The struggles of studying abroad

Illustration: TBS

It was a rather sunny morning earlier this summer when I finally landed in Australia to pursue my undergraduate studies at the University of Technology in Sydney. 

For the first two weeks, I was swept up in the novelty of it all. The newly found freedom, the exciting cityscapes, the oh-so-good culinary environment, everything felt surreal — but for only those two weeks!

It did not really take time for the aura of a new city to wear off. The fast heartbeats and adrenaline rushes eventually died down when I settled in my small room that I was renting for an unfair amount of money. 

The excitement and happiness were replaced by a looming feeling of loneliness, homesickness, and the sudden realisation that there was no going back.

There is a saying that the greatest Bangladeshi dream is to leave Bangladesh. But once you experience it firsthand, you start to see the other side of the coin, the harsh reality: the struggles of loneliness, immense study pressure, cultural shock, and the emotional burden of being far from home.

Dealing with loneliness

The excitement of newfound independence eventually fades, and a sense of longing for home settles in. No one asks if you have eaten or how you are feeling. If you get sick, there is no one to bring you soup, and you cannot stay in bed all day — there are chores to do.

"The first few months are extremely depressing as you struggle to get used to the fact that many occasions, events and memories with your family will have to be experienced through a screen," said Samah Ayana Kabir, who is studying Bachelor of Economics and Business Analytics at the University of Sydney.

"Eventually adjusting your mentality with this environment is what helps you through," she said. 

So, prepare before you go. Learn about the culture, the weather, the local customs, and even the quirks of the people. This will help you set realistic expectations. 

Additionally, it is helpful to be as social as possible in an unfamiliar environment. Connect with people who understand what you're going through. 

Joining university clubs, attending events, introducing yourself to faculty and alumni members, and maintaining regular communication with your classmates can be really beneficial during the first year.

The academic pressure is real

Academic requirements and pressure are unlike anything most students have faced before, and the fear of falling behind is a constant — especially when they compare themselves to peers who seem to have it all figured out. The culture shock only intensifies the challenge.

"I'd say there's more emphasis on assignments which I prefer, but that, alongside the brutal weekly classes, labs and quizzes of various modules makes it super intense. You have to be on top of your game, making sure you understand all of the material that comes out weekly. Otherwise, you'll suffer afterwards trying to catch up," said Waseef Mohammad Khan, who is studying Computer Science at King's College London. 

"As an international student, if you get a mark beneath a certain threshold, they will remove you from the course/programme, which is insane, to say the least," he said. 

Regularly reviewing lecture materials and subject content helps prevent feeling lost before exams. Do not be afraid to ask for help from professors, advisors, or even classmates — everyone has been new at some point, and most people are more than willing to help if you reach out.  

Self-care is a must

Without someone to care for them, many students struggle with self-care after moving abroad. It is easy to neglect a balanced eating and sleeping routine amidst the excitement and busyness of a new environment. 

Taposhi Rabiya, a La Trobe University graduate, struggled to balance self-care with academic pressure during her student years.

"I had so much to do and learn, all by myself, without my usual support system. This took a toll on my health," she exclaimed.

However, it is not very tough to make sure you are in good health while managing pressure alongside. Being an international student, you cannot spend a big amount of money every now and then to purchase food from outside. Initially though this may become a habit for most, in the long term it may prove to be fatal, not only to your bank account but also to your overall health. 

For many, cooking is a lifesaver — it saves money and brings a taste of home to a new life. Learning basic cooking skills can be invaluable during your studies. You could also prepare meals in advance for the week to save time on daily cooking.

Last but not the least, financial struggles are another big challenge. Constantly worrying about money, looking for part-time jobs while managing studies, can be really tough.

The struggles of studying abroad, though daunting, are incredibly rewarding. To anyone considering studying abroad, remember to embrace both the highs and the lows. It is easy to feel inadequate when you see others excelling, but everyone's journey is unique. Remember, it's okay to stumble — it is all part of the journey.