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Looking for insider information for tips on studying abroad in Europe? This post gives you 3 hidden tips on how you can plan for and survive your year abroad.
It can be hard to find useful information when you’re studying abroad for only a year. I definitely struggled in finding adequate information that my university could have simply told us (based on previous student experiences) but were subpar in relaying. So, I decided to tailor this article on unique advice from experienced students on studying abroad in Europe.Â
This post is all about what you need to know if you’re planning on studying abroad in Europe.
This option is ideal for those who are doing a year abroad in two separate countries and are struggling to get a visa approved for one of their countries. I had a friend whose French visa took forever to be approved so she used her Schengen Visa for her 3 month stay in Paris, yet her Spanish Visa was easy to get in comparison. So, this does depend on the country you’re going to and their bureaucratic systems really. Â
Ideally, you won’t have to use up your Schengen Visa and in a very ideal world your visa will come in time and you won’t have to deal with any of the logistics if it doesn’t.
However, this remains an option just in case there is a mishap.
Caveat: EU/EEA citizens do not need to apply for a Schengen visa. However, those from Ireland and Cyprus (since not being a Schengen area) need to present their passport at border control. Ireland apparently is not operating under the EES/ETIAS systems, but of course, double check this information. I’ve provided a link below for you to explore more about this topic:
The EU Entry/Exit system and EU travel authorisation system.Â
Please note that non-EU/EEA citizens may have fees upon their application for the Schengen Visa. As always, do your own research as I am not an expert and am just providing you with friendly information.
The good thing about this option is that you can apply up to 6 months in advance and the latest 15 days before your intended travel. However, it may take about 45 days to process.Â
There are travel changes within the Schengen area, So make sure to do in-depth research before you go ahead. I have provided useful links below:
Travel to EU Schengen Area – Gov UKÂ
Applying for a Schengen visa – Migration and Home AffairsÂ
If you are spending your year abroad in an internship then it may be a different case for you, as it would be illegal to work in the country without the appropriate visa or sponsorship – please check with your employers, and the laws of your host country. Some countries may allow it.
There is also an introduction to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in the last quarter of 2026. You may or may not need to purchase this depending on which country you are from and which country you are travelling to. This is still good information to have as changes to border control mean that it is a requirement for entry in certain countries.Â
The link below is to the direct website which has a map of countries that it is required for.
Student housing abroad varies, so this point is more about private rentals than student housing.
In the UK when it comes to private rentals, international students really get the short-end of the stick. They are typically required to pay 6 months upfront (which should be changed with the Renters’ Rights Bill) and sometimes the home conditions are not regulated. Although, the latter is more of a governmental problem if we’re going to be honest.Â
In France, however, they do not care if you have the capacity to pay your entire rent upfront, if your guarantor does not earn up to 4x the amount of the monthly rent in their salary, you can’t secure the apartment. This made it very difficult for me and I had to get an external French guarantor via a website.Â
I used garantme but I had friends who used garantievisale. The cost of your rent depends on which one you can use as the latter has a rental cap of €1500.
You can look into applying for CAF (financial housing aid) if you’re studying abroad in France. I didn’t know about this while I was there but my friend who spent her year abroad in Marseille got €150 off her rent I believe.
Here’s a link for you to do more research:
Demander des aides au logement – Réfugiés.infoÂ
The rental market may also vary per season, for example, in France, they legally cannot charge more than a certain amount based on the sqm of the apartment. Whereas London is notorious for the bidding wars. Unfortunately, the poor quality apartments would just get more expensive each year which means that it would be impossible for students of lower socioeconomic backgrounds to improve their quality of living.Â
Another major issue that a lot of students deal with in London is getting evicted because their landlord sold the apartment while they were renting. With the new Renter’s Rights Bill being introduced, this issue should be resolved.
Regardless, I implore you to look into renter’s rights in your host country.Â
Here’s a brief checklist of what you should researchÂ
For more information on the Renter’s Rights Act:
What to expect from the Renters’ Rights Act – Shelter EnglandÂ
Renters’ Rights Bill 2025: Bill returns to House of Lords October 14Â
Guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill – GOV.UKÂ
More articles on renting in Europe:Â
Renting around the World: Comparing Europe to England
A brief guide to rent controls in EuropeÂ
How Do Tenant and Landlord Rights Vary Around Europe?Â
10 Facts About Renting In Europe You Will Be Shocked By – Expat Network
International student life is not always glitz and glam – you’ve probably heard about culture shock before. If you haven’t, it is essentially when you feel uncertain because of exposure to a culture different than what you’re used to.
It may manifest in different ways like:
For me, when I experienced culture shock I felt dysregulated and disrupted. It was mainly feelings of guilt and homesickness. I started feeling homesick in the months of November/December.
I felt like I wasn’t appreciating the experience properly but I also recognise that it could have also been winter blues because as soon as the sun hit Paris I was loving it again. When I first moved in August I had actually loved it.
Their lack of festivity during the Christmas period made me realise I wasn’t home, which is funny now looking back at it. But if you’ve ever been in London during the Christmas period, you’ll understand what I mean – it’s breathtaking with the lights.
What’s important is to stop the comparison – this is the most difficult part if I’m honest. I was struggling adjusting to the midday breaks that restaurants would take. Now, while this is typical in Europe, coming from London and being used to having everything at your doorstep with a ‘Go!Go!Go!’ attitude, it was very difficult for me to drastically adjust.
I’m very used to picking up a snack/meal from a ‘starbucks’ or ‘insert another big chain here’ but that routine had been disrupted. Paris is known for its independent restaurant/bistro culture so I was too overwhelmed because every place had a different menu. I didn’t know if their food would actually be good and I didn’t want to find out while I was desperately hungry.
Obviously I had to adapt quickly so I adopted their diet. I started getting creative with the bakery’s baguette options and started exploring cheeses (I was never a cheese girl but I’m slowly warming up).
The quicker you adapt the easier it gets and the sooner you can truly appreciate the culture and experience.
You should be mindful of these triggers when moving to another country:
Being mindful of these triggers can help you anticipate what may induce culture shock when you are in your host country. I would suggest watching youtube videos/podcasts/tv shows by natives of your host country to get a bit into their psychology.
Keep familiar things around you that remind you of home for you to resort to when you’re feeling lonely, lost, confused. But don’t worry, because it doesn’t last forever – in fact, you may not even experience it!
More articles on culture shock:
Culture shock for international students
You should also be mindful of reverse culture shock when you return home. But honestly, don’t worry too much about that for now
In all, I hope this article has helped you in potential solutions for visa issues, and mentally prepared you for any unexpected experience. This post was all about ways you can prepare yourself for your year studying abroad in Europe that your university may not be sharing with you.Â
If you’re interested in a more in-depth article you can check out this post below:
A passionate and creative female blogger who is navigating living in the city in her 20s
