So, it’s finally happening.
You got the visa. Your flight is booked. Family members are praying for you every night.
But deep inside, there’s that silent, nagging voice.
What if I don’t fit in? What if I mess up? What should I expect?
If that’s you, first off, breathe. This article is for you. And it’s coming from someone who gets it, the excitement, the fear, the pressure, the unspoken expectations. Let’s walk through this together, shall we?
1. Culture shock will knock on your door
Let’s be honest, everything will feel new. From the way people greet each other or don’t greet, to how food tastes, to the weather, to how fast people walk.
You’ll likely experience overthinking every “hello”, googling phrases like: What does ‘you good?’ mean?, and missing your local food like it’s a long-distance relationship
But you’ll adjust. It just takes time. Have at the back of your mind that settling in will take time. Be curious. Ask questions. Smile. Give yourself grace. Adjusting to a new culture is not weakness, it’s courage in motion.
2. The school system may shock you
You see all that cram and pour style back here in Nigeria? Ehn, forget it.
Abroad, you’ll be expected to think critically, participate in discussions, reference your sources properly and read ahead and not just the night before. Sometimes, lecturers won’t even take attendance. It’ll feel like freedom until deadlines start flying at you like arrows. So be careful.
I will advise that you don’t joke with the library, use apps like Grammarly, and attend workshops on academic writing.
3. Language barriers are real even if you speak English
No, you’re not dumb. The accent may throw you off, and you’ll nod at things you don’t understand just to escape embarrassment. And the slangs? God help you.
But you’ll learn. Slowly. Surely. You’ll start picking up the rhythm of conversations. You’ll even laugh at jokes that confused you the week before.
What can help is watching local shows with subtitles, joining group chats and actually texting back, and practicing without fear of sounding off.
4. Money will test you
When you get there, You’ll quickly realize that everything costs money, exchange rates are not your friend, and you’ll miss naira prices with tears. At this point, budgeting isn’t optional, it’s survival. You might even find yourself saying, let me check my account first before buying plantain.
What you can do is; track your spending (apps like Mint help), buy your things in bulk, and take advantage of student discounts.
5. Homesickness will show up uninvited
Some nights, it hits differently. The silence. The weather. The unfamiliarity. You’ll miss your people, your language, your food, the banter, the chaos, and everything in between.
It might make you cry. That’s okay. You’re human before you’re “strong.”
To stay sane and not feel bad for too long; call home often, find a church or faith community, and carry little pieces of home with you like photos, songs, food spices, wrapper.
6. Friendships will stretch you
You’ll meet people from all over the world. Some will become family. Some will teach you things about yourself. Others? Red flags in human form. It’s part of the journey.
I will advise that you don’t force yourself to belong, stay kind, but protect your peace, and be open, but don’t lose your values trying to fit in.
7. Growth will happen quietly
One day, you’ll realize you’ve become someone new. Someone stronger. More independent. Wiser.
You’ll learn to cook your own food, fix your own problems, stand your ground, and pray your way through. You’ll survive, and not just survive, you’ll thrive.
In conclusion, being an international student is one of the most courageous things anyone can do. It will stretch you in ways you didn’t imagine. You’ll question yourself sometimes. You’ll cry. You’ll laugh. But you’ll grow beautifully.
So breathe. One day at a time. You’ve got this. And if nobody told you today, let me say it with my full chest: I’m so proud of you.
