So my first week in Reyjavik, and my classes start tomorrow! So, here’s my thoughts on my first two days.
First off, as soon as you get your letter from the Directorate of Immigration approving your stay, make an appointment to get your picture taken ASAP after you arrive. The reason for this is the faster you get your picture, the faster you get your kennitala number. This is the Icelandic Social Security number, and it is used as ID for everything. You can’t sign up for a phone plan, get furniture purchases delivered, or anything important without it. University of Iceland will give you a temporary number so you can get your class list, internet in your flat, etc., but they will want you to get that kennitala as soon as possible.
Also, before you go, make sure that you have local gap insurance to cover medical. If you’re there for six months or less, you’ll need it not just for your stay, but to get a residence permit. If you’re there for six months or longer, you’ll need it for those six months before you’re automatically enrolled in the Nationwide Health Care program, (and will need it for a residence permit). A six-month policy will run about USD $250, and the insurance package that University of Washington requires for Study Abroad isn’t recognized in Iceland. Make sure you budget for this expense as well.
So your first day in Iceland? Well, when you get to the duty-free shop just before baggage claim at the airport, get a SIM card for your phone. (Make sure you have an unlocked phone, it can handle GSM. Having eSIM ability is a bonus). A 30 day / 30 GB card will be about USD $20. This will give you an Icelandic number and make things easier.
You’re going to be tired and jetlagged. If possible, book a night in a hostel or capsule hotel, so you have a place to put your luggage. Then, (depending on arrival time), go over to the Studentagardar property management office at Eggersgata 8 to pick up your keys. Once you get your keys, getting your luggage into your new room is a lot easier. HOWEVER, you will also need to go to the university Student Center (Háskólatorg), and visit the Service Desk to get that temporary ID number. Then up to the 3rd floor and the Student Housing Office to sign your contract (keep the contract for when you get your picture done). If you are feeling up for it, visit the IT desk to get internet in your room. (You can bring a router with you or buy one in the Student Bookstore.
If you arrive in August, you’re looking at 19 hours of daylight, which will mess with your internal clock. If you have a place you’re staying it, go there and recover. If you’re planning on sleeping in your dorm or student flat that first night, you will need to go get pillows, sheets (usually 90cm X 300cm x 30cm. Not a US sized single, so if you opt to bring sheets from home, make sure they will fit), a duvet and duvet cover, and, if the dorm room doesn’t have it, curtains. This may be something you want to do the second day if you have a place to stay that first night.
Cars are expensive, taxis are useful but can be pricy. Set up an account at Klappið (https://www.klappid.is/en), that will allow you to pay for buses on the Strætó bus system, and Strætó runs pretty much everywhere.
Once you have all of that done, and classes don’t start immediately, you have time to explore, play tourist a bit, and get any needed items for your room or flat. There are several good second hand places for the frugal student.
