Settling In

Israel Post-Arrival Guide for International Students 2024-2025

Welcome to Israel! This guide provides essential steps and resources for international students to navigate their first days and weeks, ensuring a smooth transition into academic and daily life.

Welcome • Israel

Follow this curated checklist to get settled in Israel quickly.

Israel Post-Arrival Guide for International Students 2024-2025

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Your First Steps in Israel: Immediate Post-Arrival Checklist

Congratulations on your arrival! These are the critical actions to prioritize immediately after landing in Israel to establish your foundation for a successful stay.

Airport & Initial Logistics

Complete immigration procedures (visa stamp/entry permit), collect luggage, and clear customs. Arrange transportation from the airport to your pre-booked accommodation. Inform family/friends of your safe arrival.

Accommodation & Settling In

Check into your dorm or apartment. Unpack essentials and familiarize yourself with your immediate living space. Locate nearby amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, and public transport stops.

University Check-in & Orientation

Attend your university's mandatory international student orientation. This is crucial for formal registration, collecting student ID, and understanding campus resources and academic expectations.

Communication & Connectivity

Obtain a local Israeli SIM card for your mobile phone. Ensure you have internet access at your accommodation. Share your new local contact details with your university and family.

Financial Setup (Initial)

Ensure you have access to sufficient funds for immediate expenses (transport, food). Understand currency exchange rates and locate ATMs. Plan for opening a local bank account soon.

Health & Safety Awareness

Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers (police, ambulance, fire). Understand basic safety guidelines for your area and campus. Locate your university's health services.

Post-Arrival Resources

Comprehensive guides for each aspect of settling into your new life in Israel.

Arrival Plan

First 24 hours to first week

Structured action plan for your early days in Israel, from airport arrival to your first week of adjusting.

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University Enrollment

Registration & orientation

Complete your formal registration, attend orientation sessions, and access essential campus resources.

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Residence Permit

Legal requirements

Learn about immigration reporting, maintaining student status, and other legal requirements during your stay.

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Banking & SIM

Essential services

Set up a student bank account and get a local mobile connection for seamless communication and finances.

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Healthcare

Medical access

Navigate the healthcare system, use your student insurance, and know what to do in case of emergencies.

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Student Life

Campus integration

Make the most of your experience by joining clubs, making friends, and exploring local culture.

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Adaptation Timeline

A structured approach to settling in Israel during your first few months.

First Few Days

Days 1-3

Initial adjustment and essential tasks

Complete any immediate requirements from your university (e.g., dormitory check-in, initial document submission)

Get familiar with your living space and immediate surroundings (e.g., nearest bus stop, grocery store)

Recover from jet lag and establish a healthy sleep schedule

Purchase essential items (e.g., Israeli power adapter, basic toiletries, groceries)

Locate important campus facilities (e.g., international student office, library, dining hall)

First Month

Weeks 1-4

Settling in and building routines

Attend all mandatory university orientations and welcome events

Open an Israeli bank account and obtain a local SIM card

Understand your student health insurance coverage and locate nearby clinics/hospitals

Explore public transportation options and obtain a Rav-Kav card (public transport card)

Begin Hebrew language acquisition (if applicable) through university courses or apps

First Semester

Months 1-4

Cultural integration and academic success

Fully engage with your academic program, attend lectures, and utilize academic support services

Actively participate in university clubs, societies, or volunteer opportunities

Explore local culture, traditions, and historical sites beyond your immediate city

Develop a support network of local and international friends

Understanding and adapting to the cultural nuances of Israel.

Social Norms & Etiquette

Understanding local social customs and etiquette in a diverse and often informal Israeli society.

Greetings are often informal; 'Shalom' is common. Direct communication is valued, sometimes perceived as blunt.

Punctuality is generally expected for formal appointments, but 'Israeli time' can mean flexibility in social settings.

Personal space can be closer than in some Western cultures, especially in crowded places.

Tipping: 10-15% is standard in restaurants/cafes if service isn't included. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary.

Shabbat (Sabbath) observance: From Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, public transport and many businesses close. Plan accordingly.

Academic Culture

Navigating the educational environment in Israel, which can be less hierarchical than some other countries.

Class participation and critical thinking are highly encouraged. Students are expected to engage and challenge ideas.

Academic integrity is strictly enforced. Understand plagiarism rules and proper citation methods (e.g., APA, MLA).

Professor-student relationships can be more informal; addressing professors by their first name is common in some departments.

Office hours are valuable resources; professors expect students to use them for questions and discussions.

Exams are often the primary component of the final grade; continuous assessment might be less common than in some systems.

Daily Life & Practicalities

Practical tips for everyday living in Israel, from transportation to shopping and safety.

Transportation: Rav-Kav card is essential for public buses and trains. Download Moovit or Google Maps for routes.

Shopping: Supermarkets are common. Many small shops close for Shabbat. Bargaining is common in markets (shuk).

Currency: New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful for small purchases.

Security: Be aware of your surroundings. Security checks are common at public venues and transportation hubs. Follow instructions from security personnel.

Language: Hebrew is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in academic and tourist areas, but learning basic Hebrew phrases is highly beneficial.

Communication & Integration

Effective communication strategies and tips for integrating into Israeli society.

Practice common Hebrew phrases: 'Boker Tov' (Good morning), 'Toda' (Thank you), 'Slicha' (Excuse me/Sorry).

Non-verbal communication: Israelis can be expressive with gestures. Eye contact is generally direct.

Topics for conversation: Politics and security are often discussed openly, but approach sensitive topics with respect and an open mind.