Your first thirty days in Europe: a step-by-step plan for international students

Your first month in Europe is exciting and busy. Many tasks arrive almost at once: registering your residence, opening a bank account, finalising health insurance, getting a phone number, buying a transport pass, enrolling in courses and finding your way around a new city. The secret is to do things in the right order, since many procedures depend on each other, and to prepare your documents thoroughly before you fly. The week-by-week plan below is a framework; adjust it to the rules of your country and university.

Before you fly: prepare your documents

Most first-month headaches come from a single missing document. Build a folder with originals, paper copies and digital copies stored securely in the cloud. Some countries require certified translations or legalised documents, so check early, as these can take weeks.

• A passport with long validity and a visa or entry permit.
• Your offer letter and confirmation of enrolment.
• Proof of funds as required.
• A lease or housing confirmation.
• Health insurance documents.
• Diplomas, transcripts and translations if needed.
• Passport photos in the local format.
• Some cash in local currency for the first days.

Week one: settle in and register

On day one, the most important thing is to reach your accommodation and rest. Do not try to complete paperwork while exhausted from jet lag. Over the following days, formally check in, record the condition of your room and find out whether your country requires you to register your address with the local authority.

In many countries address registration must be done within a set period after moving in, and the confirmation is needed for many other procedures. If an appointment is required, book it as early as possible, as the start of the academic year is very busy.

• Check in and photograph the condition of your room.
• Book or complete your address registration.
• Learn the bus or tram routes from home to campus.
• Buy a temporary SIM card to get a local number.
• Let your family know you have arrived safely and share your address.

Week two: banking, insurance and residence

Once you have proof of address, you can open a bank account. Many banks offer student packages with low or no fees, and some digital banks let you open an account through an app quickly. Compare maintenance fees, withdrawal charges and the ability to receive international transfers.

At the same time, complete your health insurance registration as required by the country and university. If you need a residence card or permit extension, prepare documents according to the official checklist and attend your appointment on time with originals and copies.

1. Open a bank account and set up mobile banking.
2. Finalise health insurance and save your policy number.
3. Submit your residence permit application or book an appointment.
4. Update your bank details with the university or scholarship provider.

Week three: university and student card

Many universities run an orientation week for new students, usually before classes start. It is a valuable chance to understand the academic system, the library, online learning platforms and exam rules, and to make friends. Do not skip it, even if the local language still feels difficult.

Get your student card early, as it often unlocks discounts on transport, museums, cinemas and campus canteens. Some cities offer monthly or semester passes for students at reduced prices, sometimes included in registration fees.

• Attend orientation week and departmental introductions.
• Collect your student card and activate your email and learning platform accounts.
• Register for courses and tutorial groups as instructed.
• Explore the library, study spaces and academic advice services.
• Buy a student transport pass if available.

Week four: a new rhythm

By week four most paperwork is done and real study begins. Now is the time to plan a monthly budget, find supermarkets and markets that suit your wallet and, if permitted, explore part-time work within local rules.

It is also when homesickness can set in as the initial excitement fades. Keep a steady routine, eat well, sleep enough, stay active and reach out to friends.

Money in the first month

The first month usually costs more than later ones because of household purchases, deposits and fees. Budget a buffer on top of normal living costs. Tracking spending from day one quickly shows you the real cost of living in your city.

• Buy second-hand items from departing students or flea markets.
• Cook at home rather than eating out often.
• Use student discounts for transport and culture.
• Avoid exchanging currency at airport counters with poor rates.

Connection and wellbeing

Student communities from many countries are active in most large university cities, often organising welcome events and celebrating traditional holidays together. They offer valuable emotional support and practical tips. At the same time, open up to local and international students; it is the fastest way to learn the language and culture.

If stress lingers, many universities provide free or low-cost counselling for students. Seeking support is normal and worthwhile, and the earlier you reach out, the easier it usually is to get back on track.

Common mistakes

• Keeping your passport or residence card somewhere easy to lose, with no copies.
• Missing the deadline for address registration or residence applications.
• Signing long phone or gym contracts without reading cancellation terms.
• Travelling on public transport without the right ticket and getting fined.
• Being too shy to ask when a rule is unclear.

Rules on visas, residence and insurance differ between countries and change over time. Always check the official websites of local authorities, the embassy and your university before completing any procedure.

Staying safe in a new city

Take a little time to learn the emergency number, which is 112 across the EU, and save the contact details of your embassy, your university’s security office and a trusted friend. Keep your phone charged when going out at night, learn which areas locals recommend and be alert to pickpockets on busy public transport.

A note on patience

Bureaucracy in a new country can feel slow, and some steps may take longer than you expect. Keep calm, keep copies and keep a simple log of what you submitted and when. Within a few weeks, the paperwork fades into the background and the real adventure of studying in Europe begins.

Frequently asked questions