Tips for Erasmus Students
These 22 tips for Erasmus students will help you get the most out of your time abroad—whether you’re going for study or an internship. From choosing the right country and city to managing your budget, packing smart, and building your social life, this guide covers the essentials.
We’ve organized the advice into clear categories so you can find what you need at each stage of your journey. Whether it’s your first time living abroad or you’re looking for insider tips to feel more confident, these practical suggestions will help you start strong and enjoy every moment of your Erasmus adventure.
Planning & Preparation Tips
1. Choose the Right Country for Your Erasmus Goals
Choosing the right country is one of the most important tips for Erasmus students. Your destination will shape your daily life, opportunities, and overall experience. Think beyond the weather and look at what each country can offer based on your personal and professional goals.
- Language: Do you speak it, or are you willing to learn?
- Career Goals: Does the country align with your field or industry?
- Cost of Living: Can you afford daily expenses there?
- Culture & Lifestyle: Does it match your personality and interests?
- Travel Opportunities: Is it easy to explore nearby countries?
Think long-term. Your choice now can impact future studies, jobs, and friendships.
2. Pick a City That Matches Your Lifestyle and Interests
Picking the right city is just as important as choosing the country. Not all Erasmus cities offer the same lifestyle, pace, or opportunities. One of the most underrated tips for Erasmus students is to find a city that truly fits your vibe.
- City Size: Do you prefer a big city or a smaller, calmer one?
- Student Life: Is it known for an active Erasmus or student community?
- Local Vibe: Are you into culture, nightlife, nature, or food?
- Transport: Is it walkable, bike-friendly, or well connected?
- Cost: Are housing and daily expenses manageable in that city?
Your city will become your new home—make sure it feels like a good match.
3. Contact Former Erasmus Students Who've Been to Your Destination
Talk to students who’ve already been where you’re going. Search for them in Erasmus Facebook groups, LinkedIn, or university forums. You can also ask your university’s international office for past participants. We’ve included stories and tips from theInterna students who’ve lived it.
4. Tips for Preparing Before You Leave for Erasmus
Before you leave for your Erasmus, a little preparation goes a long way. Staying organized will save you stress later and help you settle in faster. Here are key tips for Erasmus students to sort out before departure:
- Documents: Passport, visa (if needed), insurance, and university papers
- Accommodation: Confirm your housing and save contact details
- Money: Set up a budget, check your card’s international use
- Packing: Bring only essentials and adapt to the local climate
- Contacts: Save important numbers (emergency, university, embassy)
- Apps: Download maps, transport, and translation apps in advance
Being prepared lets you focus on enjoying your Erasmus from day one.
What Documents Do You Need for Erasmus?
Having the right documents ready is key to a smooth Erasmus experience. Missing paperwork can delay or block your plans, so prepare everything in advance:
- ID or Passport: Valid for the entire stay
- Visa: Only if required for your destination country
Learning/Training - Agreement: Signed by all parties
- Health Insurance Card: EHIC or private coverage
- Acceptance Letter: From your host university or company
- Grant Agreement: For Erasmus+ or Turing funding
- Accommodation Contract: If already arranged
- Emergency Contacts: Printed and saved digitally
Keep both physical and digital copies. Save everything in a folder you can access anytime, even offline.
5. Set Goals for Your Erasmus Experience
Whether you’re studying or doing an internship, knowing what you want makes each decision easier.
- Personal Goals: Improve your confidence, independence, or language skills
- Academic/Work Goals: Gain experience in your field or explore new subjects
- Social Goals: Make international friends or join local communities
- Cultural Goals: Learn the local habits, try new foods, explore cities
- Career Goals: Build a network, add skills to your CV, grow professionally
Write down 3–5 goals before you leave. You’ll have more focus, and it’s easier to measure your progress later.
6. Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Host University
Choosing the right host university is more than picking a name—it shapes your entire Erasmus experience. Take time to compare options based on your needs:
- Courses Offered: Are they relevant and taught in a language you understand?
- Reputation: Does it have good reviews from past Erasmus students?
- Support Services: Is there help for international or exchange students?
- Campus Life: Are there clubs, events, or a strong student community?
