Hi everyone! I’m Shivansh, and I recently made the jump to study abroad. Here’s my personal take on the “university abroad” journey — from choosing the best universities abroad to living the full study abroad experience, with all the surprises in-between.
Why this article exists
Before I applied to a university abroad, I read all the “Top 10 tips to study abroad” type blogs. I looked into rankings of best universities abroad, checked cost of living charts, and asked seniors for advice. But what I didn’t find was a real, personal take on the unexpected things — the ones you won’t find in brochures or flashy university abroad campaign videos.
If you’re thinking of choosing a university abroad and want to get the most out of the study abroad experience, this article is for you. I’ll share what I learned (sometimes the hard way) so you can feel more prepared and confident.
1. The “best universities abroad” label isn’t everything
On paper it looked perfect: a university with top ranking abroad, great reputation, beautiful campus photos. I thought if I pick one of the best universities abroad then I’m automatically set. But here’s the truth: fit matters more than ranking. The teaching style might differ (more self-study, less guided), cultural norms may surprise you, living costs and local lifestyle will impact your study abroad experience immensely.
At home I was used to frequent guided lectures and constant check-ins. Abroad I discovered I had to push myself in a new way. What looked “ideal” in the brochure turned into “will this fit me?” in real life.
2. The study abroad experience = more than just classes & campus
Yes, you go to a university abroad and you’ll attend classes, meet new people, explore new country. But the real study abroad experience includes all the tiny non-academic things: figuring out public transport in a foreign city, opening a local bank account, dealing with visa/residence registration, adjusting to food, climate, even laundry routines.
I didn’t expect how much of my time would go into simply adapting. For example, figuring out how to top up my phone plan, find a good grocery store, deal with cold weather (coming from India), shop for local SIM cards. These things don’t get enough attention in typical “university abroad” checklists.
For practical guidance, refer to this external guide on study abroad tips: Study Abroad Tips Guide.
3. The cost shock: tuition is just the start
When I budgeted for a university abroad, I looked at tuition and perhaps accommodation. But I didn’t account for utilities (especially winter heating), groceries at foreign prices, travel for weekend trips, health insurance, currency fluctuations. Everything added up.
| Expense type | What I expected | What actually happened |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | As per offer letter | OK |
| Accommodation + Utilities | Fixed cost | Heating bills in winter much higher than expected |
| Food & Groceries | Moderate budget | Shopping local brand helped—but eating out frequently cost more |
| Transport & Travel | City pass assumed | Trips to neighbouring cities added more |
| Unexpected extras | Little buffer | Visa renewals, bank fees, replacements etc. |
One student budget guide says that budgeting for life overseas is among top priorities. See student stories here: Top Tips for International Students. My advice: build a buffer of at least 15-20% beyond your initial estimate.
4. Culture shock & homesickness hit later than you’d expect
When I arrived, I was excited. I made friends, travelled, everything felt new. But about 2-3 months in I hit the slump. The novelty faded, routine set in, and I started missing home—my family, familiar food, conversations in my own language. It’s not just “first week” adjustment; the emotional dip can come later.
Also, the teaching/learning culture abroad conflicted with what I was used to. I found myself wondering: “Why am I not engaging like at home?” or “Why are assignments so different?” The mismatch added to the emotional load.
Managing mental health is crucial. For ideas, see: Tips to Maintain Mental Health Study Abroad.
5. Support services vary—don’t assume they’re the same as home
Your target university abroad may market global support for international students. But when you arrive you might find support staff overloaded, limited mentoring, few local language sessions, or even no peer-buddy for you.
Here are questions I wish I’d asked before choosing:
- How many international student advisors are there?
- Is there a peer-buddy scheme (local student + international student)?
- What is the counselling or mental-health service like for non-locals?
- How active are the international student clubs or associations?
These support factors affected my day-to-day experience almost as much as the academic side.
6. You’ll need to be more independent (way more) than you think
Back home I always had someone to ask when I got confused—parents, older siblings, seniors, mentors. Abroad, many things fall on you: selecting modules, sorting accommodation issues, laundry, cooking, travel planning, socialising. It’s like a next-level “adulting” even though you’re still a student.
That’s the good part: you’ll grow a lot in a short time. The challenge: it can feel exhausting. My tip: keep a simple “check-list app” of all tasks you must complete (bank, SIM card, registration, local transport card) so you aren’t scrambling.
7. Travel temptation vs staying grounded in academics
One of the reasons many of us pick a university abroad is the travel, exploring new places, making memories. That’s awesome and you should absolutely do it. But if you swing too far into “tourist mode”, you might slide in your academics.
I had a couple of weeks where I prioritized sightseeing and ended up stressed for deadlines. My takeaway: allocate “explore time” and “study time” consciously. Keep a schedule, treat your study abroad experience like both adventure and education.
A good student-planner saved me: I designated weekends for mini-trips and weekdays for focus blocks on assignments.
