FIRST STEPS
Before depositing, consider appealing your financial aid package
Hopefully, you’ve already spent time reviewing your financial aid package as part of your process of deciding which university you’d like to attend. A final step that you can consider taking is to appeal your financial aid award. It’s a good idea to consider this if your award doesn’t meet all your financial needs or your financial circumstances have changed since you applied. When appealing, it’s important to understand whether your school offers merit or need based aid (or both) to international students. This step-by-step financial aid guide for international students explains more about the financial aid appeals process. If you do decide to appeal, keep in mind that your appeal may not be successful, but it’s worth a shot!
Submit an enrollment deposit
Submit an enrollment deposit to your chosen university by the May 1 deadline. The deposit lets the university know you definitely plan to enroll. The admissions website for the university will explain how to go about submitting your deposit. If you have high financial need, you may be able to get a deposit fee waiver from the university.
Check your university email
As a former university staff member, I can’t stress this one enough! All of the most important information and resources you need will be sent to your university email account throughout the summer. Some emails will be time-sensitive and require immediate attention. Others will provide critical information to help you prepare for your first semester. If you find that you’re forgetting to check the university email, try setting it up to forward to your personal email or set a reminder on your phone to check your university email every Monday and Thursday, for example.
Make travel arrangements
Before you book your flight, keep the following in mind: 1) You can enter the United States up to 30 days before the start date on your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019). The start date on your document will vary from one university to another, so make sure you look at the start date for the university you plan to attend when booking travel. 2) Usually, the start date listed on the immigration document is the date you’re expected to arrive on campus, but you should confirm this by reviewing both the general orientation website and the international student orientation website for your university.
Keep track of important dates
Move-in day. Course add/drop deadlines. Tuition payment dates. Family Weekend. Fall break. End of semester. Find a calendaring or tracking system that works for you, and make sure you look at it every day or set reminders so you’re notified in advance for important dates.
Write thank-you notes
Acknowledge the teachers and counselors who have supported you throughout the year with the college application and high school process. Handwritten notes are very appreciated but a personalized email can also suffice.
IMMIGRATION
Look for an immigration document
Look for an immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019) from the university, and reach out to the international student office with any questions/concerns.
Complete your visa application
Once you’ve selected the university you plan to attend and you’ve received an immigration document (F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019), you can start preparing for the visa application process. Read more about the visa process here.
Make sure you understand all the benefits and responsibilities of your immigration status
Pay close attention to emails or other communications from the international office at your university!
FINANCES
Accept your financial aid offers
Wait to do this until you’ve heard back about your financial aid reconsideration request, if applicable.
Work out a payment plan for remaining tuition
Work out a payment plan for remaining tuition and other balances on your account after your financial aid awards. Reach out to the financial aid office about payment schedules and options.
Review the rules for any scholarships or honors you were awarded
This might include classes to take, GPA to maintain, if you need to reapply, etc.
Identify banking options and open a checking account
Identify banks that can provide free/low-cost banking options for college students that include access to checking accounts and ATM options. If you’ll be receiving international wire transfers from your family, check with the bank to ask about fees for international transactions. Sometimes, banks will try to tell you that you need a Social Security Number in order to open a bank account. It’s not required, but if they insist, ask them whether a letter from the international office at your university will help in opening a bank account.
Make a budget
Make a budget so you know how much you can spend on entertainment, etc., each week or month. In order to make a budget, it’s important that you understand the true cost of attending college. You can start by reviewing the estimate of expenses provided by your university on its financial aid homepage. This should include cost-of-living estimates.
If you’re interested in working
If you’re interested in working, summer is a great time to look for on-campus jobs. You can start by looking at the Human Resources (or student employment) website and also contact specific offices of interest to you, such as the library or student recreation center. Remember that international students aren’t eligible for work-study jobs. Off-campus jobs are also off limits, typically, for new international students depending on your visa type and how long you’ve been in the United States. Check with the international office if you have questions about off-campus jobs.
Pursue all options that may be helpful in paying for college
Pursue all options that may be helpful in paying for college, including scholarships. Read more about paying for college here.
TRANSCRIPTS
Send your official transcripts to the school you’ve committed to
Remember that your admission is still conditional, meaning the school can still take back its offer, until you’ve proven you’ve passed your classes with the same grades with which you’ve applied and you’ve officially graduated. (Remember that it’s your job to verify that the college received those transcripts. Usually, they’re due June 30, July 1, or July 15).
Send any dual-enrollment transcripts, concurrent enrollment, or college transcripts (official copies) to the college
Again, it’s your job to verify that they’re received.
Send your AP scores to your college
You can choose to do this now and then again later, if you’ve taken AP tests this spring, or you can wait until your AP test scores come in July and send them all together.
COURSE REGISTRATION
Sign up for placement tests
Sign up for any placement tests that might be required, such as foreign language placement. If you're a STEM student, you might have to take a calculus readiness exam. Take any practice tests or review any practice materials before you take each placement exam to maximize your scores. International students are sometimes exempted from the foreign language requirement. Check with your university if its policy on that isn’t clear.
Review the school’s course catalog
Review the school’s course catalog to find out all the policies, classes you’ll need to take, and general education requirements.
Register for classes at orientation
Register for classes at orientation (or at another time depending on the process at your university). Bring with you a copy of your high school transcript, AP scores, college transcripts, or placement test scores to make sure you end up in the right classes. Your advisor can better advise you on classes this way. If registration takes place in the summer, international students are usually given an option to meet with their advisor virtually. Be on the lookout for an email about this, and reach out to the advising office if you don’t hear anything before summer registration begins.
