Mistakes international students should avoid when studying in Exeter

Recently, many students have chosen to study abroad in Exeter, a city in England and the UK. Academic excellence, exposure, career opportunities, and student life attract students from all parts of the world to Exeter. However, being an international student is not as simple and fun as it sounds. There are several challenges that students face, and many mistakes that they often make. However, with the right guidance and knowledge, international students in Exeter can avoid these mistakes. To know more, read some of the most common mistakes below.

Academic

• Sometimes, international students don’t do thorough research about the course and college they are going to. This leads to misunderstanding of the course work, the requirements, and wrong expectations. 

• Studying abroad comes with many responsibilities that are also beyond academics. Students often manage their time poorly, procrastinate on deadlines and assignments, and end up being stressed out. 

• It is not easy for every international student to adapt and understand the course requirements as soon as they join. Even then, students make the mistake of not asking for help from classmates, lecturers, and or tutors. 

• All these above-mentioned academic mistakes can lead to various consequences. Such as stress, unsatisfactory marks, back papers, dropping out, and many more such problems.

Cultural Adaptation

• Many students hold stereotypes close to themselves and practice them in the country. Having negative thoughts and feelings about British people can lead to isolation and disagreements. 

• International students often don’t realize that they are now in a new culture. Students refrain from participating in the culture, knowing about it from locals, or altogether interacting with them. 

• Many international students don’t join the clubs, societies, and events happening in their university. Instead, students choose to isolate themselves, spend all day in their rooms, and more. 

• If you are going with the hope of settling in Exeter someday, then you must explore the culture. This includes talking to the locals, participating in festivals and cultural events, exploring the city, and more.

Financial 

• Knowing where to spend, how much to spend, and when to spend is a crucial part of financial planning. But not all students understand this.  

• International students often make the mistake of eating their meals in fancy restaurants and cafes. These meals can cost the student A LOT! 

• Another common mistake is not making a financial calendar or tracking your expenses. This way, students don’t even realize how much they are spending and on what. 

• Many students don’t ask for student discounts, that are heavily available in the city. Whether it’s public transport or some specific cafes and bars, student discounts are available widely throughout the country. 

Social 

• Social mistakes often overlap with cultural mistakes. For example. Some students refrain from becoming friends with British students and other locals. 

• Students also stick to international students’ clubs and groups, which makes them feel an outsiders. This is because they don’t engage with the people of the city or country. 

• Not taking part in events and university activities is also a common mistake. This leads to feelings of loneliness, isolating self, not making friends, and more. 

• When your roommate or classmates ask you to go out and explore the city or party, don’t always say No. It is important to get comfortable with people around you and create a healthy network. 

• Being an international student who is renting accommodation in Exeter, it is best to avoid properties that are far from your university. Also, if possible, choose a property where most of the students at your university are staying.  

Others

• Not researching the city and the university thoroughly is a major mistake. 

• Missing induction and orientation programs of the university lead to misunderstanding. 

• Students feeling homesick or having problems don’t seek professional help, which adds to negative feelings. 

• Not respecting the new culture, festivals, language, and lifestyle is a common and huge mistake international students make. 

Common Tips to Avoid Mistakes 

• Research about the city and its culture before going. 

• Understand your chosen university’s academic requirements. 

• Seek professional help when you need it. 

• View the different cultures with an open mind and perspective. 

• Plan a timetable to manage your time effectively. 

• Spend time with locals, classmates, and roommates. 

• Explore university clubs and societies for a better experience. 

Conclusion 

Studying in Exeter can be successful, rewarding, and fun for all international students. However, to ensure it is all these things, students must avoid some common mistakes that they usually make. Read the above-mentioned slip-ups, and act wisely!