Your First Weeks Abroad: A Settling-In Checklist

Most guides stop at the visa. In our experience, the hardest part of studying or working abroad for a first-time traveller is the six weeks that follow: landing in a new country, finding your feet, and dealing with a dozen small administrative tasks at once while jet-lagged. This checklist is what we walk our clients through.

Before you fly

Accommodation. Secure it before departure if at all possible. University halls are the safest option for a first year: they are close to campus, contracts are straightforward and you meet people immediately. If you rent privately, never pay a deposit for a property you or someone you trust has not seen, and check that the landlord or agent is legitimate.

Money. Carry enough accessible funds for your first month, in a mix of cash and a card that works internationally. Find out whether you can open a bank account before arrival (some banks allow this) and what documents you will need if not.

Documents. Keep originals and digital copies of your passport, visa, offer letter, financial evidence, vaccination records, academic certificates and accommodation contract. Store the digital copies somewhere you can reach without your phone.

Phone. Confirm your phone is unlocked. Decide whether to buy a local SIM on arrival or set up an eSIM before you leave.

Health. Check whether your visa includes a health surcharge or requires insurance, what vaccinations or tests are needed, and bring a supply of any regular medication with the prescription.

Weather and clothing. Buy the heavy winter coat there if you are heading somewhere cold; it will be cheaper and better suited than what you can find at home.

Arrival plan. Know exactly how you will get from the airport to your accommodation, at what cost, and who to call if something goes wrong. Arrive in daylight if you can.

Your first week

1. Register with your university or employer and collect your ID.
2. Get a local phone number.
3. Open a bank account. You will usually need your passport, proof of address (your accommodation contract or a letter from the university) and your enrolment letter.
4. Register with a doctor or health service where required.
5. Complete any immigration formalities, such as collecting a residence permit card, registering your address with the local authority, or attending a police registration where it applies.
6. Learn your route to campus or work, the nearest supermarket, pharmacy and transport links.

Your first month

Build a budget. Track what you actually spend for four weeks, then set a monthly plan. Groceries, transport and phone bills are where most people overspend early.

Get a transport pass. Student and monthly passes are almost always cheaper than paying per journey.

Find your community. Student societies, faith communities, sports clubs and national associations are where most people make their first friends. Go to more things than you feel like going to.

Understand the rules that apply to you. Working hours permitted on your visa, attendance requirements, deadlines for extending or changing your status. Ignorance is not accepted as an excuse.

Look after your mental health. A dip four to eight weeks in is normal. Stay in touch with home on a schedule, keep a routine, and use the free counselling most universities offer if you need it.

Common mistakes

• Arriving without confirmed accommodation.
• Carrying all your money in one form.
• Missing the deadline to register or collect a permit.
• Signing a private rental contract without reading the break clause.
• Isolating in the first weeks because everything feels like effort.

How we help

Settling in is part of our Study Abroad service, not an add-on. We prepare a pre-departure briefing specific to your destination, help you find accommodation, and stay in touch through your first weeks. Book a free exploratory chat to find out more.