Go to ISC induction week 

ISC will host induction seminars talking about different things. It will be about your admission, tutors that will be teaching you and ISC policies that aim to protect you and your classmates. It will also answer students’ questions, for example, how to take sick leave? If you can, please go to the ISC induction week, it is filled with everything you need to know before you start your course in ISC. Going to ISC induction week also allows you to meet new friends. You will see everyone in the lecture hall who you will bump into everyday in the ISC.  

Go to induction week society and sports fair 

Going to societies and sports fairs during induction week is a MUST!!! You will meet committee members and make new friends by connecting and speaking with them. Also, you might see some societies that you do not know of, which you might be interested in joining. Some societies give students a tester session or give it a go events, where you should join and check it out before joining the society. Mostly these events are free or pay a small fee to join, but it is a good idea to see if you like society and the vibe before becoming a member of the society. 

Explore the city and nearby areas 

Go and explore the city. You will be spending your next 4 years in the city, you should explore and go around the city to check out different spots, especially those tourist attractions as your parents might ask you for photos. For the first few weeks, your studies should not be busy, it is a chance to hop on the bus or train and explore nearby cities and town for a day trip with your new friends.  

Loneliness & Homesick 

I am sure not many people talk about loneliness in university, especially leaving your home to study aboard. The time difference between home and university is hard to talk to your family and you might be getting homesick because you are so far away from home. My solution is really to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. There is no cost to meet new people, you can really be best friends with some of them. Surrounding yourself with friends will make you feel less homesick and lonely. 

Relax  

There is nothing to worry or scared about studying in the ISC. Professors and tutors are not scary people.  You will be making friends with your groupmates as you will see that in class for a year. It is also a chance to make some friends before progressing to the undergraduate degree. Just relax and enjoy your time studying in the ISC. Do something you always love to do, travelling, cooking, watching netflix... Pick something that relax you and have fun while studying in ISC. 

written by Jason from Hong Kong

Preparation

After securing a room in University or off-campus accommodation, it is then essential to confirm the move in date with the school. So to ensure the room is ready and reserved on the move in day.

Since many students would probably move in during the welcoming week. To smoothen the unloading process, it is suggested to research the key collection spot and parking spot in advance.

Moving In

Once the room keys are collected from the reception and entered the room. Do not get too excited to start unpacking the boxes. To prevent disputes over damages and security deposit afterwards, it is advised to fill in a move-in checklist and take a picture to inform school for any major damage. When all checks are completed, start setting up the room

Settling

Moving away from home and studying abroad is daunting for most people. To ease homesickness, it is suggested to decorate your own room to feel as much as home. Apart from attending seminars on campus, students would probably stay in their rooms for most of the time. So the key is to decorate the room as comfortably as possible. Do not be embarrassed by anything you would like to put in your room. It is your room, so just make it your own.

written by Joan from Hong Kong