When I get asked what to do first when moving to Morgantown, I always explain.

If you try to do everything at once, you'll get exhausted, and if you don't know the order, you'll waste time.

The first step is the housing contract. When looking for an apartment in Morgantown, you must check the distance to the WVU campus, bus routes, and whether you can use the WVU PRT.

The WVU PRT is an 8-mile electric monorail that connects various points on campus to downtown, and whether you can access it greatly affects your convenience of living. Rental contracts are usually for 12 months, and good properties go quickly in August before the semester starts. You must confirm the deposit conditions and whether utilities are included in writing. If the contract language is difficult, it's wise to ask a Korean senior who arrived earlier for help.

The second step is to exchange your driver's license at the WV DMV. You must exchange your existing license for a WV license within 30 days of moving to West Virginia. The Morgantown DMV office operates from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM, and you can make same-day appointments by calling 1-800-642-9066.

You will need to complete a vision screening, alcohol awareness training, and return your existing license. You must also register your vehicle within 30 days of moving, and you need to have West Virginia car insurance first. It's important to complete this process quickly since it's hard to live in an area without a car.

The third step is to connect utilities. You should apply for electricity, gas, and internet in advance so you can use them from the day you move in. Mon Power handles electricity, Dominion Energy handles gas, and Comcast Xfinity and Suddenlink are the main options for internet. School registration or documents for your child's school require proof of address, vaccination records, and previous school transcripts.

WVU registration has separate procedures by department, so it's best to contact the International Student Office first. Stopping by Koreana Asian Market or Von Son Asian Market to connect with the Korean community can also be surprisingly helpful during the initial settling-in period. It's much faster to borrow the experiences of those who arrived earlier rather than trying to solve everything on your own. Morgantown is a warmer place than you might think once you get to know it.

It's also good to organize a list of essential documents to prepare during the initial settling-in period. Basic documents include your Social Security Number (SSN), passport, I-20 or visa documents, admission letter or employment contract, and proof of previous address. These documents are also needed when opening a bank account, and some are required for obtaining a WVU student ID or registering for WVU Health Services. The vaccination record is especially important when registering your child for school.

West Virginia requires certain vaccinations as a condition for school registration, so it's advisable to translate your medical records in advance or verify them through a local clinic. There is a Student Health Center on the WVU campus, which is convenient for enrolled students. Although all these procedures may seem complicated at first, if you tackle them one by one, most can be resolved within a month.

Korean seniors who arrived in Morgantown have already gone through this process, and there is a culture within the Korean community in this city of willingly sharing their experiences.

Even if you feel alone when settling in for the first time, finding connections can help you settle in faster than you might expect.