Are you an international student moving to the USA? Discover essential tips on securing housing, opening a bank account, setting up internet and utilities, applying for a Social Security Number, getting a Texas ID, and more. Learn how to navigate life in the USA with practical advice on credit cards, on-campus jobs, and buying a car
1. Student ID Card
Make sure to get your student ID card as soon as possible. It’s essential for accessing campus facilities and services.
2. Housing
It’s important to be on a lease for your house or apartment. Don’t try to save money by avoiding a lease—you need a legitimate address. Ask your friends or seniors to refer you to a good place; this could help you save some money.
3. Bank Account
Open a bank account with Chase Bank or Bank of America or wells fargo. Check online for current promotions; sometimes, they offer a $300–$400 sign-up bonus for new accounts. Just search “Chase Bank new account” on Google to see the latest deals.
4. Internet
Get an internet connection set up. Different companies offer various discounts, so ask your seniors for a referral to help you save some money.
5. Electricity
Set up your electricity service. Ask your seniors which provider is best; some companies offer free electricity during certain hours, while others have different perks. Discuss with your seniors before making a decision.
6. Social Security Number (SSN)
If you have an on-campus job, apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Even if you don’t have a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA) position, try to find an on-campus job, like in dining services. Don’t be shy—every kind of work is respected in the USA. Talk to your seniors, department, or international office to find opportunities. An SSN is essential; it will serve as a primary form of identification for your entire life. It is also necessary for building a credit history, which is crucial in the USA for getting loans, buying a house or car, etc. (If you have religious concerns about credit cards, discuss them with an expert before applying.)
7. Learner’s Permit/State ID
After living in Texas for around 30 days, you can apply for a Texas Identification Card. This is highly recommended, as it’s widely accepted for age verification and traveling by air, unlike a student ID. However, consider getting a learner’s permit instead. You can take the required course online for about $35. Search “Texas learner permit online” and buy a course through Google ads to get a cheaper rate.
8. Credit Card (Optional)
International students often start with a Discover credit card (which you can apply for online). Ask your seniors for a referral. If you prefer a Chase or another credit card, visit a branch in person. Limit yourself to one credit card. After about seven months, you will have a credit score. Educate yourself on what a credit score is and why it’s important. (If you have religious concerns, talk to an expert before applying for a credit card.)
8. Car (Optional)
If you’re in the USA, especially in Texas, you’ll need a car. Here, a car is like a necessity; without it, getting around can be challenging. If you haven’t learned to drive yet, here are some tips:
- Get your learner’s permit as soon as possible by taking the online course.
- Go to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and get your permit.
- Ask a senior or local community member to teach you, or find a driving school nearby.
When you’re comfortable driving, you can take your exam at the DMV or a private driving school (which might be more flexible with scheduling but also more expensive).
Buying a car is relatively easy in the USA. If you have a good credit score, approach a local credit union or bank for financing. Payments can be around $300 per month. You can buy a used car, which is often cheaper, but remember that you also need to buy insurance, which may cost between $200–$300 per month depending on the car. We highly recommend full coverage. Talk to your seniors for advice on good insurance options. If you prefer to buy a new car and can afford it, consult with your bank or local credit union. Buying a car in cash is also an option—talk to your seniors or local community members about finding a car without interest.
9. Phone (must)
If you want to save money, consider options like H2O, Mint Mobile, or Boost Mobile. However, if you’re looking for better service quality, Verizon or AT&T are great choices. Joining a family plan with these providers can sometimes offer a more affordable rate
If you need more information on any of these topics, feel free to ask!
10. USPS informed delivery
USPS Informed Delivery is a useful service that lets you see which mail is coming to your mailbox. USPS will send you notifications of incoming mail, helping you stay organized and aware of your deliveries.
https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm
11. Health Insurance (must)
For the first semester, you can take health insurance from your university. If you want a cheaper option, check healthcare.gov to see if your university accepts it, or discuss it with your seniors. https://www.healthcare.gov/
12. Future Plan.
Find out if your degree is a STEM degree and its benefits. If you want to work in the USA, look into the H1B visa. If you plan to stay long-term, check out options like EB2-NIW (focus on publishing good papers), EB3, EB1, or O1 visas. It’s better to learn about these things early, so don’t wait until the last minute.
13. Networking
There’s a saying: “Your network is your net worth.” Try to connect with your local community and create a LinkedIn account. Reach out to professionals in your field or related groups. Also, consider writing articles in addition to publishing research papers.
Do you think we’ve missed anything? Please share your thoughts.