After Landing in the USA as an International Student

May 19, 2024·
Naren Khatwani
· 2 min read
Image credit: Google

A few things you should get done after landing in the USA as an International Student

Bank Account

  • Why it’s important: Open a bank account within the first few days to manage your finances.
  • Recommended Banks: Chase and Bank of America.

Documents Required:

  • Lease agreement (as proof of address)
  • I-20
  • Passport

Money Transfer:

  • Use Zelle for sending and receiving money via your bank app.
  • Zelle Tutorial

Credit Card

  • Why it’s important: Building a credit history is crucial for future needs like purchasing a car.
  • Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid debt.

Student Credit Cards (No SSN Needed):

  1. Discover Credit Card
  2. Chase Sapphire Preferred
  3. Amex Platinum
  4. Amex Gold
  5. Capital One QuickSilver
  6. Amazon Prime Visa
  7. Amex Delta Sky Miles Gold

Tips:

  • Start with a basic student card.
  • Move to premium cards after building a credit score and account age (>1 year).

Sim Card

  • Major Providers: Mint Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint.
  • Consider prepaid plans for affordability.
  • Check for good coverage in your area.

Recommendation:

  • Mint Mobile: Affordable and reliable in New Jersey and New York.
  • Check Compatibility
  • Referral: Use this link for a plan at $15/month for the first three months.

Laptop and Mobile Phone

  • Advice: Avoid buying new laptops or smartphones before coming to the US unless absolutely necessary.
  • Why: Student discounts and deals are widely available in the US.

Smartphones:

  • Best time to buy: During the iPhone launch event (second week of September).
  • Benefit: Get the latest technology or discounted older models.

Laptops:

  • Common Choice for CS Students: MacBook.
  • For Gaming or AR/VR: Choose a gaming laptop with a GPU.
  • Stores for Deals: BestBuy, Walmart, Target, or Amazon.
    • Tip: Use Walmart’s price match feature and explore Back-to-School discounts at Target.

Explore the Area Around

  • Get familiar with local transportation, grocery stores, and other essential services near your residence.

Download I-94

  • Some universities require the I-94 as proof of your presence in the US.

Steps to Download:

  1. Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s I-94 Portal.
  2. Click Get Most Recent I-94.
  3. Agree to the terms and conditions.
  4. Enter your details:
    • Name
    • Birthdate
    • Passport Number
    • Country of Citizenship
  5. Click Enter.
  6. Print or export your I-94 in the desired format.

Upload:

  • Submit the I-94 to your university’s portal.
Tips and Tricks

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