Your visa is approved, your flight is booked, and your bags are finally packed. Studying abroad isn’t just a dream anymore, it’s happening.
But then comes the real challenge: landing in a new country and figuring out how to start fresh.
For many students from Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia) and Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa), arriving in places like London, Dublin, or Dubai feels exciting - but also a little overwhelming. New accents, new systems, and the stress of sorting out things like housing, banking, and cultural differences can make those first weeks tough.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and guidance, settling in can actually be smooth and even enjoyable.
That’s exactly what this guide is about. We’ll walk you through what to do before you fly, how to handle your first week, how to adjust to local culture, and how the Inforens Student Success Programme can make your transition much smoother.
1. Pre-Arrival Checklist: What to Do Before You Fly
Being prepared before you fly makes everything so much easier once you land. Here’s a simple checklist to go through:
- Documents first: Keep your passport, visa approval, university admission letter, and proof of finances ready. Make sure you have both printed copies and digital scans saved.
- Money matters: Carry enough local currency to cover at least two weeks. Some banks in the UK and Ireland even let you set up student accounts online before you arrive, so do it early if you can.
- Accommodation sorted: Don’t land without a confirmed place to stay, even if it’s just temporary housing or student halls.
- Stay connected: Get an e-SIM in advance or keep some cash ready for a local SIM card on arrival. You’ll need mobile data for maps, cabs, and quick calls to family.
- Emergency contacts: Save your country’s embassy number and your university’s student helpline - you’ll thank yourself later.
✈️ Don't leave anything to chance. Our "Already Applied Abroad" package provides comprehensive checklists, pre-departure guidance, and expert advice to ensure all your documents and preparations are in perfect order before you fly.
Get fully prepared for your journey today!
2. First Week Essentials: Banking, Phone, and Accommodation
Your first week abroad is super important, it sets the tone for your entire experience. Here are the things you should focus on right away:
- Bank account: In the UK, students usually go for Barclays or HSBC. In Ireland, Bank of Ireland and AIB are common. In Dubai, Emirates NBD and Mashreq are good options. Setting up your account early is a must since you’ll need it for paying rent, receiving scholarships, or even part-time job salaries.
- Phone & internet: Get yourself a local SIM card on your very first day. Popular options include Vodafone or EE in the UK, Lycamobile or Three in Ireland, and Du or Etisalat in Dubai. Having data makes navigating a new city so much easier.
- Accommodation: If you’re in student halls, most things are already sorted. But if you’ve rented privately, double-check that essentials like Wi-Fi, electricity, and water are all working properly.
👉 Don't navigate your first week alone. Our support services are designed to help you with the essentials, including guiding you on which banks and mobile networks are best for international students in the UK, Ireland, or Dubai. .
3. Cultural Adaptation: How to Feel at Home
Culture shock is real, and it’s one of the biggest challenges international students face. But don’t worry, once you know what to expect, adjusting becomes much easier. Let’s break it down:
Common Cultural Mistakes 🌍
- In the UK: Back home, avoiding eye contact might feel polite, but in the UK, it shows confidence and honesty. Looking people in the eye (without staring!) helps you come across as open and trustworthy.
- In Dubai: Dressing too casually in public or ignoring religious customs can make you stand out in the wrong way. A simple tip - carry a scarf or modest clothing for public spaces. It shows respect and keeps you comfortable.
- In Ireland: People love small talk - whether it’s about the weather, sports, or weekend plans. Staying too reserved may seem unfriendly, so try joining in, even with a smile or short response.
Academic Differences 🎓
- Plagiarism rules: UK and Irish universities are extremely strict about citations. Copy-pasting without credit can get you in serious trouble, even expelled. Always reference properly.
- Participation counts: Speaking up in class is highly encouraged. Professors expect you to join discussions and share your views.
- Group projects: Unlike systems where exams dominate, teamwork is a big part of learning. Expect plenty of group assignments and presentations.
👉 With Inforens' mentors, you don’t have to figure these things out alone. They’ll share the cultural do’s and don’ts before you even land, so you feel ready and confident.
4. Building Your Social Network: Friends Make All the Difference
Moving to a new country can feel exciting, but also a little lonely if you don’t build connections. The good news? Making friends abroad is easier than you think. Here’s how you can start:
Start Conversations 👋
- In London: Talking about the weather is a classic icebreaker (and trust me, there’s always something to say about it!).
- In Dublin: A little humor or friendly banter works wonders - Irish people love a good laugh.
- In Dubai: A polite greeting shows respect and opens the door to conversation.
Join Student Clubs/Societies 🎓
Most universities have societies for everything - culture, religion, sports, music, tech, you name it. These societies are one of the fastest ways to meet people who share your interests.
Use Digital Communities 🌐
Don’t underestimate online groups. Facebook communities, WhatsApp chats, and Discord channels are full of students sharing housing leads, part-time job tips, and upcoming events.
Look After Your Mental Health 💙
Having a strong social circle isn’t just fun - it helps reduce homesickness and boosts your mental well-being. Students who connect with others early on usually adapt faster and feel happier.
👉 With Inforens, you instantly join a supportive community of 500+ international students across the UK, Ireland, and Dubai. That means you’ll always have people to talk to, learn from, and share your journey with.
5. City Survival Guides: London, Dublin, and Dubai
Each city has its own rhythm, costs, and little hacks. Here’s what you should know before you land:
London (UK)
- Travelling Around: Use an Oyster card or even your contactless debit card to travel on buses and trains. If you are a frequent traveler, make sure to check out the travel passes on offer to obtain travel discounts.
- Budget Basics: Expect rent between £800 to £1,400 per month, groceries around £300, and transport about £150.
