As a new academic year approaches, many students, particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa, are preparing to transition from high school to universities abroad.
With over 430,000 African students studying internationally—72,000 from Nigeria alone—there’s a growing demand for overseas education in countries like Kenya and Botswana.
Studying abroad offers opportunities for higher-quality education, career development, and cultural immersion.
However, it can also cause anxiety as students leave home and adjust to new environments.
To help ease this transition, St. George’s University (SGU) has provided tips to help students manage the challenges of studying abroad.
Maintain Connections
Students often miss their high school community when they begin university.
It is crucial to stay in touch with their social circles, family, and friends.
Setting up WhatsApp groups before leaving can help former classmates keep in contact and stay updated with each other’s lives.
Equally important is staying connected to oneself by acknowledging and understanding personal emotions.
Journaling about experiences and feelings can help in feeling better.
Get organized
Being organized can make the transition to university life smoother.
Planning ahead, such as organizing an agenda for the first week on campus, can help students settle in and manage their new responsibilities effectively.
Extend this structured approach to other aspects of life, ensuring a balanced schedule between study and relaxation.
Avoid Comparisons
Students might be tempted to compare themselves to others who seem to handle the transition better.
However, this can harm their confidence and well-being. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, so it’s vital to focus on personal goals and progress.
Maintaining a healthy perspective can help manage pre-university anxieties.
Connect with future classmates
It is beneficial for students to connect with peers who are also attending the same university.
This can enhance their overall experience and ease the transition into a new academic environment.
Building a network of friends before arriving can provide a sense of belonging and support, making the journey less stressful.
Learn relaxation techniques
Learning how to relax is essential for managing stress, both before and during university.
Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, muscle relaxation exercises, deep breathing, and guided imagery can help students stay calm and focused, especially during exam periods and other challenging times.
Set Realistic Expectations
Accept that it is normal to face challenges and feel homesick initially.
Setting realistic expectations about your transition from high school to university life can help manage disappointments and keep motivation levels high.
Engage in campus activity
Join as many clubs, societies, and participate in events to meet new people, expand your horizons and discover new interests.
Engaging in extracurricular activities is a proven way to build your own social circle and feel part of a community.
Seek help and guidance when needed
It is imperative to get out of the mindset that seeking help is a sign of weakness.
In fact, the opposite is true so don’t hesitate to reach out to counsellors or mental health professionals if feeling overwhelmed with all the new experiences university presents.
If students still find themselves looking for guidance, they can check if their university has specialized departments offering support to international students that may be missing home.
For example, SGU has a dedicated Global Students Lounge that provides cultural adjustment support, a peer mentoring program, and other activities for international students to help their transition to university life smoother.
