What to Do in Your First Week After Arrival

So, you’ve landed. The plane is on the ground, your luggage is in hand, that long-awaited stamp is in your passport, and your mind is spinning with excitement, fatigue, and a touch of anxiety. Because that first week abroad is always a bit chaotic: you don’t know where to find a no-fee ATM, how to call a taxi without being overcharged, or how to handle your immigration paperwork to avoid problems down the line.

Meanwhile, back home, your parents are biting their nails and scanning the news for any reports of incidents involving tourists. So your goal for these first seven days isn't just to survive — it's to build a solid foundation so that the rest of your year (or three) goes smoothly. We’ve put together a step‑by‑step checklist. No fluff — just practical, tried‑and‑tested advice from Kyrgyz students who have already been through it all.

Step 1. At the Airport: Stay Calm, and Don’t Exchange All Your Money at the First Booth

Once you’re out of the arrivals hall, the first thing you'll see is a crowd of greeters and a maze of signs. Your priority: find the way to public transport or your pre‑booked transfer. If you haven't arranged a transfer, avoid taking a taxi from the drivers queuing up at the curb. In Europe and the US, that can easily cost two or three times more than official services (Uber, Bolt, or local apps). Download a navigation app like Google Maps or Citymapper — they work offline if you've pre‑loaded maps, but for real‑time schedules you'll still need an internet connection.

Currency exchange: only exchange the minimum you need at the airport — just enough for your ride and a coffee. The exchange rates there are notoriously poor. It's better to withdraw cash from an ATM using your own card, but make sure it's a bank ATM, not a standalone "Exchange" kiosk, which can charge commissions of up to 15%. If you have an Elcart card or a Kyrgyz Visa/Mastercard, check in advance that it's enabled for international transactions — sometimes you need to activate that feature.

Step 2. Checking Into Your Accommodation: Inspect Everything, Even If You're Exhausted

You've made it to your dorm or apartment. Don't sign the inventory form without checking every plug, tap, and lock. Take a video walkthrough with close‑ups — this can save you if the landlord later tries to charge you for damage that was already there. Ask about waste disposal (in Germany, for example, sorting is strictly regulated), where the laundry room is, and when quiet hours apply.

Important: ask the administrator or landlord right away how to get your mailbox key — in Europe, all official correspondence is sent by post, including your registration documents.

Step 3. Migration Registration: Don't Miss the Deadline — Fines and Visa Issues Await

This is the most stressful part. Each country has its own timeline:

• Germany: within 14 days of moving in, you must visit the Bürgeramt (citizen's office) and register your address (Anmeldung). Without that stamp, you cannot open a proper bank account, sign a mobile contract, or get a tax number. Book your appointment online 2–3 weeks in advance — ideally before you even leave home, otherwise you risk missing the deadline. Fines can be up to €1,000.
• United Kingdom: police registration for students was abolished in 2022, and since 2025 the old BRP card has been replaced by an electronic visa (e‑Visa). Immediately after arrival, check your immigration status online using the link from your visa decision letter — you'll need this to prove your right to work or rent. You already received your visa before travelling; no extra cards to collect.
• USA: there is no local city‑hall registration. All your immigration records are on your I‑94 form, which you can download from the CBP website. The key point: your university's DSO must register you in SEVIS no later than 30 days after the programme start date on your I‑20 — this is usually done during orientation week. If this deadline is missed, your F‑1 status will be cancelled.
• Canada: you will get your Study Permit at the border. Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) — needed for work and tax purposes — can be obtained at any time after arrival; there is no strict 30‑day rule, but it's wise to do it sooner rather than later. Also, register for provincial health coverage (each province — British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec — has its own system).
• Australia: international students are not required to register with local councils or on electoral rolls. To prove your address, you can use your lease, bank statement, or utility bills. The only thing you need to do in the first few days is notify the Australian Tax Office (ATO) of your address via your myGov account — that can be done entirely online.
• Schengen countries (France, Spain, Poland, Italy): procedures vary significantly. In France — online validation of your VLS‑TS visa through the ANEF portal within 3 months of arrival. In Spain — if your visa is valid for over 6 months, you must apply for a foreigner identity card (TIE) at the police immigration office within 30 days. In Italy — within 8 days, you must submit a declaration of presence (dichiarazione di presenza) to the police (Questura) or via post. In Poland — register your stay at the provincial office (Urząd Wojewódzki) within 30 days. Always check the exact deadlines in your visa letter — ignoring them can lead to deportation.

General rule: don't put it off until the last day. On your first working day, visit the website of the local registration authority, book an appointment, and go. If you don't speak the language, reach out to fellow Kyrgyz students in local Facebook or Telegram groups — they can guide you to the right office.

Step 4. Opening a Bank Account: Choose a Student Plan with No Fees

You'll need a local account to pay rent, receive any scholarships, and avoid losing money on currency conversion. Every country offers student accounts (e.g., traditional German banks require Anmeldung, while digital banks like N26 can be opened without it; Revolut is an e‑wallet that only needs a passport and phone number, but may not offer all functions of a full bank; in Canada — Desjardins; in the US — Citi and others, but all require a local address to send your card). To open one, you'll typically need: your passport, visa/residence permit, address registration (where required), and often a Certificate of Enrolment from your university.

