An International Student's Guide to Moving to the USA

We all know how daunting moving to a new country can be, especially for students looking to head over to the States for higher education. And with its diverse culture, top-tier universities, and plentiful opportunities, this nation remains a coveted option.

 

However, we must also say that navigating the details of relocating to a new location requires a bit of planning and prep work. So, with this blog, we look to provide international students like you with valuable insights and seven practical tips to ease your transition to the USA.

 

Visa and Documentation

Now, before packing your bags, it’s important to gather the necessary visa and documentation required for studying in the USA, right? So, for that, you must be aiming towards an F-1 visa, permitting you full-time enrollment in academic programs.

 

And to secure one, you’ll need to secure admission to a student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institution, pay the SEVIS fee, and schedule an interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Also, we recommend that for assurance you check if your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

 

Financial Planning

So, after documentation, naturally, the next aspect to take care of is your finances abroad. Cause you don't want to end up broke inside your student housing in Miami. And to ensure that doesn't happen, you should calculate your tuition fees, living expenses and other related and miscellaneous costs. 

 

Also, to ease things out, you can hunt for scholarship opportunities, financial aid programs, and part-time job options. This will give you the chance to save up your money for other purposes and if you land a part-time gig, then you’ll also be learning new skills that are hot in the market apart from the skill of money management.

 

Accommodation

Okay, so you’ve planned your finances all the way to the end, what next? We’d say finding accommodation that fits your budget and lifestyle needs. And to help you out, most universities offer you on-campus housing options, but if you are the one who prefers freedom and comfort then we’d suggest you look for off-campus options like student housing in Manhattan.

 

However, we also must make you aware that such accommodations sell like crazy, so we’d advise you to apply early and stay ahead of the curve. Cause you see, investing in a holistic apartment might seem like an unnecessary expense right now but in the long run, it always pays off.

 

Cultural Adjustment

Now that you’ve finalised your stay, it’s time for us to discuss adapting to a new culture because it is that aspect that cannot be ignored as an international student. Okay, so let’s be candid here; it’s normal for you to face some alienation when you’re adapting to a new place, but as you immerse yourself in the new culture, you soon become one of them.

 

And once that happens, you are setting yourself up to learn a new way of living, and with a new way of living, comes new perspectives. Additionally, these new perspectives open doors for new opportunities to come your way, like the best student internships in the market. And not grabbing these opportunities would not be so wise, right?

 

Healthcare and Insurance

Next up, is an aspect of living that cannot be ignored, especially after the pandemic. You see, taking care of your health is no longer a leisurely or luxurious activity; it has become a necessity lately. And an effective way to take care of your health apart from eating healthy and working out is opting for health insurance.

 

Also, we’d like for you to know that most U.S. universities require international students to have health insurance coverage that meets specific requirements. And to grab the best one, consider purchasing a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers medical expenses, emergencies and preventive care.

 

Academic Success

Okay, this one is a crucial one to talk about. So, while adapting to a new environment, you must not lose sight of your academic goals. You should be prioritising your studies above all by attending classes regularly, and actively participating in academic discussions. Remember how hard you worked to clear your GRE exams? The hustle is the same but for an evolved purpose.

 

Besides studies, you also need to remember that to excel in today’s dynamic marketplace, you must also be constantly upskilling yourself. To do so, you’ll have to find out the most sought-after skills of the future and put effort into learning them.

 

Explore and Enjoy

Now, last but not least, after getting all the basics right and putting the work into it, it’s time to reward yourself. And what better way to enjoy than to explore the new location you’re at? You see, when you see new places, you are met with different kinds of energies that were unknown to you before.

 

These energies can transform your spirit and help you find your purpose, the same way Ben Stiller in the movie, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, did. Cause you see, you never know what life has in store for you unless you open yourself up to new experiences.

 

Conclusion

So, to bring things to an end, we can say that studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime and with a bit of preparation and due diligence, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. And remember, this success is not going to come easy, but one thing is for sure; if you make the most productive use of your time and maintain a positive attitude, you’re gonna reach there sooner than later.

 

How can amber help you?

Amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.