If you've decided to move to Indianapolis for the first time or are about to move, I've organized a list of things to take care of during your initial settling period.

Each city has slightly different procedures, and there are variations depending on your visa status or family composition, but this is generally a checklist for immigrants or families moving from other states.

The first thing to do is obtain a driver's license. Indianapolis is a city where living without a car can be very inconvenient. You should get an Indiana Driver's License as soon as possible after your arrival. The place to visit is a BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) branch, and there are several locations in and around downtown Indy. The required documents include an ID (passport), proof of residence (bank statement, utility bill, etc.), SSN (if available), and visa documents.

If you have a driver's license from another state, you may be able to exchange it without taking a written test, so check the BMV website in advance. A Korean driver's license cannot be exchanged directly in Indiana, so you will need to take both the written and road tests.

Next, you should open a bank account. Major banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have branches throughout Indianapolis, and you can open an account with just your passport and proof of address. If you don't have a credit history, it's important to apply for a Secured Credit Card to start building your credit. Your credit score affects various aspects of life in the U.S., including rental agreements, car purchases, and mobile phone contracts. Credit One and Capital One are relatively easy to get approved for even for new immigrants.

Once you have secured housing, you need to set up utility accounts. Electricity is provided by AES Indiana (the current electricity supplier in Indiana), gas by Citizens Energy Group, and water by Citizens Water, which serves downtown Indy. You can apply for service through each company's website or by phone. For internet, major providers in the Indy area include Xfinity (Comcast), AT&T Fiber, and Metronet. For mobile phones, you can choose from T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T, and if you start without credit, you can begin with a Prepaid plan and later switch to a Postpaid plan.

It's also a good idea to quickly prepare for healthcare. If you receive health insurance through your job, make sure to register right after you start. If you are self-employed or do not have insurance, you can compare ACA marketplace insurance through Healthcare.gov or may qualify for Medicaid based on your income.

It's important to choose a Primary Care Physician. Healthcare systems like IU Health, Ascension St. Vincent, and Eskenazi Health operate clinics throughout Indy. If you have children, make sure to register with a Pediatrician quickly. Medical records (Immunization Records) will be required when enrolling in school. To register your child for school, check the school district in your area and follow the enrollment procedures on the district's website.

Typically required documents include proof of address, vaccination records, proof of date of birth, and previous school transcripts. It's natural to feel overwhelmed when moving to Indianapolis for the first time. Don't hesitate to reach out to Korean churches or community groups, as you can meet people who share settling information.