I'm moving to another country for graduate school

As soon as you accept an offer, ask the university what it will send you for your visa, such as an acceptance letter or enrolment confirmation, and when. Gather your passport, financial documents and certificates early, since some take weeks to obtain. Apply as soon as the rules allow, put key dates such as your travel date and orientation in the Milestone Map and track each step of the application in the Waiting-For List.

Rely on the destination government's immigration website and your university's international student office, which often has trained advisors. Don't act on advice from group chats, social media or agents, however confident they sound, and never pay anyone who promises a guaranteed visa. If a call, email or website feels wrong, contact the government or the university directly using details you've found yourself.

Find out from the official visa website exactly how much money you must show, in what form and for how long. Some countries require the money to have been in your account for a set period before you apply, and scholarship or sponsor letters may need particular wording. Ask your university or funder early for any letters you'll need.

Start with university residences and the university's housing service, which may have listings or advice for new international students. If you rent privately, try to have someone you trust view the place, check that the landlord is genuine and never send a deposit for somewhere you haven't verified. Booking temporary housing for your first few weeks can give you time to find somewhere better once you've arrived.

Find out whether your visa or university requires health insurance, whether you'll be covered by a public system and from what date, and whether you need private cover for any gap. Bring a supply of any regular medication with a copy of the prescription, and check that it's allowed in your destination. If you have a disability or health condition, contact the university's accessibility service before you arrive.

List what you'll need in your first month: documents to carry in your hand luggage, how you'll get from the airport, where you'll stay, a bank account, a local phone number, registration with the university and with local authorities if required, and a doctor. Brain Dump and Sort is a quick way to get it all out of your head and into order. Keep digital copies of key documents somewhere secure in case anything is lost.

Expect the first weeks to be tiring, even when everything goes well. Go to orientation, introduce yourself to your department and the international student office, and find one or two people you can ask small questions. Keep in touch with home, and if low mood or homesickness lasts for weeks, talk to the university's counselling service.