Top study abroad tips for new college students

Studying abroad is an exciting time to meet new people, experience new cultures, and discover new opportunities. While you’ll have plenty of fun, a few study abroad tips can make your time away from home even more memorable.

To ease into your new life abroad:

• Make sure you have a reliable way to call and message
• Understand your connectivity needs and costs
• Keep your devices protected and your mobile data safe
• Bring the right tech and accessories

Plan ahead, know your options, and choose what fits your needs and budget—so you can stay connected and safe while studying abroad.

Staying connected while studying abroad

An important piece of advice for students traveling abroad is to have a reliable way to communicate in your host country and back home in the U.S. Start by understanding your options.

Connectivity options

Cellular networks vary from place to place. Check coverage maps and available networks before you go. While larger cities typically have more options, rural areas might have coverage limitations. Although 5G is available in many countries, coverage can still be spotty.

To make sure you have basic connectivity:

• Shop for an international long-distance cellular plan with unlimited talk, text, and data.
• Use an international feature that lets you pay only for the days you use.
• Buy a local SIM for your mobile devices, which allows you to connect with networks in your visiting country.
• Choose an eSIM that you can purchase and activate online.

Depending on where you go, you may be able to continue using your current wireless carrier. For example, we offer plans that include service in Mexico and Canada.

How long you study abroad can help you choose which of the phone plans for college students fits you best.

[Read: 6 tips for using your phone in Europe]

Use data wisely to avoid roaming charges

Data and texting can be more expensive when you’re roaming. If you use a U.S. plan while traveling abroad and want to avoid roaming charges, be aware of your usage. Set a daily or weekly budget to avoid a surprise bill.

A little planning goes a long way. Next, think about which devices you’ll bring.

When to use prepaid and unlocked phones

If you want a backup phone, consider a prepaid or unlocked option. Both can help you stay connected and avoid extra fees.

The benefits of a prepaid phone

When traveling abroad, consider a prepaid phone to help save money by avoiding roaming charges. Prepaid options come with a range of plans (including data-only), so you only pay for what you use. You’ll still enjoy the flexibility of making calls, sending and receiving texts, and downloading your favorite apps over Wi-Fi.

Consider bringing an unlocked phone

If you have an unlocked phone, you can use SIM cards from many carriers, not just the one you bought it from. Be sure to research how travel eSIMs work to see if this is the right option for your device, your carrier, and your personal needs.

Before you go, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with local networks.

While having the right phone is essential, so is packing the right accessories to ensure you’re making the most of your time abroad.

Pack for long-term digital success

Before you travel, get your phone ready with the right tools, apps, and accessories. Pack the best travel gadgets to spend more time exploring and less time troubleshooting.

Download key travel and language apps in advance

Download key apps before you take off so they’re ready when you land, like:

• Language translation apps and local language packages
• Navigation platforms
• Rideshare services
• Accommodation booking apps

Pre-installing these apps means you’ll be more prepared to navigate a new language, culture, and environment.

Bring universal adapters and voltage converters

A universal adapter lets you plug your devices into most outlets—but your devices may still need the right voltage. The wrong voltage can damage your devices’ internal components, so bring a voltage converter alongside your adapter.

Don’t forget portable chargers and power banks

Exploring your new home means using navigation apps, taking pictures, and doing online research to learn more about your surroundings. All this can drain your battery, so pack a portable charger to keep your device powered up.

Carry reliable headphones or earbuds

Planes, trains, crowded squares, and tourist attractions can all become busy, noisy places as you travel and explore. A pair of earbuds or noise-canceling headphones will come in handy.

The right accessories can make all the difference when you’re away from home. But to truly have a positive study abroad experience, make safety a priority.

Stay safe and culturally aware

When you’re traveling, stay aware of your surroundings and local customs to protect your physical and digital safety. Securing your device is just as important as looking both ways before crossing the street.

Secure your devices and data

To keep your personal data and sensitive information secure, ensure all your devices have:

• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) – VPNs help protect your connection on public Wi-Fi by encrypting your traffic. This makes it harder for hackers to track your internet activity.
• Password managers – Password managers create and store strong passwords and can autofill logins for convenience.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – 2FA secures your logins by requiring a one-time password (OTP) or approval on your device in addition to your password. You can reduce your chances of experiencing data breaches by keeping your personal information private.

Never trust public computers for personal logins, even if you log out afterward—your info could be exposed. Even when on your own devices, safeguarding them is a priority.

Download local emergency and navigation apps

In some places, having local emergency or safety apps installed on your phone can get assistance to you faster than a phone call, especially if you don’t fully speak the language.

Knowing where you’re going also helps in emergency situations, but don’t rely solely on your home country’s navigation app. It may not be the most current where you are. Instead, find out which local navigation services have the most accurate maps for smooth travels.

Learn how locals communicate

Certain countries have homegrown messaging apps they use more than globally known services. These apps usually support texting—and often voice, video calls, and social networking too.

Staying safe and being able to communicate with locals helps with everyday life—and it matters even more in an emergency.

Stay connected to home without breaking the bank

Staying connected to your long-distance family and friends can help when you’re feeling homesick. To communicate with your loved ones without costly roaming charges:

Use Wi-Fi calling and video chat tools

You may not have cellular service to call home and can connect via:

• Wi-Fi calling – You can make calls from your regular phone app using an internet connection, rather than cellular service (if your carrier and plan support it). Turn it on and dial your loved ones’ numbers directly, often at lower cost.
• Video chatting apps – They give you face-to-face time with your friends and family, even if you’re half a world away. It’s an easy way to stay involved in special moments, keeping your connections just as strong.

Differing time zones can make it difficult to communicate with people back home. Use a shared calendar app to plan calls—it’ll display meeting times in each participant’s local time zone.

Final take: Set yourself up for a successful semester abroad

With the right study abroad tips, you can explore, learn, and grow with confidence. But your journey starts before you even set foot on the plane.

Before leaving the U.S., consider how you’ll access banking platforms, social media, and other accounts. You’ll likely need a U.S. phone number and, when you get it through us, you’ll have full confidence that your device will work anywhere you’re headed.

Our unlimited wireless plans include coverage in Canada and Mexico, and you can add daily coverage in many other countries.

Choose a plan that fits your trip so you’re set for the semester ahead. Here’s to safe travels and happy studying in your home away from home.