Moving to the U.S., beginning and finishing your studies, then starting your post-school life involves a great deal of organization for non-U.S. citizens. Here, we provide you five tips to make sure you stay on track through school and beyond!
When Starting School:
- Visa and immigration paperwork: Ensure you have obtained the necessary student visa (F-1 or J-1) and have all your immigration paperwork in order before traveling to the US. This includes your I-20 or DS-2019 form, passport, visa documents, and any other relevant paperwork.
- Attend orientation programs: Participate in any orientation programs or events organized by your university for international students. These sessions can provide valuable information about campus life, resources, academic expectations, and social opportunities. American schooling is very different from that of other countries, so attending international student orientation can also be integral in making sure you understand the importance of the syllabi, advisors’ roles in your studies, and academic integrity.
In School and After:
- Health insurance: Purchase a comprehensive health insurance plan that meets the university’s requirements. Health care in the US can be expensive, so having good coverage is essential to protect yourself in case of medical emergencies. When you graduate, your school health insurance will also end. As you seek out new jobs, make sure you understand their health insurance options, along with how much you contribute — and what co-pays are! If your new employer does not offer health insurance, we highly encourage you to purchase this on your own (example: a short, easy emergency room visit can easily cost upwards of $3000 for them to say there’s nothing they can do for you except wait for your body to heal on its own).
- Finances and budgeting: Plan your finances carefully. Understand the cost of tuition, books, accommodation, transportation, and other living expenses in your chosen location. Create a budget to manage your finances effectively throughout your study period. This is good training for after graduation, where you will now be responsible for things like health insurance, car insurance (or public transit costs), rent, internet, streaming services, groceries, renter’s insurance and the like!
- Obtain a local phone number and bank account: Having a local phone number will be beneficial for communication within the US. Also, consider opening a bank account to manage your finances more efficiently and avoid high transaction fees.
Bonus tip: Stay proactive and make an effort to build friendships and connections with other students and colleagues. Engage in extracurricular activities, join student clubs, and attend social events to expand your network and make the most of your time in the US. Building a support system and fostering friendships will make your experience more enjoyable and fulfilling.
TLDR:
Things that you should always remember to take care of as an international student and beyond: stay on top of all your immigration paperwork, attend school (and work) orientations, buy health insurance, make sure you learn how to budget, and set up a local phone/U.S. bank account!
