There are a million things to consider when making a critical decision. Leaving your home to attend a university in a foreign country would rank pretty highly on the list of critical decisions you are likely to make in your life. Everybody wants their study abroad experience to have all the cinematic flourish there is, minus the weight of unnecessary and meandering conflicts.

However, reality has a way of spicing things up with blatant disregard for the individual involved. After all, truth is—as the adage goes—stranger than fiction. How, then, to ensure having a secure and hassle-free educational trip abroad which also happens to be unforgettable for all the right reasons?

Needless to say, you will need to take care of several important things ranging from researching the admission procedure and accommodation facilities on or around campus to fulfilling legal formalities, packing critical documents, and so on. Planning well in advance is key to having a seamless transition into your new life. Here, then, are some of the things that you must add to your travel checklist before taking off!

Planning to study abroad? Keep these points in mind for the perfect take-off

Easier norms support upsurge; US remains top destination for STEM students.

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Skipping meals, and jobs paying less than the prescribed minimal wage by the government in exchange for working hours that suit the student’s schedule is a common scenario for many Indians living abroad

Lack of Jobs & High Rents: How Indian Students Are Finding It Hard to Survive in UK, Canada, Australia

As more Indian students head to the UK to pursue their study abroad dreams, the increasing crisis of student accommodation is posing as a major challenge. Indian students in the UK and experts share their insights.

Hefty rents, living in cramped space: Indian students in UK struggle for accommodation amid increase in visa fee

The year saw continued implementation of NEP 2020, deeper integration of technology, and a shift towards skill-based learning. The growing popularity of unconventional disciplines and rise of EdTech-driven upskilling was also witnessed. As we step into 2025, the focus remains on enhancing accessibility, fostering industry-academia partnerships, and preparing students for global challenges through competency-based learning

YEAR-END SPECIAL: Education sector had several watershed moments in 2024, here’s what to expect in 2025

Union Budget 2025: Education gets a push with ₹1.28 lakh crore allocation, AI focus, and TCS relief - The government has announced key moves to strengthen India's education landscape, more seats in medical and engineering colleges, support for regional languages, a ₹500 crore AI centre, and relief on education-related remittances. A student-friendly budget with an eye on access, innovation, and global readiness.

Union Budget QuoteUnion Budget 2025 Highlights: Education ministry gets Rs 1.28 lakh crore, check other highlights

Hyderabad students increasingly choose non-traditional courses over Ivy League dreams.

Hyderabad students forgo ivy dreams for offbeat courses

It is natural for parents to worry about their children when they are leaving home to pursue their education overseas. From their end, however, parents can indeed do much more than simply submit to worrying. One of the most effective steps they can take is to access the services of leading managed marketplaces to ensure that their children are happily 

accommodated in their study abroad destination.

How new-age managed marketplaces are resolving key concerns for parents who send their children to study abroad

“Summoning up the courage to take action is always the same regardless of how seemingly big or small the challenge. What may look like a small act of courage is courage nonetheless. The important thing is to be willing to take a step forward.”

– Nichiren Daishonin

The recent outbreak has inconvenienced the entire world, rapidly changing how people work, communicate, and interact. From the UK to the US, a number of multinational companies and businesses – from Amazon to Google – implemented work from home policies to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

There were too many variables that made my co-founder (and friend), Mayank and I hesitant – how would the teams co-ordinate, how would the tasks be assigned, what criteria should be set for the number of tasks to be completed in a day, and so on.

A founder’s guide to successfully working from home

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US to hike student visa fee by about 10% from May 30. Experts explain why

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Sourcing tools, power of social and professional platforms have now become part of hiring strategy.

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Affordable tuition fees, scholarships, over 600 programmes in English: Why Italy is a big hit for Indian students
From 1,156 Indian students in Italy in 2014, number went up to 6,148 in 2023: Report

Affordable tuition fees, scholarships, over 600 programmes in English: Why Italy is a big hit for Indian students

The move comes as Spain seeks to address its labour shortage, requiring around 250,000 workers to sustain its economy

European Report: why Spain is an appealing study destination

New Zealand emerges as a promising option for Indian students seeking value and opportunity: New Zealand is positioning itself as a top study destination for Indian students, backed by NZ$10,000 scholarships, streamlined visa policies, and strong post-study work rights. As highlighted in University Living’s Beyond Beds & Benches: Decoding ANZ’s Education System report, student enrolments are projected to touch 100,000 by end of 2024. With affordable tuition, expanding job markets in healthcare and IT, and a student-friendly immigration environment, New Zealand offers Indian students a compelling alternative to traditionally popular countries.

New Zealand eyes Indian students with scholarships, easier visas & work rights

Starting January 1, 2026, a 3.5% excise tax on remittances from the U.S. will affect NRIs, H-1B visa holders, and international students. This policy could lead to a surge in fund transfers before the tax takes effect. Experts discuss the potential financial implications.

New U.S. Remittance Tax to Impact Indian NRIs, Students, and H-1B Workers

Saurabh Arora explores how shifting US policies affect student mobility and budgeting.

