Every year thousands of students decide to study in the UK as part of the Erasmus programme. While it’s a rewarding and exciting time, it’s likely you’re experiencing some nerves before you head to your new home.
The Erasmus programme enables students from all across Europe to spend the third year of their studies at a foreign university. There are lots of reasons to take part in the programme, including gaining some international experience, learning a new language and being part of a different culture, but it can be a scary prospect to arrive in the UK as a new student.
To get the most out of your experience studying in the UK follow our top tips to help you get settled in.
• Plan what you want to get out of an Erasmus year – Decide what it is you want to get out of you Erasmus year, whether that’s to make new international friends or work on your language skills. Having a goal in mind can help keep you stay focussed and shape your experience into what you want it to be.
• Research your accommodation – Before settling on accommodation you should do your research. With just a year in the UK it’s a great idea to look at the options that are close by to your university and give you easy access to attractions and venues that you want to visit. Why not use our free search database at City Room Rentals and let us do the hard work.
• Search for things to do – University campuses in the UK are typically surrounded by plenty of things to do and searching for things you want to experience before heading here means you can draw up a list of events, heritage sites and other experiences you want to try.
• Be open to meeting new people – Moving to a new country can feel lonely so be open to meeting new people and put yourself out there. If you’re shy it can be a challenge but get involved by signing up to clubs and societies to meet people with similar interests.
• Embrace the different – It can be easy to compare aspects of your new life with what you miss from home, whether it’s your friends or the food, but embrace the different and remember it’s only for a short time if you’re feeling home sick.
