The first week of college, for international students studying abroad,can be overwhelming. Not only is it a new environment on campus, but an entirely new country, culture and people. That is why planning your very first days on campus is imperative. With these 10 simple ‘must do in your first week’ things youwillglide throughcollege smoothly and blend perfectly into student life in Australia.
1. PLAN YOUR FINANCESWELL
It’s of utmost importance to plan your financesin your very first week at college. Get a sense of usual expenses and start planning from day one. Maintain a savings account. Keep a lookout for student discounts, dealsand affordable eateries.
2.MAKE THE MOST OF ORIENTATION
Your orientation is your first and fastest chance of getting into the campus groove.It gives international students the maximum time to get familiarized with campus life as well as life in Australia as a student. From course preps, staff support and resources to enrolling to classes, obtaining ID card, etc.is covered in this highly benefi cial program.
3.STEP OUT TO EXPLORE
Spend time exploring the campusand surrounding areas, popular eateries, markets,college convenience storeandhangout spots as these are the places you will spend most of your time in.
4.MAKE A HOMEY DORM ROOM
Now this is an important one to keep both your emotionaland spiritual quotientshigh!Bring those few special things from home that would give your dorm room a homey, comfortable and cosy vibe. Keep those precious belongings somewhere in plain sight so you can feel at home whenever you’re in theroom.
5.FIGURE OUT THE LITTLE THINGS
Your first week of college is the time to be out and about to get those little things sorted that save you large amounts of time. Finding the closest convenience store,checkingforstudent discounts, laundry roomsystem, post system, library, pharmacy, etc.will take care of your basic necessities.
6.GET TO KNOW THE COUNTRY
There’s nothing like falling in love with the country you’re studying in and Australia makes that extremely easy! Try new things and visit new places. Find what interests you the most and explore it with your new friends!
7.GET THE REQUIRED TECH SUPPORT
A less interesting but rather important aspect is to get all your tech needs sorted right away. Check the configurationson your laptop,get your email idsetup, install necessary software like Office, shared folders, etc. Get cloudaccess if requiredand install phone apps if needed like campus chat and messaging apps,file sharing apps,etc.
8.KNOW YOUR TRANSPORT
Unless you have the luxury of being chauffeuredaround town, you must explore the local transport options in your first weekat college. Australia’s highly developed infrastructure makes it easy to find various modes of transport frombuses, trains to ferries.Again, don’t forget to explore student concession on fares.
9.LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR!
Dorm friendships last a lifetime and it starts right on your first day at Uni.Get friendly not just with your designated roommate but also your neighbours. Drop into their rooms to say hello and leave your door open (while you’re in the room ofcourse!) as a sign of welcoming anyone who might like to meet and greet you.
10.ESTABLISH CONNECT WITH YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Your Academic Advisor is to you what Obi Wan was to Luke Skywalker!Discuss your interests, classes, majorand other aspects with your AA. From financial aid options to course booksand study material, seek your AA’s advice on anything related to your time at the university
Author
Anupama Kumar is a content writer based in Bangalore, India. She writes blogs, stories, articles and social media content and has a passion for helping people and connecting with them through her writing. A professional writer by day and a creative one by night, her own stories, musings, quotes and poems inspired by her travels are also published on various platforms.
Source by: The Education Post Lifestyle