There are plenty of reasons you should study in the United States. Aside from high-quality education, you may find better opportunities there compared to your homeland. However, flying off to a foreign country by yourself can be a scary endeavor. Still, if you are decided about going to the U.S. to study, you need to keep your eyes open at all times, especially during the first few months. Tourists often attract a lot of attention from petty thieves. Here are a few tips to help you survive:
Learn the U.S. Visa at All Costs
Securing a visa should be your priority. You need to learn all the quirks that come with your travel permit. Depending on the length of your study, you will need a visa that would allow you to stay over 90 days. Get an F1 visa, which is dedicated to helping international students receive long-term education, as soon as possible. Secure your travel permit to avoid delays and familiarize yourself with its limitations and requirements to prevent possible deportation.
Secure Your Safety
Aside from being an international student, you are also a tourist. You will become a target for petty thieves the moment you step off the airport. Before you move, secure the place you are going to stay in and make sure that it is a safe neighborhood. You must also consider accessibility. Public places can help you avoid attention. You must also be aware of where the security establishments are. Memorize the routes to the police station, hospital, and mall to ensure your safety. When you start making friends at your university, you can ask for tips on how to stay safe. Even if you are beginning to feel comfortable with your living situation, you should never let your guard down.
Handle Your Expenses Well
The cost of living in the U.S. will be different from your native country. Most international students fail to anticipate high living expenses, which can put them in serious debt. The moment you arrive, you need to set up a bank account to help manage your finances. Come up with a strict budget until you start to get comfortable. Most international students try to find a part-time job, in addition to their parents’ financial support. Your budget must include rent, utility bills, daily food allowance, emergency fund, and savings. You can also apply for health insurance for foreign students in the USA to help you anticipate expensive medical bills.
Seek Support
Universities often have an international office to help international students adjust. An international office has a team of professionals that can help answer whatever questions you have about living and studying abroad. Many universities also offer some financial support or educational support service for international students. You need to make the most of such services to help you adjust to life in the U.S.
Living alone in the U.S. may be a scary journey, but it is also a good learning experience. You will need time to adjust to the foreign country, but the survival guide can help make your life-changing move more comfortable.
