Try to make prior arrangements with your institution to have someone meet you at the airport, as you may be unfamiliar with the city/town and transportation system.

Accommodation

If you haven't arranged for a place to live, your institution may be able to help you find suitable rental accommodation. You should also check campus notice boards and local newspapers for other students looking to share homes or apartments.

Make sure to attend your institution's orientation sessions. They will help you learn your institution's rules and regulations, and will introduce you to the campus amenities. These sessions are also a great way to meet new people.

Keep in mind that although studying abroad can be a rewarding and exciting experience, many people do go through a period of cultural adaptation or culture shock.  Even if you are from an English-speaking country, adjusting to another country's manners, customs, rituals, ideas, beliefs, values, and social institutions can be challenging. Recognizing the stages and symptoms can help you adjust:

• Honeymoon period: Initially, you will probably be fascinated and excited by everything new and the experiences of another culture.
  
  
• Culture shock: As the excitement fades, reality begins to set in. As you begin to immerse yourself in the culture, you may become frustrated or confused by local customs, actions and ideas, or have to make extra efforts managing housing, transportation, food, language, and people. During this phase, many students experience difficulties in adapting and some even wonder why they came. Please understand that this is normal, and will soon subside.
  
  
• Acceptance and integration: Soon, day-to-day living will no longer seem strange or difficult, and you will begin to accept the habits, customs, food, people and characteristics of the country.