The Ultimate Guide on Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can be one of the most life-affirming, culturally enriching and exciting experiences you’ll ever enjoy.

For many students, it’ll be your first taste of independence as you fly the nest and assert your own independence.

Whether it’s studying architecture in Barcelona, Law and Politics in Washington, or Art in Paris, there’s a city out there that’s perfect for you.

Today we’re taking a deep dive into studying abroad.

You’ll learn the benefits of studying abroad, tips and advice to prepare for your big move and lots of good food for thought.

And, of course, we’ll explain how to get all of your luggage to your new humble abode in some far-flung part of the world.

Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad

Boost your CV and impress future employers.

Depending on your subject, you could be in a hyper-competitive jobs market and standing out from the crowd to potential employers is vital.

Modern employers love to see a well-rounded, well-read, well-travelled candidate.

They particularly like candidates who aren’t afraid to step out of their comfort zone and someone who can adapt to new surroundings with minimal fuss.

You can be pretty sure your international adventures will impress them as it will show them you’re independent and can achieve great things in unique environments.

Excitement and adventure.

Who said studying has to be boring and just another of life’s tick-boxes?

You see, studying isn’t just about learning from books.

It’s about throwing yourself into something and learning things in life that just can’t be taught in a book.

And it should be about having fun too and enjoying an adventure.

Whichever country you visit, you’ll no doubt have a bucket list of places you’d like to see and guess what, most won’t be study-relayed.

You’ll want to visit historic buildings, museums, football stadiums, iconic waterfalls and much more.

Immerse yourself in a new culture.

One of the great things that every student who has studied abroad will tell you is that they’ve most enjoyed immersing themselves in a new culture.

Whether that’s enjoying your first siesta in Madrid or authentic pizza in Milan, there’s something extraordinary about taking your cue from the locals.

Make use of your second language.

Most of us go through education and learn a second language.

And now’s the time to dust off the cobwebs of your French or Spanish and throw yourself in at the deep end with your new country’s dialect.

See new things and meet new people from different backgrounds.

Every city is unique.

Sure, they all probably have a Starbucks and McDonalds, but we’re talking about the totally authentic things.

Think of the Eifel Tower, Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of China, and you’ll see what we mean.

Every day you spend in a new country is a day of opportunity to explore some seriously cool places and best of all, meet new people from different backgrounds and listen to their stories.

Make friends for life.

Whether it’s a group from your home country’s university moving abroad together or your new classmates in your country abroad, you’ll make friends for life.

You’ll enjoy the trials and tribulations of student life, and you’ll have fun at the end of each semester.

And you’ll socialise together and share your thoughts and dreams for the future.

Live in totally new surroundings.

A lot of students say they moved abroad specifically to live in new surroundings.

That’s because they can be who they want to be and, in some cases, create their own life without the usual expectations from home.

You’ll enjoy waking up in a new country, studying and having fun.

Assert your independence.

You don’t have to be an adrenalin junkie or a rebel to crave independence.

And one of the primary reasons why students love studying abroad is that they can assert their independence.

There’s no Bank of Mum and Dad to rely on; you’re out there living life on your own terms.

Learn a language.

One of the best ways of learning a new language isn’t listening to recordings, enrolling in online courses or studying it at school.

Unsurprisingly, the best way is to immerse yourself in the community of people who speak it every day.

Learn more about yourself and have fun.

Studying close to home is always the safe bet; everything’s close by, and you can still be part of your friendship group and family.

In contrast, when you’re studying abroad on your own, all of your usual safety nets are taken away; it’s just you.

And, of course, you might find it a little challenging and have a few wobbles along the way, but you’ll also learn more about yourself in the process.

You’ll become more resilient, responsible and have an appreciation for your friends and family back home.

And don’t forget, you will have an unbelievably fun time learning life’s lessons!

Studying abroad quick facts:

Over 4 million students every year enrol in degree-level education outside their home country.
Around one in ten US students will study abroad at some stage.
Europe is the destination for over 50% of American students who choose to study overseas.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be studying for a language-based degree to study abroad.
Nine out of ten Erasmus students said they improved their soft skills by studying abroad.

