Choosing to study in Switzerland was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, though it certainly came with its challenges. Based on my experience, I’ve gathered some key insights to help you make the most of your time here and avoid a few of the pitfalls I encountered along the way.
Advice
Flashback to August 2020: bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I hopped on the plane from St. Louis, Missouri, to move to Charleston, South Carolina for college.
To my dismay, I quickly found out that Charleston during the pandemic wasn’t all South Carolina sunshine and roses. No friends in our rooms, no in-person classes, and social distancing everywhere – from meals to the library.
Applications for the NL Scholarship 2025-26 are currently open. Deadlines are specific to each participating institution so make sure you check your chosen university website for further information.
What is the Russell Group?
The Russell Group is an association that represents 24 public research universities in the UK. The group believes that “people and ideas are the key to meeting global challenges. Through world-class research and education, we are helping to create a dynamic economy, stronger communities, and a better future for the UK”.
University life offers you a wealth of experiences, but it can also present challenges – academic pressures, social isolation, mental health struggles.
As institutions strive to create a supportive environment, it is important that they recognise the critical role you can play in shaping the well-being programmes that directly impact you as students. By actively participating in the development of these initiatives, you can ensure that the support services available reflect your needs, preferences and unique experiences.
Imagine pursuing a PhD for four years only to realise in the fifth year that research and teaching are not the right paths for you. This is where I found myself – waking up one day, knowing I was on the wrong track.
Procrastination
Leaving my homeland and family to study in a different social and cultural landscape was overwhelming. So, I kept putting off starting my applications, as there was always some uncertainty. Finally, as the intake deadline for my shortlisted universities inched closer, I had to rush to prepare all the required documents.
Lesson learned: Procrastinating doesn’t help. If you can manage the final aspects of studying abroad and have the required qualifications, just go for it.
Whether you are settling back into a routine, returning to exams, or starting your studies in January, planning ahead can ease the transition. Here are some practical tips to help prepare for a smooth return to university.
Rebuild focus and motivation
After the festivities of the winter break, shifting back into academic life can sometimes feel difficult. To make this transition easier:
The festive holidays are a time of celebration – good food, lots of parties and time spent with family and friends. Unfortunately, for those sitting exams in the new year, that also means revision.
Studying might not seem like a recipe for festive fun, but fear not. If you’re organised and get started early, you can still have a great holiday and be prepared for your exams. Stick to these relaxation and revision tips and you’ll go back in the new year feeling relaxed, revitalised and well prepared.