How to Move to a New Country: 6 Steps to Get Ready for Your Life Abroad
So, you’ve decided to study overseas and you’ve been accepted into the course of your choice. Congratulations! While the process of moving to a new country can be a little overwhelming, it’s also the start of an exciting new chapter. To help make the move a little easier, we’ve put together this helpful list of steps to get you ready for your life abroad. No matter where you plan to study, this moving-to-a-new-country checklist will guide you through the process.
1. Obtain your visa
It’s important to make sure you choose the right visa for your situation, meet all the relevant requirements and apply for the visa well before you plan to move. Remember: before you can apply for your visa, you must have been offered a place in your course.
The most common international student visas are:
Australian Student (subclass 500) visa
UK student visa
Some requirements of these visas include health insurance that is valid in the country you’re travelling to and/or specific English language requirements. Do your research into the requirements for both Australia and the UK to ensure you meet them.
2. Check entry requirements
It’s very important you’re up to date with all the entry requirements for your chosen country, such as what you can and can’t take into the country. Some of these items might include food and spices, large amounts of cash or anything that could be considered a weapon.
If you plan to study in Australia, you can find information about entering Australia on the Department of Home Affairs website. On the other hand, if you plan to study in the UK, visit the GOV.UK website for extra guidance.
3. Improve your English
If you’re planning to study in the UK or Australia, you’ll know that English is the primary language. For this reason, English proficiency testing - such as the tests offered by PTE - may even be a requirement of your visa. So, it’s essential to make sure you’re comfortable understanding, reading, writing and speaking it.
Even if you’ve studied English before, it’s a great idea to start improving your English and cultural skills before you arrive in your new country. There are many resources to improve your English skills available online, so get started today!
4. Book your flights
The best airline to book your flight with will depend on where you are flying from. Skyscanner, Kayak, Cheapflights and Kiwi.com are great sites for comparing different flights and organising extras, such as travel insurance or connecting transport.
Make sure you familiarise yourself with the requirements of your airline and the airport you are departing from, including baggage allowances and check-in requirements.
5. Organise your accommodation
A key part of moving to a new country is organising where you will live once you get there. For students, there are three main types of accommodation in countries like Australia and the UK:
1. Private accommodation (or private rental) - This is typically the most affordable accommodation option and offers freedom and independence.
2. On-campus student housing - On-campus accommodation is great for meeting fellow students and building a community. Although it can be pricey, the cost usually includes all your bills, Wi-Fi and maybe even extras like gym access.
3. Homestays - Finally, homestays are when you live with a local family in their home. These arrangements are usually less expensive than on-campus accommodation. It’s also a wonderful way to get familiar with the culture of where you’re living.
Some key things to consider when choosing accommodation are your budget, any specific needs you have, and the location (i.e. how far it is from your education provider and local facilities).
Check out Study Australia and England.edu for useful guides on student
accommodation in Australia and the UK.
6. Pack your bags
Before you take out your suitcase, check your flight baggage limits and keep them in mind as you pack. If you go over these limits, you’ll need to pay for extra baggage at the airport, which can be very expensive.
Next, work out the essential things to take with you, including all official documentation (e.g. passport, visa, health insurance), medication, personal
electronic devices and international power adaptors. You should also have some cash in the currency of the country you’re travelling to.
To avoid overpacking, remember that you can buy most things when you arrive, including items like stationery, clothing and household items. Pack light and only bring what you really need from home.
Author: Sarah Pearce
