Heading to the U.S. for the Fall 2022 semester? Congratulations — big adventure ahead. This guide collects everything you’ll want to do, bring, and know before you leave: paperwork, visas, health, budgeting, travel, housing, academics, and first-weeks survival tips. I’ll also give practical checklists, sample emails, packing lists, and a simple budget template so you can get out the door with confidence.
Quick note: Policies (especially health and travel rules) changed a lot in 2020–2022. Treat this guide as a practical checklist and planning resource — always confirm the final details with your university’s International Student Office (ISO/ISS), the airline, and official government websites (U.S. Department of State, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, CDC) before you travel.
Before you go — essential documents & admin
Most problems abroad come from missing paperwork. Make a copy of everything, keep originals with you, and store electronic copies in a secure cloud folder.
Must-bring original documents (carry in hand luggage):
- Passport (valid at least 6+ months beyond entry is best)
- U.S. entry visa (F-1 or J-1) stamped in passport
- I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) — signed by your DSO/RO and by you (if required)
- SEVIS I-901 payment receipt (print)
- University acceptance letter and official admission/enrollment confirmation
- Financial support documents (bank statements, scholarship/award letters)
- Transcripts / diplomas (sealed copies if required by school)
- Medical records & vaccination certificates (including COVID vaccination card, if applicable)
- Prescription medicines with doctor’s notes (in English when possible)
- Travel insurance details (if you purchased any)
- Emergency contacts list (family + university)
Electronic copies (cloud + email to self):
- Scans/photos of every document above (PDF or clear photos)
- Passport photo (one saved file)
- Copies of email correspondences with admissions / housing / ISO
Pro tip: Carry backups. Put one set of originals in a small travel pouch close to your carry-on, and store document scans in at least two places (cloud + email).
Timeline: What to do and when (8 → 0 weeks)
8+ weeks before departure
- Confirm visa appointment date and expedite if needed.
- Pay SEVIS fee (I-901) and print receipt.
- Book flight — choose refundable/flexible ticket if possible.
- Apply for student housing (university/leases) and campus meal plans.
- Schedule a medical checkup and get needed vaccines; request copies of records.
- Arrange finances: request any needed bank transfers, notify home bank.
4–6 weeks
- Finalize housing or short-term stay (airbnb / temporary housing) if permanent housing not secured.
- Start packing lists; buy adaptors and basic supplies you can’t find easily there.
- Confirm pre-arrival tasks from university (online orientation, health insurance enrollment).
- If required, apply for on-campus jobs or prepare documents for hiring.
2 weeks
- Print key documents; prepare your travel document folder.
- Notify your mobile provider about travel (if keeping number) and decide on SIM/eSIM plan.
- Check luggage allowances and transit requirements (changing airports may need you to go through security multiple times).
- If you have prescriptions, get enough supply for first 1–2 months and a translated prescription note.
48–72 hours
- Check in online and reconfirm flight times and entry requirements.
- Email your arrival time to ISO / housing office / airport pickup if provided.
- Pack a small “arrival bag” with documents, change of clothes, toothbrush, phone charger, local currency/dollars, and a power bank.
Health & COVID (what to prepare for Fall 2022)
Health rules fluctuated in 2020–2022. By mid-2022 many U.S. universities required COVID vaccinations or had testing/quarantine protocols; others offered accommodation exemptions. Do these steps:
- Check university health requirements — mandatory vaccines, forms, and deadlines. Submit immunization records early.
- COVID vaccine & booster — if your university requires them, bring official proof (paper card + digital photo). Some schools also accept WHO-approved vaccines; confirm specifics.
- Medical insurance — most schools require or offer student health insurance. Buy or enroll before arrival to avoid out-of-pocket hospital costs.
- Medication & prescriptions — bring at least 1–2 months’ supply of prescription meds with the original packaging and a doctor’s letter in English describing dosage.
- Dental/vision — consider a checkup before you leave (most plans don’t cover initial dental work).
- Mental health — many schools provide free counseling for students. Know the contact details for urgent care and campus counseling.
Important: If you are concerned about COVID rules for air travel or entry, verify the CDC and airline pages the day before travel.
Travel & arrival: airports, customs, and what to expect
At passport control
- Expect questions about your program and duration of stay. Be calm, concise, and honest. Typical answers: program name, school, and program start date.
- Present your passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, SEVIS receipt, and acceptance letter. Have copies ready.
Customs
- Declare large amounts of cash (over $10,000) and bring no prohibited items.
- Keep any restricted items (food, plants, seeds) out of carry-on.
Arrival planning
- Share flight itinerary with your ISO and any campus pick-up service.
- If arriving late, let your housing office know — they’ll advise on key pickup or temporary access.
- Carry local currency for immediate needs (taxi, food, SIM); rideshare apps often require a card so have some cash ready.
Housing: on-campus vs off-campus
On-campus pros: easier to meet people, closer to classes, often furnished, campus support, easier for arrivals.
Off-campus pros: cheaper in some areas, more independence, cooking facilities; but you’ll have to handle utilities and leases.
If renting off-campus
- Read the lease carefully — understand utilities, duration, deposit, and subletting rules.
- Ask for a written inventory of furniture and its condition.
- Get renter’s insurance if recommended.
- If signing remotely, use a secure payment method and insist on a clear, signed lease (no wire transfers to unknown accounts).
