The first week in South Korea can be busy, with several important matters to deal with after arrival. Once accommodation has been arranged, international students should prioritise residence procedures, university arrangements, communication, finances and everyday life.
Here are seven things to focus on during the first week.
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SETTLE INTO YOUR ACCOMMODATION AND CHECK YOUR ADDRESS
After arriving, check your accommodation address, tenancy agreement or dormitory information.
Save your address on your phone and keep a backup copy in case you need it for administrative procedures or when asking for directions.
If you are renting privately, check the key terms of your tenancy agreement and make sure you understand any residence-related procedures that apply to you.
Read more: Renting Accommodation in South Korea: What International Students Need to Know Before Signing a Contract?
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CHECK YOUR RESIDENCE DOCUMENTS
Check the information on your residence card, its validity period, your registered address and other relevant documents during the first few days.
If there are any post-arrival procedures that you still need to complete, or if any information is incorrect, contact your university or the relevant authority for guidance.
It is also advisable to keep digital copies of important documents so that you can access them when necessary.
If you need to complete an online procedure or make an appointment with an immigration office, prepare in advance rather than waiting until the deadline is approaching.
Read more: How to Make a HiKorea Appointment for International Students in South Korea
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VISIT YOUR UNIVERSITY AND COMPLETE ENROLMENT PROCEDURES
During your first week, confirm:
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Your class timetable and classroom locations.
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Attendance requirements.
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Student accounts or online learning systems.
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Any outstanding documents or fees.
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Contact details for teachers and student support staff.
International students should also check university announcements regularly. Changes to class schedules, classrooms or administrative procedures are often communicated directly by the university.
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GET A SIM CARD AND SET UP YOUR PHONE
A mobile phone is essential for communicating with your university, landlord, bank and service providers in South Korea.
When buying a SIM card or choosing a mobile plan, check the validity period, data allowance, cost and required documents.
Once you have a Korean phone number, save important contacts such as your university, dormitory manager or landlord.
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PREPARE A BANK ACCOUNT AND PAYMENT METHODS
International students should look into opening a bank account and choosing suitable payment methods soon after arrival.
A bank account can be used to receive money, pay rent and living expenses, or receive income from permitted part-time work if all relevant requirements are met.
When using online banking, never share your password, verification codes or other security information with anyone else.
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LEARN YOUR ROUTE AND EXPLORE THE LOCAL AREA
Try travelling from your accommodation to your university before your regular classes begin.
You should identify:
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The nearest underground station or bus stop.
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The route to your university.
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The usual travel time.
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An alternative route if necessary.
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Nearby supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies.
It is useful to save your accommodation and university addresses on your phone so that you can show them when asking for directions or taking a taxi.
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CHECK YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE AND PLAN YOUR LIVING BUDGET
During your first week, check your health insurance status and find out how to use your insurance if you need medical treatment.
At the same time, prepare a basic monthly budget covering:
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Accommodation.
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Food.
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Transport.
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Mobile phone costs.
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Health insurance.
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Personal necessities.
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Emergency savings.
If you are not yet familiar with living costs in South Korea, recording your expenses during the first month can help you manage your finances more effectively.
Read more: Health Insurance in South Korea for D-2 International Students
FIRST-WEEK CHECKLIST
☐ 1. Settle into your accommodation and check your registered address.
☐ 2. Check your residence documents and status.
☐ 3. Complete university enrolment procedures.
☐ 4. Get a SIM card and set up your phone.
☐ 5. Prepare a bank account and payment methods.
☐ 6. Learn your route and explore the local area.
☐ 7. Check your health insurance and prepare a living budget.
COMMON MISTAKES NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SHOULD AVOID
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Leaving residence procedures until just before the deadline.
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Failing to save your accommodation and university addresses.
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Not checking your class timetable and attendance requirements.
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Spending too much during the first month.
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Not knowing who to contact when you have a problem with documents, university procedures or healthcare.
You do not need to complete everything at once during your first week. Prioritise matters relating to residence, university, accommodation, communication, finances and health.
Once these basic matters are in order, it will be easier to adapt to everyday life and study in South Korea.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Songda Tohoku Joint Stock Company
Address: L02-L01, Khu A, KĐT Dương Nội, Phường Dương Nội, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Hotline: 0989 044 852
Email: tohokusongda2014@gmail.com
Website: tohoku.vn