Written by ESC Author on 04 Jul 2025 Posted in Blog
Studying abroad opens up a world of possibilities—new cultures, languages, friendships, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning to explore the seamless borders of the Schengen Area or venture into unique non-Schengen destinations, smart travel planning is key to making the most of your international journey.
Here’s your go-to guide with essential travel tips for students heading to both Schengen and non-Schengen regions of Europe.
The Schengen Zone comprises 26 European countries that have eliminated internal borders, allowing for easy, passport-free travel across member nations. This makes it incredibly convenient for students who wish to explore multiple countries during their time abroad without the hassle of repeated border checks.
Planning to hop from Paris to Prague or Amsterdam to Athens? If you're travelling within the Schengen Area, you can do so with just one visa, making it a top choice for student travellers.
Before packing your bags, make sure you understand the visa rules for your chosen destinations:
Schengen Visa: Required for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) across most participating countries.
National Visas: Non-Schengen countries like the UK, Ireland, or Turkey have their own visa regulations. Always check embassy websites for the most up-to-date information.
Apply early, gather all necessary documents, and ensure you have the right type of visa for both your academic stay and any planned travel.
Budgeting is essential no matter where you go. Be aware that living costs vary across regions—Northern and Western Europe tend to be pricier than Eastern or Southern countries. When planning, include:
Rent and utilities
Transportation (metro, trains, or flights)
Meals and groceries
Entertainment and travel
Currency exchange fees (especially in non-Euro countries)
Consider using budgeting apps to track spending and keep things under control.
Health care systems vary from country to country. Make sure you have comprehensive travel and health insurance that covers:
Emergency treatment
Repatriation
Lost luggage or delays
Accidents and theft
Also, check if your destination requires vaccinations or has specific health advisories.
Pack for practicality, not just style. Keep the climate, cultural norms, and travel plans in mind. Essentials to bring include:
Weather-appropriate clothing
Power adaptors and travel chargers
Passport, visa, student ID, insurance card
Copies of important documents
A small medical kit
Pro tip: Make digital and physical backups of important documents in case of emergencies.
Living and travelling in a new country means adapting to different ways of life. Take time to:
Learn key phrases in the local language
Understand dining and greeting etiquette
Follow local dress codes or religious customs
Even small efforts go a long way in building respectful relationships and enriching your experience abroad.
Keep in regular contact with family and friends using apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Skype. Join student WhatsApp groups and university networks to stay updated on events and alerts.
For safety:
Keep emergency contacts on hand
Avoid unfamiliar or poorly lit areas at night
Stay aware of local laws and emergency procedures
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, take precautions
Travelling through Schengen and non-Schengen regions as a student offers unmatched opportunities to grow, learn, and explore. With proper planning, cultural awareness, and an adventurous spirit, you’ll gain more than just academic credit—you’ll collect memories, build resilience, and expand your worldview.
So get ready to learn, travel, and thrive. Your international adventure starts now.
Attention: For any information found from any "similar named websites and logos "(like europe study center,European Study Centre, EU Study Centre etc), Europe Study Centre Pvt Ltd is not responsible for and does not endorse or accept responsibility over the contents, opinions expressed or use of any of those websites.We control and operate the Web Site from our offices mentioned on this website alone.
© 2016 Europe Study Centre Pvt. Ltd