Safety Tips and Health Precautions for Study Abroad Students
If you are going to study abroad, then an exciting adventure awaits you but just remember that you should be responsible for your own safety and well-being because you will be very far away from your home. And for those Nepali students heading abroad, there are a few things that you always need to remember in the back of your head so that you are able to enjoy your experience abroad while simultaneously staying safe and healthy.
Get to Know Your New Place
From the moment you arrive, make sure you go around and get to know your surroundings even if you’re in a small town because getting to know your place as well as learning where everything is, is very important. Also make sure you have a list of important phone numbers like the local police, healthcare providers and your country’s embassy along with the university's emergency number because you may end up in a situation where you need to call them.
Health Insurance and Medical Care
Many countries require you to have insurance to get a visa, so, it will be super important for you to get that sorted out because it will cover you for any accident and illness along with routine checkups during your study abroad. If you can, get coverage for emergency evacuation too—just in case. As soon as you settle in, find out where the nearest hospitals or student health centers are, just in case you ever need them. If you take any regular medications, bring enough to last a while, and pack the prescription too. Some medicines you get easily in Nepal might not be available in other countries.
Stay Connected
Stay in touch with your family and friends because homesickness makes it very hard for some students who go to study overseas and also helps you with your safety. Furthermore, you can build your own new social circle there because you won't be the only student there and that will help you feel more at home. Get yourself a local SIM card as soon as possible and it will help you stay connected with your new friends. Plus, whenever you have plans with them such as trips and such, keep your family updated because it’s always safer for someone to know about your whereabouts. Most importantly, don't forget to make friends.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
You need to take care of your mental health because it can lead to devastating consequences if you are not caring for yourself enough. Most universities offer counseling services that you can go to if you're feeling down, anxious or just need someone to talk to and you can even choose to chat with family or friends back home which can be just as effective to boost your mood. Also, exercise because you will have plenty of chances to join a gym, go for walks or take up your favorite sports, in essence, whatever works for you, do it.
Protect Your Stuff
In a new place, it’s easy to let your guard down when it comes to your belongings but being careful can prevent a lot of headaches so, invest in a secure bag like the one with hidden zippers or a cross-body bag that’s harder for pickpockets to access while keeping copies of important documents like your passport, visa, and student ID both digitally and physically. Most importantly, always and always be mindful of your surroundings.
Food and Water Safety
Food adventures are part of the fun of living abroad as you will be able to experience whole new items for your palate but you also need to be cautious to avoid getting sick because food and water might not be safe in some places. Stick to bottled water if needed, be careful with ice in drinks and make sure the food you eat is freshly prepared and cooked thoroughly. Avoid undercooked meats and make sure fruits and veggies are well-washed.
Stay Informed
Keep up with local news and any important updates about safety or health in your area and also register with your home embassy because if events or emergencies like political unrest take place, they will definitely be able to guide you through it.
Taking care of your safety and health while studying abroad should always be a priority and you will be able to do it if you keep in mind the aforementioned tips, so make sure you remember them and enjoy your time abroad. Be safe and worry-free because a little preparation can help provide you with a very smooth experience during your time overseas.