- Location: Is the university in a city that fits your lifestyle and budget?
Check university websites, ask your Erasmus coordinator, and look for testimonials online before making your choice.
7. Pick Courses That Fit Your Level — Ideally in Your Language
Choose courses that match your current level and language skills. Struggling with unfamiliar topics or a foreign language can add unnecessary stress. Check if your host university offers classes in English or other languages you speak, and confirm credit transfer with your home university before enrolling.
Accommodation & Living Abroad
8. How to Find the Right Student Accommodation in Erasmus
Finding the right accommodation can shape your entire Erasmus experience. Look early, compare options, and think about more than just price:
- Location: Choose a place close to your university or public transport
- Budget: Factor in rent, utilities, and deposit
- Type: Shared flat, student residence, or private room?
- Reviews: Search for student opinions and hidden costs
- Contract: Read the terms carefully—especially notice periods and extra fees
Use trusted platforms like Uniplaces, HousingAnywhere, Spotahome, or Erasmusu. You can also check WG-Gesucht in Germany, Idealista in Spain, Kamernet in the Netherlands, or StanzaZoo in Italy. Don’t forget local Facebook groups—they’re often full of leads from other Erasmus students.
9. What to Pack for Your Erasmus Year Abroad
- Essentials: Passport, ID, insurance, and university documents
- Clothing: Basic outfits suited to the season
- Electronics: Laptop, phone, and chargers
- Adapters: Check what type your destination uses and pack 1–2
- Toiletries: Pack travel-sized essentials like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste
- Small Comforts: A notebook, photos, or one item that feels like home
Leave space in your luggage. You’ll likely return with more than you bring.
10. Send Books and Supplies Directly to Your Erasmus Location
If you need heavy books or extra supplies, consider shipping them directly to your Erasmus address. It saves luggage space and avoids airline weight limits. You can order online after you arrive or ask someone at home to send a package once you have a confirmed address.
11. Tips for Adjusting to a New City and Culture
Adjusting to a new city and culture takes time, but a few simple steps can make it easier and more enjoyable:
- Explore Early: Walk around your neighborhood and learn key spots
- Say Yes: Accept invites—even small ones help you meet people
- Stay Open-Minded: Different doesn’t mean bad, just new
- Learn the Basics: A few local phrases go a long way
- Keep a Routine: Familiar habits create stability
- Avoid Comparisons: Don’t constantly compare it to home
Give yourself permission to feel out of place at first. Most Erasmus students go through it, and it gets better faster than you think.
12. Learn the Local Language
Learning the local language makes everyday life easier and shows respect for the culture. Start with basic phrases for greetings, shopping, and public transport. Use free apps like Duolingo or Tandem, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—locals usually appreciate the effort. Join language exchange meetups or speak with your flatmates to practice in real situations.
13. Embrace the Local Culture and Everyday Habits
Embracing the local culture helps you settle in faster and enjoy your Erasmus more. Here’s how to ease into everyday habits:
- Observe Locals: Watch how people greet, eat, and socialize
- Try Local Foods: Even small dishes can teach you a lot
- Join Events: Festivals, markets, or student activities
- Follow Customs: Respect local traditions and daily rhythms
- Ask Questions: Locals usually enjoy sharing their culture
- Stay Curious: Treat each new habit as part of the adventure
You don’t need to change who you are—just stay open and engaged.
14. Make Sure Your Phone Plan Works During Erasmus
Before you leave, check if your phone plan works abroad and what it covers—especially data and roaming charges. If it’s expensive or limited, consider getting a local SIM card once you arrive. Many Erasmus students use prepaid plans or eSIMs for flexible, affordable options.
Money & Budgeting Tips
15. Research the Cost of Living in Your Erasmus City
Researching the cost of living in your Erasmus city helps you budget wisely and avoid surprises. Here’s what to look into:
- Rent Prices: Check average costs for student housing or shared flats
- Food & Groceries: Compare local supermarket and eating-out costs
- Transport: Look into monthly passes, bike rentals, or student discounts
- Utilities: Ask if bills are included in rent or separate
- Leisure: Consider costs for gyms, cafés, events, and hobbies
Use tools like Numbeo, Erasmus forums, or local Facebook groups to get real numbers from students who’ve lived there.
