New city: brutal checklist for your first 7 days

(SIM, transport, apps) — checklist in “zero chaos” mode

The first day in a new city is usually a mix of: “I’m so excited!” and “Why isn’t anything working?” And it’s not a tragedy, it’s just logistics: internet, transportation, apps, payments, accommodation, paperwork…

That's why we're leaving you with this Starter Pack with a clear goal so you can start living (not just surviving).

1)firstly :internet (SIM/eSIM)

Without mobile data, everything becomes difficult: maps, contacting your landlord, paying, making appointments, getting around…

• Quick option : eSIM.You can active with a QR
• Opción clásica: SIM física (tiendas de operadores / locutorios / algunos supermercados).

Sin que suene a publicidad: en Uniwords solemos recomendar ir a lo eficiente. Por eso te recomendamos las Tarifas UWY para los datos y telefonía

2) Transportation: travel cheaply from day 1 (and avoid overpaying)

General rule: don't start by buying individual tickets. A pass or season ticket is almost always the most cost-effective option.

• Search: “youth pass”, “transport card”, “monthly tickets” + your city and you will probably find the best deals
• Ask at your university or workplace: sometimes there are student discounts or local agreements.
• Download the official app for your city's transport system (it saves you with incidents, timetables and top-ups).

Useful examples if you are in Spain:

• Madrid: check the Youth Pass (if you qualify by age) and the transport card.
• Barcelona: revisa títulos tipo T-usual y T-joven (si aplicas) y recárgalos desde la app.

3) Necessary apps (the ones you actually use, not the "pretty" ones)

to move :

• Google Maps o Mapas
• Citymapper o Moovit (rutas pro, cambios y mejores combinaciones de buses, metros, trenes...)
• Local transport app (metro/bus/top-ups)

To pay and not complicate things

• Wallet / Apple Pay / Google Pay
• Wise or Revolut (very useful if you're coming with another currency)

For accommodation (and to avoid surprises)

• idealista/fotocasa (if you're looking for an apartment)
• Badi(rooms, depending on the city)
• Booking
• Google Translate / DeepL

For everyday use

• Too Good To Go (cheap food in packs)
• Wallapop / Vinted (cheaper second-hand: desk, chair, dishes)
• Glovo / Just Eat / Uber Eats..(cuando llegas reventad@ y no tienes cocina)

To meet people without forcing it

• Uniwords forums: to ask specific questions, connect with students at your destination, and get efficient help from other users
• Meetup (interest-based events)
• Discord/Telegram (communitys )

4) Mini anti-stress checklist (what you absolutely need)

En las primeras 2 horas

• Connect: eSIM/SIM + data activated
• Save your address and a "safe" spot (uni/lab/accommodation) in Maps
• Download: Maps + transportation app + a payments app
• Tener batería: powerbank o cargador a mano para no quedarte sin batería nunca

In the first 48 hours

• Transport solution: card/pass (not individual tickets)
• Buy the basics: adapter, sheets, towel, hygiene kit
• Entender tu zona: supermercado, farmacia, cajero, parada más cercana
• Review your accommodation: contract, deposit, inventory, photos of everything

In the first week :

• If applicable: registration / NIE-TIE appointment / registration (depending on your case)
• Open a bank account or an online alternative (if needed)

If you have any questions while in the city, you can visit our forums on the website and post your questions so that another user can help you with their own experience. https://uniwordstudents.com/forums/