The Flight's Over, Now What?
Your bags are unpacked, classes are starting, and you’re finally living the study abroad dream.
But no one tells you this: the first 30 days can hit the hardest.
At GradGuide, we’ve seen it all panic calls about grocery prices, homesickness on Day 3, Wi-Fi issues, and “Wait, do I need a transit card?” moments.
Here’s what really happens during your first month and how to handle it like a boss.
Week 1: The “I’m Here!” High (Followed by Mild Panic)
What Happens:
-
Excitement peaks, then confusion hits.
-
Jet lag + grocery shopping = chaos.
-
Your first “what did I just do?” moment arrives by Day 4.
What to Do:
-
Sort essentials: SIM card, bank account, student ID, travel card.
-
Map your neighborhood find the closest Indian grocery, GP, and bus stop.
-
Attend orientation. Yes, even if it feels boring it helps.
Week 2: Culture Shock Is Real
What Happens:
-
Everything feels expensive.
-
You miss chai, your bed, your family.
-
Group projects feel… awkward.
What to Do:
Cook at home 3x/week to save money.
Schedule weekly calls with family it grounds you.
Start small talk with classmates. It feels weird, but it works.
Week 3: The Mental Dip
This is when it gets tough for many students.
What Happens:
-
Course load increases.
-
You're overwhelmed, over-budgeted, and overstimulated.
-
You think about quitting (don’t worry, almost everyone does).
What to Do:
-
Visit your campus mental health center (they’re free).
-
Join at least one club or group you’ll meet real people, not just classmates.
-
Revisit your goal: Why did you come here? Write it down again.
Week 4: Settling In + Reality Check
By now, you know the bus timings, your budget, and the people in your class.
What Happens:
-
First assignments or presentations.
-
You start part-time job hunting.
-
Confidence slowly returns.
What to Do:
-
Apply to on-campus jobs first (library, café, admin desk).
-
Track your expenses weekly.
-
Remind yourself: You’ve already survived 4 weeks you’re doing fine.
💡 GradGuide Tip: Build Systems Early
Set one simple routine by Day 10, whether it’s a weekly laundry schedule or Sunday grocery run. Systems reduce stress and free up mental space for everything else.