Where abroad should I study?

Your decision to move abroad will likely be decided based on several things, including what subject you want to study and where your passions lie.

America, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, China, and Spain are just some of the most popular destinations for those who want to study abroad.

The most important thing to do is research your potential new country.

Find out everything you can about university life, culture and have a look at your destination university’s worldwide ranking.

What should I think about before studying abroad?

Unsurprisingly, language is one of the significant factors to consider before choosing your study abroad destination.

After all, if you can’t speak Mandarin and move to a university in rural China, you might struggle a little with everyday things.

Another major thing to consider is healthcare.

Should the worst happen, will you be able to get quick access to medical care in your adopted country?

It’s also worth doing some research into your potential university campus and student accommodation.

Will you be within walking distance of all of your classes, or will you need a taxi or bus every day?

Student visas are also vital to consider. After all, you won’t get past the airport if you don’t have the legally required permission to enter the country.

It’s also worth finding out about the local jobs market in your new home.

Ask questions about the local economy and whether there are many part-time jobs to supplement your income, grant, student loan or scholarship.

And because having fun is a massive part of the experience, try to find out as much as possible about the social aspect of your new country.

Ask questions about the nightlife, socialising, coffee spots and cafes to make sure there’s enough outside of studying to help you de-stress and enjoy life.

How to study abroad: Things You Need to Know Before Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can be exciting and scary at the same time.

You might suffer from information overload at some stage as you weigh up all of your options and plan your international adventure.

Here are some of the main things you should know about studying abroad before you move.

Visas

Visas won’t get your pulse racing, but they’re an absolutely essential part of your planning.

Most students who move abroad do so within the confines of university-planned programs or student programs like Erasmus.

Therefore, your initial research should be to speak to your university or program coordinator to find out exactly what you need to do regarding visa requirements.

Cost of living abroad

The cost of living abroad as a student can be high.

But, of course, again it depends on which country you move to.

For example, London is the sixth most expensive city to live in, while Portugal’s Algarve has a really low cost of living.

Job opportunities while studying abroad

Before you move abroad to study, it’s a good idea to think about how you’re going to supplement your income.

Yes, you might be getting a scholarship, grant or student loan, but usually, you’ll need a little extra money to really enjoy yourself in your new country.

Firstly, contact your new prospective university and ask about the availability of part-time student jobs.

Most universities have many things going on and have lots of casual jobs, especially in hospitality.

Secondly, join ex-pat forums and ask questions from people currently living in the country; they’ll be able to tell you what opportunities exist.

Finally, do a simple Google search but click on advanced and change the country on the list to your new home country and type in ‘part-time jobs’ or ‘student jobs’.

10 Top Tips on Studying Abroad

Start planning for your big move as far in advance as possible.
Make checklists to stay on top of what you need to do.
Get started on getting your immigration sorted as early as possible.
Set up a bank account, if necessary, for your new home country as soon as you can.
Pack for the climate.
Keep a record and stay on top of your finances – save, save, save!
Sell/donate goods that you don’t need to free up space.
Do plenty of research on your new area (social media or internet forums are both hugely beneficial!)
Contact the university and ask them for tips and advice on what to expect.
Compare different quotes and choose your luggage movers wisely.

Moving Your Possessions Abroad

Moving you and all of your earthly possessions to a new country can be challenging.

However, there are several options to choose from to make the process as hassle-free and cost-effective as possible.

Understanding your options now will save you time and money later on; some possibilities might be perfectly suited to your needs, and others may not.

International Removals

By sea, air and land, international removal services can transport your possessions abroad.

But it’s worth remembering that costs can quickly mount.

Still, it can be an ideal option if you’ve got large, bulky items like sofas and beds, or even your car, to move from one country to another.

In other words, if affordability is vital to you, container shipping is usually the most affordable international removals option.

However, a real disadvantage of container shipping is waiting time; you could be waiting for up to two months for all of your possessions to arrive.