How policy changes in the USA may impact student mobility, budgeting decisions

US student visa fees surge past ₹37K after new integrity fee.

US student visa now over ₹37K with integrity fee included

University Living, an intelligent software-retrieval global Student housing marketplace, has clocked in over $300 million in gross bookings Incepted in 2015 and launched in 2016, University Living has seen tremendous growth in these past 6 years.

Global Student Housing Platform – University Living, Surpasses USD 300 Million in Gross Booking Value, Defying the Pandemic

Here are five scholarships for Indian students who want to study abroad.

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How part time jobs help in the expenses of day to day lives but it should not be done with a mindset of paying off the education loan.

University Living’s Latest Report Reveals That 50% Of Its Survey Respondents Think Virtual Tours Can Deliver A Better Student Housing Experience

According to study abroad consultants, some students deferred their intake after failing to find affordable accommodation due to rise in rent, demand.

How Indian students abroad are facing a fresh crisis

Shaping the Future of Indian Students in US Higher Education

Trump’s Green Card Plan

Diplomatic strains between India and Canada may cause a 15-20% drop in student interest in Canadian universities, with shifts towards Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the US. Agencies emphasize diplomatic actions to prioritize student welfare as alternative countries gain traction.

Trudeau's rant against India could see 20% dip in student interest in Canada, say industry experts

Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Malta are predicted to outpace the US, UK, Canada and Australia as top study destinations for Indian students by 2030. Increased English-taught courses, affordability and better awareness are factors driving this trend. European countries offer high-quality education and various study options for Indian students.

the launch of University Living's report, "European Student Landscape: Beyond Beds and Benches

Canada has suspended its popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme, which expedited study permit processing for international students, especially from India. The move, effective from November 8, 2024, comes amid growing concerns about housing and resource strains. With the introduction of stricter study permit caps and new eligibility requirements, Indian students now face longer processing times and more hurdles. Experts suggest students plan well ahead and consider alternative study destinations.

Canada’s recent decision to end the SDS program

Canada’s decision to eliminate extra points for job offers under Express Entry from Spring 2025 will increase competition for permanent residency. Professionals, especially those in their 30s and 40s, worry about prolonged wait times as points from job offers are removed, emphasizing education, language skills, and local experience.

Canada is likely to stop awarding points for job-offers under Express Entry Route

Exploring Europe: The next frontier for international education in 2025: The rise of international student mobility has led to a significant increase in Indian students choosing European destinations for higher education. Countries like Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Malta, and Austria are seeing substantial growth in student numbers and offer a combination of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and affordability.

Exploring Europe: The next frontier for international education in 2025

Thinking of studying in Europe? Portugal’s becoming a smart, affordable choice for Indian students. In this authored piece, Saurabh Arora breaks down the why, where, and what next.

Portugal: Where Education Meets Affordability in Europe’s West Coast

With rising visa fees, proposed enrolment caps, and political debates linking students to housing issues, Australia’s message to international students is shifting. Insights from Saurabh Arora and other experts shed light on what this means for Indian aspirants.

Australia’s Changing Stance: What It Means for Indian Students

From 2026, cash-based transfers face 1% tax: Key insights for NRIs.

Cash-based transfers taxed at 1% from January 1, 2026: What NRIs should know

University Living has surpassed $300 Million in Gross booking value with $100 Mn just in the last financial year from over 93 countries worldwide.

University Living, surpasses USD 300 million in gross booking value

For many people, however, studying abroad remains a distant dream due to the greater expenditures. Here are four scholarships which can help students to take a step forward towards their dreams.

Study Abroad: Scholarships to Know About Before Taking the Big Leap

University Living Acquires Majority Stake in StudentTenant: A Strategic Move to Transform the UK Student Housing Market

France Issued 213,500 Visas to Indians in 2023: What It Means for Indian Students and Professionals

The number of new international students enrolling at a U.S. college or university reached an all-time high.

Studying in America: India surpasses China in sending more international students to US

According to a recent report by Ministry of External Affairs and Economic Diplomacy and States Division, India is currently the world’s sixth largest economy at $2.6 trillion. India is half way already towards the government's target of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2025. The robust ecosystem of start-ups have a huge role in ensuring that India reaches this ambitious mark of $5 trillion-dollar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the convocation of IIT-Madras recently announced that India is on the third spot in the top start-up nations of the world, with more than 7,000 startups in the ecosystem.

However, much distance still remains to be covered and industry experts should explore the ways in which start-ups can contribute to the target of a $5 trillion economy. 

Can Start-ups Help India Achieve the $5 Trillion Goal by 2025?


Ukraine crisis, what was the advisory and how students reacted

Once schooling is done, the transition to college is one of the most exciting and awaited moments in a student’s life. While prestigious institutions are sought-after within the country, studying abroad is a dream for many.

Studying abroad? Here are some dos and don’ts for finding your accommodation

Pandemic fuelled job cuts and salary slashes which led to increasing demand for education loans.

Manifold increase in loan application for overseas education

Popular destinations for studying abroad that are catching the attention of Indian students are as follows: