• If you are going abroad for higher studies, you should first check the reputation of the university or the institute you choose to pursue your studies. Make efforts to know about 'which university is the reputed one, for the subject I'm aspiring for?'
• Study about the laws and cultural affairs of the country before you make a decision to go there.
• As you are subject to the laws and custom of the foreign country, stay away from any disorderly, riotous behavior while you are in the new place.
• Apply for your passport at the earliest possible to avoid final moment confusions.
• Checkup with the embassy of the respective country to get information about visa-updates and other entry details.
• Read carefully the consular information sheet to make yourself familiar with the travel information about the respective country.
• The school or the university department, you are going to join, will offer information about different admission criteria for foreign students. You can get information from relevant websites too besides gathering the appropriate information from the ex-students of those universities.
• Going abroad for higher studies generally entails huge expenditure. Many universities offer student-funds and merit scholarships for international students. You can avail these funds and scholarships to meet your expenses.
• Personal interview is a part of the selection procedure of most universities and schools. Enhancing your communication skills and subject knowledge can help you face the interview with confidence.

• Is studying abroad more beneficial than studying at home?
• Whether I will be able to adapt to the culture of the country ?
• Can I cope with the financial and other demands of studying abroad?
• Can I look forward to a healthy life overseas?

• Cultural Adjustment Tips for Students
• Currency Exchange Information
• Health Tips for Students Studying Abroad
• Health & Safety Tips
• Overseas Telephone Tips
• International Study Trip Guide

• Do constructive things to get over the initial adjustment period to keep yourself happy. Remember you are here to learn. Apart from your study schedule, whenever time permits, visit nearby museums, heritage centers, and other places of tourist interest to know more about the respective country.
• Keep in touch with your family and friends at home. Letters, phone calls or email at regular intervals will help you get over the feeling of homesickness.
• Make a list of short-term and long-term goals of your life and place the list somewhere in your living room where you can see it often. You will feel re-energized by checking the points you already achieved. This will create a positive attitude in you.
• Try to understand and respect the local customs. Dress yourself appropriately as per the local traditions. Greet the native people in their local style. All these things will enhance your confidence level and make you feel part of the new culture.

• Try to identify the reliable sources to exchange and avoid making exchange on the streets as those street-setups are generally regarded as illegal market or black market in most of the countries.
• As there is always a fluctuation in the exchange values of currencies, it is advisable not to exchange your money at one go as your country's currency may have good value in the future.
• Exchanging your money on part basis according to your expense requirements will result in judicious use of your money.
• Students are advised to keep their exchange bills safely while exchanging money, to reduce any kind of chaotic situation in future.
• It is advisable to exchange enough money at the airport exchange bureau to get you through the initial days.

• Proper immunization is very necessary before going abroad. Consult your doctor and take all the necessary vaccination.
• Drink bottled water only and avoid raw foods.
• Always keep a first-aid kit at hand. It should have medical items such as antiseptic ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, contact lens solution and adhesive bandages among other things.
• Do not forget prescription drugs or items like inhalers, if you have any specific health problems.
• Before departure, it is advisable to visit a dentist for a dental check-up.
• There are many travel health insurance covers available these days that you can avail in case you become ill or meet an accident while you are away from homeland. Most plans include a 24-hour hotline for medical advice.

• Good food and lifestyle can keep students safe from many common infections and ailments, so they are advised to develop good eating habits.
• Students who are under medication can consult their Doctor before departure and are advised to take enough medicines to last through the initial stages of staying abroad.
• The required vaccinations should be taken in time before leaving for the destination country. Life is unpredictable and taking precautions can help us to minimize our misfortunes.
• Health does not signify 'physical health' only but 'mental health' too. Therefore students must learn how to take care of their mental health and not worry too much.
• They can reduce their stress by sharing all the issues in their lives with friends and family members (through mails or telephone), which will help them to be calm and more poised and de-stress themselves occasionally.

• Make sure you lock your home whenever you leave.
• Check for the identification details when repairmen enter your home.
• Avoid allowing the strangers inside your home.
• As soon as you arrive in your new home, you should make a list of doors and windows and mentally chart out a set of escape routes in case of fire or other emergency situations.
• Better avail the public transport system in the foreign country.
• Whether you are going to travel by car or train or any other mode of transportation facility in the new country, always keep your student identification details with you.
• Try to travel 'light'. Loss of a heavy baggage may result in loss of more possessions that could have been safe at home.

• Try to research well about your destination country and city before leaving. Understand the local laws, customs and health and crime menace.
• Give all the possible details of your travel plans including the contact address, email id and student id to your relatives and friends so that they can contact you in emergencies.
• It is always good to take medical insurance and ensure that you have all necessary medical supplies in your kit and the travel documents before leaving home.
• Take recommended vaccinations several weeks prior to your departure.
• Avoid carrying large amount of cash for the first time.
• Keep an eye on your luggage and belongings at all moments and if possible, never leave it unattended, as it is your responsibility to take care of your belongings.
• Try to arrive during daytime, which can be helpful in many ways for traveling further.
• Do not use any illegal drugs during the travel, as 'drug usage' is a punishable crime. You can be sentenced to jail or even penalized to death in the foreign country for committing the offense.
• Stay away from catching AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Avoid casual sex and use condoms for a considerable protection.
• Avoid using alcohols at least for the first few months.
• Maintain decorum while dressing up in the new atmosphere, keeping in mind that you are like an ambassador of your home country and represents its culture and traditions.
• Be alert while making friends and placing your trust on someone.
• Be courageous enough to face the emergency situations.

Toronto is nicknamed "Toronto the Good" and is considered the safest large city in North America. Most people feel fairly comfortable walking in many parts of the city until 9:00 or 10:00 pm. However, it is best not to carry large amounts of cash (over $100) or walk alone very late at night.  Our public transportation is also quite safe and there are many safety features available. For example, on each subway train, there is an emergency button you can push and on each platform, there is a safety telephone you can access. On buses and streetcars, you can ask the driver to let you off between stops at night so you can reduce your walking distance.

In any emergency situation in Toronto, just phone 911. By phoning this number, you can ask for police, ambulance and fire engine. Don't worry about speaking English in this situation — the operator can immediately get a translator who will speak your language on the phone.