Attending a university abroad is an exciting prospect. Opportunities abound for students who wish to create a career path and experience life on their own. It can be one of the best experiences of your life, but it can be one of the most stressful, too. It is common for new university students to feel overwhelmed and fearful of failure, but the following tips can help you navigate the waters and succeed in a university.
1. Listen to your academic advisor.
Most universities have academic advisors to help students schedule classes and plan an academic program. They know the ins and outs of the programs and can offer valuable advice for success.
2.Plan your time wisely.
College life is a full-time job in itself. There are classes to attend, assignments to complete, exams to take, social activities and possible part-time jobs. It can be difficult fitting it all in. Time management is important for a successful experience at a university.
3. Surround yourself with positive, motivated people who help you succeed.
Join study groups to help prepare for exams. Take detailed notes during class and share them with others to be sure you understand the material. It is difficult studying in another language, so the more you communicate with others, the better you will be at understanding the language.
Don’t wait for an invitation or for people to come to you. Introduce yourself to your fellow classmates and join campus activities.
4. Attend all lectures.
Your classes are there for a reason. Even if the material is covered online or in a textbook, the lecture itself ties all the information together and gives you a better understanding of the material. Missing lectures can leave you misinformed and cause you to fall behind.
5. Get to know your instructors and ask questions.
Most instructors have office hours that allow students to come in for one-on-one time. Take advantage of this time to get to know your professors and ask questions if you need help. The instructors make themselves available to you, but if you don’t take it, you may find yourself struggling to keep up.
6. Fear of failure is common and normal.
Most new university students begin their first year with a fear of failure, and being an international student in a new land may make those feelings more pronounced. Don’t panic and keep in mind that chances are, you will excel in your new surroundings and failure will be a distant memory before long. Believe in yourself!
7. Get involved in campus life.
Studies show that international students who participate in academic, personal and social activities in college do better academically. Don’t wait for an invitation or for people to come to you. Introduce yourself to your fellow classmates and join campus activities. Before long, you will have a full, successful life at the university.