Don't just go for the first "free" offer you see — read the terms carefully. Often it's free only for the first year, then a monthly fee of €5–10 applies. Ask your university's student services which banks they partner with — sometimes you get bonuses (like a €50 welcome credit). Also, check the withdrawal limits abroad if you plan to travel back home.

Step 5. SIM Card and Internet: Skip the Tourist Packages at the Airport

Your Kyrgyz roaming plan is a quick way to drain your balance in just a few days — forget about it. Buy a local prepaid SIM at the first petrol station or supermarket. In Europe, popular prepaid options are Aldi Talk (Germany), Lycamobile (UK), and Orange (France). Usually, you only need your passport (sometimes just a phone number).

But keep in mind: in Germany, you cannot get a post‑paid contract without Anmeldung; in France, a contract plan requires your VLS‑TS validation and a French bank account. So for your first week, go with a prepaid SIM in both countries — it's more expensive per gigabyte, but it saves you from bureaucratic hurdles.

A practical tip: buy your SIM from an official carrier store, not from a street kiosk — they might sell you one already registered under someone else's name, which would later prevent you from linking it to your bank account.

Step 6. Registering with the Kyrgyz Embassy: Why and How

Consular registration is not mandatory, but it's highly recommended. You can do it online or in person at the Kyrgyz embassy or consulate in your host country. Why? If you lose your passport, get into trouble, or face an emergency, the embassy can assist you more quickly — verify your identity and issue a temporary document. They will also include you in emergency evacuation lists if needed.

For Kyrgyz citizens in Europe, there is an online system — go to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, find the "Consular Registration" section, and upload photos of your passport, visa, and address. In the US, Canada, and Australia, a personal visit to the consulate is often required (in Washington, New York, Toronto, or Sydney), but initially, an email is sufficient. Don't skip this — it takes five minutes and can save you a lot of stress later.

Step 7. Finding a Russian‑Speaking Doctor and Pharmacy

Your parents are most concerned about: "What if you get sick — who will be there for you?" In your first week, locate the nearest medical centre with Russian‑speaking staff. Where to look? In local expat groups on Facebook (e.g., "Russians in Munich," "Kyrgyz in London") — they usually have lists of trusted practitioners.

But the most important thing: download your insurance company's app. It has an "Assistance" feature — a 24‑hour hotline that can direct you to the nearest clinic and even arrange an interpreter if your policy covers it. Write that number down and keep it visible at home.

Pharmacy: find out which medications are available without a prescription in this country (paracetamol and antihistamines are usually OTC, but antibiotics require a prescription). If you have a chronic condition, bring a one‑month supply and a translated (into English) prescription from your doctor at home.

Step 8. Public Transport and Student Transit Passes

In Europe and major Asian cities, you can't get around without it. On day one, purchase a weekly or monthly pass — it's usually half the price of single tickets. In Germany, that's the Deutschlandticket (€63 per month from 2026, but often cheaper for students via your university). In the UK — an Oyster card with a student discount (add the 18+ Student Oyster to get reduced fares). In the US — many campuses offer free shuttles, but for subways and buses you'll need a MetroCard or similar.

Note: in many countries, you can tap your bank card or phone for contactless payments. However, student discounts won't apply that way — you need a special card, which you obtain at the underground ticket office or through your university. Also, take a photo of your student ID — it gives discounts not only on transport but also on museums, cinemas, and even groceries at some chains.

Step 9. Daily Life: Where to Shop for Groceries Without Breaking the Bank

On your first supermarket visit, you may be shocked by the prices. Norway, Switzerland, and Denmark are especially expensive. Don't buy everything at the first store you see. Ask neighbours or in student chats which chains are budget‑friendly: in Germany — Aldi, Lidl, Netto; in the UK — Tesco, Asda, Morrisons; in the US — Walmart, Aldi; in Australia — Coles and Woolworths. Initially, focus on discounted items and products nearing their expiration date (they are often 30–50% off).

Don't forget a plug adapter (Europe — Type C, UK — Type G, US — Type A/B) — available at any airport or local electronics shop. And your phone charger is essential.

Step 10. Emotional Adaptation and Staying Connected with Home

We list this last, but it's actually the most important. Once you've sorted out the basics, take a moment and video‑call your parents. Show them your room, the view from your window, and tell them you've already registered and opened a bank account. They'll stop worrying and searching for alarming news about your neighbourhood.

And finally: save emergency numbers — police, ambulance, embassy. In Europe — 112, in the US — 911, in the UK — 999, in Australia — 000 (and 112 also works from mobile phones).

That first week will pass quickly. Follow this checklist, and you'll turn the chaos into a manageable routine. And once you've settled in, pass this list on to the next Kyrgyz student who arrives. Your preparation and calmness are the best comfort you can give your family back home.