PeraMira Aparts Taksim Istanbul · Aug 10, 2026 · 7 min read10 Mistakes Made by Erasmus Students and Solutions
Discover the most common mistakes made by students preparing for Erasmus and PeraMira's practical solutions.
The 10 Most Common Mistakes Made by Erasmus Students for the First Time and Solutions with PeraMira
Stepping into a brand new country, meeting different cultures, and studying in an international environment... The Erasmus experience promises an unforgettable adventure that many students dream of. However, there are some common mistakes that first-time students going abroad often make during this exciting journey. These mistakes can negatively affect your experience or create unnecessary stress. At PeraMira, we aim to make this process as smooth as possible by offering long-term, all-inclusive, furnished apartments for Erasmus students and expatriates in Istanbul. In this article, we will examine the 10 most common mistakes made by first-time Erasmus students, explain why they are important, and provide practical solutions to avoid these mistakes. This way, you can start your adventure in Istanbul with confidence and joy.
1. Leaving Paperwork Until the Last Minute
One of the most overlooked yet crucial issues when going abroad is paperwork. Many official documents, such as visa applications, translations of student certificates, health insurance, and university registration documents, must be prepared on time and completely [1]. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delays in the visa process or even prevent you from entering the country.
Why It’s Important: Incomplete documents can lead to your Erasmus experience ending before it even begins. Additionally, last-minute rush increases your stress levels and can lead to unnecessary expenses.
How to Avoid It: As soon as you apply for the Erasmus program, make a list of all the necessary documents and create a timeline to complete each one. Stay in constant communication with your university's international office and fill out all required forms carefully. Keep digital copies of your documents and a few printed copies with you.
2. Mismanaging the Budget and Spending Money Quickly
When you arrive in a new country, everything around you can seem appealing. Restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions, and activities with new friends can quickly deplete your budget. Spending all your money in the first weeks can lead to financial difficulties in the following months [1].
Why It’s Important: Financial difficulties can prevent you from enjoying your Erasmus experience and make it harder to focus on your studies. It’s important to have savings for unexpected expenses.
How to Avoid It: Create a detailed budget plan before you leave. Set a monthly limit for expenses like rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. Thanks to PeraMira's all-inclusive concept, you pay a single fixed monthly fee for basic expenses like electricity, water, heating, internet, and cleaning services every two weeks. This makes it easier to manage your budget and avoid unexpected additional costs.
3. Leaving Accommodation Arrangements Until the Last Minute
Delaying accommodation arrangements before going abroad is one of the most common mistakes made by Erasmus students [6]. Especially in popular cities, it can be difficult to find suitable and safe accommodation. Waiting until the last minute can force you to settle for more expensive or lower-quality options.
Why It’s Important: Safe and comfortable accommodation is the foundation of your Erasmus experience. Poor accommodation can negatively affect your overall quality of life and academic success.
How to Avoid It: PeraMira offers you great convenience in this regard. With our spacious, comfortable, and bright studio and loft apartments, you can solve your accommodation issues before arriving in Istanbul. All your needs are met with a single fixed monthly price, without paperwork, hidden fees, or additional costs. This way, when you arrive in Turkey, you can focus solely on your studies and new experiences.
4. Not Trying to Learn the Local Language
You don’t have to know the local language of the country you are going to, but learning a few basic phrases can greatly ease your daily life. Simple words like “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” can help bridge the gap between you and the locals [2].
Why It’s Important: Not knowing the local language can lead to communication difficulties, delay your adaptation to the local culture, and make you feel isolated.
How to Avoid It: Take basic language courses before you leave or use language learning apps. Once you arrive in Istanbul, you can enroll in local language courses or participate in language exchange events. This will allow you to improve your language skills and meet new people.
5. Not Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone and Only Hanging Out with People from Your Own Country
One of the biggest advantages of the Erasmus experience is the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and build an international network. However, some students prefer to stick to their comfort zones and only socialize with people from their own country or those who speak the same language [2].
Why It’s Important: This limits your cultural experience, prevents you from gaining new perspectives, and causes you to miss opportunities to improve your language skills.
How to Avoid It: Be open-minded and willing to make friends with people from different nationalities. Participate in international student events organized by your university or city. Attend local events to explore different cultures and try to interact with the locals.
6. Neglecting Classes and Academic Responsibilities
While Erasmus is synonymous with fun and socializing, it should be remembered that you are there as a student. Skipping classes, not preparing for exams, or neglecting academic responsibilities can negatively affect your academic success [4].
Why It’s Important: Academic failure can lead to the loss of your Erasmus grant or issues with credit transfer. It can also have negative effects on your future career plans.
How to Avoid It: Strike a balance between fun and classes. Follow your class schedule, complete your assignments on time, and study regularly for exams. Use libraries or study areas to focus on your studies. PeraMira's bright and comfortable apartments provide a calm and efficient environment for studying.
7. Not Researching and Understanding the Local Culture
Every country has its own unique traditions, etiquette, and lifestyle. Not researching and understanding the local culture can lead to misunderstandings or unwanted situations. For example, tipping culture may vary in some countries [2].
Why It’s Important: Not knowing cultural differences can cause tension between you and the locals and make you feel uncomfortable.
How to Avoid It: Research the culture, traditions, and etiquette of the country you are going to before you leave. Be observant when interacting with locals and show respect for differences. Being open-minded and willing to learn will facilitate your cultural adaptation process.
8. Ignoring Health and Safety Precautions
Being abroad means being in an unfamiliar environment. Not having health insurance, not obtaining travel insurance, or being unaware of local safety conditions can lead to risky situations.
Why It’s Important: Being unprepared for a medical emergency or unexpected event can create significant financial and personal difficulties.
How to Avoid It: Obtain comprehensive health and travel insurance before you leave. Learn about the safe areas of the city you are going to and places to be cautious about. Always keep emergency numbers and your consulate's contact information with you. When you stay at PeraMira, you will enjoy the comfort of living in a safe and peaceful environment.
9. Overusing Social Media and Digital Connections
With the excitement of being in a new country, it can be tempting to constantly share your experiences on social media or video chat with your family. However, this can prevent you from living in the moment and adapting to the local environment.
Why It’s Important: Constant digital connection can make it difficult for you to adapt to the new environment, increase feelings of loneliness, and cause you to drift away from real-world interactions.
How to Avoid It: Set limits on your social media use. Communicate with your family at specific times or days. Focus on having more face-to-face interactions, attending local events, and making new friends.
10. Hesitating to Ask for Help
Hesitating to ask for help in the face of challenges encountered in a new country can cause problems to escalate. Resources like university advisors, international office staff, Erasmus coordinators, or PeraMira's support team are there to help you.
Why It’s Important: Trying to solve problems on your own can increase your stress levels and diminish the quality of your experience.
How to Avoid It: Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you encounter a problem or need assistance. Take advantage of the support services offered by your university. At PeraMira, we provide quick and effective solutions to meet the needs of students staying in our apartments, making their lives in Istanbul easier.
Conclusion
The Erasmus experience can be one of the most unforgettable periods of your life. However, preparing well for this adventure, avoiding potential mistakes, and getting the right support will make your experience much more enjoyable and productive. By avoiding the common mistakes mentioned above, you can start your Erasmus adventure in Istanbul smoothly. At PeraMira, we offer you the warmth of home with our spacious, comfortable, and bright apartments and our all-inclusive service concept (including electricity, water, heating, internet, and cleaning every two weeks). With a single fixed monthly price, without hidden fees, and without facing financial surprises, you can focus solely on your studies and new experiences. We look forward to welcoming you to your new home at PeraMira in Istanbul!
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Institution name: PeraMira
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