8. Networking abroad matters—but in a different way
At home you might rely on existing networks—friends from school, college, family friends, seniors. Abroad, you begin with a fresh slate. That is both scary and exciting. You can build a global network: classmates from 10+ countries, professors who’ve published internationally, local industry contacts.
I joined a student club at my international university, attended global student mixers, made friends from 6 different countries and one local mentor. One of those contacts helped me land an internship later this year. So yes—it matters a lot.
When you’re choosing a university abroad, check how active the international student community is, how many alumni from India/your country are there, how accessible professors are outside class. These networks will multiply the value of your study abroad experience.
9. Grades abroad may behave differently—expect surprises
I assumed that grades at the university abroad would follow exactly the same pattern: mid-term exam, final exam, maybe project. But there were surprises: peer-reviewed projects, participation counted significantly, group work in unfamiliar group dynamics, different grading curves. I had to adapt fast.
One thing I learned: in some of the best universities abroad, many professors expect you to be a self-starter—you’ll get little hand-holding. They expect you to explore extra reading, show initiative, contribute in class. That impacts your grades a lot.
10. The emotional “after” effect—what happens when you come back
People focus so much on the “study abroad” period, but what about the return? When you finish your time at a university abroad and come home, you’ll realise things have changed: you’ve changed. Your perspectives are broader. Home may feel different. Some friends may not “get” your experience. You might feel a bit disconnected.
For me: returning after 8 months abroad felt like stepping into a very similar yet subtly changed world. I had memories, global perspectives, friendships across continents—but I also needed to integrate those into my “normal life” back home.
The good bit: you now have a richer story, independence, new skills, global friends. The tricky bit: don’t treat your return as the “end of fun” but as the beginning of a new phase. Use what you’ve learned. Keep those connections alive. Apply your new mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which are the best universities abroad for Indian students?
The “best universities abroad” depend a lot on your subject, budget, preferred country, language, and visa policies. Instead of chasing only ranking, dig into fit: teaching style, support for international students, cost of living, how multicultural the student body is. Use ranking lists only as a starting point.
How do I prepare for studying abroad from India?
Start early: research universities abroad, check eligibility, visa rules, language requirements, cost of living. Build your checklist: passport, visa, admission, finances, accommodation, health insurance. Plan for “life adjustments” not just academics. For more practical tips visit: Study Abroad Tips Guide.
What mistakes should I avoid when picking a university abroad?
Common mistakes: selecting purely by ranking and ignoring fit; under-budgeting for living costs; ignoring culture shock; not checking support services; assuming lifestyle abroad will mirror home country; neglecting visa/residence rules. My personal list above covers many of these with experience.
How can I make the most of my study abroad experience?
Be proactive: join student clubs, travel locally but stay balanced with academics; build your network; document your journey; budget wisely; keep an open mind; treat your time abroad as a full life chapter, not just classes.
Will studying abroad guarantee a better career?
No, it doesn’t guarantee a better career automatically. Studying abroad at a university abroad *can* give you global exposure, independence, cross-cultural experience and network—but you still need to apply these skills, build real competencies, and connect your experience to your future goals. Think of it as a strong tool, not a guarantee.
My Personal Takeaways & Advice
Here are a few extra thoughts from my own journey:
- Be honest with yourself: Ask: Am I ready for being far from home? Do I truly like new cultures? Am I okay when things go wrong?
- Do your homework: Use alumni and current international students of the universities you’re considering. Ask pointed questions: “How are winters?”, “How is the local job/internship scene for internationals?”, “How multicultural is this campus?”
- Keep a buffer mindset: Things will go wrong. That’s okay. What matters is how you respond.
- Document your story: I kept a simple journal and photos of my days abroad. Later this became part of my narrative in job interviews.
- After you return: Don’t treat that as the end of everything. Use your experience to grow—maybe you’re more confident, you have global friends, maybe you speak a little of another language—make that count.
Internal Links – Related Posts
- How to Apply for a Student Visa – Step by Step
- Budgeting for Study Abroad: Realistic Costs & Tips
- How to Pick the Right University Abroad: My Framework
- Culture Shock & How to Adapt to Life Abroad
Video – My Study Abroad Journey in One Minute
Check out this video I found helpful before and during my study abroad experience:
(Source: YouTube video “What I wish I knew before my first year studying abroad” by İclal.)
Final Word
If you’re choosing a university abroad or about to embark on your study abroad experience, first of all—congrats. You’re making a big jump and that’s awesome. Just go in with your eyes open. The “best universities abroad” label is nice, but fit + preparation + mindset matter just as much.
Your study abroad experience will be a chapter you remember forever — not just for the classes you took, but for the growth you underwent. I hope my story helps you avoid some of the things I discovered the hard way.
Good luck with your decision, and if you ever want to chat about life abroad—feel free to reach out. Study smart, travel curious, live fully.
— Shivansh