16. Apply Early to Access Erasmus or Turing Grants
Apply as early as possible to access Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme grants. Funding is often limited and processed on a first-come, first-served basis. These grants can help cover travel, rent, and daily expenses during your Erasmus experience. Check deadlines with your university’s international office and gather all required documents in advance. Starting early gives you the best chance of securing financial support without delays.
17. Apply for a Paid Erasmus Internship
Apply for a paid Erasmus internship to gain work experience and financial support while abroad. Choose roles that match your goals and improve your CV. The earlier you apply, the more options you’ll have. Ready to start? Browse opportunities now using the button below.
18. Make Sure You're Covered With Erasmus Insurance
Make sure you have valid insurance for your Erasmus stay. Some countries require health coverage, while others may need liability or travel insurance too. Check what’s included in your student insurance, EHIC, or private plan—and confirm it covers your host country and full stay.
19. Take Advantage of Student Discounts During Your Erasmus
Being an Erasmus student comes with perks—don’t miss out on the discounts available. Many places offer special prices just for students:
- Transport: Reduced fares on buses, trains, and metro passes
- Museums & Events: Free or discounted entry to cultural sites
- Food & Cafés: Student deals or loyalty cards in some areas
- Shops: Discounts on clothes, books, and electronics
- Fitness: Cheaper gym memberships or university sports programs
Always carry your student ID, and consider getting a local student card if available. Just ask—many places offer discounts, but only if you show proof. It’s one of the easiest ways to save money during your Erasmus.
Social Life & Networking
20. Explore and Travel During Your Erasmus Experience
Your Erasmus isn’t just about studying or working—it’s also the perfect chance to explore. Take short trips to nearby cities or countries whenever you can:
- Weekend Getaways: Plan budget trips using buses or low-cost flights
- Day Trips: Discover nearby towns, nature spots, or cultural sites
- Student Discounts: Use rail or travel passes made for students
- Group Travel: Split costs with friends and make it more fun
- Plan Ahead: Look for deals early and avoid last-minute prices
Traveling helps you experience more than just your host city and creates memories you’ll never forget. Just don’t skip class or work—balance is key.
21. Join Erasmus Events, Groups and Social Gatherings
Joining Erasmus events, groups, and social gatherings is a great way to make new friends and immerse yourself in local culture. Here’s how to get involved:
- Erasmus Facebook Groups: Find local groups for meetups, events, and advice
- University Activities: Attend orientations, workshops, or campus events
- Erasmus Parties: Look for organized social events, especially at the start of the semester
- Cultural Events: Explore local festivals, concerts, or exhibitions
- Student Clubs: Join sports teams, hobby clubs, or language exchange groups
- Meetup App: Use Meetup to discover local social, professional, or hobby-based events
Getting involved is one of the best ways to build your social network and make the most of your Erasmus experience.
22. Build Your Network During Your Erasmus Experience
Building a strong network during your Erasmus experience can open doors for future opportunities. Use your time abroad to connect with local and international students, professionals, and professors:
- University Events: Attend academic workshops, seminars, and social gatherings
- Erasmus Groups: Join Facebook groups, student organizations, or clubs
- Networking Nights: Look for professional or student networking events
- LinkedIn: Connect with professors, peers, and local professionals
- Collaborate on Projects: Work with others on class assignments or extracurricular activities
These connections can help you professionally and personally, expanding your network globally and creating lasting relationships. Make the most of every opportunity to meet new people.
Links Related to Tips for Erasmus Students
- Erasmus Internships
- What is a Placement Year?
- Pre-Internship Training Course
- What is the Turing Scheme and how does it work?
- Can I work during my Erasmus year?
- How to decide whether to study a new subject on your Erasmus year
- A Guide to Making the Most of Your Erasmus Experience
- 5 Tips for Building a Strong Personal Brand During Your Internship
- Spain Study Visa
- Interning at a Startup
- Erasmus Internships
- What are Pre-Placement Offers (PPO)?
- What are internships / intern jobs?
- Nationalcareers.service.gov.uk – How to write a job curriculum
