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

Your 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 drama — it’s logistics: internet, transport, apps, payments, accommodation, paperwork…

That’s why we’re giving you this Starter Pack with one clear goal: help you start living (not just surviving).

1) First things first: internet (SIM/eSIM) so you’re not flying blind

Without mobile data, everything gets harder: maps, contacting your landlord, paying, booking appointments, getting around…

• Quick option: an eSIM (if your phone supports it). Activate it with a QR code and you’re done.

• Classic option: a physical SIM (operator shops / phone shops / some supermarkets).

Not to sound like an ad: at Uniwords we usually recommend going for what’s efficient. That’s why we recommend UWY Plans for data and calls.

2) Transport: get around cheaply from day 1 (and avoid overpaying)

General rule: don’t start by buying single tickets. The best value is almost always a travel card or a pass.

• Search: “youth travel pass”, “travel card”, “monthly pass” + your city and you’ll probably find the best deals.

• Ask at your university or workplace: sometimes there are student discounts or local agreements.

• Download your city’s official transport app (it saves you with disruptions, timetables and top-ups).

Useful examples if you’re in Spain:

• Madrid: check the Youth Travel Pass (if you’re eligible by age) and the travel card.

• Barcelona: look at passes like the T-usual and T-jove (if you’re eligible) and top them up in the app.

3) Essential apps (the ones you actually use, not the “pretty” ones)

To get around

• Google Maps or Apple Maps

• Citymapper or Moovit (pro routes, service changes and the best bus/metro/train combinations…)

• Your local transport app (metro/bus/top-ups)

To pay without the hassle

• Wallet / Apple Pay / Google Pay

• Wise or Revolut (super useful if you’re coming with a different currency)

For accommodation (and avoiding nasty surprises)

• Idealista / Fotocasa (if you’re flat-hunting)

• Badi (rooms, depending on the city)

• Booking

• Google Translate / DeepL (if you’re negotiating in another language)

For day-to-day life

• Too Good To Go (cheap food bundles)

• Wallapop / Vinted (cheaper second-hand: desk, chair, kitchen stuff)

• Glovo / Just Eat / Uber Eats… (when you arrive shattered and you don’t have a kitchen yet)

To meet people without forcing it

• Uniwords forums: ask specific questions, connect with students in your destination, and get efficient help from people who’ve actually been there

• Meetup (events based on interests)

• Discord/Telegram (city communities)

4) Mini anti-stress checklist (what you NEED no matter what)

In the first 2 hours

• Get connected: eSIM/SIM + mobile data activated

• Save your address and a “safe” point (uni/lab/accommodation) in Maps

• Download: Maps + transport app + a payment app

• Sort your battery: keep a power bank or charger handy so you never run out

In the first 48 hours

• Fix transport: get your card/pass (no single tickets)

• Buy the basics: adapter, bedsheets, towel, hygiene kit

• Learn your area: supermarket, pharmacy, cashpoint, nearest stop

• Check your accommodation: contract, deposit, inventory, photos of everything

In the first week

• If it applies: registration at the town hall / NIE-TIE appointment / registration (depending on your case)

• Open a bank account or an online alternative (if you need it)

If you have any questions once you’re in the city, you can jump into our forums on the website and post them so another user can help you with their own experience.

https://uniwords-students-en4oai6sx-uniwords-students.vercel.app/es/community