First 30 Days in Vietnam: What Should an Indian MBBS Student Expect?

Moving to Vietnam for MBBS is an exciting experience for Indian students. For many students, it is also the first time they are living away from their family and adjusting to a new country.

The first 30 days are especially important. During this period, students settle into their hostel, complete university formalities, attend orientation, meet classmates, understand their academic schedule and begin adapting to Vietnamese culture and daily life.

The good news is that Indian students can find several familiar facilities in Vietnam, including Indian food, student-friendly accommodation and support services. Many hostels associated with the universities featured on StudyMBBSinVietnam.com provide furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and Indian meals, including vegetarian and Jain options.

So, what should an Indian MBBS student expect during the first month in Vietnam?

Week 1: Arrival and Settling In

The first week is mainly about getting comfortable and completing essential formalities.

1. Arriving in Vietnam

After landing in Vietnam, students need to travel to their university or accommodation.

Before leaving India, make sure you have:

Passport and visa documents
University admission documents
Hostel or accommodation details
Flight information
University contact numbers
Emergency contact details
Digital copies of important documents

Keep your important documents in your hand luggage.

If airport pickup or arrival assistance has been arranged, keep the contact details easily accessible.

2. Checking Into Your Hostel

For most students, the hostel will be their first home in Vietnam.

Student accommodation featured by StudyMBBSinVietnam.com includes facilities such as furnished rooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and laundry services. Indian food options are also available, with some facilities providing South and North Indian cuisine along with vegetarian, Jain, non-vegetarian and halal options.

During your first few days, check:

Your room and bed allocation
Hostel rules
Meal timings
Laundry facilities
Wi-Fi access
Study areas
Security arrangements
Contact details of the hostel warden

Take some time to organise your belongings and make your room comfortable.

3. Meeting Other Indian Students

One of the biggest advantages for Indian students is being able to meet other students from India.

Your hostel and university can become places to make new friends and build a support network.

You may meet students from different parts of India, including:

Tamil Nadu
Andhra Pradesh
Telangana
Karnataka
Kerala
Maharashtra
Delhi
Other Indian states

Having friends who are going through the same experience can make the adjustment much easier.

Week 1–2: University Registration and Orientation

Once you are settled, your attention will shift towards your university.

4. Completing University Registration

Students may need to complete various registration and administrative procedures after arriving.

Depending on the university, this may include:

Verification of original documents
Student registration
ID card formalities
Academic registration
Hostel registration
Medical or administrative formalities
Receiving class schedules

Keep your original certificates safely and submit them only when officially required.

5. Attending Orientation

Orientation is an important part of your first month.

The university may introduce students to:

Academic departments
Professors and faculty
Course structure
Classrooms
Laboratories
Library
Examination procedures
Attendance requirements
Student activities
Campus rules

Pay attention during orientation because the information provided during these sessions can help you understand university life from the beginning.

6. Understanding Your Class Schedule

Once your timetable is available, organise your daily routine.

Create a simple schedule covering:

Morning → Classes

Afternoon → Practical/academic activities

Evening → Revision and personal time

Night → Preparation for the next day

Medical education requires consistency. Developing a study routine during your first month can make future semesters easier.

Week 2: Getting Used to Academic Life

The first medical classes may feel different from what you experienced in school or NEET preparation.

You will need to become comfortable with:

Medical terminology
Anatomy and physiology concepts
Laboratory sessions
Practical learning
Medical textbooks
Assignments
Presentations
Group discussions
Regular revision

Some Vietnam medical programs also emphasise early practical or clinical exposure. For example, the current StudyMBBSinVietnam.com university pages highlight clinical exposure and practical training as part of the student experience.

7. Don’t Compare Your First Month With Your School Life

The transition to medical college can take time.

You may initially feel that:

Classes are different
The campus is unfamiliar
The teaching style is new
You have more independence
You need to manage your own schedule

This is normal.

Give yourself time to adjust rather than expecting everything to feel familiar immediately.

Week 2–3: Adjusting to Food and Daily Life

Food is one of the biggest concerns for Indian students moving abroad.

Fortunately, Indian-friendly accommodation is available for students at several universities promoted by StudyMBBSinVietnam.com. Facilities can include Indian meals and options for different dietary preferences.

8. Getting Used to Vietnamese Food

Even if you have access to Indian food, you may want to explore Vietnamese cuisine gradually.

Try local food when you feel comfortable, but always communicate any dietary restrictions clearly.

Vegetarian students should learn a few useful Vietnamese words or phrases related to vegetarian food.

9. Managing Your Daily Expenses

During your first month, start tracking your spending.

Your expenses may include:

Food and snacks
Transportation
Mobile SIM/recharge
Personal items
Laundry
Stationery
Medical or emergency expenses
Entertainment

Creating a monthly budget will help you avoid unnecessary spending.

Week 3: Exploring Your New Environment

After completing your initial university formalities, you can slowly explore your surroundings.

Find out where the following are located:

Supermarkets
Pharmacies
Hospitals
ATMs
Grocery stores
Indian restaurants
Public transportation
University facilities

Do not try to explore everything immediately. First become familiar with the places you are likely to use regularly.

10. Getting Used to Transportation

Learn how students travel between the hostel, university and nearby locations.

Before travelling alone, understand:

Your route
Travel time
Available transportation
Approximate cost
Important landmarks

Keep your university and hostel addresses saved on your phone.

11. Learning Basic Vietnamese

You do not need to become fluent in Vietnamese during your first month.

However, learning basic words and phrases can make everyday life easier.

