INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Traveling to the U.S. as an International Student

As an international student, there are so many moving pieces to focus on to make sure your stay in the U.S. goes off without a hitch. Of course, focusing on getting your education is likely your top priority. As a result, some forget to consider a few other key details when traveling to another country for a long time. Let’s review a checklist of things that will benefit you during your stay in the U.S. and set you up for success so you can avoid common pitfalls.

Do Your Research

While you may have your own idea of what the surrounding area of your campus is like, it never hurts to do some research. Look into local businesses and community resources that resemble what you already use in your home country. Doing this will allow you to have a better idea of the area you’ll be living in. Another great tip is to do research on any crimes or felonious activity that have taken place in the past five years near where you’ll be living. Being aware of this ahead of time will help you avoid any high crime areas that are nearby.

Know Your Budget

Whether you have a scholarship, funds given to you by a relative, or you work during your time in the U.S., you’ll need to know how much you can and can’t spend on certain things. Some students may not have an influx of funds on hand, so figuring out any expenses you may incur during your stay could prove helpful. While being in a different country, having an emergency fund is the key. A crisis can happen at any time to anyone. Having savings set aside prior to traveling to your university will set you up for success should you need to tap into it.

Financial Accounts

During your stay in the U.S., you’re likely going to spend money. Therefore, it’s imperative that you find a place to safely house your funds. Explore what financial institution options are available to you and what documentation they require to open an account. When deciding which one to move forward with, locate any ATMs and branch locations on or near campus. Be sure you can have access to both a savings account and a checking account to acquire a debit card for easy spending. If you plan to send or receive any international wire transfers, make sure you’re aware of any additional fees that come with that type of transaction at the financial institution you choose.

Key Takeaways and Additional Tips

• Do your research on the surrounding local area around your campus.

• Create a budget and adjust as needed.

• Have an emergency fund in place before starting school, if possible.

• Establish a relationship with a local financial institution.

• Be aware of any fees that may come with certain transaction types.

• Familiarize yourself with local transportation in the area you’ll be living.

• Make friends with those attending your school who are from the local area.

• Take advantage of local resources for meals and transportation.

Sources:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/financial-management-tips-international-students-yaiff

https://shorelight.com/student-stories/top-tips-for-international-students/