That’s nearly an entire university semester, so it’s probably not a great idea.

Typically though, sea freight – while slower – is cheaper than air freight.

Before booking either option, check if the company delivers belongings right to your door.

Some companies require you to set up transportation from ports, which can cost extra time and money and extra hassle.

My Baggage

Whether it’s Berlin, Tokyo, Brussels, or another city, My Baggage offers a convenient and affordable international moving service.

We can help you relocate to over 200 countries worldwide across over 1,000 routes.

You’ll enjoy hassle-free door-to-door shipping, total online tracking and dedicated unrivalled customer support.

When it comes to your possessions, we know you can feel a little apprehensive about handing them over to a removals driver.

That’s why at My Baggage, we’re proud of being a company you can trust with your most essential items.

Why Use My Baggage?

When you study abroad, you want all of your possessions to arrive in your new location simultaneously as you, not two months later.

Our fast, convenient, reliable, and low-cost door-to-door shipping service reunites you faster with your most treasured possessions.

Tip: Consider selling your more oversized, bulkier items and buy replacements in your new country.

Cost-effective International Shipping

When you’re moving abroad to study, money is tight.

That’s why at My Baggage, we offer amazingly low rates on our international shipping services.

We’re so confident in our pricing that we also offer a price match tool – if you happen to find a better price.

Value for Money

My Baggage isn’t just one of the most affordable options for international shipping.

Our straightforward, convenient service offers fantastic value for money.

We offer a massive 30kg/66lb weight allowance per item for as little as, for example, £109 per item from the US to London.

Furthermore, you have the option to send as many items as you like with us.

What Can I Send When I’m Moving to Study Abroad?

My Baggage is ideal for suitcases and boxes of all of your most essential possessions you’d like to have with you in time for your first university semester.

You can also send oversized items – such as sports equipment and musical instruments – with My Baggage.

Full Online Tracking and Unrivalled Customer Support

From the moment you wave goodbye to your suitcases and boxes, you’ll be able to keep up to date with their journey.

If you opt-in for text and email notifications, we’ll provide you with regular updates on where your items are right now and when they’ll arrive to meet you.

My Baggage also provides complete online tracking for every shipment, which you can access anytime in your My Baggage account.

Our Customer Support is famous; check out all of our independent 5-star reviews.

And we’re just a phone call, email or live chat away from helping you with any issues.

Fast Overseas Movers

Nobody likes waiting around for their possessions.

So you’ll be glad to hear that we prioritise getting your items to your new home as quickly and safely as possible.

Timely and Dependable Removals

Don’t worry about arranging transportation from ports; My Baggage will collect from your doorstep and deliver to your new home country.

Studying Abroad: Shipping Oversized Items to University

My Baggage offers a new approach to transporting oversized items such as bicycles, musical instruments, and sporting equipment to your university campus.

Shipping your oversized items with My Baggage is the most low-cost, stress-free way to get your possessions from A – B without breaking the bank.

In addition, My Baggage can often be much more cost-effective than hiring an entire international removals company for just a few items.

Airline Baggage Alternative

Airline baggage can be costly; there’s no doubt about it.

We’ve all been caught out before with excessive charges.

Add in the demoralising journey of dragging around luggage through airports and train stations.

But what if you could enjoy a straightforward, hands-free and stress-free journey to your new home?

Say hello to My Baggage.

We’ll move everything, so all you have to focus on in the airport is whether you grab a Burger King or a Nandos.

Not excited about that long wait at the carousel for your checked luggage?

That’ll be a thing of the past if you choose to ship luggage with My Baggage.

Student Shipping for Studying Abroad

When you’re deciding to study abroad, you’ll want to hear from other students.

Because who better to help you plan than students who’ve been through it all themselves?

The My Baggage team has lots of ex-students and recent graduates, so we understand that money is tight for you.

My Baggage is here to make your big move as easy as possible.

Our prices are student-budget friendly, and you can send as many items as you like with us; we offer a massive 30kg/66lbs weight allowance per box or suitcase.

