Staying close with friends can really help in the lonelier moments. Schedule a FaceTime with your friends or family so you know when you’re going to catch up with people. Or perhaps you could make a BeReal group or shared story to send a daily picture to your friends so you can all keep up with what each other are doing.

Knowing the next time you’ll see a friendly face, either in person or online, can really keep you going and keep your friends who are in Brum doing their final year going! (Maybe order them a Domino’s while they’re doing their dissertation).

Immerse yourself in a different culture!

The overarching message I found from students currently abroad is that you have to be open to new things.

Learning key cultural differences is important to keep yourself friendly with locals, and keeping yourself safe and comfortable is important, but culture shocks can be a good thing – new food, new friends, new traditions.

Lucy, who is currently in Utrecht, says that the point of being somewhere abroad is to expand your horizons and that doing something new around people who don’t know you can be as freeing as it can be scary. Get out of your comfort zone, and you’ll find that you’re capable of so much.

Follow this guide and you’ll thrive while you’re away!