Planning to Study Abroad? 5 Things to Do Before the End of August

August is a special month for future international students. It may feel like you still have plenty of time before the semester starts, but in reality this is when most of the key organizational tasks need to be wrapped up: from gathering documents to securing housing. If you put things off until the last moment, you risk running into unpleasant surprises — like visa delays or suddenly finding out there are no dorm rooms left.

To help you avoid that, we’ve put together a detailed study abroad checklist. It covers the most important steps: collecting documents, keeping track of deadlines, sorting out your visa, housing, and insurance. Think of this checklist as your roadmap — it will make your preparation for studying abroad way calmer and more effective.

Step 1: Collect and double-check your documents

One of the most common mistakes students make is waiting until the last minute to gather all the required paperwork. Even if you’re convinced you already have everything, take another look. In practice, there’s almost always something missing — or a last-minute notarized translation that needs to be done.

Make sure you have:

• Passport (valid for at least six months after your studies end).
• University admission letter or official invitation.
• Academic transcript, diploma, or high school certificate with official translation.
• Language test results (TOEFL, IELTS, or others).
• Financial proof: bank statement or sponsorship letter.
• Required medical certificates.

Keep everything in one folder — both in paper and digital form.

Pro tip: Make several hard copies of every document and store them separately. Upload scans to a secure cloud folder with private access only to you. That way, if an original ever gets lost, you won’t be left panicking.

Step 2: Get your deadlines under control

August often feels like a whirlwind for future students. Universities expect you to pay tuition, confirm your spot at orientation events, apply for a student ID or transport card, register for courses… Deadlines pile up and overlap, and it’s nearly impossible to keep them all in your head.

Here’s how to stay sane:

• Create one master calendar with all deadlines.
• Highlight the most important tasks first.
• Set reminders on your phone (at least a week before each due date).
• Pay fees and deposits early so the payments have time to clear.
• Check your email regularly — universities often send last-minute updates or changes.

Staying on top of deadlines is the backbone of effective preparation for studying abroad. The better you organize things now, the calmer your autumn will be.

Step 3: Don’t delay your visa

Applying for a student visa is one of the trickiest — and most nerve-wracking — parts of the process. It almost always takes longer than students expect. By August, you really need to have this step nearly finished.

Important points:

• Double-check the specific requirements for the country you’re moving to. Even within Europe, they can differ a lot.
• Book your visa appointment as early as possible — queues in August tend to explode.
• Prepare a complete set of documents (originals and copies): university admission letter, financial proof, medical certificates, photos, insurance, application forms.
• Keep receipts for every payment you make.
• Track your application status online if your consulate offers this option.

Don’t put off your visa: without it, your entire study abroad checklist falls apart. Think of it as the single most critical step in your “what to do before studying abroad” plan.

Step 4: Sort out your housing

Where you live can make or break your study abroad experience. Imagine landing in a new country with no place to stay — instant stress. August is the final month to lock down your housing.

Your options usually include:

• University dorms — convenient and safe, but spaces are limited.
• Private apartment — more independence, but you’ll need to sign a lease and pay a deposit.
• Shared housing with other students — cheaper and more fun, but it’s smart to learn a bit about your future roommates in advance.

Tip: Always read the lease carefully. In some countries, utilities are included in the rent, in others you pay separately. Clarify everything before you commit — and ideally, sign your contract before you leave.

Step 5: Don’t skip insurance

Health insurance isn’t just paperwork, it’s peace of mind. In many countries, healthcare for international students can be very expensive — even a simple doctor visit can cost hundreds of euros without coverage.

Make sure your policy:

• Covers the entire study period.
• Includes both emergency care and regular doctor visits.
• Meets your university’s requirements (some accept only from approved providers).
• Covers pre-existing or chronic conditions if you have them.

Remember: insurance is for you, not just for the consulate or your university. Don’t choose the cheapest option — choose the one that truly protects you. It can save your money, nerves, and most importantly, your health.

Wrapping it up

We get it: in the last month of summer, you’d rather relax than deal with paperwork and planning. But think about how far you’ve already come — and how frustrating it would be to lose it all over a missed deadline or a forgotten document.

August is your final push. Put in the effort now, and in September you’ll be thanking yourself.

Quick recap of your study abroad checklist:

• Documents — collected and double-checked.
• Deadlines — marked in your calendar.
• Visa — submitted and approved.
• Housing — booked and secured.
• Insurance — active and ready.

Need detailed guidance?

Experts at ED-EX.com will assist you at every stage of the application process — from choosing a country to preparing documents.

You can submit a request in any convenient way:

— directly in your personal account,

— on the page of your chosen university,

— or by emailing us at support@ed-ex.com.

Good luck with your preparation, and have an amazing academic year ahead!