- Weekend Fun: For just £20, you can take a train to Oxford, Cambridge, or even enjoy the beach in Brighton.
Dublin (Ireland)
- Getting Around: Grab a Student Leap Card - it gives you discounted fares on buses, trams, and trains.
- Budget Basics: Rent usually costs €500 to €900 per month, groceries around €200, and transport roughly €120.
- Weekend Fun: Take a trip to the Cliffs of Moher or spend a weekend in Galway for some of Ireland’s most breathtaking views.
Dubai (UAE)
- Getting Around: The metro is affordable and well-connected, but most students also use taxis for convenience.
- Budget Basics: Rent can range from AED 2,000 to 3,500 per month, groceries about AED 800, and transport around AED 300.
- Weekend Fun: Explore Abu Dhabi, go on a desert safari, or discover the cultural side of the UAE beyond the skyscrapers.
👉 With Inforens city workshops, you’ll learn these local hacks in advance, so instead of wasting time figuring things out, you’ll start feeling at home from day one.
6. Extra Tips to Make Life Abroad Easier
What Not to Do as a New International Student 🚫
When you first land, it’s easy to make mistakes without realizing it. Here are a few to avoid:
- Don’t ignore visa rules. Overstaying your visa or breaking conditions can get you fined or even deported. Always track expiry dates.
- Don’t skip health insurance. Accidents and illnesses can happen anytime, and medical costs abroad are high. Most universities even make health insurance mandatory.
- Don’t isolate yourself. It’s tempting to stick only with people from your country, but that limits your experience. Push yourself to join activities, meet people, and learn new cultures.
👉 Remember: settling in is not just about academics, it’s about building a balanced life.
Hidden Costs to Plan 💸
Even with a well-planned budget, some expenses sneak up on students. Keep these in mind:
- Visa extensions & renewals: They often come with fees.
- Deposits: Renting an apartment usually requires deposits for housing and utilities.
- Academic extras: Printing, stationery, library fees, or course materials can add up.
- Leisure costs: Weekend trips, concerts, or cultural activities are fun but can be costly if you don’t plan for them.
👉 Set aside a small “unexpected expenses fund” each month - you’ll thank yourself later.
Safety Tips for Students Abroad 🛡️
Safety is just as important as academics. Keep these tips in mind:
- In London & Dublin: Watch out for scams - fake landlords or phone frauds are common. Always verify before paying deposits.
- In Dubai: Respect local laws. Public behavior and alcohol rules are strict, and violations can have serious consequences.
- Emergency contacts: Save numbers for the police, ambulance, and university security on your phone.
- For Late Night-Outs: Use trusted ride apps, university shuttles, or travel in groups late at night.
👉 A little caution goes a long way in making your student journey stress-free.
Government Reports & Key Stats 📊
International education is booming, and the numbers prove it:
- United Kingdom: According to the UK Home Office (2024), over 486,000 student visas were issued, with India and Nigeria leading the list.
- Ireland: The Irish Department of Education (2024) reported that international students contribute around €2.5 billion annually to the economy, underlining how valued they are.
- United Arab Emirates: The UAE Ministry of Education (2023) noted that Dubai alone is home to more than 70,000 international students, making it one of the top global study destinations.
👉 These figures highlight that you’re not alone: tens of thousands of students are starting the same journey as you every year.
7. How Inforens Makes Arrival Stress-Free
Landing in a new country is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. That’s why the Inforens International Student Success Programme takes care of the essentials for you:
✨ Accommodation support – no more wandering around confused after landing.
✨ Banking & SIM guidance – stay connected and secure from Day 1.
✨ Mentorship – learn real tips from seniors who’ve been in your shoes.
✨ Cultural orientation – understand the local do’s and don’ts quickly.
✨ Peer community – connect with 500+ international students on the same journey.
👉 With Inforens, you don’t just get advice - you get step-by-step support to make your first weeks abroad simple and stress-free.
Real Stories from Students 💡
Akshita Jain (Imperial College London): “After her first visa application was rejected, the Inforens team stepped in to help her reapply successfully. Her journey didn't end there; she shared that she was grateful for the continuous support with remittances and regular check-ins once she arrived in the UK.”
Mohammed Aijaz Ahmed (The University of Law, London): “They were grateful for the patient guidance and clarity from Inforens, which made the complex student visa process feel manageable and smooth”. The student credits this support for making their transition seamless.
Zofia Rutkowska studying in the UK:, a 17-year-old student, shared her experience of navigating university life and overcoming challenges like language barriers during a pandemic. Her story highlights that with resilience and adaptability, a student can come out stronger and find incredible opportunities.
Farhwan Baghwan (University of Warwick): credits Inforens' team for their seamless journey, which included everything from university selection and scholarship applications to financial guidance and visa support. They were especially grateful that when they arrived, a mentor was ready to give them a campus tour, ensuring they never felt lost.
Conclusion 🎉
Landing in a new country is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. From finding accommodation and setting up a bank account to understanding cultural differences, the first few weeks are often the hardest. But with preparation and the right support, you can settle in quickly and focus on why you’re really there - building your future.
That’s where the Inforens International Student Success Programme helps. Our support services in London, Dublin, and Dubai go beyond paperwork. We’re there for you with accommodation guidance, cultural training, mentorship, and an entire peer network that ensures you never feel alone.
🌍 Ready to start your journey with confidence? Let Inforens guide you through your first steps abroad.
Book a Free Personalized Call for Expert Assistance Today!
👉 Have questions about arriving in the UK, Ireland, or Dubai? Drop them in the comments, we’d love to help.