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The Ultimate Relocation Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Arrival in Košice

Moving to a new country for studies is exciting — but it also comes with paperwork, deadlines, and practical decisions. The good news? If you prepare properly before arrival, your first weeks in Košice can be smooth, stress-free, and focused on settling in instead of solving problems.

Here is your ultimate pre-arrival checklist.

1️⃣ Secure Your Accommodation Early

Accommodation should be your first priority. Having a confirmed place to stay is not only important for comfort — it’s also required for visa and residence procedures.

Before arrival:

  • Sign a rental contract (or receive official dorm confirmation)
  • Confirm the exact move-in date
  • Clarify what is included in the rent (utilities, internet, fees)
  • Verify deposit amount (usually one or two month’s rent)

⚠️ Important: As the semester approaches, rental prices tend to increase and availability decreases.

More info can be found here: https://eduke.sk/a-guide-to-student-housing-in-kosice-2026/

2️⃣ Check Visa Requirements (If Applicable)

Depending on your nationality, you may need a student visa before entering Slovakia.

EU/EEA students:

  • No visa required
  • You can come to Slovakia without anything, but Registration for stays over 90 days is required for students (bring your ID card, confirmation of school attendance, affidavit of sufficient financial resources and your European Health Insurance card)
  • Notice of stay due to Foreign Police is done by your landlord

Non-EU students:

  • You will typically need a National Visa (Type D) or apply directly for temporary residence.

Official information can be found here:

  • Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia:
    https://www.mzv.sk/en/web/en
  • Slovak Embassy / Consulate in your country

Always verify requirements directly with official authorities — regulations may change.

3️⃣ Prepare Documents for Temporary Residence

Most non-EU students must apply for temporary residence for the purpose of study, as mentioned in the previous point.

You will usually need:

  • Valid passport
  • University acceptance letter
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Criminal record extract (from home country)
  • Proof of financial means
  • Health insurance

Official information:

Start preparing documents early — some may require translation or apostille.

You can get the most important information here: https://www.studyinslovakia.saia.sk

4️⃣ Understand the Foreign Police Registration Process

After arrival, you may be required to register your stay at the Foreign Police (Cudzinecká polícia) within a specific number of days.

You can find official information here.

Online time reservation portal for Foreign Police

Appointments may need to be booked in advance. Make sure you:

  • Bring all required documents
  • Have passport photos ready
  • Carry printed copies of contracts and insurance

Preparation saves hours of stress.

5️⃣ Arrange Health Insurance Before Arrival

Health insurance is mandatory in Slovakia.

Depending on your status:

  • EU students can often use EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
  • Non-EU students usually need Slovak public insurance or approved private insurance

Before arrival:

  • Confirm coverage validity
  • Print insurance confirmation
  • Check what is covered (GP visits, emergency care, hospitalization)

You may later register with one of Slovakia’s public health insurance providers.

6️⃣ Prepare Your First-Month Budget

The first month is typically the most expensive.

Expect to pay:

  • Security deposit (usually one month’s rent)
  • First month’s rent
  • Groceries
  • Transport pass
  • SIM card
  • Basic household items

For a comfortable start, prepare approximately:
1,000 – 1,500 € depending on your accommodation type.

Planning ahead prevents unnecessary financial stress.

We wrote a blog about this. Check it out here: https://eduke.sk/cost-of-living-in-kosice-2026/

7️⃣ Plan Your Arrival Route Carefully

Košice have an international airport, but it is possible to also arrive via:

  • Budapest
  • Vienna
  • Krakow

Before departure:

Arriving late at night without transport arrangements can make your first impression unnecessarily stressful.

8️⃣ Download Essential Apps

Before arrival, instal and check outl:

Having digital tools ready makes your first days much easier.

9️⃣ Prepare for the Climate

Slovakia has four seasons, and winters can be cold.

If arriving in autumn or winter:

  • Bring a proper winter jacket
  • Waterproof shoes
  • Sweaters and layers

If you’re coming from a warm country, this is often underestimated. Weather in Košice has four distinct seasons, with relatively cold winters and warm summers. Winter (December–February) temperatures usually range between −10 °C and 3 °C, with mornings often below freezing and occasional snowfall. Spring (March–May) starts cool at around 5–10 °C and gradually warms to 15–20 °C by May. Summers (June–August) are pleasantly warm, typically 20–26 °C, though heatwaves can push temperatures above 30 °C. Autumn (September–November) begins mild at 15–20 °C in September but cools quickly to 5–10 °C by November, with more frequent rain and fog.

🔟 Connect with Other Students Before Arrival

Join:

  • University Facebook groups
  • International student communities
  • WhatsApp or Telegram groups

Benefits:

  • Practical advice
  • Roommate opportunities
  • Social connections before arrival

Starting your journey with a support network makes a big difference.

Final Advice: Preparation = Confidence

Relocating to Košice is not complicated — but it does require organization. Handling documentation, accommodation, insurance, and budgeting before arrival allows you to focus on what really matters: starting your academic journey with confidence.

With the right preparation, Košice can quickly feel less like a foreign city — and more like your new home.