UPON ARRIVAL IN ICELAND - TO DO LIST

*** Recommended that students print out this list before departure ***

1. Apply for an Icelandic ID number: The first thing to do after you arrive is to obtain an Icelandic ID number (i. kennitala) at the Registers Iceland www.skra.is (i. Þjóðskrá Íslands), the address is Borgartún 21, 105 Reykjavík. Opening hours are 9:00 – 16:00, Monday – Friday. Be sure to take with you the letter of acceptance from the University of Iceland and your passport. Ask the agent to fax the ID number to the Registration office/Service Desk at the University Square (i. Háskólatorg) of the University of Iceland where you will need it first, the fax number is: 525 5802. Note that it might take up to a week before the National Registry can issue your ID number.
2. Register at the Service Desk in the University Square (i. Háskólatorg) as soon as you have your Icelandic ID number: The opening hours are 8:30 – 18:00 Monday - Friday during the winter months. Bring with you your letter of acceptance from the University of Iceland and ID (i.e. passport, driver's license etc.).
3. Orientation Meeting, 5 January at 14:00 in Norræna Húsið (the Nordic House): At the beginning of each semester there is an orientation meeting for international students at the University of Iceland. The aim of this meeting is to introduce the practicalities of studying at the University of Iceland. Representatives from the following departments and organizations will speak at the meeting to give new students a good vision of what to expect and to present requirements for the study program: Office of International Education, Student Counseling and Career Center, The University of Iceland Computing Service, Student Council, The Student registry and ESN Reykjavík. Note that exchange students are required to attend this meeting. If you for some good reason will not be able to attend you will find valuable information on www.hi.is. If you have any further questions or concerns remember to direct them to the right School/department/person. If you are not sure who to contact, get in touch with the Service Desk at the University Square or the Office of International Education (OIE opening hours are 10:00 - 12:00 and 12:30 – 16:00 Monday – Friday.
4. School welcome meetings:
   |School of Humanities| – Thursday 6th January, 11-12 am, HT-300 (Haskolatorg)
   |School of Social Sciences| – time and location to be announced
   |School of Education| – Thursday 6th January, 2-3 pm, H-001 (Stakkahlíð, Hamar)
5. Courses/timetables: The staff will do their best to assist you with any academic questions you might have as well as introduce you to the School. If you have not found your timetable on-line, or at the welcome meeting, you should go to your School or faculty office to pick one up. If you have questions concerning your courses the most accurate and up to date information are to be found at your School/faculty office.
6. Residence permit (if needed): Students from non-EU/ EEA/ Nordic countries need to register a domicile in Iceland at the Registers Iceland. Opening hours are from 9:00 - 16:00, Monday - Friday, go to the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration with your passport and travel documents to have your photo taken. Students in need of a health check should go to the Health Center in Álfabakki 16, 109 Reykjavík. The purpose of the visit is: Blood test and tuberculosis test. The results of these tests are sent directly to the Directorate of Immigration (i. Útlendingastofnun). The cost can vary depending on where you are from, 9.700 - 28.400 ISK, and you need to make an appointment in advance by calling (+354) 585 1390 (open 08:20 - 16:15 Monday - Friday). Further information can be found in the booklet "How to apply for a student permit" (sent to all accepted students from countries outside the EEA). Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area that plan to study in Iceland have to register at the Icelandic National Registry upon arrival.
7. Start using your HÍ e-mail address immediately after registration: It is very important that as soon as you get your e-mail address from the University of Iceland you start checking it frequently so that you will not miss any important messages from professors, the Student Registry or announcements of any of the various events and parties organized by the Student Council, etc.
8. Introduction to Iceland: The Office of International Education organizes a program called “Introduction to Iceland”, which aim is to introduce Icelandic society, culture, history and nature to international students and visiting staff in Iceland. The program consists of several events each semester, excursions, lectures and museum visits. These events are advertised via e-mail and at www.studyiniceland.is. You should register on the mailing list if you are interested in receiving information about the events.
9. Keep your “Guide for International Students 2010-11” handy: This brochure is sent to international students along with their acceptance letters. If you however have not received it you can get one at the Service Desk in Háskólatorg. In this brochure you have a map of the campus area, contact information for each School/faculty and other necessary information for your stay in Iceland.