The first month after moving to New Haven was overwhelming. I didn't know what to do first, so I ended up doing things in duplicate and searching for things that would have been easier to find if I had known earlier. To help those who are moving for the first time settle in more smoothly, I've organized the essential tasks in order.

The first thing to do is to set up utilities. You need to contact United Illuminating to open an account for electricity. For water, you apply to the Regional Water Authority. Xfinity (Comcast) and Frontier are the main providers for internet and cable in New Haven. It's a good idea to schedule these services in advance, especially for internet installation, which can take time.

Next, it's important to take care of Connecticut DMV-related tasks. You must replace your driver's license with a Connecticut license within 90 days of moving to Connecticut.

You also need to complete vehicle registration within 90 days, and you will need a Connecticut auto insurance certificate at that time. An important point is that you cannot transfer your insurance from your previous state; you must get a new policy. When applying for a Connecticut license, you will need two documents proving your address, such as a lease agreement, bank statement, or utility bill.

Address changes should also be handled right after moving. You need to submit a mail forwarding request to the USPS and update your new address with your bank, insurance company, credit card providers, and various subscription services. In Connecticut, vehicle owners are subject to an annual car property tax, which is paid to the city of residence. New immigrants or those coming from other states may be surprised to receive a tax bill if they are unaware of this, so it's good to know in advance.

If you have children, registering for the New Haven public school district should also be a priority. Connecticut mandates school registration for children aged 5 and older, so please check the New Haven Board of Education website for the school corresponding to your residence and the registration process.

Understanding the local infrastructure is also important in the early days. Finding the nearest Asian market and Korean market, information about Korean churches, selecting nearby hospitals and primary care doctors, and obtaining a library card should be done within the first month or two to stabilize your living situation. The New Haven Public Library is free to use, and with a library card, you can access digital resources and various services. The start of the Yale academic year in August and September is highly competitive for housing, and it can be difficult to book moving companies, so it's best to avoid that time or prepare a few months in advance if possible.