Try learning phrases for:

Greetings
Food
Directions
Shopping
Transportation
Emergencies
Basic communication

Language can become particularly important during clinical exposure because students may interact with local patients. Existing content on StudyMBBSinVietnam.com also notes that students may encounter Vietnamese-language communication during clinical practice.

Week 3–4: Building Your Routine

By the third and fourth weeks, life should start feeling more familiar.

You will gradually know:

Your classroom
Your professors
Your hostel
Your classmates
Your meal timings
Your daily travel route
Your study schedule

This is the time to create a sustainable routine.

A Simple Student Routine

6:30 AM: Wake up and get ready

7:00 AM: Breakfast

8:00 AM: Classes

1:00 PM: Lunch

2:00 PM: Practical/academic activities

5:00 PM: Personal time or sports

7:00 PM: Dinner

8:00 PM: Revision

10:30 PM: Relax and prepare for the next day

Your actual timetable will depend on your university and academic schedule.

12. Build Relationships With Faculty

Do not hesitate to communicate with your professors.

If you do not understand a topic, ask questions.

Building a good academic relationship with faculty can help you understand difficult subjects and become more confident in your studies.

13. Connect With Your Classmates

Your classmates will become an important part of your MBBS journey.

Study together, share notes and support each other during examinations.

At the same time, maintain a healthy balance between social activities and academics.

14. Take Care of Your Health

Moving abroad means you are responsible for managing many aspects of your daily life.

During your first month:

Eat regular meals
Drink enough water
Get sufficient sleep
Exercise regularly
Maintain personal hygiene
Take prescribed medicines when required
Know where the nearest medical facility is

A healthy routine can help you stay focused on your studies.

15. Stay Connected With Your Family

For parents, the first month can be as emotional as it is for students.

Regular communication can reassure both students and parents.

Share updates about:

Your hostel
University
Classes
Food
Friends
Daily routine

You do not need to call home every hour, but maintaining regular communication can make the transition easier.

What Challenges Can Indian Students Face During the First Month?

Every student has a different experience, but some common challenges may include:

Homesickness

You may miss your family, friends and familiar surroundings.

Language Differences

You may initially find communication outside the university difficult.

New Academic Environment

Medical education can be demanding and requires consistent effort.

Food Adjustment

Even with Indian food available, you may need some time to become comfortable with the local environment.

Managing Independence

You will need to manage your own time, belongings, expenses and academic responsibilities.

These challenges usually become easier as you become familiar with your new environment.

16. What Indian Students Should Carry From India

Before travelling, prepare a practical packing list.

Important Documents

Passport
Visa
Admission letter
Academic certificates
NEET documents
University documents
Travel insurance or other applicable documents

Personal Items

Comfortable clothes
Footwear
Toiletries
Basic stationery
Necessary personal medicines
Chargers and adapters
A few familiar food items for the initial days

Avoid overpacking. Most everyday items can be purchased after reaching Vietnam.

17. Your First Month Is About Adjustment, Not Perfection

Do not expect yourself to understand everything during the first few days.

The first month is about learning:

Where you live → Where you study → How you travel → What you eat → How you study → Who you can contact when you need help.

Once these basics become familiar, your confidence will naturally improve.

First 30 Days Checklist for Indian MBBS Students

Use this checklist to make sure you have covered the important tasks.

Before Arrival

Passport and visa ready
Admission documents prepared
Hostel confirmed
Flight booked
University contact saved
Emergency contacts saved

First Week

Check into hostel
Meet hostel staff
Complete university registration
Attend orientation
Get student ID
Understand class schedule

Second Week

Attend classes regularly
Start your study routine
Meet classmates
Explore essential facilities
Understand transportation

Third Week

Create a monthly budget
Learn basic Vietnamese phrases
Find nearby essential services
Establish a healthy routine

Fourth Week

✓ Review your academic progress
✓ Organise your notes
✓ Build a regular study schedule
✓ Stay connected with family
✓ Prepare for upcoming academic activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vietnam comfortable for Indian MBBS students?

Many Indian students choose Vietnam because of the availability of Indian-friendly accommodation, food options and student support. StudyMBBSinVietnam.com currently highlights Indian food, furnished accommodation and support facilities across its promoted university options.

Will I get Indian food in Vietnam?

Indian food is available through dedicated student hostels and restaurants. Some of the accommodation facilities promoted on the website provide South and North Indian meals, as well as vegetarian, Jain, non-vegetarian and halal options.

Do I need to know Vietnamese before going to Vietnam?

You do not need to be fluent in Vietnamese before travelling. However, learning basic Vietnamese can be useful for everyday communication and especially during patient interactions in clinical settings.

Is the first month difficult for Indian students?

The first few weeks can involve an adjustment period because students are adapting to a new country, university and lifestyle. Having suitable accommodation, food and student support can make this transition easier.

What should I do during my first month in Vietnam?

Focus on settling into your hostel, completing university formalities, attending classes, understanding your timetable, managing your expenses, meeting classmates and developing a healthy study routine.

Conclusion

The first 30 days of studying MBBS in Vietnam are about much more than attending classes. They are the foundation for your new life as an international medical student.

From arriving in Vietnam and settling into your hostel to attending university orientation, meeting classmates, adapting to food and learning basic Vietnamese, every experience helps you become more independent.

For Indian students, the availability of Indian food, familiar accommodation and student support can make the transition more comfortable.

Don’t worry if everything does not feel familiar immediately. Give yourself time, stay organised, communicate with your university and maintain a consistent study routine.

Your first 30 days are just the beginning. With the right preparation and a positive attitude, Vietnam can become your new home while you work towards your dream of becoming a doctor.