Sample email to landlord confirming arrival/time
Subject: Arrival details and key pickup — [Your Name], [Property Address]
Hi [Landlord Name],
I will be arriving on [date, time] and would like to confirm key pickup instructions. My flight arrives at [airport] at [time]. Please let me know if that timing works or if I should arrange for a self-check-in. Thank you!
Best,
[Your Name] — [Phone / Email]
Banking, money, and phones
Banking
- Open a U.S. bank account soon after arrival (campus banks make this easy). Bring passport, I-20/DS-2019, university ID, and proof of address.
- Consider a bank that offers student perks and low fees.
- Bring a small amount of USD for immediate expenses and have a plan to transfer larger funds.
Credit & building history
- You’ll start with no U.S. credit history. Apply for a student credit card or secured card later to build credit. Pay bills on time.
- For renting or utilities, you may need a co-signer if you don’t have U.S. credit.
Phones
- Decide between a local SIM, eSIM, or international roaming. Prepaid plans can be very convenient. Major carriers and many MVNOs (Mint Mobile, Visible, etc.) offer student-friendly plans.
- You’ll need an unlocked phone to use local SIMs — check before you depart.
Work & internships (visa basics, quick overview)
On F-1 (student visa)
- On-campus work: allowed up to 20 hours/week during term (full-time in breaks). No SSN required to start but you will need one to be paid — your employer will guide you.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): must be authorized by your school and be integral to your program (pre-completion).
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): post-completion work authorization (apply via USCIS; processing times vary). STEM degrees may qualify for extension.
On J-1 (exchange visitors)
- Work restrictions vary; check with your Responsible Officer (RO) for specifics about on-campus and off-campus employment.
Always consult your International Student Office before accepting paid work. Unauthorized work can jeopardize your visa.
Academics: registering, expectations, and success tips
Before classes
- Review degree requirements and pre-reqs. Register early — classes fill fast.
- Attend orientation and academic advising; advisors can help shape your schedule.
In class
- U.S. classrooms reward participation and critical thinking. Speak up, ask questions, and attend office hours.
- Professors expect academic integrity — understand plagiarism rules and citation styles. Use tools like Turnitin if offered by your university.
- Time management: expect continuous assessment (projects, quizzes, participation) instead of a single final in many courses.
Grading & GPA
- Learn your program’s grading scale and credit policies. Cultural differences around grading and feedback exist; ask for feedback proactively.
Social life, culture shock & mental health
Culture & etiquette
- People are usually direct and punctual for academic settings. Casual openness is common, but respect diversity and boundaries.
- Learn basic U.S. culture norms (tips in restaurants, small talk, personal space). Local norms vary regionally.
Homesickness & mental health
- Expect waves of homesickness. Reach out to campus counseling early if you feel overwhelmed — many schools include counseling in student services.
- Join student clubs, faith groups, sports, and cultural associations to build social support.
Safety & health practicalities
- Register with your university emergency notification system.
- Know campus safety numbers and local emergency numbers (911 in the U.S.).
- Personal safety tips: keep copies of documents, avoid sharing your exact travel details publicly, and keep valuables secure.
- Know where your nearest urgent care and hospital are.
Packing essentials (practical list for Fall)
Documents & electronics
- Documents folder (see above).
- Laptop + charger + universal adapter.
- Phone & charger, power bank, headphones.
- External hard drive or USB with backups.
Clothing & personal
- 2 weeks’ clothes (include layers for variable fall weather).
- Formal outfit for presentations/interviews.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sleepwear, toiletries, small first-aid kit.
- Small sewing kit.
Other useful items
- Reusable water bottle, basic kitchen kit (if off-campus), small towel, umbrella.
- A compact surge protector with USB outlets.
- Medicines + doctor’s note.
First week after arrival — arrival checklist
- Check in with International Student Office — complete any arrival forms.
- Activate local SIM / phone.
- Open bank account.
- Attend campus orientation and meet academic advisor.
- Get student ID card and set up email/online accounts.
- Check health insurance coverage and register with campus health if necessary.
- Find grocery stores, bus routes, and the campus safety office.
- If studying in the U.S. for the first time, find a local pharmacy and clinic.
Sample pre-departure email to your International Student Office
Subject: Arrival confirmation & questions — [Your Name], [Program]
Dear [International Officer Name],
I’m writing to confirm my arrival on [date]. I have accepted housing at [on/off campus] and plan to arrive at [time]. Could you please confirm any arrival check-in procedures I should follow and whether a campus pickup is available? Also, please advise on any orientation sessions I must attend and required health form submissions.
Thank you for your help.
Best regards,
[Name] | [Student ID if known] | [Phone]
Final tips & checklist (last-minute)
- Recheck entry/health rules 24 hours before departure.
- Keep all critical documents in your carry-on.
- Have contact details for ISO, emergency contacts, and your embassy printed and in your phone.
- Be ready to adapt — things like housing dates, orientations, or vaccine policies can shift.
- Practice a short intro: “Hi, I’m [Name], an incoming [program] student, starting [semester]. Nice to meet you.” It’ll be invaluable when you meet roommates, classmates, or faculty.
Closing — you’ve got this
Moving to the U.S. for Fall 2022 is a big step, but preparation removes most of the stress. Follow the checklists above, stay in contact with your university’s International Student Office, and keep copies of everything. If you want, I can now:
- Build a personalized pre-departure checklist based on your country and the U.S. university you’ll attend, or
- Draft a packing list that matches your campus location (Northeast winter vs. Southern mild fall), or
- Create a one-page travel document pack you can print and keep with your passport.
Which would you like me to do next?Think
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