Everything to do before you fly, what to pack, who can help you in your first weeks, and the country-specific rules that can result in instant fines if you don't know them.
Why this matters: Getting the basics right before you leave — driving, documents, what to pack vs buy locally, where to stay your first week — can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of stress. Most of these mistakes are completely avoidable with 2-3 weeks of preparation.
| Task | Why It Matters | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Learn to drive + get International Driving Permit (IDP) | Driving lessons abroad cost CAD $50-80/hour. Many countries let you exchange a foreign license directly with no retest if you already hold one — saving months and hundreds of dollars. | 2-3 months before |
| Get a haircut / grooming done | Salon services are 2-4x more expensive in Canada/UK/Australia than in India, Nigeria, Philippines etc. Get a fresh cut before you leave. | 1 week before |
| Dental and medical checkup | Public healthcare often has a 3-month waiting period for new residents. Get checkups, fillings, and any needed treatment done before you leave. | 1 month before |
| Order an eSIM or travel SIM | Avoid being unreachable on arrival. Many destinations offer cheap eSIMs you can activate the moment you land. | Before departure |
| Open a multi-currency account (Wise, Revolut) | Avoid high bank conversion fees when transferring tuition or living funds initially. | 1 month before |
| Download offline maps + translate key documents | Helps in the first confusing days before you have reliable data/WiFi everywhere. | 1 week before |
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Homestay | CAD $800-1,500/month (incl. meals) | First semester, under-18 students, those wanting cultural support and a soft landing |
| On-campus residence | CAD $5,000-12,000/academic year | First-year students wanting maximum convenience and built-in community |
| Short-term sublets/Airbnb | Varies, often CAD $1,000-2,000/month | 1-4 weeks while you search for permanent housing in person |
| University housing office referrals | Free service | Connecting with vetted landlords experienced with international students |
💡 Start your housing search 3-6 months before arrival. Never send money for housing you haven't seen or verified — rental scams targeting international students are common.
🇳🇿 New Zealand: Mud on Your Shoes = Instant $400-800 Fine
New Zealand has the world's strictest biosecurity rules. Hiking boots, sports shoes, or bags with dried mud, soil, or grass must be cleaned spotless before arrival — undeclared dirty footwear can trigger an instant NZD $400-800 fine on the spot, with serious or repeat breaches reaching prosecution up to NZD $500,000. The fix: scrub all outdoor gear with a stiff brush before packing, and when in doubt, always tick "yes" on your New Zealand Traveller Declaration — declaring costs you nothing, hiding costs you hundreds.
| Country | Watch Out For | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | Mud/soil on shoes, any food (even plane snacks), honey, wood items | NZD $400-800 instant fine; up to $500,000 for serious breaches |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Fresh fruit/vegetables, meat products, undeclared cash over $10,000 | Confiscation, fines, or seizure of undeclared currency |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Similarly strict biosecurity — food, plant material, wooden items | On-the-spot fines, infringement notices |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Meat/dairy from outside the EU, cash over £10,000 undeclared | Seizure of goods, fines |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Pre-Departure Checklist
Should I learn to drive before moving abroad?
Yes, strongly recommended. Getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you leave — combined with already knowing how to drive — saves significant time and money. In Canada, several provinces let you exchange a foreign license directly without retesting if your country has a reciprocal agreement; without prior driving experience, you'll need lessons (CAD $50-80/hour) plus a graduated licensing process that can take months.
How much cash should I bring when moving abroad for studies?
Most guides recommend CAD $200-300 (or equivalent) in local currency for immediate expenses like transport, food, and a taxi in your first few days. You can open a bank account within your first week, so there's no need to carry large sums — and amounts over CAD $10,000 must legally be declared at customs.
How much prescription medication can I bring?
Generally enough for a few weeks to a few months, kept in original packaging with the prescription label, plus a doctor's letter in English describing the medication, dosage, and reason for use. Some medications legal in your home country are controlled substances elsewhere — always check the destination country's specific list before packing, particularly for ADHD medications, strong painkillers, and some cold/flu medicines.
What is the cheapest first-week accommodation option for new students?
Homestay is often the most cost-effective and lowest-stress option for your first weeks, typically CAD $800-1,500/month including meals, removing the pressure of finding permanent housing from abroad. On-campus residence (CAD $5,000-12,000/academic year) is the next most convenient option if your university guarantees a spot.
Which everyday groups or services help new international students settle in?
Your university's International Student Office is the first stop — they handle SIN applications, health insurance enrollment, and orientation. Beyond that: the campus International Student Association (peer support and events), settlement agencies (often free, government-funded, help with banking/housing/healthcare navigation for newcomers broadly, not just students), and your Designated Learning Institution's housing office for accommodation issues.
Already sorted your pre-departure list? Check your visa and university requirements next.
🎓 Student Visa Hub 💰 Cost CalculatorHow to cite this page
VisaCalc Editorial Team. "Pre-Departure & First 30 Days Checklist 2026." VisaCalc. Last modified June 2026. https://www.visacalc.org/predeparture/checklist.html