International students often face various challenges during the summer holidays. Many struggle with accommodation issues, as they may need to vacate their housing but still need a place to store their belongings. Some are unsure whether they can travel home, causing them to feel isolated and homesick.
The key concerns for an international student breaking up for summer often fall under accommodation, storage, travel, and budgeting. Therefore, with this simple guide, we’ll cover 7 practical ways to prepare for summer holidays effectively, minimising issues faced and allowing for a relaxed and stress-free summer.
1. Sort Out Your Accommodation
As summer comes up, you’ll need to decide whether you’re staying, subletting or returning home. While this can feel like a hard decision, the best way to decide may be based on weighing up the pros and cons of each option.
Staying at University
If you’d like to stay, check if there is summer accommodation available or whether you might need to find temporary housing.
Most accommodation rental terms run out around June/July, so it’s important to stay up to date with this and organise a place to relocate to in advance, once the term finishes.
Here are some helpful websites to help you find available summer accommodation near you:
Subletting
Subletting is a good way to reduce accommodation costs while you’re away. However not all accommodation may allow this, therefore it’s important to check the rules and regulations of your accommodation.
Good places to sublet your accommodation may include:
Returning Home
Going home can be really exciting, and a great way to reconnect with family and friends, helping you take a much deserved break away from university life. However, it’s important to consider associated costs with traveling back, such as your flight and travel costs, and other expenses you may face at home such as rent, bills or storage.
Planning ahead for these can ensure you return home without the added stress of unexpected financial burdens. Helping you enjoy your summer to the fullest.
2. Arrange Storage For Your Belongings
If you’re traveling this summer, using student storage can help you keep your belongings safe and secure, whilst making travel easier.
Benefits of Using Student Storage for International Students:
- Ensures your belongings are safe, through security measures such as 24/7 CCTV surveillance, alarms and personalised access codes.
- Makes moving out and in easier, with pick-up and delivery services.
- Save money on shipping costs.
- Conveniently keep your belongings where you need them once you return.
- Flexible rental terms which align well with both short-term and long-term breaks.
- Makes traveling stress-free as you have less things to carry.
Storage companies like Spaceways, make storing your belongings simple, secure and stress-free. So you can focus on enjoying your summer.
Their storage-by-the-box service lets you store as much or as little as you need, with flexible terms, affordable prices, and student discounts. Plus, they pick up your boxes from your doorstep and deliver them to your new address when you’re ready!
Make your summer worry-free with Spaceways' affordable student storage!
3. Plan Your Summer Travel in Advance as an International Student
We recommend booking your flights early in order to get the best deals. Make sure to check visa requirements for travel and don’t forget to pack light but smart.
List of Travelling Essentials for International Students:
- Documents (passport, visa, insurance)
- Electronics (chargers, adapters, laptop)
- Clothing (tops, trousers, underwear)
- Footwear (trainers, smart shoes)
- Snacks (non-perishable items)
- Health essentials (medicine, prescriptions, etc)
- Toiletries (toothpaste, moisturiser etc)
4. Organise Your Financials
We recommend budgeting for your summer expenses, such as rent, travel, storage, as well as fun activities and leisure. Budgeting for this will help you stay organised and on top of your finances, ensuring you have enough for everything.
Additionally, if you don’t already have one, we recommend opening a student-friendly international bank account, such as, Monzo or Revolut. This is a great tool used by international students to manage their finances from anywhere in the world.
5. Keep Your Documents & Visas Up to Date
Ensure your student visas are up to date and valid for when you return. Don’t forget to carry any necessary IDs, insurance documents and any academic documents you may need to travel.
Having travel insurance is very beneficial for international students. It ensures you’re financially protected and supported in unexpected situations while studying and travelling. So you can focus on what truly matters.
6. Stay Connected with Friends & University
Whether you’re going home or staying at university, it’s important to stay connected with your friends at university and at home. This can help you build stronger connections and maintain valuable friendships helping you feel less isolated.
Even though it’s summer, don’t forget to check up on your university emails every once in a while. So you don’t miss out on any exciting events, updates, and potential opportunities tailored to international students.
Additionally, while university may be closed, some university support systems may stay open, in case you need any assistance or support.
7. Make the Most of Your Summer
Above all, don’t forget to enjoy a well deserved break. University can be very demanding, so it’s good to relax and recover so you can come back with a fresh mind.
Take time for yourself, maybe even learn new skills or take up a new hobby. This can help make your summer more enjoyable and broaden your friendships. Whether it’s joining a new sporting club or volunteering at the local shelter, find something that you enjoy.
Conclusion
The key takeaway from this is to plan ahead. Organise your time, finances, documents and belongings, so you can enjoy a stress free-summer.
While it may feel tedious and overwhelming to consider all these details, the effort you put in now will pay off significantly later. By taking the time to plan, you’re setting yourself up for smoother transitions and fewer last-minute surprises.
Whether it’s securing your storage, preparing for travel, or sorting out important tasks, having everything in place means you can truly relax and make the most of your time. The peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is organised and ready will make your summer much more enjoyable and fulfilling.
So, embrace the process now for a more carefree and rewarding experience down the line.
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