Your first week abroad is about getting the essentials done: check in to housing, get a local SIM, register with your school, attend orientation, and set up banking and health care.
Arriving in a new country can feel like a lot at once. This day-by-day checklist breaks your first week into small, manageable steps, so you can settle in, stay on top of important deadlines, and still have time to explore.
Nervous about your first week?
Take a deep breath. Explore our practical tips on overcoming study abroad anxiety and looking after your wellbeing.
Before You Land: Keep These With You
Keep these documents in your hand luggage, not your checked bag. Save digital copies on your phone and in a secure cloud folder.
- Passport and visa, or your visa approval letter
- Your offer letter and the visa document from your school (for example, a CAS, I-20, or eCoE)
- Proof of funds and proof of health insurance
- Your accommodation address and booking confirmation
- Some local currency or a card that works abroad
- Your school's international office phone number and email
Day 1: Arrive and Get Settled
- Go through immigration and keep any entry stamp or document you receive.
- Travel to your accommodation. If your school offers an airport pickup, book it in advance.
- Check in, take photos of your room's condition, and report any problems.
- Let your family know you have arrived safely.
- Rest. Jet lag is real, so do not plan too much for your first day.
Day 2: Get Connected and Stocked Up
- Get a local SIM or eSIM. You will need a local number for banking, work, and school.
- Buy basics. Groceries, toiletries, bedding, and anything you could not pack.
- Learn your route. Find out how to get from your home to campus, and look into student transit passes.
Day 3: Register With Your School
- Complete enrolment or registration, if you have not done it online.
- Get your student ID card.
- Visit the international student office. Ask about any immigration check-ins or documents they need from you.
- Set up your student email and learning platform account.
Warning! Some countries have registration steps with a deadline after you arrive. For example, students in the UK may need to collect a Biometric Residence Permit or confirm their eVisa, students in Germany must register their address and apply for a residence permit, and students in Malaysia must complete a medical screening. Ask your international office which steps apply to you, and when they are due.
Day 4: Attend Orientation
Orientation is one of the most useful parts of your first week. It is also the easiest time to make friends, because everyone is new.
- Attend every international student session you can.
- Take a campus tour and find the library, student services, and health centre.
- Note the dates for course selection, fee payments, and the end of the add or drop period.
- Swap contact details with at least two or three people.
Day 5: Set Up Banking and Health Care
- Open a bank account. Bring your passport, student letter, and proof of address. Learn about student bank accounts.
- Sort out health care. Activate your health insurance, register with a doctor or campus health centre if needed, and save the local emergency number in your phone.
Day 6: Get Ready for Classes
- Check your timetable and the location of every class.
- Buy or borrow required books. Second-hand copies and library loans can save money.
- Read your course outlines, so you know the first assignments and deadlines.
- Learn your school's rules on referencing and academic integrity. See how academic systems differ.
Day 7: Explore and Rest
- Explore your neighbourhood, a local market, or a park.
- Join a student club or social event.
- Make a simple weekly budget. Get money-saving tips.
- Call home, and take a moment to notice how much you have done this week.
Tip! You do not need to finish everything exactly on these days. Move tasks around to fit your orientation schedule. The important thing is to complete the time-sensitive ones, like school registration and any immigration steps, as early as you can.
Country-Specific Arrival Guides
While the steps above cover universal essentials, local registration deadlines and arrival rules vary by destination. Select your study country below for tailored guidance:
- Your First Week in Singapore: A 7-Day Checklist
- Your First Week in Malaysia: A 7-Day Checklist
- Your First Week in Malta: A 7-Day Checklist
- Australia Student Arrival Guide
- Canada: Documents and Checklist for Travelling
- UK Pre-Departure Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Aim to arrive at least one week before classes, in time for orientation. Check your visa, because some visas set the earliest date you can enter the country.
Contact your accommodation provider and your school's international office right away. Many schools can help with short-term housing. It is a good idea to have a backup option, such as a hostel or hotel, for your first night.
Yes, completely. Tiredness, homesickness, and too much new information are very common. Take breaks, eat well, and talk to someone if you need to. Read about looking after your wellbeing.
Your first week abroad is busy, but every task you complete makes the next week easier. By the end of it, you will have the basics in place and be ready to focus on your studies and your new life.
Settle in with confidence
Learn how to make friends and build a community in your new home.