A Complete Guide for Students Getting Ready to Study Abroad
Studying abroad is one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences for students, but there’s a lot to plan before you take off.
This 14-step study abroad checklist walks you through everything you need to prepare: from choosing your destination to booking flights, getting your visa, and packing smart.
Next stop: your study abroad adventure. Let’s get started!
1. Choose Your Destination and Study Abroad Program
First things first—where do you want to go, and what do you want to study?
Take time to research the countries and study programs we offer. Think about language, weather, lifestyle, and education systems. Do you prefer a big city or a small town? Do you prefer relaxing at the beach after classes or visiting historic sites? Do you want to learn the local language or improve your English level?
Read about other students’ experiences to get a better understanding of the place and program. You can also ask our advisors for guidance and advice.
Once you’ve chosen a destination, check the admission requirements, application deadlines, and course availability.
2. Talk to the Academic Advisor at Your Home University
Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor. Together, you can create a study plan that matches your degree requirements.
Ask your home university whether the courses you plan to take abroad can count toward your degree. To make this easier, share the course descriptions and syllabi from the university abroad with your academic advisor. If you want to know more about it, visit our page on how to transfer credits.
You should also double-check if:
- You need to get pre-approval for your courses
- There are minimum grade requirements for transfer credits
- You’ll stay enrolled at your home university while abroad
- You need to take a specific number of credits when studying abroad
3. Apply and Get Accepted
After choosing your program, it’s time to apply. Get all the required documents ready and apply through Beyond Abroad. Thanks to our system, your application will be processed within a few days. Depending on the university, it can take less than 24 hours.
Once you receive the confirmation email and acceptance letter, you can start with the travel preparations.
4. Check Your Passport Validity and Apply for a Student Visa
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. If it’s close to expiring, renew it early.
Then, check what applies to your destination and the type of student visa you need. A student visa is usually required for long-term studies, but it can also be mandatory for short-term programs.
The visa process can take several weeks or even months, so start early. For more details, visit our student visa guide or speak with our advisors, who specialize in your chosen destination.
5. Apply for Study Abroad Scholarships and Other Grants
If you are looking for financial aid, start looking for scholarships as early as possible. Some are offered by your home university, others by your host school, and there are also government or private options specifically for students planning to study abroad. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your university or check our page with study abroad scholarship tips and other options for funding to study abroad!
6. Book Flights and Plan Your Arrival Timeline
Try to book early for the best prices and availability. Based on our experience helping over 19,900 students to study abroad, we at Beyond Abroad recommend arriving at least a week before your semester starts.
This way, you have time to settle in, take care of essentials, and explore your new home.
7. Find Accommodation
Where will you live while studying abroad? Some common options are university dorms, shared apartments with other students, homestays with local families, or renting a private place.
Take some time to compare options. You should check the price, how close they are to your campus, what’s included (like furniture or internet), and how safe the area is. Read reviews or talk to other students who’ve been there before. Universities may help you with housing, so don’t forget to ask your program advisor as well.
Some students prefer to stay in a hotel or hostel during their first week and find long-term accommodation once they’ve arrived at their destination.
8. Get Health and Travel Insurance
Students often ask, “Do I need health insurance for study abroad?” — and the answer is yes, in most cases. Many places require it as part of the student visa process or even to enter the country.
First, you should check if your current plan includes international coverage, or if you’ll need to get a new one. Some universities offer insurance plans for international students, but you can also compare options online.
For more information, take a look at our study abroad insurance page or reach out to our advisors.
9. Check Vaccination Requirements for Your Destination
Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations before you can enter. Even if they’re not mandatory, some vaccines are strongly recommended to help you stay healthy while abroad.
Check with your doctor to see which vaccines you need based on your destination. It’s best to do this well in advance, as some vaccines require multiple doses or time to become effective. Last, don’t forget to bring your vaccination records with you!
10. Create a Study Abroad Budget
Many students wait too long to plan their finances, but research shows early financial prep can ease stress while abroad. According to HSBC Life and wellbeing researchers at Oxford University, financial readiness plays a key role in student wellbeing.
Here are a few things you should do before you leave:
- Check if your destination accepts your current debit/credit card or if opening a local bank account is better.
- Tell your bank you’re going abroad so your card doesn’t get blocked.
- Have some local currency in cash.
- Create a basic monthly budget: rent, food, transport, phone, and fun.
- Look into student discounts—many cities offer them for public transport, restaurants, and even museums.
11. Phone and Internet Setup
Check if you can use your data plan abroad. If not, research SIM cards or mobile data plans in your destination. Some universities help you set up your phone and Wi-Fi during orientation week.
12. Register with Your Embassy
Before you leave, make sure to register with your home country’s embassy or consulate at your destination. This is a quick and easy step that can be very helpful in case of emergencies or unexpected situations abroad.
By registering, your government knows where you are and can reach out to support you if needed. You can usually register online in just a few minutes.
13. Pack Essentials Based on Weather and Lifestyle
It’s tempting to overpack when going abroad but remember less is more! Bring the essentials. You can always purchase the rest once you arrive. Start by checking the climate and think about what you’ll need for different seasons. And most importantly, don’t forget your documents!
14. Learn About Local Culture, Customs, and Language
Getting to know the local culture will help you adjust faster and make the most of your experience.
- Learn basic phrases in the local language (hello, thank you, directions).
- Watch YouTube videos, movies, or TikToks about student life in that country.
- Read up on local customs and dos and don’ts.
- Join Facebook or WhatsApp groups for international students.
Ready to Start Your Study Abroad Journey?
Before you take off, make sure you’ve checked off these essentials:
- Pick your destination and program based on your goals, interests, and lifestyle.
- Meet with your academic advisor to match your courses abroad with your degree plan.
- Apply early and wait for that acceptance letter—then the real prep begins!
- Check your passport and apply for a student visa as soon as possible.
- Look for scholarships and grants to help fund your experience.
- Book your flights and try to arrive a week early to settle in.
- Sort out your housing—dorms, shared apartments, or homestays.
- Get health and travel insurance, and know what’s required for entry.
- Check any vaccination requirements well ahead of time.
- Plan your budget, alert your bank, and get some local currency.
- Figure out your phone and internet setup before or right after you arrive.
- Register with your embassy for peace of mind while abroad.
- Pack smart—think essentials, layers, and the local climate.
- Learn a bit about the local culture and language—it’ll make settling in much easier.
Now you’re all set, and your study abroad adventure awaits!
With Beyond Abroad, studying abroad has never been easier. Apply now and explore the world as a student!