Essential Tips to Help International Students Arrive, Settle In, and Feel Confident in a New Country
Moving abroad for studies is exciting, but your first day in a new country can also feel overwhelming. Everything may seem unfamiliar—from the airport and transportation to your accommodation, food, and surroundings.
Don’t worry. With a little preparation, you can make your first day abroad much easier and more comfortable.
1. Keep Your Important Documents Handy
Before leaving the airport, make sure you have easy access to your essential documents. Keep your passport, visa, university admission letter, accommodation details, travel insurance, and emergency contact information in your hand luggage.
It is also a good idea to keep digital copies of important documents on your phone or cloud storage.
2. Plan Your Airport Transfer in Advance
One of the first challenges after landing is getting to your accommodation. Research your transportation options before travelling.
Depending on your destination, you may use:
- Airport buses or trains
- University-arranged transport
- Taxis or ride-sharing services
- Pre-booked airport transfers
Save your accommodation address offline so you can access it even without mobile internet.
3. Get Connected
Having internet access will make your first day much easier. Consider getting a local SIM or eSIM as soon as possible.
You will need internet for:
- Google Maps and navigation
- Contacting your family
- Communicating with your university
- Booking transportation
- Finding nearby shops and services
If possible, arrange an eSIM before leaving Bangladesh so you can connect immediately after landing.
4. Check Into Your Accommodation
Once you reach your accommodation, take some time to settle in. Check your room, bathroom, kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi, heating or cooling system, and other essentials.
If you are staying in university accommodation, find out where important facilities are located, such as:
- Reception
- Laundry
- Common areas
- Kitchen
- Study spaces
- Emergency exits
Take photos of the room when you arrive, especially if you are moving into rented accommodation.
5. Eat and Stay Hydrated
After a long journey, you may feel tired and hungry. Don’t spend your first day worrying too much about finding the perfect meal.
Find a nearby supermarket or affordable restaurant and get some basic food and drinking water. Keeping a few familiar snacks from home can also help you feel more comfortable during the first few days.
6. Contact Your Family
Your family will probably be waiting to hear from you. Once you are safely settled, send them a message or make a video call.
Even a short conversation can reduce homesickness and help you feel emotionally supported.
7. Learn Your Immediate Surroundings
You don’t need to explore the entire city on your first day. Simply learn what is around your accommodation.
Locate the nearest:
- Supermarket
- Pharmacy
- Bus or train station
- University campus
- Bank or ATM
- Hospital or medical centre
Save these locations on your phone for future reference.
8. Be Careful With Your Money
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use a secure bank card or other reliable payment method whenever possible.
Before travelling, understand your bank’s international transaction fees and notify your bank if necessary.
Keep some emergency cash separately from your wallet in case you face unexpected problems.
9. Don’t Try to Do Everything on Day One
Jet lag and travel fatigue are real. You may be excited to explore your new city, but your body also needs rest.
Your first day should mainly be about:
Arriving → Settling in → Eating → Connecting → Resting
Give yourself time to adjust. You have plenty of days ahead to explore your new home.
10. Stay Calm and Ask for Help
Feeling nervous, confused, or homesick on your first day is completely normal. Remember that you are not expected to know everything immediately.
If you are unsure about transportation, university procedures, accommodation, or anything else, ask for help. University staff, student support teams, international student offices, and fellow students are usually there to assist new students.
“My first day abroad was a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was worried about finding my accommodation, getting internet, and understanding the transport system. This guide helped me prepare for the things I actually needed after landing. My biggest advice to other students is to plan your airport transfer, keep your documents safe, and don’t panic if everything feels unfamiliar at first. Give yourself time to adjust—you’ll feel comfortable sooner than you think.”
Ahmed Rahman
First-Day Abroad Checklist
Before going to sleep on your first day, make sure you have:
☐ Arrived safely at your accommodation
☐ Contacted your family
☐ Got access to mobile internet
☐ Bought food and drinking water
☐ Located your university/campus
☐ Found nearby transportation
☐ Saved emergency contacts
☐ Secured your passport and important documents
☐ Set an alarm for the next morning
☐ Got enough rest
Final Thoughts
Your first day abroad may not go exactly as planned—and that’s okay. The goal is not to have a perfect first day; it is to arrive safely, get settled, and give yourself time to adjust.
Within a few days, unfamiliar streets will start becoming familiar, your university will feel more comfortable, and your new country will gradually begin to feel like home.
Prepare well, stay calm, stay connected, and take everything one step at a time. Your study-abroad journey has officially begun!
FAQs:
1. What should I do immediately after arriving abroad?
Collect your luggage, keep your documents secure, connect to the internet, and arrange transportation to your accommodation.
2. What documents should I carry on my first day?
Keep your passport, visa, university admission letter, accommodation details, insurance documents, and emergency contacts easily accessible.
3. How can I get internet after arriving?
You can use an eSIM, buy a local SIM card, or use airport Wi-Fi until you arrange a suitable mobile plan.
4. Should I exchange money before travelling abroad?
It is useful to carry a small amount of local currency for immediate expenses such as transportation, food, or emergencies.
