What advice do you have for adjusting to academic life abroad?

Adapting to university life abroad is rough at first because everything feels unfamiliar. Lectures move fast and professors expect you to take initiative instead of waiting for step-by-step guidance. You have to build your own structure and hold yourself accountable because no one will chase you. Stay organized from day one and review your notes often so you don’t fall behind. Speak up in class even if your confidence shakes because participation matters more than perfection. Learn proper referencing because plagiarism rules are strict and mistakes cost you marks. Exams test understanding not memory so focus on applying what you learn instead of memorizing facts. Join study groups and connect with people who share your goals because support helps more than pride. The key is to stay flexible and consistent while accepting that every mistake is part of learning how to handle life on your own.

When I started studying the Bachelor of Construction (Construction Management) at AUT, getting used to independent learning was tough. In high school, teachers always guided me, but at uni, I had to take full responsibility for my study. It felt hard at first, but once I got into a routine, it became much easier.

I came to New Zealand from Beijing, China, when I was nine. The language barrier was a big challenge in the beginning, but I kept practising and pushing myself. After about two years, I became fluent in English, and that really boosted my confidence.

One thing that helped me a lot was talking to lecturers. They’re always friendly and willing to help if you ask questions. I often stayed after class to ask for advice or feedback. I also made study plans at home to stay organised. I’m not really a library person — I prefer studying at home or in a café.

I’ve never found group work difficult because I enjoy meeting people and working together. It’s one of the best parts of studying at AUT.

My advice is to stay patient with yourself, ask questions, and find a study style that works for you. Once you find your rhythm, everything gets easier.

Adjusting to university life coming out of high school, especially as an international student can be really difficult but really all it takes is perseverance and commitment. Easier said than done right?

After having gone through a pretty rough first year, I learned alot. All of these study tips helped make my life easier so let’s not waste time and get straight to it.

Recap, recap, recap. After every lecture, give yourself 30 minutes to sit with the content and ensure that you understand each and every thing, maybe even do some extra research online! By the time fall break comes along you won’t be catching up on week 1 material but you might even be ahead.

Find your spot. Maybe your ideal study spot is your room, maybe its a cafe, maybe its in nature or maybe like me its in the library. Try different places and see what allows you to concentrate on your work the best.

Just ask! Following up on the first point, if you’re confused about something just ask. Trust me you’ll thank yourself. Don’t want to speak up in the middle of class? That’s fair I hate it too, go to the office hours! Ask the person sat next to you! Check the class Discord! Make friends! There’s many options so don’t miss out!

Even outside of academics, university is very much a “you get what you put in” type of experience, so put yourself out there! You won’t regret it and trust me I know how hard taking that first step can be but you just have to go for it and take that leap.

It’s all a little too much at first but you get used to it and soon, all of these “tips” become second nature. You got this and I wish you the best of luck.

Adjusting to academic life at university, especially when studying abroad, can be both exciting and challenging. From my own experience, the key to adapting smoothly is combining good study habits with social connection and self-care.

1. Get familiar with the academic environment early

University study can feel quite different, especially with the focus on independent learning. In New Zealand, lecturers expect you to take initiative by reading beyond the slides, attending tutorials, and managing your own deadlines. Reviewing your course outlines early and noting key assessments and exam dates will help you plan ahead and reduce stress.

2. Build connections from day one

If you feel nervous about not knowing anyone, try arriving 10 to 15 minutes early to class. There will usually be one or two students already there, and it is a good chance to start a friendly conversation such as, “Hey, did you see there is a group project in this course?” This small step can help you meet new people and find group partners early on.

3. Use university support and resources

Most universities offer excellent support services such as academic writing centres, peer mentors, and international student advisors. At AUT, the Student Hub, Library workshops, and AUTSA clubs helped me both academically and socially. Do not hesitate to reach out, as these resources are designed to make your transition easier.

4. Manage your time and wellbeing

Balancing lectures, assignments, and personal life can be challenging. I found it helpful to create a weekly planner that includes study time, rest, and exercise. University is not just about grades; it is also about personal growth and maintaining a healthy routine.

5. Embrace the experience

Feeling uncertain at first is completely normal. Studying abroad is a major step outside your comfort zone, but it helps you develop resilience, independence, and cross-cultural understanding that will benefit you long after graduation.

As someone who came to Carleton as an introvert, I realized so much of it was about being able to step out of your comfort zone. I knew that if I wanted to make the most out of my experience, I needed to connect with people; whether that meant talking to classmates, professors, or joining group discussions. Getting to know professors especially helped me gain better insights into my courses and understand expectations more clearly. Don’t hesitate to approach them!!

Another important piece of advice: avoid procrastination. I know it’s easier said than done, but trust me on this one, things will pile up fast if you leave them until the last minute. Coming from a third-year student, I’ve learned that staying ahead of deadlines is one of the best ways to avoid burnouts. Start assignments early and keep track of upcoming due dates. It might feel challenging at first, but your future self will thank you later for sure.

Finally, here’s a tip that really helped me as an introvert when it came to group work. If you ever feel nervous about not knowing anyone in class or worry about forming a group, try this: on the first day of class, especially if you’ve read the course outline and know there will be a group project, arrive early, maybe around 15 minutes before the class starts. There will usually be one or two other students who show up early too. Sit beside them and casually start a conversation like, “Hey, did you notice there’s a group project in this class?” A convo will be built, then you can easily ask, “Do you want to form a group together?” It might sound simple, but this approach has worked for me almost every time haha. Everyone’s new and would be looking for a group member, so it’s the perfect opportunity.

These are few tips that helped me a lot to stay on track during my uni life.

If you're trying to get the hang of the academic grind here at Carleton, here’s what worked for me: - Show up to every lecture. Seriously, every one matters. Professors drop a ton of useful info in class that you won’t always find online, and they’ll often hint at what might show up on tests. Trust me, it’s worth it.

- Sit next to people and actually talk to them. Don’t be shy—say hi, ask questions, and get to know your classmates. That’s how I met a lot of people, and it's a good way to make sure you're on top of the material too.

- Don’t fall behind. Keep up with your assignments and study little by little from the start. Procrastination is tempting, but it’ll only make you more stressed when things pile up. You’ve got tough courses, so pace yourself.

That’s how I stayed on track and had a successful Carleton journey. If you stick to these, you'll do great. Trust me!