Essential Guide To Packing Right For Your Study Abroad

If you plan on moving into a new country for higher education for a period longer than 4 months, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the myriad of things you feel you must bring along with you. If you ask your education consultants in Ahmadabad, you will be able to get some very comprehensive lists of all the things you must carry and items you will be able to easily replenish or buy in your university town. Here are a few tips to consider when packing as a student –

·         What is the Weather Like?

When making your packing list, have a clear understanding of what kind of climate you are moving into. If you are moving to Australia or New Zealand for further studies, understand that the climate there is exactly the opposite from most of the world. For instance, during December you will be in the middle of summer, while the months of May to September tend to be cooler. On the other hand, if you are moving to a country up north like Canada or Ireland, be prepared for extreme winters. Always carry enough clothes to layer up when it’s cold outside. Many cities even during the summer or spring months may be cool enough to make you want to wear a light jacket.

·         The Culture of the Place you are Moving into

It is also important that you take into account the overall culture of the city or country that you are moving into. For instance, students moving to Dubai or other cities in the Middle East are strongly recommended against carrying their short skirts and halter tops which they may not find much use of in relatively conservative environments.

·         Avoid Over Packing

Over enthusiastic parents and apprehensive students tend to carry along even the most minute of necessities when moving abroad. You need to realize that not only will this prove to be an expensive affair to transport, since your airline is likely to charge you a bomb for all the extra weight you carry but you will be able to easily shop in your city upon arrival and even save money on the basic items. Only pack with you what you absolutely need.

·         Your Toiletries

Unless they are items that you will not be able to find in your new city, it is recommended that you leave all your toiletries at home. Carry travel sized bottles of shower gel, shampoo, contact lens solution and other such items for immediate use when you land. But eventually you will be able to find better deals on everyday items at a nearby grocery store.

Finally, before you start your packing, get in touch with the landlord or building manager to understand what kind of things you will be provided for in your new apartment or dorm. Do you need to carry your own towels, pillows and sheets? Do they provide an iron with an iron board? All these items can take up a significant amount of space and is best to source from your new city. 

How To Finance Your MBA Abroad

Taking into account how expensive higher education can get, especially when you want to pursue it abroad, it is important that you plan your future well. In addition to researching the best options you have at hand you also want to do a basic study of how much it will cost you to live the city you want to move to. 

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Here are a few key things that MBA admission consultants Bangalore recommend that you take into account when planning your finances –

·         Start Saving Early On

Choosing to pursue higher education abroad isn’t a decision one takes over night. This means that it is something you should start preparing for at least one or two years in advance. Especially if you are pursuing an Executive MBA or any such course that requires significant work experience, you have the freedom to start saving small amounts every month that can eventually help you cover your expenses when you move to study abroad.

·         Saving in the Local Currency

Once you start applying for programs in a specific country, you could also start saving money in the currency of the country you intend to move into. This will help you protect yourself from drastic fluctuations of exchange rates. Furthermore, the more solid your saving plan, the better will be your demonstrated ability to manage your monies. All of this will influence your chances of obtaining an education loan or scholarship.

·         Do all the Research

Find out if all or any part of your expenses towards your international education is tax deductible in any way. Find out if there are any viable loan options that help you get through your initial years. Speak to current students and alumni from your city to understand the approaches they took to finance their education abroad.

·         Scholarships

Your MBA admission consultants in Bangalore will be able to help you apply to a variety of international, national and private scholarship programs that offer full or partial support for students willing to study abroad. If you are able to showcase your dedication towards your academic endeavour and highlight a justified reason for applying or a scholarship, chances are that you will be able to acquire significant financial aid for your studies.

·         Support from your Employers

Many companies, especially larger MNC’s and the likes run programs for their middle and senior level managers who intend to pursue a post graduate degree abroad. However, most companies expect you to sign an agreement that you will come back to the firm and work with them for a specific number of years. Such aid can cover a significant cost and is easier to acquire if the course you are pursuing is relevant to your current and future job profile.

When budgeting for your education abroad, also account the cost of living over and above your tuition fees. Your expenses towards your rent and other everyday things can run really high especially in western countries. Do some basic research to arrive at a realistic budget and assess if the move abroad will truly bring you the wanted ROI in the future. 

Budgeting Your Everyday Expenses and Other Key Things to Know when Studying in London

Studying abroad can prove to be an extremely beneficial endeavour that has a favourable impact on your overall resume and your potential future income. Especially if you are planning to study in a global financial hub such as London, you are able to develop an entire new set of soft skills that your potential employers are looking for. UK Education Consultants often find that students come back with a whole set of key skills in creative thinking, problem solving and a new kind of open mindedness.

Some Fun Facts about Study Opportunities in London

·         Out of the top 30 colleges in the UK rated on the basis of value determined by comparing the cost of education to the average salary, 13 universities belong in London.

·         Studying in the city is a great way to optimize opportunities of interacting with people from different cultures. With over 100,000 new international students arriving into the city every year, you have a chance to interact with people from around the world.

·         A student visa allows you to work for as much as 20 hours every week where you can earn about 8 pounds an hour.

Budgeting your Day-to-Day Expenses as a Student in London

With so many museums to explore, places to see and things to do, you want to make sure that your stay in London isn’t only about obtaining your degree. However, living in London can get quite expensive if you do not plan and prioritize your outgoings. Here are a few basic expenses that you may want to consider –

·         Cell Phones

If you are living on a budget, you can find a pay-as-you-go cell phone that can be used just for texting and phone calls, without a camera or an internet connection for about 20 pounds. These phones come with a few credit minutes free every month. Just like India, you do not have to pay to receive calls in the UK. The ideal thing to do is to bring the phone you used back home along with you and purchase a prepaid SIM.

·         Dining Out

An average dinner at a mid-ranged restaurant will cost you about 20 pounds per person including appetizers and drinks. If you are okay with eating early, many restaurants in the West End offer pre-theatre specials for cheap. You can save more money by looking for promo codes online and planning to go meals accordingly. Sign up for newsletters from your favourite joints and enjoy the deals that come your way.

·         Other Entertainment

Most student pubs around your university will serve a pint of beer or a glass of wine for about 4 pounds. While tickets for the big club football games can get difficult to get, you can get your local football experience for the relatively smaller games at the Wembley Stadium for about 20 pound each.

For local transportation, it is best to get yourself an Oyster card that will save you significant money on your underground and bus fares.