Going to university in a different country can be a daunting process - here are some tips from an international student to help you recharge after long-distance travel between home and school.
Jet lag
Jet lag is one of the hardest readjustments if you are coming from a time zone with several hours difference. When I arrive from Seattle, which is eight hours behind England, I like to nap for a few hours upon arrival. Then I force myself to stay up until the early morning hours after which I can usually fall asleep for the whole night.
If you find yourself off schedule, try slowly moving your bedtime closer to your goal each day. Eliminate caffeine in the afternoons or evenings and try taking melatonin at night to reset your circadian rhythm – be sure to consult with your doctor first before consuming any medication.
Set a routine
When you arrive back at university, lectures probably won’t have started. It is important to set your own routine, especially if you are jet-lagged so that you’re not tempted to sleep at odd hours.
This can be extremely helpful for anyone transitioning from life at home and the holiday break to the uni life. Making checklists and writing out hour-by-hour schedules are two great tools for resetting yourself. Just be sure to consciously make an effort and stick to these schedules.
To-dos
Being an international student sometimes means there are a few extra things you have to take care of. It will set you up for a seamless transition if you make sure finances and tuition payments are in order before you depart, to avoid any expensive long distance phone calls to the bank.
When you get back to your accommodation in England, check your mail for any bills or important letters sent over the break.
Also, double-check everything in your house like electricity, gas, and water to make sure they are working and safe. If you do have the facility, try to get your building staff to check them before you arrive so you’re not overburdened with travel fatigue and freezing cold water.
Have fun
One of the best and worst parts about being an international student is that you make great friends…who also happen to live thousands of miles away. Take advantage of the extra time you may have during the transition to catch up with your friends.
Spending time with them can help reintegrate you into your life at university and also your life in another country. Recently, my friends and I have enjoyed watching movies and going out to eat as ways to spend quality time together.
Edited by Michelle Almeida