In this article, we discussed some tips for Moving to the USA for School. Once you’ve done the research and prepared the necessary documents, moving to the USA for school isn’t necessarily difficult. You can continue your dreams of American education as the USA is home to many impressive colleges and universities. Even so, there are some things to keep in mind.
Instead of going to college blind, take some time to learn to navigate these unfamiliar waters. Here are some tips you’ll find helpful, especially when trying to adjust to a new environment. This information from Three Movers is practical, and the professional staff will ensure that the move happens smoothly.
Prepare Some Money for Visa Costs
Receiving your college’s acceptance letter is only the beginning of the journey. Before you depart to the USA, it’s essential to register for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Program (SEVIS) and apply for a student F1 visa. The former process is what keeps track of all international students stateside.
o, get an F1 student visa, fill out a DS-160 and appear for an interview at the embassy. While an interview isn’t always necessary, you should be prepared if the embassy requires it. Stay calm and don’t panic since you need to appear confident and fluent in English.
Applying for SEVIS costs $350, while an F1 visa will set you back around $160. But, of course, these aren’t the only costs. You’ll also have to factor in transportation to the country, and airline tickets can get pricey.
There are even more costs once you arrive in the USA. Here’s a short list.
- A new phone number
- Student insurance
- Potential bank account costs
- Room furniture
- Textbooks
Initially, upon arrival, a prepaid one should suffice until you can obtain a more permanent solution. Student insurance is also more affordable and has some decent coverage. In addition, some institutions require it for all international students.
A bank account is necessary for spending, as you don’t want to pay international transfer fees, which add up over time. Try finding a bank that doesn’t have monthly service costs.
If you don’t mind getting some used textbooks, your college or university might have some around. However, books for classes are costly, so try to use any opportunity to save money for these tomes.
If you rent an apartment, it’s better to start with essential basic furniture. Try to get the necessary pieces like a bed and table first.
When possible, try to apply for a scholarship. Financial assistance can go a long way when you’re studying abroad. Learn more about it here.
Learn About the Tax System
Working on campus helps offset some financial burdens and is also an excellent way to make friends. However, USA laws require international students to file returns if they manage to secure on-campus employment. Therefore, you should spend some time learning how the system functions.
A college’s international office should have some resources to get started. There’s lots of time to file, but an early completion will help you avoid undue stress. In the USA, you file a return if you earned income during the previous calendar year.
You can also hire an accountant to help you file your tax return. Even so, there are enough resources on the internet that can aid people in filing independently.
Make Use of Campus Facilities
Getting used to a new environment isn’t easy, but you can still head to the international students’ office for help. The staff is trained to assist you and help you work through daily problems.
Colleges and universities also tend to have on-campus counseling and psychiatry services. These are helpful for students who have mental issues or are going through a particularly rough adjustment. Stress isn’t to be trifled with, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
For exercise, try heading to the gym or jogging in the area. Generally, there are plenty of nearby paths around the institution, and some may offer a scenic view. Gyms also have all the equipment you’ll need to stay healthy.
Many people go to a university because they have a dream career, but reality can sometimes change your mind. Fortunately, some resources can offer splendid career advice on campus.
As you can see, a typical USA college or university has plenty of facilities to help students enjoy their school life.
Enjoy Orientation Week
Students are required to attend Orientation Week, or Welcome Week, as it’s sometimes called. This period is designed to help all students meet their professors and students with similar courses of study and learn the institution’s layout. There will usually be plenty of activities planned, too.
You’ll be introduced first-hand to the local culture and get to interact with many Americans. In addition, since international students must also go through orientation, there’s a chance you can befriend others in your situation.
Besides learning more about American culture, take some time to find out why Chinese people use chopsticks or how much spice Thai students can handle. You’re bound to have a wonderful time.
You’ll also be introduced to numerous on-campus societies and clubs during orientation. Consider joining one if any of them piques your interest.
Moving Shouldn’t Be Difficult.
You don’t need to bring too much furniture to the USA when relocating to attend school. Likewise, if your electronics aren’t calibrated to American standards, you can quickly get some replacements here. But, of course, you can still bring your computer and smartphone.
These devices can function perfectly without electrical adapters, but others like washing machines and TV sets will require transformers. Therefore, it’s better to shop for new electronics and appliances in the USA since they’re guaranteed to work with the local power specifications.
Also, try not to bring heirlooms or antiques as they might take up too much space or get damaged during the moving process. Some objects may even raise custom costs.
If you’re not staying with friends or family, consider looking for an apartment with a month-to-month contract. Long-term contracts may exceed your school period’s stay and often have legal and monetary ramifications if you break them.
Living in the city is relatively expensive, but you may find an affordable place in rural regions.
And remember to only look for a long-term contract if you plan to stay longer.
The moving process shouldn’t be too challenging. We can help you with everything while you focus on other tasks at hand.
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