Arrival
The first week decides a lot. Nail the admin fast and you free up the rest of the semester for the fun part. Here’s the order that actually works, ripped from students who’ve done it.
Pick your exchange country and every tool adapts: budget, visa, apps, phrases.
Choose your exchange country in the bar above and your The First Week appears instantly, tailored to exactly where you’re headed.
Select a country aboveStep by step
Get to your place, drop the bags, grab a SIM/data and some local cash. Message your Studcasa group that you’ve arrived. Then sleep.
Walk to your campus, the nearest supermarket and a pharmacy. Knowing where things are kills 80% of the stress.
Many countries need this for rent and registration. Bring your passport, acceptance letter and proof of address.
Finalise enrolment, pick up your student card, get your campus logins and library access sorted.
Register with the local authority/town hall if required. It’s tedious but unlocks everything else, so do it early.
Grab the student monthly/semester pass. Cheaper, and the city suddenly feels much smaller.
Say yes to the group meetup. The friends you make week one are the ones you travel with all semester.
Good to know
Local emergency line, your embassy, a flatmate.
On move-in, for the deposit. Future-you says thanks.
A café or park that’s yours. It’s how a city starts feeling like home.
Prep’s pointless without people. Join your city’s group and land with mates already sorted. Free, no sign-up.