It can feel overwhelming to travel half-way around the world to study in a foreign land and community, and adapting to life in a new country and university is a challenge, but this does not have to be exhausting or terrifying.

One of the reasons why studying abroad is such an incredible experience, after all, is that it brings us out of our comfort zones. To take the stress out of studying abroad, just follow these six tips.

1. Invest Big And Save Cash

Let’s first get this one done and finished. Money is also a big stress-factor for students and it is costly to study abroad. Anyone who tells you otherwise is probably trying to sell something… costly to you.

But to have a nice experience, that doesn’t mean you have to drain your savings or build up debt. Here are a few tips for intelligent spending and saving money when you’re abroad:

• Avoid Temptation

No matter how cool things are, don’t buy anything you see when you first arrive. For the end of your tour, stick to necessities and save the souvenirs. And note, you will want to take back with you everything you purchase, so consider your luggage allowance before purchasing a didgeridoo in Australia or a set of steel drums while studying in Jamaica.

• Do The Locals Want

Residing like a local is one of the easiest ways to save money when studying abroad. Or better yet, get a local to show you how to cook their favourite food. Cook local foods. And while you’re at it, you’ll get a much better understanding of the culture, and you’ll make new friends in the process, asking them what locals do for fun.

2. Using The Capital To Fly That You’ve Saved.

Souvenirs are fine, but there are many better memories. Use the money you saved to fly and to see the country and nearby areas by eating local grub (maybe literally in Peru). Your camera and notebook will catch your time a lot better than a snow globe or a t-shirt.

3. In A Budget, Eat Nutritious Food.

We’ve already found out that local food will save money, but it can help you remain healthier as well. Burgers and candy or college food (noodles and frozen pizza) may sound simple, but the toll would be on your waistline and your wellbeing, and no one wants that kind of tension.

Take the time to learn a few simple and nutritious dishes before you even leave home. It’s simple and budget-friendly for soups, stews, and casseroles, and they don’t need a lot of complicated kitchen equipment. Study a chicken’s ins and the outs-a good-sized bird will feed a bad student for at least a week if you know what you’re doing with a knife and other practical basic stuff.

Check out the campus and community centres after you have arrived to see if there are any cooking classes available for beginners or students. We’ve already recommended asking a local for cooking advice, but you probably have the United Nations’ collective culinary experience on your doorstep as a foreign student.

Why not plan a foreign night of food and invite all your new friends to prepare and bring home their favourite food?

4. Become A Local-Transport Specialist.

When you’re in a new place, it’s tempting to jump into cabs, but if you can master the subway, underground, or bus system, you’ll save yourself a bundle of money and time. Or, much better, start walking!

Though this might not be practical all the time (especially if you live in a big city or a rural location), you’d be shocked by how the cheapest, most fun means of transportation can always be walking. Plus, along the way, you can see plenty of fun things and get good exercise!

5. In Advance, Schedule.

You’ve undoubtedly already sussed out the cost of housing and travel, but have you made arrangements for cell phones? Drugs for a prescription? Charges for banks? It can add up to all these things, and it helps to schedule ahead and know what to expect.

Some items could be cheaper (or free) in your home country, such as prescriptions, but something straightforward like talking to your doctor and getting a few months ahead of time could save you a lot of money and stress.

Before going, check with your bank to make sure you’re not wrapping up charges by using your cards overseas. Your cell phone may be permanently bound to your thumbs, so it may be a big money trap to use it abroad. When you arrive, turn to a local SIM, or simply get a cheap pay-as-you-go phone for the duration of your studies.

6. Make Friends And Enjoy Yourself!

No matter what, landing in a foreign country is going to be a shock, so give yourself time to adapt, but don’t just hide in your bed. Get to meet your college flatmates, classmates, and other individuals.

And don’t just hang with other students at the international stage. Check out the student groups of your school and join a club or organization that shares your passions if you’re having trouble meeting people. Sign up for excursions and get interested in sports on campus. Take a salsa workshop or volunteer to go out and mix with locals. If you’re doing, enjoy.

Too many students think so much about having a memorable experience of their time abroad that they almost fail to experience something, so have fun and live! Bon, voyage! Nice voyage!