Moving to Europe for your studies is one of the most exciting and transformative experiences you’ll ever have. It’s a chance to explore new cultures, meet diverse people, and gain an education that could change your life. But along with the excitement comes many questions and challenges about how to adjust to a new environment.
After all the preparation, the real journey begins when you arrive. What should you expect? How do you handle the first few days? Where do you go next?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know and do in your first week in Europe, from your arrival at the airport to settling into university life.
Step One: Arrival at the Airport — What to Expect
Arriving in a new place is thrilling, but it is often overwhelming. Your first impression starts the moment you land.
Navigating Airport Formalities
After you arrive in Europe, you first have to fulfil all airport formalities for a smooth process.
- Immigration Control: Upon arrival, the first checkpoint is immigration. Officers will ask for your passport, student visa, university admission letter, and proof of accommodation. They may ask questions like the length of your stay and your study plans. Stay calm, answer clearly, and have all documents ready.
- Customs: You might need to declare certain items (cash above a limit, food, electronics). Usually, students pass through easily. Be honest and follow the guidelines.
- Baggage Claim: Pick up your luggage carefully. To avoid mix-ups, mark your bags with a distinctive ribbon or tag before traveling.
- Transportation to Your Accommodation: If your university has organized pickup, look for someone holding a sign with your name. If not, you can use taxis, rideshare apps like Uber or Bolt, or public transportation to get to your temporary accommodation.
Keep physical copies of your essential documents with you at all times. Internet access and mobile data might not be immediately available.
Step Two: Finding Your New Home — Accommodation Options
Once you’ve arrived, your next major task is securing long-term housing. Even if you stay temporarily in a hotel or hostel, you should try to finalize permanent accommodation within the first week.
Common Housing Types for Students
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| University Dorms | Affordable, close to campus, social | Shared rooms, limited privacy |
| Shared Apartments | More independence, flexible | Must find and trust roommates |
| Private Studios | Privacy, more comfortable | Usually more expensive |
| Host Families | Cultural immersion, home-cooked meals | Less freedom, strict house rules |
Consider your budget, need for privacy, and desire to be close to campus. University dorms are great for making friends, while private apartments offer comfort but at a higher price.
Interesting Read: The ultimate guide to student life in Europe
Step Three: Registering at the University — Your Official Start
Enrolling and officially registering is a crucial step. Without completing this, you can’t access university resources.
What Happens During Registration?
- Document Verification: Please submit the original documents, including your admission letter and academic transcripts.
- Collect Your Student ID and University Email: These are essential for accessing the campus and communicating with the university.
- Course Enrollment: Finalize your classes and schedules.
- Orientation Programs: Most universities have mandatory orientation sessions to introduce you to campus life, facilities, and services like health insurance, libraries, gyms, and student discounts.
Official registration provides you with access to campus resources and helps you integrate into student life. It also enables you to build a network with peers and staff.
Step Four: Setting Up Essentials — Phone, Banking, and More
Once you’ve settled your university registration, it’s time to establish your basics.
Get a Local SIM Card
Having a local phone number and data plan is essential for communication and navigation.
- Visit a telecom shop with your passport.
- Choose prepaid plans, which are affordable and easy to activate.
- Popular European providers include Vodafone, Orange, O2, and Lycamobile.
Open a Local Bank Account
Managing money locally makes life easier.
- The required documents typically include your passport, visa, university admission letter, and proof of address.
- Having a local bank account is essential for paying rent, receiving scholarships, and handling daily expenses.
- Universities often recommend student-friendly banks, so ask for advice.
Step Five: Navigating Daily Life — Food, Transport, Shopping
After setting up the essentials, the next challenge is everyday living.
Shopping for Groceries and Essentials
Europe has a wide range of stores catering to different budgets:
- Lidl and Aldi: Budget-friendly grocery stores.
- Carrefour, Tesco, Edeka: Larger supermarkets with more variety.
- DM and Müller: Pharmacies and personal care.
- IKEA: Affordable furniture and home goods.
Getting Around
Public transport in Europe is efficient and student-friendly.
- Most cities use contactless travel cards or smartphone apps.
- Monthly passes or student discounts are often available.
- Walking and biking are great ways to explore your new city.
Step Six: Coping with Culture Shock and Mental Health
Moving abroad can trigger feelings of loneliness, homesickness, or culture shock. This is normal and temporary.
How to Manage Cultural Adjustment
- Join Student Clubs: Sports, music, language exchanges — these are great for making friends.
- Attend Local Events: Cultural festivals and markets provide a fun way to learn about your new home.
- Make Friends: Your dorm, classes, and university social events are perfect places to meet people.
- Seek Counseling: Most universities offer free mental health support for students.
- Stay in Touch With Home: Phone or video calls can ease homesickness, but avoid over-dependence.
- Keep a Journal or Blog: Documenting your experience helps process your emotions and create lasting memories.
Being open and patient with yourself is key. Adaptation takes time.
Quick Checklist for Your First Week in Europe
To help you stay organized, here’s a handy checklist of important tasks:
- Pass immigration and customs with all documents ready.
- Reach your accommodation and unpack.
- Register at the university and attend orientation.
- Get a local SIM card for your phone.
- Open a bank account.
- Buy groceries and personal essentials.
- Familiarize yourself with public transport.
- Join student clubs or attend social events.
- Build a support network of friends and peers.
- Take care of your mental health and seek help if needed.
If you’re planning to go abroad, here is a guide on things to do before you move to Europe.
Final Thoughts
After you arrive in Europe, your first week will feel like a whirlwind of new experiences and responsibilities. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but with every step, you’ll gain confidence and start to feel at home.
Remember, support is always available—whether through your university, accommodation services, or fellow students. Take things one day at a time, celebrate your progress, and embrace the adventure of studying abroad.
For more personalized assistance and resources, visit EU Info Hub. We’re here to help you make the most of your student journey in Europe!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What documents should I keep handy after I arrive in Europe?
Keep your passport, student visa, university letter, and housing details accessible during the first week.
Can I open a bank account during my first week in Europe?
Yes, most banks allow students to open accounts as soon as they arrive, provided you have your ID, visa, proof of address, and university confirmation.
How do I find other students after I arrive?
University orientation, student WhatsApp groups, and Facebook communities are great places to meet people right away.
Is homesickness common during the first week in Europe?
Indeed, it is quite frequent. Maintaining connections with loved ones, while also striving to discover, participate, and establish new habits proves challenging initially after you arrive.
