This month's Stronger Together topic is all about navigating a new environment as we start a new academic year!
Starting a new year can be stressful enough between classes, tests, and research, but let's also factor in other transitions like moving, or finding a new community...
Yikes!
Check out these graphics for information to help you with moving costs, starting school as an international student, and finding your new community and build relationships!
Associated Costs
Don't forget: Cost of living and moving will vary depending on where you're going!
Questions to ask:
How am I moving?
What to take, what to buy there?
Will I need to change my car registration or insurance?
Solo or shared living?
Going international - flight cost? Visa? How much can you take when flying?
Are you an international student?
Plan out all practicalities!
(e.g.) finances, grants, housing and living costs, visa and permits, taxes, banking systems, currency, insurances, driving license, vaccines, education costs, etc...
Consider moving into a shred apartment
especially with someone who is in the same situation as you!
Reach out to university resources for aids, mentorship and social networks/events!
Graduate Office
Student Council(s)
Department advisor(s)
Clubs
International student societies
Be prepared for culture shock
Get to know the culture and the environment - research the area, learn the basic lingo and consider enrolling in a language class if the language is foreign to you. Additionally, reaching out to people with similar backgrounds or from the same country can be helpful!
Building new friendships and relationships
Whether you're moving across the world or attending the same institutions as you did for your undergraduate degree, it's important to start building a community as early as you can!
Tip 1 - Seek out people who have similar interests or identities, both personally and professionally!
Gender, race, ethnicity, religion, etc...
Hobbies: sports, trivia, cooking, karaoke, volunteering, etc...
Area of study/research
Career/professional goals
Family
Tip 2 - Look for these people in a variety of places
Social Media
In your program, student clubs or societies
Conferences
In the community (yoga studio or gym, bar or cafe or the dog park!)
Sign up to our Stronger Together section here to take part in this month's modules on Navigating a New Environment!
Join our Discord server to take part in our module discussions on Thursday!
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