Pre-departure checklist: the last 8 weeks before you fly

<h2 id="8-weeks-out-lock-the-essentials" class="mt-8 mb-3 text-xl font-bold text-navy-900">8 weeks out: lock the essentials</h2> <ul class="mb-4 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-6 text-slate-700"> <li><strong>Visa:</strong> confirm it's issued and check the entry start date</li> <li><strong>Housing:</strong> university dorms fill first; if going private, never pay before verifying the landlord/agency — scams target incoming students every intake</li> <li><strong>Flights:</strong> book flexible fares; arrival should land 1–2 weeks before orientation</li> </ul> <h2 id="6-weeks-out-money" class="mt-8 mb-3 text-xl font-bold text-navy-900">6 weeks out: money</h2> <ul class="mb-4 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-6 text-slate-700"> <li>Open the required financial accounts (blocked account for Germany, GIC for Canada, etc.) — these take weeks</li> <li>Plan banking: a multi-currency card for arrivals + a local bank appointment booked for week one</li> <li>Budget your first-month cash separately: deposits eat surprisingly much</li> </ul> <h2 id="4-weeks-out-health" class="mt-8 mb-3 text-xl font-bold text-navy-900">4 weeks out: health</h2> <ul class="mb-4 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-6 text-slate-700"> <li>Fill prescriptions (with doctor's letters); check what's restricted at destination</li> <li>Complete required vaccinations/medical exams</li> <li>Arrange health insurance effective from your landing date</li> </ul> <h2 id="2-weeks-out-documents" class="mt-8 mb-3 text-xl font-bold text-navy-900">2 weeks out: documents</h2> <p class="mb-4 leading-7 text-slate-700">Print <strong>two sets</strong> of everything: admission letter, visa, funding proof, insurance, accommodation contract, transcripts. Keep one set in checked luggage, one in your cabin bag — and scan all into your Study With Money vault as backup.</p> <h2 id="the-final-days" class="mt-8 mb-3 text-xl font-bold text-navy-900">The final days</h2> <ul class="mb-4 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-6 text-slate-700"> <li>Mobile plan: eSIM for arrival, local SIM within the first week</li> <li>Check baggage rules; winter-destination students: buy the heavy coat there, not here</li> <li>Say proper goodbyes — the admin matters, but so does this</li> </ul> <h2 id="week-one-abroad" class="mt-8 mb-3 text-xl font-bold text-navy-900">Week one abroad</h2> <p class="mb-4 leading-7 text-slate-700">Enroll, attend orientation, get your local SIM/bank/transport card sorted, and attend the international student office sessions — they cover rules (like work-hour limits) you'll want to know before, not after, breaking them.</p>