when you arrive
you're here!
When To Arrive
It would be best if you try to arrive during business hours-it will save you some time and hassle! Most institutions (i.e. banks, the schools, the residence administration etc.) are open Monday-Friday between 9 and 5. These places may be important when you first arrive for changing money, ensuring you have a room, etc.
Dollars!
It is handy to have some Austrian currency (shillings) in bills and coins when you arrive. This will be useful for things like taxis, busses, trains, luggage trolleys and sometimes (as I'm sure you've heard) to pay for the privilege of using the bathroom!
Important Stuff...
Keep all your important stuff (i.e. passport, credit cards, bank cards, money, proof of identity (i.e. birth certificate or driver's license), traveller's cheques and emergency numbers) on you at all times, either in a purse or a money belt. Airports and train stations are breeding grounds for pickpockets and it is really really difficult to get them replaced!
Should this happen to you, immediately contact your home country's embassy!
Australian Embassy (512-85-80) Mattiellistrasse 2-4
Canadian Embassy (531-38-3000) Laurenzerberg 2
French Embassy (505-47-47-0) Technikerstrasse 2
Irish Embassy (715-42-46-0) Landstrasser Hauptstrasse 2, Hilton Center
Italian Embassy (712-51-21-0) Rennweg 27
UK Embassy (716-13-0) Jur`esgasse 12
US Embassy (313-39) Boltzmanngasse 16
As well, it is a good idea to bring a few snacks with you for when you arrive (i.e. granola bars, crackers, fruit and some water) as it may be difficult to find food the first day you are there, as you may not be immediately comfortable with the new culture, language and currency. These can get you through your first day until you a) figure it out on your own,
b) meet some nice friends to help you, or
c) meet a nice person to take you out for all your meals!
Jet Lag!
Depending on where you are arriving from, you will probably experience a slight disorientation in regards to the time zone change (most commonly and affectionately known as jet lag!) In order to minimize its effects, spend some time outside during daylight hours. Even being in a room with windows helps to reset you internal clock. Natural light automatically cues your cells to the new local time.
If you can do only one thing at first, try to adjust your bedtime to the new, local timetable as soon as possible. Then, along with the local bedtime, try doing what the locals do: their food preference, meal times,recreational activities.
It also helps, when you first arrive, to schedule important activities at times when you are likely to have maximum energy: in the evenings, after flying east; in the mornings, after flying west.
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