Studying overseas will change your life and to make the most of it, here are a few things to remember.

Plan ahead but know that you cannot plan for something for which you know nothing about, so it is best to speak with overseas studies counsellors to learn more.

Also, join groups on social media related to studying overseas, especially those in the town or city you are heading to.

Keep an open mind upon arriving.

Do not land on foreign soil with a head full of stereotyped thoughts and mental filters from back home.

For example, if you adore spicy Malaysian food, you might find the food in a foreign city to be bland.

But if you keep comparing your experiences with what you get in Malaysia, you may eventually suffer from severe bouts of homesickness. So, embrace and delight in the differences you find. 

Be mindful of the contrasts in cultural and social behaviour.

Take Australian drivers, for example. Nearly anywhere in Australia, cars will stop for you the instant you step onto a zebra crossing.

But they won't like it at all if you cross anywhere you like; that is jaywalking, and it is a traffic offence.

Australians are frank and seldom hesitate to tell you what they think about what you are doing. They may not even understand the Asian concept of 'giving face'.

But just because they speak negatively about some aspect of you does not mean they do not like you; they are only expressing their thoughts about that specific behaviour or aspect.

Be responsible for yourself.

Do your laundry. Keep your living space in order. Keep yourself well-groomed. If you look like a mess, people will likely avoid you and the lonesomeness will bring those bouts of homesickness pounding back.

Manage your money.

The best way to make sure your money goes far is to learn to prepare your own meals.

For budget clothing and essentials in Australia, seek out what the Aussies call "op shops", which is short for opportunity shops.

You can find all manner of quality pre-loved goods there for crazily low prices.

Make the best of your campus; it is not just there for you to study. Take University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia, for example.

It has over 120 university clubs for you to join, some of which reflect the unique carefree and slightly laidback lifestyle of Australia, such as Bubble Tea Society, for all students who love bubble tea to join hands in social outings and study sessions. 

And yes, there is the Malaysian Association for Students at UOW, and their welcome message goes:

"Hello fellow Malaysians and Selamat Datang to UOW! First of all, congratulations on furthering your studies here in UOW! We at MAS UOW, are here at your disposal! We will be conducting fun and meaningful events all year round. Come meet and mingle with fellow Malaysians, share personal stories and reminiscing on those late night mamak sessions together."

To chill out in the safety of the campus, UOW's UniBar, has been a nationally celebrated music venue and hangout spot for over 40 years. This is the perfect place to let loose, make friends and stop thinking about your course subjects for a change.

Besides doing well in your studies, maintain a balanced healthy lifestyle.

Do not lock yourself in the room after campus hours and play games. This is your chance to prove to yourself that you can carry your own weight.

Many campuses in global universities have a full suite of wellness and fitness facilities, and UOW boasts some of the best.

On top of a gym that is fully staffed with instructors to help you optimise your exercise time, you will find a 50m outdoor pool with eight lanes that is heated all-year-round.

If you are passionate about swimming, the pool staff will do an underwater video analysis of your swimming to help you correct your strokes.

At UOW's Innovation Campus is another gym called UniActive. 

This one is open 24/7 and has hi-tech cardio machines that connect to an app in your phone to help you track your workout progress.

After all that, the campus also has a sports field and indoor sports arena.

Take advantage of your campus facilities to stay fit while mingling with other well-balanced people.

Since December 15, 2021, fully vaccinated international students have been allowed to travel to Australia to further their education.

If you have not started planning, it is now time.

To get more advice on studying abroad, whether fully or partially, get in touch with advisers in UOW Malaysia KDU at www.uowmkdu.edu.my. 

This content is provided by UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College Sdn Bhd.

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