The learning curve at university is multifaceted. When applying to colleges, it’s normal to concentrate on academics; however, once on campus, many students regret not spending more time honing their practical skills. According to a recent Ivory Research survey, 64% of UK students had never done laundry, 53% had never gone grocery shopping, and just under 50% had never cooked before attending college. While studying and socialising may be at the top of your priority list while attending university, mastering these fundamental skills is essential to being self-sufficient and able to take care of yourself.
Here Are Five Essential Practical Skills To Learn Before Starting University:
1. Cooking
46% of students said they had never cooked before going to college, per the survey. A great way to get ready for college is to learn a few quick, inexpensive recipes before you get to campus. Eating well is important for both your physical and mental health, and avoiding takeout, however alluring it may be, will help you save money. When shared with friends, preparing a meal from your home can be especially comforting during times of homesickness. You can also prepare yourself for a successful and balanced week by spending a few hours on the weekend meal planning and preparation, especially during busy exam periods. To get you started, look at these eight meal-prepping tips for students or these five tips for eating well while you’re in school.
2. Driving
In a student Instagram poll asking international students what they wished they’d learnt before starting university, lots of responses were about driving. Although driving isn’t totally necessary as a student, it can be useful for moving into and out of halls and exploring the country or area you’re studying in. If you’re an international student with a license from your home country, you’ll likely need to apply for an international driving permit or a permit for the nation you’re attending school in. The national standards of your study destination may require you to retake a driving test in some circumstances, so be sure to research this before traveling. Check which side of the road you should be driving on if you intend to drive to school.
3. Managing Your Budget
When living independently for the first time, students frequently need to learn practical skills like budgeting. Setting up a bank account in the nation where you’ll be studying is frequently the first step for international students. Check out our articles on opening student bank accounts in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia for advice on how to do this. Keeping a budget while in school can be difficult due to student loan payments, sporadic bills, temporary jobs, and grants, but organising your finances is essential to reducing stress. There are many guides available from students to help you manage your finances while attending college, so it’s worthwhile to try out a few different strategies to see which one works best for you. Use one of these budgeting apps for students, some of which will set money aside for you as part of your daily spending, or try creating your own budget using an interactive budget planner.
4. Doing Laundry
With 64% of students in the Ivory Research survey admitting to never having done their own laundry and a further 73% never having used an iron, many students are yet to master the art of not running out of clean socks. You’ll typically find a laundry room with coin-operated washing machines in student residence halls, so it’s a good idea to save some change for this. YouTube is your friend if you want to learn how to use a particular washing machine. Take advantage of the fact that many universities will assign student assistants to show you around the campus or residence halls during freshmen’s week to get a quick tutorial.
5. Time Management 
You’ll likely have more control over your time than you ever have before while studying at university, which is frequently much more independent than school. The ability to balance all of the aforementioned tasks while also keeping up with your studies and social life is time management. That is a challenge, so if it sounds difficult, it is. Even though YouTube is crowded with videos of what appear to be ideal student morning routines, many students find it difficult to establish a routine that gives them the ideal balance.
The secret is to be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day and to avoid being too hard on yourself when things don’t go according to plan. If time management is something you struggle with, check out this THE Student guide on how to manage your time at university. Once you arrive on campus, you will also have access to student support services that can guide you in balancing everything while looking after your mental health. These services are there to help you, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering these five practical skills will empower international students to navigate their university experience with confidence and ease. From effective communication to time management, these abilities are not just beneficial for academic success but also for personal growth and cultural adaptation. Embrace the challenges of studying abroad, and remember that every new skill you acquire will enhance your journey. As you prepare to embark on this exciting chapter of your life, take the time to develop these essential skills, and you’ll be well-equipped to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Here’s to a successful and enriching university experience!