Indian student first week abroad — your survival guide for 2026
By Arjun Kapoor (Arjun Kapoor tracks error fares, mileage runs and award-chart sweet spots for Indian travellers. He moderates two Telegram fare-alert channels and has booked Europe round-trips at sub-₹25,000 four times in the last 24 months.) · Published · 10 min read
The first week in a new country is overwhelming. Here is a day-by-day checklist for Indian students to get settled quickly and calmly.
Quick answer
Your first-week priorities are: Day 1: Arrive, get to your accommodation, activate a local SIM card, message family. Day 2-3: Open a local bank account, register for university orientation, find the nearest grocery store. Day 4-5: Attend orientation, get your student ID, activate your transit card, register with the Indian embassy. Day 6-7: Set up your room, explore the campus and neighbourhood, cook a proper meal. Do not try to do everything at once — focus on shelter, communication and food first.
Airport arrival checklist
Before you exit the airport terminal, complete this checklist:
- Clear immigration: have your passport, visa, university admission letter, and accommodation address ready. Common immigration questions to expect: "What will you study?", "Which university?", "How long is your programme?", "Where will you live?", "How will you fund your stay?" Answer briefly, honestly, and specifically.
- Collect checked luggage: verify bag count immediately. If a bag is missing, file a report at the airline baggage counter before leaving arrivals — critical for insurance claims.
- Customs: most countries allow personal effects duty-free. Do not carry more than the declared cash limit (typically USD/EUR 10,000 equivalent). If carrying Indian food items, check destination rules — Australia is extremely strict; the UK and US are more lenient for packaged dry goods.
- Buy a local SIM: airport SIM shops sell prepaid plans with data from GBP 10-20 / AUD 30 / SGD 15. Activate immediately.
- Withdraw local currency: use your forex card at an airport ATM. Withdraw enough for 2-3 days of expenses.
SIM card activation by country
| Country | Best prepaid providers | Cost | Where to buy | ID needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Three, Vodafone, Giffgaff, EE | GBP 10-20/month | Airport shop, High Street, or order Giffgaff online before departure | Passport only |
| US | T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Google Fi | USD 15-30/month | T-Mobile stores, Walmart, Target | Passport |
| Canada | Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile | CAD 25-45/month | Carrier stores, Walmart | Passport only |
| Australia | Optus, Vodafone, Amaysim | AUD 20-40/month | Airport shop, supermarkets | Passport (ID verification at activation) |
| Germany | Aldi Talk, Lebara, O2 | EUR 8-15/month | Aldi supermarkets, carrier shops | Passport + German address (video KYC for some) |
| Singapore | Singtel, StarHub, M1 | SGD 10-20/month | Changi Airport, carrier stores | Passport only |
Day 1 — arrival and immediate needs
After clearing customs and immigration at your destination airport, your priorities are: get to your accommodation and establish communication with your family.
Airport to accommodation: If your university's Indian Students Association offers airport pickup, use it (you should have arranged this through their WhatsApp group before departure). If not, use the airport's official taxi service, train or bus. Do not accept taxi offers from random people inside the terminal. Have your accommodation address printed on paper (your phone might die).
SIM card: Buy a local SIM card at the airport if available (UK, Australia and Singapore airports have SIM shops in arrivals). If not, use your Indian SIM's international roaming to call/message family that you arrived safely, and buy a local SIM on Day 2. See our SIM card guide for country-specific recommendations.
First meal: Eat something. Airport food is expensive but you need energy. If you packed ready-to-eat meals from India and your accommodation has a microwave, heat one up. If not, find the nearest open food outlet. Do not worry about costs on Day 1 — just eat.
Sleep: If you arrived after a long flight (8-15 hours), your body is exhausted and jetlagged. Go to sleep when you feel tired, even if it is mid-afternoon locally. You will adjust over the next few days.
Days 2-3 — bank account and basics
Open a local bank account: You need a local bank account to receive any scholarship disbursements, GIC/blocked-account monthly withdrawals, part-time work wages and to set up direct debits for rent and utilities. Most banks allow international students to open an account with a passport, visa, proof of address (university accommodation letter) and student enrolment confirmation.
Recommended banks by country: UK — Monzo, Starling, HSBC or Lloyds (Monzo and Starling can be opened via app before arrival). US — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo (need to visit a branch with your passport and I-20). Canada — Scotiabank, CIBC, TD (many have pre-arrival account opening for students). Australia — Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac (pre-arrival account opening available). Germany — Deutsche Bank, N26, Sparkasse.
Groceries: Find the nearest supermarket and the nearest Indian grocery store. Buy essentials: rice, dal, cooking oil, bread, milk, eggs, vegetables. Cook a simple meal — your body and mind need familiar food. The Indian grocery store is your lifeline for spices, papad, atta and specific brands you miss.
Grocery shopping tips
Grocery shopping abroad is disorienting the first time. Here is what Indian students need to know:
- UK: Aldi and Lidl are genuinely 20-30% cheaper on basics than Tesco or Sainsbury's. Download the Tesco Clubcard app — prices are significantly lower with the card.
