First Week in Delhi: A Complete Survival Checklist

Your first week in Delhi sets the tone for your entire stay. Do it right and you'll feel settled, mobile and safe. Do it wrong and you'll spend a month playing catch-up on a SIM card, a metro recharge that won't top up, and bank paperwork that needs a local address proof you don't have. This day-by-day checklist covers everything a newcomer needs — ordered so each day unlocks the next.

Day 0 — Before you arrive

Pack light but complete. Must-have documents in a single folder: original plus 2 photocopies of Aadhaar, PAN, passport-size photos (6 minimum), college/offer letter, 10th/12th marksheets, parents' Aadhaar (sometimes required as reference), address proof of your permanent home. Must-have electronics: charger, power bank, universal adapter, extension cord, headphones. Must-have survival items: small medicine kit (paracetamol, ORS, antacid, band-aids, masks), a small padlock, a combination lock for your wardrobe, a reusable water bottle (tap water quality varies).

Day 1 — Arrival and settling in

Use a pre-paid taxi (from the airport or railway station counter) or Ola/Uber — avoid negotiating with random auto drivers on day one. Save your PG address in English and Hindi on your phone. On reaching the PG: check the room against your agreement, take a 2-minute video of every corner and fixture, get a signed rent receipt immediately, and save your warden/owner's number. Meet 1-2 existing residents and ask them the three most useful questions: nearest chemist, best food delivery apps for this area, and the local mandi/market day.

Day 2 — Local SIM card

If you don't have a Delhi-circle SIM, get one on Day 2. You need: Aadhaar, a passport photo, and the new Delhi address. Jio, Airtel and Vi have stores across the city — Airtel has the most reliable service in North Delhi, Jio is cheapest. Expect activation within 24 hours. Do not rely on your hometown SIM — Delhi has weak roaming signals in several basements and metro stations.

Day 3 — Delhi Metro Smart Card

This is non-negotiable. Load a smart card (₹200 refundable deposit + ₹50-₹100 balance) or, better, activate the Delhi Metro App + DMRC QR. The app is faster at turnstiles, has trip history, and doesn't get demagnetised in your wallet. Add ₹500-₹1,000 balance. Also save: a screenshot of the metro map, the last-train times from your nearest station, and the emergency helpline (155370).

Day 4 — Local bank account or UPI activation

If you already have an account, ensure your UPI works in Delhi (mobile number must be linked to the account). If you need a new account: HDFC, ICICI, Axis, SBI all open student accounts with minimal paperwork. You'll need: Aadhaar, PAN, college ID or offer letter, two passport photos. Most PG landlords will accept bank transfer or UPI — never pay rent in cash without a receipt.

Day 5 — Locate the essentials within walking distance

Spend 90 minutes walking around your PG locality. Note the exact location of: nearest 24-hour chemist, nearest hospital or clinic (important — note the doctor's timings), nearest ATM, grocery store, mandi, ironing shop, dhobi (laundry service), and a decent restaurant for days you skip PG food. Save each to Google Maps as a favourite. Walking this once will save you hours of frantic searching when you need something urgently.

Day 6 — Paperwork and address registration

Depending on your purpose: students should complete college registration and get the ID card (opens student concessions on metro, food, gyms). Working professionals should submit PF/ESI/Form 16 paperwork to HR. If you're a non-Delhi resident from out of state, you may need to update your address on Aadhaar — this can be done online at the UIDAI portal but sometimes requires an in-person visit to an enrolment centre.

Day 7 — Health, groceries, community

Delhi's air quality crashes between October and February — if you're arriving in that window, get an N95 mask and an air purifier (or at minimum, a HEPA filter). Register with a nearby GP in case of emergencies (the 1mg app lets you book video consults if you don't have one). Stock your PG shelf with: water bottle, instant noodles, biscuits, protein bars, tea bags, a small set of toiletries. Join your college/office WhatsApp group and attend at least one social event — the fastest way to orient yourself in a new city is through people already there.

Week 2+ — Things to set up in the next 14 days

• Food delivery: Swiggy/Zomato accounts, link UPI, add your PG as saved address.
• Cab apps: Ola, Uber, Rapido. Rapido bikes are cheapest for short distances.
• Fitness: explore a nearby gym or park. Cult.fit has day-passes if you want variety.
• Library card: DU students get access to central library; otherwise Kunzum, The Book Shop, and British Council offer good public memberships.
• Emergency contacts: save Delhi Police (100), women's helpline (1091), fire (101), ambulance (102), your embassy if international.

Mistakes every newcomer makes

Overpaying autos: use Ola/Uber or insist on meter. Buying a yearly gym membership in week 1: try day passes first — your schedule will shift. Ignoring pollution: Delhi AQI hits 300+ regularly; masks matter. Skipping meals at PG to eat out: your budget will crater by month-end. Not locking your wardrobe: even good PGs have occasional theft; always lock.

If you're staying at Kangaroo House

We assign every new resident a "settle-in buddy" from existing residents who'll show you the local essentials — chemist, ATM, metro — within the first 48 hours. Our welcome packet includes a printed locality map with all useful points marked. WhatsApp us on +91 9811670798 before your move-in date and we'll have a checklist ready for you.