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.