Studying abroad is often described as the best time of one’s life. It definitely does give butterflies. New culture, new people, new accent, etc. , but what often gets overlooked is the toll it can take on your health. Endless cups of noodles, late night studies on the last day of exams, parties etc. can easily slip down wellness from the priority list.
Living healthy is not just about eating salads and joining yoga classes. It is about building simple routines that keep your body, mind, and energy in check. Let’s discuss how wellness routines can actually work for students living overseas.
1. Food: Beyond Instant Noodles
Let’s face it: food is the first place students abroad cut corners. Cooking seems like a luxury when you’re drowning in assignments. But here’s the catch—living off frozen pizza and energy drinks won’t do you any favors.
Instead, think about balance. You don’t need to become a five-star chef, but learning to make a few basic, nutritious meals can be a game-changer. Plus, shopping at local markets is not only cheaper but also gives you a taste of the culture (literally).
Pro tip: meal-prep on Sundays. Yes, it sounds boring, but it saves you from the “What do I eat at 11 p.m.?” crisis.
2. Move Your Body (Yes, Even If the Gym Is Expensive)
Gyms abroad can feel like a financial commitment you’re not ready for. But staying active, you have to spend a lot on memberships. Walking or biking to class, joining a student sports club, or even doing short workouts can give you the desired results.
In many university towns, students find daily activity built into their routines just by commuting. For example, those staying in student apartments in Champaign often bike or walk across the University of Illinois campus, which doubles as daily exercise. Similarly, students in student apartments in College Station enjoy easy access to Texas A&M’s recreational facilities and sports clubs, making it simpler to stay fit without breaking the bank.
3. Sleep: The Most Underrated Superpower
Here’s an uncomfortable truth, pulling all-nighters is not something to be proud about. Sleep deprivation doesn’t make you hardworking; it makes you forgetful, moody, and more prone to catching that cold everyone else in the dorm has.
Aim for 7–8 hours, even if it means saying “no” to one more Netflix episode or late-night party. Your brain processes memories while you sleep, which means more rest equals better learning. Think of it as the most effective (and free) study hack available.
Tip: try to keep a consistent sleep schedule. Yes, weekends included. Your future self will thank you.
4. Mental Health
Adjusting to a new country is exciting but also overwhelming. Ignoring your mental well-being is very common in this journey of living alone and handling everything on your own.
Make time for activities that calm your mind. Journaling, meditating, or even just calling home regularly can help. Universities usually offer counseling services, and honestly, there’s no shame in using them. If you’d go to a doctor for a sprained ankle, why not see a professional when your mind feels heavy?
And yes, it’s okay to miss home-cooked food, your old friends, or even your noisy neighborhood. Allow yourself those feelings—they’re part of the process.
5. Budgeting Without Losing Your Social Life
A big part of wellness abroad is financial wellness. Constantly stressing about money will affect your mental and physical health. Create a simple budget: rent, groceries, transport, and then whatever’s left for fun.
The trick is balance—don’t isolate yourself to “save money,” but don’t go broke chasing every social event either. Look out for student discounts.
6. Build Your Routine, But Keep It Flexible
Building your routine doesn’t mean you have to be rigid, make it as flexible as you can. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Missing a workout or eating one too many donuts doesn’t mean you’ve “failed.” It just means you’re human. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Final Thoughts
Living abroad as a student is overwhelming at the start but exhausting when you actually start living alone. You’re constantly juggling academics, friendships, finances, and personal growth and all while learning how to function in a new country.
But here’s the good news: by setting up small but consistent wellness routines, you can handle the chaos without burning out.
How can amber help you?
amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.
About the author
Kajol. M is someone who’s passionate about sharing stories, ideas, and anything that sparks a little inspiration. When not writing, you’ll probably catch me buried in a book, playing an instrument, or getting lost in a playlist.
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