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Hong Kong International Student Arrival Checklist
Thirty days before arrival to the end of your first month. Tick it on paper or make a personal version with the planner.
30 days before arrival
- Check passport validity and your visa / entry permit label
- Arrange accommodation (hall, residence or flat)
- Book 10–14 nights of temporary accommodation
- Review health and travel insurance
- Plan your airport transfer
- Note your university's orientation and registration dates
- Build a realistic monthly budget
- Apply for school places and dependant visas for your family
- Check dependant visa requirements for your partner
- Confirm your internship or employment contract and work visa
- Confirm your exchange nomination and course enrolment
7 days before arrival
- Confirm accommodation check-in time and address
- Prepare copies and scans of your documents
- Arrange a SIM or eSIM
- Check baggage allowance and arrival details
- Save your address in Chinese for taxi drivers
- Download MTR Mobile, Octopus, MyObservatory and WhatsApp
- Plan HK$1,000–2,000 cash for the first days
Arrival day
- Get from the airport to your accommodation
- Check in to your accommodation
- Tell your university, host or employer you have arrived
- Save emergency numbers: 999, campus security, your insurer
- Buy an Octopus card and add value
First week
- Book your HKID appointment (required within 30 days if staying over 180 days)
- Check whether you need an HKID (stays under 180 days usually do not)
- Complete university registration and collect your ID card
- Open a bank account if you are eligible
- Apply for Student Octopus in the MTR Mobile app (full-time, under 26)
- Locate your campus clinic and nearest public hospital
- Register your family with a clinic or family doctor
- Complete HR onboarding with your employer (MPF, payroll, staff ID)
First month
- Confirm long-term housing and sign a written tenancy
- Set up electricity, gas and broadband in your name
- Tell Immigration and your university if your address changed
- Review your monthly budget against real spending
- Collect your HKID card when notified
- Register with your consulate
- Explore your local area: market, clinic, laundry, cheap lunch
- Join student or community groups and go three times
- Learn 10 basic Cantonese phrases
- Read the work rules before accepting any part-time job
Information checked on 6 Oct 2026. Rules, fees and schedules may change. Confirm with the relevant official authority before acting.