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Your First 30 Days as a Student in the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

Aditi Sharma

Jul 17 2023

<div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW13910574 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Congratulations on embarking on your journey as a student in the United States! Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help you settle in smoothly during your first 30 days in the USA, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW13910574 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">we've</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW13910574 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"> put together some essential guidelines covering accommodation, SSN, bank account, part-time work, food, and cultural issues.</span><span class="EOP SCXW13910574 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space-collapse: preserve; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_MSFontService&quot;, serif;">&nbsp;</span><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><h2>Accommodation<br></h2><span></div><a href='#'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/xtgzb4W2193.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121957782 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Arrange your accommodation before arriving in the USA. Many universities offer on-campus housing options for international students. Alternatively, consider off-campus housing or shared apartments. Familiarize yourself with the local transportation options to ensure easy access to your campus.</span><span class="EOP SCXW121957782 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space-collapse: preserve; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_MSFontService&quot;, serif;">&nbsp;</span><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><h2><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW214958979 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Social Security Number (SSN)</span><br></h2><span></div><a href='#'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/cZpnctRX194.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW117103396 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">If you plan to work on or off-campus, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW117103396 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">you'll</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW117103396 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"> need an SSN. Visit the nearest Social Security Administration office with your passport, visa, I-20 form, and proof of employment to apply for an SSN. This is essential for legal employment in the USA.</span><span class="EOP SCXW117103396 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space-collapse: preserve; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_MSFontService&quot;, serif;">&nbsp;</span><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><h2><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW186521021 BCX0">Bank Account</span></h2><span></div><a href='#'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/gbGQCDs1195.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229067743 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Open a bank account to manage your finances effectively. Research various banks and their student account options. Most banks </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229067743 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">require</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229067743 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"> your passport, visa, I-20 form, and proof of address to open an account. Choose a bank with ATMs conveniently </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229067743 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">located</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW229067743 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"> near your campus.</span><span class="EOP SCXW229067743 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space-collapse: preserve; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_MSFontService&quot;, serif;">&nbsp;</span><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><h2><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW74931234 BCX0">Part-Time Work</span></h2><span></div><a href='#'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/jSNKpkE2196.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW151819091 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">While on a student visa (F-1 or M-1), you are eligible for part-time on-campus work (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Ensure you have proper work authorization before starting any job. Your designated school official (DSO) can </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW151819091 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">provide</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW151819091 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"> guidance on this.</span><span class="EOP SCXW151819091 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space-collapse: preserve; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_MSFontService&quot;, serif;">&nbsp;</span><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><h2><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW169480924 BCX0">Food</span></h2><span></div><a href='#'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/FMkn9FNu197.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW88634238 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Embrace the diverse culinary scene in the USA. Cooking at home can save you money, and international grocery stores often carry familiar ingredients. Explore </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW88634238 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">local eateries and try traditional American dishes to immerse yourself in the culture.</span><span class="EOP SCXW88634238 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space-collapse: preserve; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_MSFontService&quot;, serif;">&nbsp;</span><br><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><h2><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW248362135 BCX0">Cultural Issues</span></h2><span></div><a href='#'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/hsQPZza6198.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241137263 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Understand and respect cultural differences. Embrace the melting pot of cultures </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241137263 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">you'll</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241137263 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">encounter</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW241137263 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;"> in the USA. Get involved in cultural clubs and events on campus to build connections with fellow students from various backgrounds.</span><span class="EOP SCXW241137263 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space-collapse: preserve; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_MSFontService&quot;, serif;">&nbsp;</span><br><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><h2><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW40853833 BCX0">Transportation</span></h2><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW216175438 BCX0">Familiarize yourself with public transportation options in your city. Many universities offer discounted student passes. Bicycling and walking are eco-friendly and affordable ways to get around campus and nearby areas.</span><sub>&nbsp;</sub><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><h2>Health Insurance<br></h2><span></div><a href='#'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/wkpMWyzr199.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW116396657 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Healthcare in the USA can be expensive, so make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Many universities offer student health insurance plans, but you can also explore other options based on your needs.</span><span class="EOP SCXW116396657 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space-collapse: preserve; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_MSFontService&quot;, serif;">&nbsp;</span><br><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><h2><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW164550546 BCX0">Socializing</span></h2><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW39285376 BCX0" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;">Join student organizations and clubs to make friends and expand your social circle. Engaging in campus activities can enhance your college experience and create lasting memories.</span><span class="EOP SCXW39285376 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" style="user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); white-space-collapse: preserve; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_EmbeddedFont&quot;, &quot;Times New Roman_MSFontService&quot;, serif;">&nbsp;</span><sub>&nbsp;</sub><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><h2><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW137051485 BCX0"> Academic Support</span></h2><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p>Seek academic support services available on campus. Utilize tutoring centers and academic advisors to excel in your studies.<br></p><span></div>

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