Pick up at the airport and accommodation in the first days: prepare before flying

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

After a dozen hours of flying, pulling two heavy suitcases out of the airport in a strange city is the most confusing time for international students. Planning your study abroad airport pick-up and accommodation in the first days of your stay in Vietnam will help you go straight from the arrival gate to your accommodation, without having to haggle over taxis or find a room in the middle of the night. This article provides instructions on pick-up options, how to choose temporary accommodation, and a checklist to complete before flying.

Airport pick up options for studying abroad

There are three main options. Each option is suitable for different circumstances, especially age and landing time.

For international students under 18 years old, many schools and regulatory agencies require an approved pick-up person and pre-approved accommodation – see article Study abroad documents for students under 18 years old.

School pick up service: how to register

Many universities, colleges, and boarding schools have airport pick-up services for international students, free or for a fee. For example, according to the official page of the University of Melbourne (Australia), free pick-up service for some student groups (scholarship, exchange, under 18 years old...), must be booked at least 4 days before departure date, the driver tracks the flight and waits for a certain period of time; Additional baggage or remote destinations may incur additional charges. Each school has different requirements, so carefully read the “arrival” or “pre-departure” instructions in your admission email.

Information needed to prepare when registering

• Student ID number and full name are exactly as in the passport.
• Flight number, expected landing time (local time), terminal.
• Number and size of luggage, especially if there is oversized luggage.
• Full residential address and contact phone number.

When the flight changes

If your flight is late, time changed or missed connection, please notify the pick-up immediately. The service usually only waits for a limited time after landing time. This is the reason why you should choose a journey with a reasonable connection time - see article first transit flight and post Missed flight, lost luggage: how to handle it.

Safe self-transfer from the airport

If traveling on your own, check in advance on the airport's official website how to get into the city, ticket prices and operating hours.

• Train/airport bus: cheap but difficult with two suitcases larges and backpack; Check if you need a transport card or pay with a touchless bank card.
• Official taxi: only pick up at signposted taxi areas; Do not ride a "passenger" bus in the station.
• Technology vehicles: need to have internet and pre-installed applications, know the designated pick-up point at the airport.

Landing late at night without anyone picking you up, consider staying at a hotel near the airport and travel the next morning. Please prepare internet according to the lesson SIM, eSIM and internet when you first arrive abroad.

Choose a place to stay in the first days

According to Study Australia (the Australian Government's information portal), many international students start in temporary accommodation such as hotels and hostels while getting used to the city and finding permanent accommodation; Schools can often advise on suitable options. This experience applies to most countries.

Popular choice

• Confirmed school dormitory/housing: best if checked in on arrival date. Ask clearly about check-in time, whether check-in is early or outside office hours.
• School temporary accommodation: some schools have short-term temporary rooms for new students.
• Homestay: host family often helps pick up, suitable for young students.
• Hotels, hostels, short-term apartments: book for 1–2 weeks through a reputable platform, with flexible cancellation policies.

Do not transfer a long-term rental deposit without viewing the house or verifying the landlord - rental scams targeting new students are quite common. Read more articles Find housing while studying abroad and Experience renting a house and avoid deposit scams.

Checklist before flying

1. Confirm pick-up plan (email/text with driver or pick-up name, meeting point).
2. Confirm accommodation: address, check-in time, contact person, how to get key.
3. Print or save offline: admission letter, accommodation confirmation, insurance – documents that may be asked upon entry.
4. Prepare local cash for travel on the first day.
5. Send schedule to family and pick-up person.

Choosing a flight on time is equally important. When consulting, VeDuHoc's Booker will consider landing time, connection time and 40–46kg luggage for convenient pick-up and check-in, and notify parents of the flight via Zalo. You can start from the page Book tickets or refer Admission schedule and time to book study abroad tickets.

Frequently asked questions

Is the school's airport pick-up service free?

Depends on the school. Some schools are free for all new students, some are only free for some groups or charge a fee; Baggage surcharges and distance also vary.

Should I arrive before the dormitory check-in date?

If you arrive before your check-in date, you need to book temporary accommodation for those extra nights. It is best to choose a flight date that matches the check-in date.

What happens if you land at midnight?

Check if the pick-up service is available at that time; otherwise, book a hotel near the airport and travel the next morning.

Can I ask someone I know abroad to pick me up?

Yes, but for students under 18 years of age, it is necessary to check the school's regulations regarding acceptable pick-up people and accommodation.

A few hours of preparation at home will help make your first day abroad more complete and secure. Need advice on choosing the appropriate flight to pick up schedule, please contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918.

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