- Studying abroad can be a whirlwind of excitement and worry about the unknown
- To make the transition a little easier, we share some advice from a Hongkonger who’s been studying in Britain for the past two years
Going abroad can be intimidating, but you can take steps to prepare yourself for the journey. Photo: EPA-EFEAs September approaches, it can be particularly daunting for students, especially if they are moving abroad for school.
As someone who grew up in Hong Kong and has been studying in Britain for the past two years, I know it can be an intimidating experience, so here are a few of my suggestions to help you prepare for the year ahead.
What to buy before you go
If you are a picky person and prefer specific brands for your everyday essentials, you can search the websites of UK drugstores or department stores to see if they’ll have what you need.
Boots and Superdrug are common drugstores in Britain. They sell a variety of daily necessities like toiletries, cosmetics and medicine from a range of brands. Before you leave Hong Kong, check their website to see if they sell the items you prefer.
But there are some products that are harder to find in the UK. For example, the UK doesn’t offer as many options for period pads as Hong Kong does, so I usually put a few packs in my suitcase.
Facial masks and other skincare products are more expensive in Britain, so it’s a smart move to buy them in Hong Kong to bring with you. Handheld electric fans and hand warmers are not common in UK either – though you may need them to deal with the summer heat and winter cold.
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For anyone who is worried about feeling homesick, you can bring along your favourite snacks from Hong Kong. Check online Chinese supermarkets like Oriental Mart and WaNaHong, to see what you can buy there. Prices do run higher, so you should watch your budget when shopping.
Chain supermarkets like Sainsbury’s or Tesco usually have an aisle called Asian Flavours, where you can find a limited selection of sauces, seasonings and snacks.
On the other hand, many people make the mistake of overpacking clothes. Chances are that you will end up doing some shopping once you settle down, so opt for basics and your favourite pieces to take with you.
When the temperature drops in winter, radiators provide enough heat when you’re indoors. If you step outside, you only need a warm down jacket with thinner layers underneath. Thermal underwear like Uniqlo’s Heattech is a lifesaver during the colder months.
Tips for living on your own
Whether you’re going to boarding school or university, it will be drastically different to living at home. Organisation is everything when being independent. You’ll need to do mundane chores, like doing laundry and cooking, while also managing your schoolwork.
Chores take up more time than you expect, so schedule in time for them when planning your schedule.
Even if you occasionally treat yourself to a taste of home at a restaurant, it’s not affordable to eat out all the time, and you can learn how to make your comfort dishes. But for busier days, you can stock up on microwaveable meals from supermarkets.
If you do not know how to do these chores yet, it is a good idea to pick up these skills before you leave.
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Though you might be far away from your family, it does not mean you have to feel alone. Aside from calling home to keep in touch with loved ones there, organise activities with new friends and take time to build your new community. Movie nights are a great way to get together, and even activities as simple as grocery shopping can become bonding time.
As much fun as living with your friends might be, it can also come with a great deal of stress. Living in boarding houses means you are always in school, and it can feel like your whole world revolves around studying.
To maintain a work-life balance, try to remind yourself there is a world beyond school. Go off campus for a day when you can – even going out just for a meal can make a difference in your mental well-being.
Getting used to the culture shock
When moving to the UK from Hong Kong, a common experience of culture shock is the change in pace of living. You might find that Britain has fewer forms of entertainment and that public transport is not as convenient.
The best way to deal with this is to be patient with those around you and with yourself. Give yourself plenty of time to adjust to a new environment and find a routine that creates a sense of familiarity.
Another tip for dealing with culture shock is to focus on the positives. So many people get frustrated with what they don’t like about a different culture and end up not enjoying their time abroad. Rather, make a note of what makes you happy and savour your time there.
It’s hard to completely avoid homesickness, so consider bringing a few mementoes to make your new place feel cosier. You can also look for groups with people who have a similar cultural background as you do. But also remember to broaden your social circle and befriend people of all backgrounds.
Moving abroad is all about new experiences. Instead of shying away from new people or things outside your comfort zone, choose to embrace the unknown and make it your chance to grow.