Pre-departure
Before you fly
22 things to sort out before and just after you arrive, from documents and money to housing, health and arrival.
Documents
- Passport valid for your whole course. Check whether your destination needs extra validity beyond your stay.
- Your visa or study permit approval, plus any approval letter or e-visa printout.
- Offer letter and enrolment confirmation (for example CAS, CoE, I-20 or letter of acceptance).
- Proof of funds and tuition payment receipts.
- Original transcripts and certificates, plus copies.
- Your health insurance policy details.
- Digital copies of everything in secure cloud storage, and paper copies kept apart from the originals.
Money
- Tell your bank you are moving abroad and check its fees for using your card overseas.
- Carry some local currency or a travel card for your first few days.
- Find out which documents a local bank needs to open a student account.
- Budget for a rent deposit and your first month's rent.
Housing
- Book at least your first few weeks of accommodation before you fly.
- Check university housing options and deadlines early, because places fill up.
- Never pay a deposit for a place you have not verified. Housing scams often target new international students.
Health
- Get a check-up and any vaccinations your destination or university requires.
- Bring enough prescription medicine for your first weeks, with a letter from your doctor.
- Learn how your student health insurance works and where the nearest clinic is.
Arrival
- Save your accommodation address and your university's arrival contacts offline.
- Plan how you will get from the airport to your accommodation.
- Get a local SIM card or eSIM.
- Register your address or residence with local authorities if your destination requires it, and note the deadline.
- Go to orientation. It is where you sort out your student ID, enrolment and course registration.