1) Join the Yonsei Facebook Group. There are over 2,000 members who attended Yonsei in the past or are currently attending, so if you have any questions about housing, courses/professors, etc., there will probably be someone who will be able to answer them! (but feel free to reach out to me too, I'll be more than happy to help (: )
2) Do not be late when applying for your dorm. When people say that housing at Yonsei is competitive, they really mean it.
3) The dorms at Yonsei don't come with anything, so be prepared to buy things after you check-in. Here's a list of things you'll most likely want, which you can all buy at Daiso:
Toilet Paper. I recommend packing at least one roll in your luggage just in case you're not able to go shopping the same day you check-in. The convenience store in the dorm lobby does sell, but it's more expensive than at Daiso.
Toilet Cleaner. Yonsei does not have room cleaning services.
Shower Curtain/Shower curtain rings/Hanging Rod (3 ft): The shower/sink room doesn't have a door and you'll need privacy to change if you're rooming with someone
Shower Mat
Trash can
Hand Soap / Dish soap
Laundry Detergent
Hangers
4) If you don't want to buy something from the store, don't take the "free" sample. Many workers in Korea stand outside their stores to offer free samples, but once you take it they keep pressuring you until you go inside. Once inside they will pressure you until you buy something. 5) Stand on the right side of escalators. In Korea, people stand on the right side of escalators to leave room for people who want to pass on the left.
6) Absolutely do not forget your password for the Hi Korea website (for your Alien Registration Card). I do not think there is a way to retrieve your password, and if you type it in wrong more than five times, the website does not let you log in. I accidentally learned this lesson the hard way, so I’m hoping that I can create a new account when I go back next spring.
**Update: Since the summer semester is considered a short term stay, an Alien Registration Card is not required. Whew**
7) Kakao Map, Naver Map, and the guides wearing red jackets will be your best friends. Kakao Map and Naver Map are helpful apps for getting directions in Korea, but if you ever get lost and need more help, look for two people wearing red jackets in the area. These guides speak English and can point you in the right direction.
8) Don’t flush your toilet paper. Most restrooms have a sign near the toilet saying not to flush the toilet paper because the toilets are weak, and the toilet paper will get clogged. Instead, throw it in the little trash receptacle near the toilet.
9) Stay aware of coronavirus cases. Hopefully the pandemic will blow over soon and you won’t have to worry about it too much when it’s your turn to study abroad, but https://coronamap.live/ is a good website to stay informed. It gives information about the number of cases in the country and each city, and gives the routes of those who tested positive.
10) Make sure to pack masks. Korea implemented a rule that you can only purchase three masks per week to avoid shortages. I am not sure when they will lift the rule, but it’s just something to keep in mind so you can be prepared.