7 Common Mistakes Students Make That Can Cost Them Their Erasmus Opportunity

Author: Aristi Christoforou

Missing the application deadline

First off, the most common (and painful) mistake is missing Erasmus deadlines. A lot of times, students just assume there’s more time and don’t double-check. Unfortunately, by the time they realize, the application window is already closed. And just like that, the opportunity is gone for the whole year.

To avoid that, set alarms, reminders, even sticky notes—whatever works. Plus, always confirm the deadlines with your Erasmus coordinator early on.

Submitting an incomplete application

Believe it or not, many students send in incomplete applications.Sometimes, it’s just a missing signature or a forgotten transcript . But still, it’s enough to get your whole application tossed aside. No matter how good your grades are, missing documents can ruin everything.

That’s why, double and triple-check everything before clicking ‘submit’. Even better, get someone else to read over your checklist too.

Writing a weak motivation letter

Let’s be honest, a boring or generic motivation letter won’t get you very far. If you just say, “I want to study abroad to learn new cultures,” they’ll skip right over it. Your letter should show real interest—why that university, those courses, your goals. Otherwise, it just blends in with the rest and doesn’t stand out.

So, make it personal. Be honest about what you hope to gain. A strong letter can truly make a difference in your application.

Not preparing linguistically

Another big one is not preparing for the language barrier. Sure, you might survive with English, but what about lectures or local friends? Not speaking the basics can make everyday life way harder than it needs to be. You might feel stuck, especially when trying to connect with people.

So, learn a bit of the local language before you go—even just greetings .Apps, YouTube, or even Netflix with subtitles can help more than you think.

Picking the wrong university

Sometimes, people choose a university for the wrong reasons. Maybe because their friend is going there or the city looks cool. But if the courses don’t fit your studies, you’ll regret it later. It might be harder to get credits transferred or stay motivated.

That’s why, do some real research—look at classes, professors, even student life. Reach out to past Erasmus students if you can, they’re the best source.

Failing to budget correctly

Let’s be real, budgeting is not everyone’s strong suit. It’s easy to forget about stuff like bus passes, textbooks, or laundry money. If you’re not careful, you’ll run out of cash way before the semester ends. And honestly, financial stress can ruin your whole experience.

So, do a budget plan with real numbers—not just guesses. And check out what your grant covers versus what you’ll need to save.

Ignoring cultural research

It’s one thing to be open-minded, but another to be prepared. Not knowing basic cultural norms can make things awkward real quick. You might accidentally offend someone without even realizing it. Plus, not understanding how things work can make you feel left out.

Before you go, read a little about the country’s habits, holidays, and lifestyle.

Even small stuff like how people greet each other can make a big difference.

A final note to future erasmus opportunity students

Honestly, the Erasmus oppportunity process can feel overwhelming at first. There’s a lot to organize, and it’s easy to second-guess yourself.

But still, it’s totally worth it—for the friendships, the freedom, and the memories. Even if you mess up, you’ll learn something valuable from it.

Just take it step by step, ask for help when you need it, and stay curious. Because in the end, Erasmus isn’t just about studying—it’s about growing up a little.