With door-to-door collection and delivery to your university campus, our fast transit times and Express services will reunite you quickly with all your belongings.

Find out what other students who use My Baggage think; they’re our greatest fans.

Studying Abroad: Customs and Quarantine Information

No matter where you decide to study, you’re most likely going to face queries about Customs and Quarantine information.

Firstly, we’d advise you to familiarise yourself with both sets of laws from your host country by visiting their website.

Let’s take one example.

Suppose you’re sending goods to the UK from a country outside of the EU, such as Canada or the USA.

In that case, you are then legally required to complete and send a customs invoice with your shipment.

If your shipment does not have a customs invoice attached, it will not make it past your local country border, and you may have to pay return charges to get it back.

My Baggage will automatically provide you with the appropriate customs documents to print, sign and attach to your shipment when you send luggage.

Generally, My Baggage shipments clear customs promptly, free from duties and taxes, as most countries offer a generous duty-free allowance for personal effects.

However, customs processes and allowances are different worldwide.

Because My Baggage has no direct association with any customs authority, we advise doing your research into customs regulations and quarantine before booking your shipment.

Please make yourself aware of potential customs duties and follow any advice provided by customs.

When completing your customs documents, it’s crucial to do so correctly and clearly.

To demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to accurately describe each item included in the package.

For example, you would declare: “5 x shirts, 2 x pairs of trousers, 3 x dresses” etc., as opposed to “10 x clothing”.

Do you need to cancel or change your booking?

My Baggage will offer you full credit on your My Baggage account or a full refund if you select our Super Flexi fare.

For information regarding the current Covid-19 outbreak, please click here.

Prohibited and Non-Compensation Items

My Baggage specialises in shipping personal effects all over the world.

But for security and customs reasons, certain items are considered prohibited.

Therefore, as a general rule, you can be sure that the following items are prohibited:

Aerosols
Animal Products
Plants
Hazardous Goods
Cash, Credit Cards, Debit Cards
Dangerous Goods
Liquids
Medicines
Passports or other confidential personal documentation
Perishable Foods

We also recommend that you research what may be prohibited from entry before booking your shipment, as import allowances differ worldwide.

Certain items may be specifically restricted from entry by customs and/or quarantine.

In addition, some items can be carried with My Baggage, but that may not be covered under our compensation cover.

Proceeding will be at your own risk.

If you decide to send any non-compensation items with My Baggage, please ensure they are packaged appropriately, with internal packaging for fragile items.

Find out more about My Baggage’s prohibited and non-compensation items.

What type of packaging can be used?

When shipping your belongings abroad with My Baggage, we recommend using either suitcases or strong cardboard boxes.

Alternatively, you can use a mixture of both.

We advise against using fragile or expensive suitcases, as our compensation cover does not cover them.

In addition, we recommend that you tape over any handles, etc., to protect them.

With boxes, it’s always best to invest in a new, sturdy, double-walled (or even triple-walled) cardboard box as they are most durable and suitable for transit.

How to Book With My Baggage

Shipping your belongings abroad with My Baggage is effortless.

Our easy to use online booking system is available 24/7 and takes just a few minutes to complete.

Simply start by obtaining a quote straight from our website.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll send you some shipping labels to print and attach to your items.

After that, you can sit back and relax as we take care of everything else for you.

It really is that easy.

Top Reasons to use My Baggage

Convenient door to door collection and delivery of your shipment.
Full online tracking with text and email notifications.
International shipping to over 200 countries across 1,000 routes worldwide.
Fast transit times – express services available on many routes.
Dedicated customer support via phone, email and live chat.

Are You A Business or Personal User?

My Baggage offers convenient and affordable shipping services for absolutely everyone, whether you’re a business user, a holidaymaker, a student, an ex-pat or, of course, relocating.

No matter your reason, absolutely anyone can take advantage of our competitive prices and excellent services.

Many savvy business users regularly avail of our low cost and convenient shipping services to relocate their employees worldwide.

So, what are you waiting for?

Learn more:

Luggage Shipping

University Shipping (UK) / College Shipping(US)

Airline Allowances