In short: A visa means the journey begins. In the first weeks you must complete the residence permit application, university registration, a tax or ID number, a local bank account and a SIM — and in most countries some of these have deadlines measured in days. Make the checklist before you fly.
Many students relax the moment the visa arrives. The first week after landing is the busiest of the whole process — and far calmer if you know what is coming.
Before you fly
- Every original document plus several photocopies and scans (in the cloud, not only on the phone)
- Offer letter, visa, insurance and funds proof in hand luggage — never in the checked bag
- The first month's cash, with foreign currency endorsed by the bank
- Accommodation confirmed for at least the first weeks — see the accommodation guide
- Contacts in the Bangladeshi or international student community of your city
The airport and transit guide covers the journey itself — immigration at Dhaka, transit rules and arrival.
The first week, in order
| Task | Why it comes first |
|---|---|
| University registration | Confirms enrolment — everything else references it |
| Residence permit application | Mandatory for legal stay; strict deadlines |
| Tax or personal ID number | Italy's codice fiscale, Sweden's personnummer, Denmark's CPR — needed for bank, rent, SIM |
| Local bank account | Rent, wages, daily costs |
| SIM card | Communication and online verification codes |
| Address registration | Mandatory in several countries (city or municipal registration) |
Do not delay the residence permit. Most countries require the application within a fixed number of days of arrival — in Italy the permesso di soggiorno process must begin within eight working days. Missing it means legal complications, so it is the first priority after enrolment.
The first month, realistically
- Costs are higher than a normal month — deposits, basics, set-up
- Bank and permit processes take time; patience is part of the plan
- If the local language is weak, the university's international office is your ally
- Get the permit and ID sorted before looking for work — employers need both
The senior network
Connect with the Bangladeshi and international student community in your city before you arrive. For housing, work and absorbing the shock of the first days, it is the most useful resource you will have — and it costs nothing.
Official sources — check for yourself
Rules and figures change. We review these articles periodically and show the date above, but always confirm the current requirement with the official source before you act on it.
Common questions
When do I apply for the residence permit after arriving?+
Immediately. Most countries set a window measured in days — in Italy the permesso di soggiorno application must be started within eight working days of arrival. Missing it creates legal complications, so it is the first priority after enrolment.
What is a codice fiscale?+
Italy's tax and identification number, needed for a bank account, a rental contract, a SIM card and much else. Other countries have equivalents — Sweden's personnummer, Denmark's CPR number, Finland's personal identity code — and obtaining yours early unblocks everything downstream.
How much should I budget for the first month?+
More than a normal month. Deposits, household basics and set-up costs land at once, and bank and permit processes take time before any part-time income is even possible. Arrive with the first month's costs available and a realistic buffer.
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