Tips for settling into your student accommodation as an international student & succeeding in your degree

Starting university can be overwhelming for anyone, particularly international students. As an international student, there’s a lot to think about, from visas, tuition fees and bank accounts to getting to know your new home and making lifelong friends. To make things a little easier, we’re sharing some of our top tips for settling into your student accommodation and succeeding in your degree.

Before the big move

Connect with your flatmates

Once you’ve arranged your student accommodation, you should be able to get in touch with your flatmates before you move in. This way, you’ll get a chance to introduce yourself and get to know your roomies.

Join online groups/forums 

There are many online groups and forums, particularly on Facebook, that will connect you with other international students. They offer an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded people and better understand how studying abroad might look for you.

Once you’ve arrived at your new university

Make time to attend events

Once you’ve moved in, it’s likely socialising will be high on your list of priorities. Thankfully, with Freshers Week and a jam-packed calendar of events, there’s plenty of opportunities to make friends. Of course, you’re at university to study, but you should make time to enjoy yourself too.

Make your room homely

Moving away from home is a significant change, no matter how old you are. Home comforts are an excellent way to make your new accommodation more welcoming. Whether it’s pictures of loved ones, keepsakes from home or cosy soft furnishings, putting your stamp on your room can make a big difference.  

Explore the city

They say the best way to explore a city is to get lost. So, you should do precisely that. With an array of restaurants, shops, bars, attractions and more on your doorstep, there’s much to be enjoyed. So, gather your roomies and head out with no destination in mind and see where you end up. When you’re out and about, keep an eye out for amenities you’ll likely need, such as transport links, banks, and a post office.

Most importantly, remember that everyone is in the same boat as you. So whether you’re feeling excited, anxious, or any other emotion, your peers are likely feeling the same; lean on them.

Succeeding in your degree

Once you’ve settled in and made lots of new friends during Freshers week, it’s time for work to begin. Below are some of our top tips for succeeding in your degree.

Aim high

Setting your sights on a top grade is a great way to ensure you’re consistently putting in the work. While some students will do the bare minimum, you should set out to put in maximum effort. Prioritising and planning are two skills you’ll need to master. 

Make use of the resources available to you

From the university library to lectures and classes, there are a whole host of quality resources at your fingertips. The secret to success is to make use of them.

Find a study buddy

Although you may prefer to work alone, finding a study buddy who is equally as ambitious as you can work wonders for your motivation.

Take care of yourself

As the saying goes, ‘health is wealth’, something that can often get lost in the hectic pace of university life. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of late nights, too many takeaways, wild nights out and stress-inducing deadlines. Taking care of both your physical and mental health should always be a top priority as a student.

Novel Student is the home of accommodation with everything students need during their time in Glasgow to ensure you settle into your new city and succeed in your degree.