Study Abroad
Researching unis abroad without losing your mind
US and Canada applications can feel like a second job. Here's how I'm staying organised — and sane.
I'm early in the journey, but I've already learned this: if you try to consume every guide on the internet, you'll drown before you even start.
Start with constraints, not dreams (yes, really)
Dreams matter — but constraints turn research into decisions. I wrote down:
- Courses I'm genuinely excited about (not just "prestige")
- Budget reality (fees, living costs, flights home)
- What I need to feel supported (community, climate, distance from family)
On my mind
Studying abroad isn't just an academic move. It's emotional too — especially when you're leaving people you love. Naming that honestly helped me pick better questions to ask.
My "one hour" rule
Three nights a week, I do one hour of structured research: official uni pages, verified costs, one trusted forum thread max. When the hour ends, I stop — even if I'm "in the zone." It keeps the obsession in check.
Scholarships and aid
I'm building a simple spreadsheet: scholarship name, deadline, requirements, link. I'm not applying to everything — I'm choosing a shortlist that fits my profile and my energy.
Progress isn't measured by how many tabs you have open — it's measured by the next small, completed step.
If you're researching too — breathe. You're not behind. You're building a map.