6 Things to do after your arrival in your Erasmus city

Published by Manuel Herrero on

Usually, there are guides and to-do lists to join the Erasmus programme. There are tons of information about things to do before moving or how to travel for several months. However, it is rare to find what you have to do when you arrive at your new home for the following months, so here is a list of 6 things to do after your arrival in your Erasmus host city.

Once you have decided to go on an Erasmus, there is a lot to do. You will have to do a lot of paperwork, research information about cities and universities and look for housing. You may rely on your tutor or international relationships department for help. However, once you land at your destination you will have to do things on your own. So, leave your suitcase at your new home. Your Erasmus experience begins right then, you might be lost on what to do next. But don't worry, these 6 things to do after your arrival in your Erasmus host city will help you to cope with it.

1. Find a supermarket near you

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This first advice may sound quite obvious, but it is still important to be mentioned. Once you arrive at your new home you should look for a supermarket nearby. In the following days, you will have time to visit several of them, compare and choose your favourite. But, it's your first day and you need to buy the most basic and essential things. This time you won't fill the bags with lots of food, focus on other basic products for your stay. Toilet paper, napkins, cleaning products and some food for dinner and breakfast the next day. The point is to buy what you really need to use and then come back home to rest. The next day will also be a hard day.

2. It's time to decorate your new home

It may sound weird to think about how to decorate the house so early, but trust us, it's not. You don't need to decorate the whole house, but you will need to buy some basic products such as blankets, sheets, towels, a shower mat, among others. Since you are in the shop take advantage to buy some decorations for your room, adding your personal touch will make you feel at home. In this post, you can find a great guide about how to decorate a student room. It has some secrets and tips that will help you to boost your productivity and avoid homesickness.

You'll need sheets, pillows and a duvet

You'll need sheets, pillows and a duvet

3. Students always have discounts

There is no city in Europe where you can't find student discounts. So, don't waste your time and use it from day one. In general, in order to access these discounts, you will need to get a card. To do so, find out which one is used in the city and how to get it. Nowadays, some cards have switched from physical to digital format. You may get a digital card before moving. One tip if you have a card from your previous university, take it with you. It could be useful before getting the new one.

4. Discounts on public transport

One of the first things to do when you arrive at a new city is getting information about public transport. Maybe, if you live in the city centre, near to your university you may not see it as important. But you will eventually need to use it. So check the price rate as soon as possible, monthly tickets and sometimes students (that is why it is so important to get your student card soon) will get discounts that will save you a lot of money. Money that you can use for travelling, clubbing or doing activities during your Erasmus.

5. Second-hand market

One of the best allies of Erasmus students is the second-hand market. Every year hundreds or even thousands of students like you move to the city. And, just like them, you will leave after a few months. That's why the second-hand market is so useful for students. You'll find useful products that other students have used at very low prices. When students have to leave the country, they have to sell everything they can't take with them. That's why you'll find prices much cheaper than elsewhere.

We recommend to look for the market of second-hand bicycles, a bicycle is an ideal mean of transport for students. Bikes give Erasmus independence to go anywhere, sometimes even faster than public transport. Besides, the best point is that when you come back home selling it is never a problem. There are always people willing to buy a bike.

Bikes are perfect for students

Bikes are perfect for students

6. Sign up for all the activities for Erasmus

Universities usually prepare a welcome event for Erasmus students. At the beginning of each course (and also after Christmas). This event is aimed to explain to students the University's facilities, their way of teaching, their values, the city and other useful tips. It is a kind of quick course about everything you will need for the following months, but also, a great opportunity to meet other incoming students.

Student associations such as ESN also organise local events to help you meet your future classmates, also do your best to join Facebook or WhatsApp groups so you won't miss out on any activity.

Extra: register at your country's consulate

You won't find this recommendation in other guides. Mostly, we focus on the best part of the Erasmus program and we forget about the what if. It's a boring task, but you don't have to do it quickly, it will take just a few minutes and you can do it in any boring afternoon after class. The goal is to notify the consulate that you will be in the country for several months as a "non-resident". So, in case of any sort of accident, they will notify your family and facilitate any procedure. It is also an opportunity to solve some doubts such as, What happens if I have to go to a hospital?, Can I work in the country? or What do I have to do if I want to stay here after the Erasmus?

Have you just arrived in your new city? These are the 6 things to do at your arrival in your Erasmus host city. If you have been on an Erasmus, you can tell us your best tips to do as soon as you move to your Erasmus city. We will be reading you in the comment section down below!

If you are doubting how to do an Erasmus or you need any help, you can find many other posts to choose your destination, prepare the paperwork such as the Erasmus motivation letter and even other guides and tips for any students.

6 thing to do after your arrival in your Erasmus host city:

  • Find a supermarket near you

  • Decorate your new home

  • Search for student discounts

  • Use discounts on public transport

  • Second-hand market

  • Sign up for all the activities for Erasmus

Categories: Recommendations

Manuel Herrero

Former Erasmus+ student, now ErasmusPlay CTO and Co-founder.

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