Structured Arrival Plan for USA

Essential Tasks

• Check in to your accommodation: Verify all facilities work properly. Take photos of any damage for documentation. Exchange contact information with your landlord, dormitory staff, or housing coordinator. Make sure you understand how to operate appliances, locks, and any security systems.
• Activate a local SIM card: Major US mobile carriers include T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Most airports and shopping malls have carrier stores or kiosks. For students, T-Mobile often offers good international plans. Bring your passport for registration as it's required for identification. Prepaid plans typically start around $40-50 for unlimited talk/text with varying data limits.
• Contact home: Let family know you've arrived safely. Establish how you'll stay in regular contact (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, etc.). If you're using a messaging app, make sure you're connected to WiFi to avoid data charges if you haven't yet set up a local plan.
• Get essential groceries: Find nearby supermarkets like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, or Safeway for basics. Budget-friendly options include Aldi and Trader Joe's. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven are more expensive but useful in a pinch. Buy water, snacks, simple breakfast items, toiletries, and any immediate necessities.

Quick Tips

Campus & Administration

• Visit the International Office: Every US university has an office dedicated to international students that will help you complete required check-ins and paperwork, provide orientation materials, and guide you through essential next steps. They can answer questions about campus life, cultural adjustment, and immigration requirements.
• Complete SEVIS check-in: This is mandatory for all F-1 and J-1 students and must be done within 30 days of your program start date. Bring your passport, I-20/DS-2019 form, and I-94 record (which you can print from i94.cbp.dhs.gov). Failure to check in could result in your visa status being terminated.
• Explore banking options: Major US banks include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank. Many offer special student accounts with no monthly fees. To open an account, you'll typically need your passport, student ID, proof of enrollment, and proof of address. Also consider online banks like Capital One or Discover which may have fewer fees.

Local Orientation

• Explore your neighborhood: Take time to walk around your campus and local area. Identify key locations like grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, and medical facilities. Many campuses offer guided tours for new students or have self-guided tour maps available through their welcome center.
• Learn public transportation: US cities vary widely in their public transit options. Download transit apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, or the local transit authority app. Many universities offer free or discounted student passes for local buses and trains. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in most US cities.
• Find essential services: Locate the nearest health center, campus security office, libraries, dining halls, study spaces, and recreational facilities. Also find nearby cafes with WiFi, laundromats (if not provided in your housing), and affordable places to eat.

Official Registration

• Complete university enrollment: Finalize any outstanding enrollment tasks, such as submitting immunization records, paying tuition and fees, and confirming your contact information. Make sure you understand how to access your student portal and university email.
• SEVIS check-in: If you haven't already completed this, it's crucial to do so within 30 days of your program start date. The international student office will activate your SEVIS record, which is essential for maintaining your legal status in the US.
• Course registration: Meet with your academic advisor to finalize your course schedule. Understand add/drop deadlines, credit requirements, and course prerequisites. Learn how to navigate your university's registration system and access course materials online.

Social & Practical

• Attend orientation events: Participate in university-wide, department-specific, and international student orientations. These will provide valuable information about campus resources, academic expectations, and opportunities to connect with classmates and faculty.
• Open a bank account: If you haven't done so already, open a US bank account. Popular options for students include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and local credit unions which often have branches or ATMs on campus. Most require your passport, I-20, and proof of address.
• Understand health insurance: Most US universities require international students to have health insurance. Learn how your university's health insurance works, including coverage details, how to make appointments at the campus health center, and what to do in case of emergencies.