Your first day in a new country is disorienting almost by design — new currency, new transit system, jet lag, and often a strange kitchen with none of your usual ingredients. Here's what actually helps, based on what past BharathRise.com students tell us they wished they'd known.
Before You Even Land
- Have your accommodation address written down physically, not just on your phone (in case of connectivity issues on arrival)
- Know your route from the airport to your accommodation in advance — don't figure it out on arrival, exhausted
- Carry some local currency in cash for the first 24-48 hours before you can set up a bank account
- Keep your offer letter, passport, visa, and accommodation confirmation in your carry-on, not checked luggage
The First 72 Hours — Priority Order
- Settle into your accommodation and figure out the basics — heating/cooling, wifi, keys
- Get a local SIM card — you'll need connectivity for almost everything else
- Open a local bank account (often requires proof of address, so this may take a few days)
- Locate the nearest grocery store and pharmacy
- Complete any mandatory university/college registration and orientation sign-up
Common First-Week Surprises
Grocery stores stock different brands and cuts of meat/vegetables than you're used to — give yourself permission to experiment rather than searching for exact Indian equivalents immediately. Public transit etiquette (queueing, tapping cards, quiet carriages) varies by city — watch locals for a day before assuming you know the rules. Time zones catching up with family calls can be genuinely disorienting for the first week — it's normal, not a sign something's wrong.
Don't try to solve everything on day one. Housing, SIM, and bank account in the first 72 hours is enough — the rest (clubs, social life, exploring) can wait a week without any real cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring Indian groceries and spices with me?
A small starter kit is reasonable and common — most major cities abroad also have Indian grocery stores, so you don't need to overpack.
What if my accommodation falls through last minute?
Most universities have emergency short-term housing options for exactly this situation — contact international student services immediately rather than panicking alone.
Read next: Culture Shock and Banking & SIM Cards Abroad.