Writing: Advice for University Abroad

B1 | Writing | 20 min

Task: Advice for a Friend Starting University Abroad

Your friend writes: "I'm starting university in another country next month and I'm nervous. What should I do?" Write a reply email of 120–140 words.

In your email, you must include all 3 points:

Show you understand their feelings and reassure them.
Give two or three pieces of advice with reasons (focus on: should / shouldn't, Why don't you ...?, If you ..., you'll ...).
End in a friendly, encouraging way.

💡 Useful Language Box (8 Phrases)

1. It's completely normal to feel...

2. You should definitely...

3. You shouldn't worry too much about...

4. Why don't you...?

5. If you join a student club, you'll...

6. Don't forget to...

7. I'm sure you'll have an amazing time!

8. Good luck!

An owl advises a kitten whose suitcase for university abroad overflows with books. — Packed for university. Mostly packed the library.
APIE · AI doodle

Writing Submission

Your friend says: I'm starting university in another country next month and I'm nervous. What should I do? Write a reply email of 120–140 words.

Write an email of 120–140 words. Show you understand, give two or three pieces of advice with reasons, and end in a friendly way.

____ (Dear Alex, I was so glad to hear from you...)

Model answer

Example informal email

Hi Sam,

It was great to hear from you! It's completely normal to feel nervous before moving abroad, but you're not alone. Many students feel the same way.

First of all, you should attend the welcome events at your university. If you go, you'll meet other new students and learn where everything is. Also, why don't you join a sports club or a cooking group? Doing something you enjoy together is a good way to make new friends.

Finally, keep in touch with your family when you feel homesick. You shouldn't feel bad about asking them for support. A short call can help you relax.

I'm sure you'll settle in soon. Write back and tell me how things are going!

All the best,

Chris

Phrase	Meaning
It's completely normal to feel nervous	says that feeling nervous is normal
First of all	begins your first point
you should attend	says what you should join
why don't you join	a friendly suggestion to join
make new friends	to meet new friends
keep in touch with	to stay in touch with
You shouldn't feel bad	says you should not feel bad about it
for support	to get help
settle in	to get used to a new place and feel part of it

Task: Advice for a Friend Starting University Abroad

💡 Useful Language Box (8 Phrases)

Writing Submission

Example informal email

Related lessons

Writing Task 2: School Uniforms

Listening: Learning Through Play in Schools

Speaking: Someone Who Inspired Me

B1 Vocabulary: Studying and Collocations

Listening: My Favourite Subject

Reading: Weekend Community Centre Classes