Your first week abroad sets the tone for your whole experience. This guide helps you settle in calmly, set up essentials and start feeling at home.

## Day 1: arrive, rest, settle in

- Pick up your keys and inspect your accommodation - Unpack your essentials (bedding, toiletries, chargers) - Note any damage and take photos — protect your bond - Eat something familiar and hydrate after your flight - Rest — fight jet lag gently, don't push yourself

## Set up your essentials

In the first few days, take care of the practical foundations:

- **Open a local bank account** — bring your passport, visa and enrolment letter - **Get a local SIM card** or activate a student mobile plan - **Apply for a transport concession card** if available - **Register with your university** and complete enrolment

## Explore the neighbourhood

Get to know your immediate surroundings:

- Find the nearest supermarket, pharmacy and convenience store - Locate your campus and test your commute - Identify a safe walking route home at night - Discover a café or park you enjoy — a small anchor of comfort

## Orientation and enrolment

Most universities run orientation week. Don't skip it:

- Attend the international student welcome - Collect your student ID card - Learn campus facilities (library, health centre, study spaces) - Meet your student advisors and support staff - Understand key academic dates and expectations

## Health and safety

- Register with the campus or local doctor - Save emergency numbers in your phone (police, ambulance, campus security) - Know where the nearest hospital is - Keep your insurance details handy - Store digital and printed copies of your passport separately

## Make connections

Building a support network early makes a huge difference:

- Say yes to orientation social events - Join one or two student clubs that interest you - Connect with other Vietnamese students — many universities have cultural societies - Introduce yourself to flatmates or neighbours - Exchange contacts with classmates

## Manage homesickness

Feeling homesick is completely normal in the first weeks:

- Set up a regular video call schedule with family - Bring a few comfort items from home (photos, snacks, music) - Keep a routine — structure reduces anxiety - Explore your new city — curiosity beats fear - Reach out if you're struggling — universities offer free counselling

## Practical first-week checklist

- [ ] Collect keys and inspect accommodation - [ ] Open a local bank account - [ ] Get a local SIM card - [ ] Complete university enrolment - [ ] Get a student transport card - [ ] Register with a doctor - [ ] Save emergency numbers - [ ] Attend orientation events - [ ] Test your commute to campus - [ ] Call home to let family know you're safe

## Final tip

The first week is about progress, not perfection. Take it one day at a time, be kind to yourself, and remember — every international student before you felt the same way and thrived. You will too.