Your first 90 days

I made it! I'm finally in Korea!

Welcome to Korea, Nuri! You've landed.

Now here's your checklist for the first ninety days.

Ninety days? That sounds like plenty of time.

It goes fast. Let's take it step by step.

Three stages: week one, weeks two to four, and after your card arrives.

Week one: go to your school's orientation.

You'll meet the international office, get your student ID, and learn the key rules.

For your phone, a prepaid SIM that works with your passport is enough for now.

Weeks two to four: apply for your Alien Registration Card.

You book an appointment with immigration, usually online.

Do I have to do it all by myself?

Not always. Some schools apply for their students as a group.

Ask your international office first.

The rule is simple: register within ninety days of entering Korea.

Don't leave it to the last week.

Once your card arrives, open a bank account and switch to a phone plan in your own

name.

Banks usually ask for your card.

So the card comes first. Got it!

One more rule. If you move, report your new address within fifteen days.

Your international office can show you how.

Fifteen days. I'm writing that down.

Orientation, SIM, alien registration, bank and phone, and address reports.

That's your first ninety days.

Quick check: what do you usually need before you open a bank account?