- US: Walmart and Trader Joe's for basics. Indian grocery stores (Patel Brothers, India Bazaar) exist in every major student city.
- Canada: No Frills and FreshCo are the budget supermarkets. Indian grocery stores are abundant in Toronto, Vancouver, and other student cities.
- Australia: Woolworths and Coles are the main chains. Aldi is the budget option.
- Germany: Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto are remarkably cheap by European standards.
Universal tip: buy rice, dal, and spices in bulk from Indian grocery stores — cheaper per kg than small packs at regular supermarkets.
Days 4-5 — university registration and orientation
Attend your university's orientation programme. This is mandatory at most institutions and covers: academic expectations, campus facilities, library access, student services, IT systems (email, learning management system), and social events. You will also complete your formal enrolment, get your student ID card, and set up your university email.
Student ID: This is your most important document after your passport. It gives you access to campus buildings, the library, student discounts (transport, shops, restaurants, museums) and university services. Carry it always.
Transit card: Apply for a student transit card (see our transit card guide). Until it arrives, use a regular transit card with pay-as-you-go.
Embassy registration: Register with the Indian embassy online (see our embassy registration guide). This takes 10 minutes and can be done from your phone.
Public transport orientation
Understanding local transport saves hours of confusion:
- London: Oyster card or contactless on the Tube, bus, and Overground. Student Oyster (18+ Student Photocard) gives 30% off Travelcards — apply through your university in week one.
- Toronto: PRESTO card on TTC. Post-secondary student PRESTO discount available via your institution.
- Melbourne: Myki card on trams, trains, and buses. Trams in the Free Tram Zone (CBD) are free.
- Berlin: Semesterticket is typically included in your enrolment fee — covers all public transport in zones A-B for the entire semester.
- New York: MetroCard. No student discount on NYC subway, but some universities offer subsidised passes.
- Singapore: EZ-Link card on MRT and buses. Student concession available for enrolled students.
Download Citymapper (works in most major cities) and learn the route from your accommodation to campus on Day 4.
Emergency numbers
Save these on your phone on Day 1:
| Country | Emergency | Police (non-emergency) | Indian embassy emergency |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 999 | 101 | +44-20-7836-8484 |
| US | 911 | 311 (varies) | +1-202-939-7000 |
| Canada | 911 | Varies by city | +1-613-744-3751 |
| Australia | 000 | 131 444 | +61-2-6273-3999 |
| Germany | 112 | 110 | +49-30-25795-0 |
| Singapore | 999 / 995 | 1800-255-0000 | +65-6737-6777 |
Also save your university campus security number and at least one local Indian student senior's number.
Days 6-7 — settle in, explore, and connect
By the end of the first week, you should have: a working local SIM, a bank account (or at least an application in progress), your student ID, a stocked kitchen, and a basic understanding of your campus and neighbourhood.
Use the weekend to: explore your neighbourhood (find the nearest pharmacy, post office, laundromat, park and public transport stops). Set up your room (buy bedding from IKEA, Kmart or a local equivalent if not provided). Join a campus club or society — even just signing up at an activities fair introduces you to potential friends. Video-call your family and give them a virtual tour of your new home.
Connecting with the Indian community: every major university has an Indian Students Association. Find them on Instagram or WhatsApp before you arrive — most have active group chats where seniors share flat-hunting tips, grocery deals, and part-time job leads. Attending the first ISA welcome event is the fastest way to build a social network.
Cultural adjustment: the first 2-3 weeks involve culture shock that is entirely normal. Common experiences: feeling lonely despite being surrounded by people, finding local food bland, struggling with accents, feeling overwhelmed by different social norms. These feelings pass. By week 3-4, routines establish themselves. If feelings of isolation persist beyond 4-6 weeks, your university counselling service is free, confidential, and trained to support international students.
For friends planning to follow you abroad, share FlightGPT for finding affordable flights from India.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when I arrive abroad as a student?
Get to your accommodation, activate a local SIM card, message your family that you arrived safely, and eat. Everything else can wait until Day 2.
How long does it take to open a bank account abroad?
App-based banks (Monzo, Starling, N26) can be opened in 24-48 hours. Traditional banks (HSBC, Chase, Scotiabank) take 3-7 business days with an in-branch appointment.
When does the homesickness get better?
Most students report significant improvement after 3-4 weeks, once daily routines are established and initial friendships form. The first 1-2 weeks are universally the hardest.
What immigration questions should I prepare for at the airport?
Expect: What will you study? Which university? How long is your programme? Where will you live? How will you fund your stay? Answer briefly, honestly, and specifically.
Should I buy a local SIM or use international roaming?
Buy a local SIM. Indian roaming plans cost 5-10x more per GB of data. Buy at the airport on arrival or within 24 hours from a carrier store or supermarket.
How do I find Indian grocery stores near my university?
Search Google Maps for 'Indian grocery' near your university postcode. Join your university Indian Students Association WhatsApp group — seniors share recommendations.