How to Adjust to a New Country: A Student Survival Guide

New backpack. Fresh passport stamps. Excitement bubbling over. You’re ready to start your uni life abroad… but wait! How do you actually settle in?

How to adjust to a new country might be your biggest concern when considering an international move.

Whether you’re here to study in London, Nottingham, Sheffield, or a tiny town with the world’s best bakery, this is your step-by-step roadmap to not just adjusting but thriving.

1. Prep Like a Pro (Before You Even Board That Plane)

The secret sauce to settling in? Preparation with a dash of curiosity.

Yes, do your research on weather, public transport, the currency, and how buses actually work (fun fact: in some places, you have to press the stop button or the driver just… keeps going). That first bus ride? A rite of passage.

Watch YouTube vlogs made by international students who’ve already been where you’re going. Their awkward, hilarious, and helpful stories are gold. Bonus points if you binge-watch with snacks.

2. Culture = Connection

Every country has its own little quirks like slang that makes no sense until you’ve heard it in a pub, or unspoken rules about how close is too close in a queue.

Embracing the culture is not about being perfect. It’s about being curious.

Try this:

• Follow local meme pages.
• Watch a local sitcom or listen to their top Spotify playlist.
• Learn five common slang words (you’ll make someone’s day using them!).

And remember, you’re not just learning the culture – you’re becoming part of it.

3. Never Skip Orientation Week

We repeat: DO NOT SKIP ORIENTATION!

It’s basically your cheat code to student life. You’ll meet people, understand how the uni works, and find out where to get free food. It’s also the place where lifelong friendships are born (trust us, we’ve seen it happen).

Pro tip: Say yes to the awkward icebreakers. They’re awkward for everyone, and that’s exactly what makes them bonding gold.

4. Money Talk: Get Savvy with Your Student Budget

Sure, “broke uni student” memes are funny, but stressing about money isn’t. This is your moment to take control—no finance degree required.

Quick wins:

• Use budgeting apps (like Emma, Monzo, or YNAB).
• Find part-time job opportunities through your uni careers portal.
• Split costs with new friends (movie nights > expensive nights out!).
• Want a full breakdown? Check out: Budgeting Tips for Students.

5. Don’t Forget Your Health (Mental + Physical!)

New country, new food, new climate which means your body and brain are going through a lot. It’s easy to let self-care slide when you’re busy adjusting but looking after yourself makes everything else easier.

What helps:

• Join a group yoga or meditation class (social + soothing = win-win).
• Get familiar with your local healthcare system.
• Keep comfort snacks from home on hand for those “I miss my mum” days.

6. Say Yes to Clubs, Societies, and Taster Events

Joining a club is basically like speed-dating for friendships. Whether it’s salsa dancing, debating, anime, or even underwater basket weaving (yes, it exists), there’s a place for you.

At the start of term, unis run “taster” weeks – no pressure, just try stuff out. You’ll not only explore new interests but meet students just as eager to make friends as you.

7. Play Tourist in Your New Town

Don’t just stick to the campus bubble. Make it your mission to explore!

Plan weekend trips with your new mates. Snap photos at local landmarks. Get lost on purpose (with Google Maps as your safety net). The more you see, the more this new country will feel like home.

8. Keep the Home Vibes Close

Feeling homesick is totally normal. Some days, you’ll want to hop on the next flight home, and that’s okay. What helps is staying connected with your roots.

Schedule weekly calls with family. Share updates with friends back home. And if your family’s up for it, teach them how to use WhatsApp or Zoom (yes, even Grandma).

We hope you found this blog on how to adjust to a new country helpful . Every international student has a story. The culture shocks. The triumphs. The weird snack discoveries. You are part of a global community of people who are brave enough to take on something new.

So, get out there. Make connections. Start traditions. And when in doubt, remember: the best way to adjust to a new country… is together.