The first month in a new country goes by in a blur. There are forms to complete, accounts to open, classes to find and a hundred small things to learn, from how buses work to where to buy dal and spices.
Breaking the month into weeks makes it manageable. Use this checklist alongside your university’s own arrival guide, which will list the exact local steps for your city.
Before you fly
- Carry original documents in your hand luggage: passport, visa, offer letter, financial proof, accommodation details and insurance.
- Save digital copies in secure cloud storage and email them to a parent.
- Carry some local currency or a travel card for the first few days.
- Pack a two-week supply of any regular medicines, with a doctor’s prescription.
- Note the address and phone number of the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.
Week 1: Arrive and settle
- Clear immigration and keep your entry stamp or electronic record safe.
- Use official airport transport or your university’s pickup service.
- Check into your accommodation and photograph the room’s condition.
- Buy a local SIM card or eSIM so you have a local number for banks and employers.
- Message your family that you have arrived safely.
- Walk the route to campus, the nearest supermarket and the nearest pharmacy.
Week 2: Register and enrol
- Collect your residence permit or complete any registration your visa requires, such as police registration or city address registration.
- Attend international student orientation, where you will learn rules on attendance and visa compliance.
- Complete university enrolment and collect your student ID.
- Open a local bank account. Bring your passport, visa, proof of address and university letter.
- Set up your student email, timetable app and learning platform.
Week 3: Health, money and paperwork
- Register with a local doctor or your campus health centre.
- Apply for a tax number or social insurance number if you plan to work.
- Create a monthly budget based on your real spending in the first two weeks.
- Buy a student transport pass if discounts are available.
- Inform your Indian bank that you are abroad and update your contact details.
Week 4: Build your routine
- Join at least one student society, sports club or cultural group.
- Book a meeting with your academic adviser or personal tutor.
- Visit the careers service to understand part-time and internship options.
- Plan a weekly shopping and cooking routine to control food costs.
- Check that you understand your attendance and visa reporting rules.
Dealing with homesickness
Almost everyone feels homesick at some point, often in weeks three to six when the excitement fades. It is normal and it passes. Keep a regular sleep schedule, call home at set times rather than constantly, and say yes to invitations even when you feel tired.
Your university has free counselling and wellbeing services. Using them is common and confidential. If you feel low for more than two weeks, or if you struggle to attend classes, speak to someone early.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaving important registrations until the deadline and then finding no appointments available.
- Using an Indian card for every purchase and losing money on foreign transaction fees.
- Skipping orientation, where key visa and attendance rules are explained.
- Sharing your passport or residence card details with people you do not know.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register with the police?
Some countries require this for certain nationalities or visa types. Your visa letter or university will tell you if it applies.
Can I open a bank account before I arrive?
Some banks offer international student accounts you can open online, but most still need you to verify your identity locally.
What if my residence permit is delayed?
Contact your university’s international office straight away. Keep your visa and offer letter with you as proof of status.
Always verify: Rules, fees and work rights change often. Confirm everything on the official government and university websites before you apply.
