Your Must Have Pre-Departure Checklist for Studying in the USA

Updated on: 27 Sep 2023

Wriiten by Ashrith, MS in IT Student at University of North Texas

Studying in the USA is a dream come true for many international students, but it also requires a lot of preparation and planning. There are many things to consider before you board your flight, such as your travel arrangements, your finances, your communication, and your packing. 

To help you with this process, here are some insights on what to do before you depart for the USA:

1. Book your flight tickets: Booking your flight tickets is one of the first and most important steps in your pre-departure journey. You should book your tickets as early as possible to get the best deals and avoid last-minute stress. You should also consider flying into a major airport, such as New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, as this will give you more options for transportation to your final destination. Additionally, you should factor in the cost of checked luggage and other fees when making your budget, as these can vary depending on the airline and the destination.

2. Handle currency exchange: When you arrive in the USA, you will need to have some US Dollars to pay for your expenses. There are several ways to exchange your currency, but not all of them are equally convenient or cost-effective. 

• You can exchange your currency at the airport, but this may not give you the best exchange rate and may charge you a high fee. 
• You can also exchange your currency at a bank or a currency exchange bureau, but this may require you to have an account or show proof of identity. 
• A better option may be to use a forex remittance service, such as TransferWise or Remitly, which allow you to send money abroad at a low cost and a fair exchange rate.

3. Send money abroad for your living expenses: If you need to send money abroad for your living expenses, such as rent, utilities, food, or transportation, you have several options to choose from. 

• You can use a wire transfer, which is a fast and secure way to send money, but it may charge you a high fee and require you to have a bank account in both countries. 
• You can also use a money order, which is a paper document that you can buy at a post office or a store and mail to the recipient, but it may take longer to arrive and may get lost or stolen. 
• Another option is to use a forex remittance service, such as TransferWise or Remitly, which allow you to send money online at a low cost and a fair exchange rate.
   

Get Guaranteed Best Loan with GyanDhan

Find a Better Loan Offer Elsewhere & We Will Cover the Difference in Interest

Apply Now

4. Choose your payment methods: When you are in the USA, you will need to have some payment methods to pay for your purchases and bills. There are three main payment methods that you can use: a forex card, a credit card, or a debit card. 

• A forex card is a prepaid card that you can load with US Dollars before you leave your country and use it like a debit card in the USA. 
• A credit card is a card that allows you to borrow money from the bank and pay it back later with interest. 
• A debit card is a card that allows you to access the money in your bank account and pay directly from it. The best payment method for you will depend on your spending habits and the fees charged by each option. You should compare the benefits and drawbacks of each option before choosing one.

5. Open a bank account in the USA: If you plan on staying in the USA for a long time, you may want to open a bank account there. This will make it easier for you to manage your money and pay your bills online or by check. 

• To open a bank account in the USA, you will need to have some documents, such as your passport, your visa, your student ID card, and proof of address. 
• You will also need to choose a bank that suits your needs and preferences. Some of the popular banks for international students are Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo. When opening a bank account, be sure to ask about the fees charged and the minimum balance requirements.

6. Get a SIM card for communication: Communication is essential when you are studying abroad, as you will need to stay in touch with your family, friends, professors, and classmates. 

• You will need a SIM card to use your phone in the USA, but not all SIM cards are compatible with all phones or networks. 
• You should check if your phone is unlocked and supports the network frequency bands used in the USA before buying a SIM card. 
• You should also compare different providers and plans before choosing one that suits your needs and budget. Some of the popular providers for international students are T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and Mint Mobile. 
• When choosing a provider and a plan, you should consider the following factors: the coverage area, the call quality, the data speed, the international calling, and the customer service.
   

7. Pack your essentials: Packing is one of the most challenging parts of your pre-departure journey, as you will need to fit everything you need into a limited space and weight. 

• You should pack your essentials, such as clothes, toiletries, medication, and any other items you will need for your studies and your personal comfort. 
• You should also pack a few souvenirs to bring back home, such as photos, magnets, or keychains. 
• To make your packing easier, you should follow these tips: make a list of what to pack, check the weather and the dress code of your destination, use packing cubes or bags to organize your items, roll your clothes instead of folding them, and weigh your luggage before leaving.

By following these insights, you can make your pre-departure journey for studying in the USA more smooth and enjoyable. Remember to start planning early, do your research, get organized, and don't forget to relax and have fun. Studying in the USA is a great opportunity to learn new things, meet new people, and experience a new culture. We wish you all the best for your studies and your adventures.

• Pre-departure 
• USA 

First published date: 31 Aug 2023