What to Do After You Land Abroad: A Complete Student Guide

From airport to accommodation — your first week made easy

The moment your plane lands, reality hits — you’ve actually done it! You’re in a new country, ready to study, explore and start a new chapter of your life.

But along with excitement comes confusion:

“Where do I go first?”
“How do I get to my accommodation?”
“What documents do I need?”

Don’t worry — every international student feels this way at first.
This simple guide will walk you through what to do right after you land abroad so you can settle quickly, safely, and stress-free.

1. Keep All Important Documents Handy

Before leaving the airport, make sure your key documents are in your hand luggage:

• Passport & Visa
• University Offer Letter
• Accommodation Booking Confirmation
• Health Insurance Papers
• Emergency Contacts

You’ll need them during immigration and sometimes when checking into your accommodation.

Pro Tip: Take photos or scan copies of all your documents — store them safely in your phone or cloud.

2. Plan Your Travel from Airport to Accommodation

After a long flight, finding transport can be tricky — especially in a new city.
Here’s what you can do:

• Book an airport pickup in advance (many universities and housing services offer it).
• Use verified taxi or airport transfer apps like Uber, Bolt, or local student transport services.
• Avoid random cabs or strangers offering rides.

If you’ve booked through StuAccommodation, most listings include arrival assistance or local guidance to help you reach your property safely.

3. Check Into Your Accommodation

Once you arrive at your student housing:

• Check the room condition (take photos/videos for safety).
• Confirm Wi-Fi, keys, heating and laundry are working.
• Ask about nearest grocery stores, bus stops and hospitals.

Your accommodation is your comfort zone — feeling settled there will make adjusting much easier.

If you’re still searching for trusted housing, visit StuAccommodation.com to find verified student-friendly homes abroad.

4. Open a Local Bank Account

You’ll need a local bank account to:

• Pay rent or tuition
• Receive part-time job salaries
• Avoid high international fees

Bring your passport, student visa, proof of address and university letter.
Most banks have student-friendly accounts with low or no fees.

Tip: Some students use digital banks (like Revolut or Monzo) for faster setup before opening a physical one.

5. Get a Local SIM Card

You’ll need internet access for navigation, calls, and apps.
Buy a student-friendly SIM card at the airport or nearest telecom shop.
Popular student providers often have discounted data plans for new arrivals.

Keep your home SIM active for a few days for OTPs and emergencies.

6. Shop for Essentials

In your first week, focus on the basics:

• Groceries
• Bedding
• Cooking utensils
• Toiletries

Explore local supermarkets or online stores like Tesco, Walmart, Aldi, or Carrefour depending on your country.
Start small — buy what you need for the first few days, then settle into a routine.

7. Register With Local Authorities (If Required)

In many countries, international students must register their stay within a few days of arrival.
For example:

• UK: Register at your local police station (if stated on visa).
• Germany: Register your address (Anmeldung) within 14 days.
• Australia/Canada: Update your local address with university or immigration.

Check your university’s international student office for the exact process.

8. Attend University Orientation

Orientation week is more than just an introduction — it’s your chance to:

• Meet other international students
• Learn about local culture
• Explore your campus
• Join student clubs

It’s also where you’ll get your student ID, timetable, and academic guidance — so don’t skip it!

9. Make Friends and Build Connections

Your first few days abroad can feel lonely — so take small steps:

• Chat with your roommates
• Join student WhatsApp or Facebook groups
• Attend local events or community meet-ups

Remember: everyone else is new too. One friendly smile can lead to lifelong friendships

10. Take Care of Your Health and Mind

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the new experiences.
Eat healthy, sleep well, and take breaks.
If you ever feel anxious or homesick, reach out to your university’s student support team — they’re there to help.

Stay Connected with StuAccommodation

Finding a safe, friendly place to live abroad is the foundation of a happy student life.
At StuAccommodation, we help international students find affordable, secure, and welcoming housing near their universities.

Whether you’re in the UK, Australia, Canada, or Europe, we make your transition smooth — from landing at the airport to settling into your new home.

Visit StuAccommodation.com today and find your perfect student accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions