In the blink of an eye, it’s back-to-school season again. A wave of new students, full of excitement and nerves, have traveled thousands of miles to the United States. Arriving in a foreign land, you may not yet be accustomed to the new campus environment and might face some difficulties in daily life. Check out the essential guide for new students below!
Academic Life
Get Your Student ID
During the orientation period, students will receive their own Student ID. The process varies by school—some take photos and print the card on the spot, while others require an online application and photo submission in advance, so check your email or the school’s website.
You will need your student ID in many aspects of your academic life in the future, so remember to keep it safe and replace it as soon as possible if lost.
Course Registration and Changes
Course selection often takes place before orientation, though at some schools it occurs during orientation or the start of the semester.
Although each university’s course registration system has minor differences, popular courses always require you to act fast; otherwise, you may end up on a waitlist. If you need to change courses, seize the opportunity at the very beginning of the semester.
Get to Know the Campus
Most American colleges have open campuses with large areas. It’s recommended to tour the campus in advance, find where your college is located, and familiarize yourself with public facilities such as the dining hall, library, International Center, Health Center, etc.
Check the classrooms on your schedule so you don’t get lost on the first day. If you need public transportation, also look into the school shuttle and nearby bus or subway lines.
Daily Life
Open a Bank Account
Many parents give their children a supplementary credit card before they leave the country for emergencies, but after arriving in the U.S., you still need a local card.
Banks that are quite suitable for international students include Bank of America, Chase Bank, Citibank, and Wells Fargo.
Since getting a credit card can be troublesome, most students first apply for a debit card when they arrive. Remember to bring your passport, I-20, and other documents when you go to open an account.
Get a Cell Phone Plan
In addition to opening a bank account, getting a cell phone plan is another must-do upon arriving in the U.S. Because some carriers require payment with a U.S. bank card, it’s advisable to do this after you’ve opened an account.
The major U.S. carriers are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. International students often choose AT&T for its balance of signal quality and price. Just visit a nearby store and have a staff member explain the various plans. If you find the plan unsuitable later, you can switch carriers while keeping your number.
Housing Matters
If you’re not living on campus, renting can become a major challenge for international students. It’s best to contact apartments or landlords in advance and finalize the lease online.
Both apartments and houses in the U.S. require a security deposit, so before moving in, make sure to inspect for any interior damage to avoid losing a large portion of your deposit when moving out.
Additionally, the most common way for students to buy furniture is through IKEA, which offers home delivery and easy assembly.
After reading this, do you feel a little less overwhelmed?
As long as you follow these tips and prepare well at the start of the semester, I believe you’ll quickly adapt to the new environment and enjoy a fulfilling new term.
Wishing you all academic success and a pleasant life!