Find out who your advisor is and schedule an appointment with them
Bring any questions you have about classes, classes you need for your major, etc., to this meeting. Sometimes, you’ll have both a major advisor and a general academic advisor. It’s a good idea to meet with both.
Note drop/withdrawal deadlines
Be aware of drop/withdrawal deadlines for classes, in case you need to rework your schedule so you don’t get punished for dropping a class later. Read up in the course catalog for the rules on dropping a class.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
If you need accommodations
Schedule an appointment with the learning differences center or similar center on campus. Have any paperwork ready to submit to them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and advocate for yourself. If you’ve never gotten an assessment, but you suspect that you may have a learning difference, the center can explain options for getting an assessment.
Sign up for any summer sessions or bridge programs, if applicable
If you want a bit more support to help you transition into college life and/or get a few credits out of the way, take a look at these options if they’re available. International students are sometimes given such an option—consider joining as an opportunity to settle in, make some friends, learn about U.S. culture, etc., before classes begin.
Plan out your books and supplies
Look first for used options and/or renting options to save money. (Hint: Wait for your professor to provide the course syllabus to determine how often a book will be used in the course. This could save money if the book isn’t required reading.)
It’s important to understand the academic honesty rules at your university
Don’t assume you know everything about the topic, as new students often get confused by some of the rules. For example, some students are surprised to learn that if you write content for a paper in one class, you can’t necessarily use it for a paper in another class, even though it’s your writing and not someone else’s. Also, different cultures have different rules for academic honesty. Don’t assume you understand everything about the rules, and pay close attention to discussions about academic integrity and plagiarism during orientation or anywhere else that information is provided, such as on your class syllabi.
Understand U.S. academic culture
U.S. academic culture is learner-centered, with a focus on individual expression, personal responsibility, and freedom of choice. Learner-centered classrooms emphasize learning how to apply concepts through participation and classroom discussion among peers. Also, international students often remark on the informal feel of U.S. classrooms and their relationships with their professors. If your current learning environment is more formal and/or teacher-centered, you may need some time to adapt to U.S. academic expectations. Your professors will be a great resource in helping you do this and attending your professors’ office hours is one of the best ways to get such support.
CAMPUS LIFE
Submit your housing application
Pay particular attention to housing deadlines, lists for what you can bring and can’t bring, and deposit information. Don’t be afraid to call the housing office to ask questions. Bonus tip: Be honest on your roommate matching survey. If you’re not a morning person, say so. Once you find out who your roommate is, consider reaching out to them to introduce yourself and start building your relationship. If you do have a conflict with your roommate, keep in mind that U.S. conflict styles emphasize direct communication, which may be quite different from what you’re used to, depending on your cultural background.
Start looking into clubs and organizations you want to join
Some may have information sessions over the summer. Consider contacting organizations you’re especially interested in ahead of the semester since you’ll be busy once you arrive on campus. Over the years, I’ve observed that the international students who get involved in student orgs have an easier time adjusting to U.S. culture. As well, campus involvement helps provide balance to your academics, which can often lead to greater personal and academic success.
Be familiar/start doing research on the various services offered to you on campus
This is something that I always emphasized at international student orientation. Many international students don’t take advantage of the support resources available to them. U.S. universities are highly invested in your success. Take advantage of that! Learn to ask for the help you need - you’ll find that faculty and staff are ready to offer their support. You can start with looking up some of the following resources on your college’s website and reading through what they offer:
Career center
Health center
Counseling center
Financial aid office
Writing center/tutoring center
Library
Disability services center (if you need accommodations)
International student services office
Support resources (First Gen Center, LGBTQI Advocacy Center, Women’s Center, various cultural, racial, religious advocacy offices/groups, etc.)
follow student club and support offices of interest to you
If you use social media, follow student club and support offices of interest to you so you’re informed about any welcome activities they may have at the beginning of the semester.
Select a dining plan
Most freshmen are required to purchase a dining plan from the university because your room won’t typically have a kitchen. Some dining halls have communal kitchens. Select a meal plan based on how frequently you think you’ll eat in the dining hall (for example, you might decide to eat breakfast in your room and only eat lunch and dinner on your dining plan).
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Look into health insurance requirements for international students
Many universities have separate health insurance requirements for international students, and they can be a major source of confusion. Why? In order to protect international students who are studying in an unfamiliar healthcare environment in the United States, many universities require you to purchase their university health insurance policy. They may not allow you to apply for a waiver to use your own insurance from your home country, or they may have very strict requirements for waiving out of it. Ensure you understand the rules for enrolling or waiving out of your university’s health insurance policy, depending on which option you’re interested in. Read more about health insurance here.
Submit a copy of your immunization records by the deadline
Most universities also have specific immunization requirements and exceptions for international students. Some immunizations may not be available for you to receive in your home country, while others may be more easily accessible and cheaper to get at home before you leave for college. It’s best to take care of this before you attend orientation and register for classes. If you don’t, a hold may be placed on your record preventing you from registering for classes.
Collect and make available medical information you might need
Create a list of allergies, past conditions that a doctor should know about, etc. Take a photo of this list, and store it on your phone or in Google Drive, so you always have access to it. Carry a copy of your insurance card in your wallet.
Universities in the United States are focused on promoting the overall health of their students. Overall health involves finding balance and well-being in all areas of your life, not just your academics. Take advantage of the many resources provided to support your well-being, including counseling, mindfulness programs, physical activity, social clubs, etc.
PREPARING FOR LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES
Wrapping up your time at home
Think about how you’d like to spend your last months at home. It may be many years before you live at home again (if ever), so think about how you want to make the most of that time with your family and friends (saying goodbye, intention-setting, etc.).
In addition to the usual items that you’ll be bringing, such as clothes, etc., the following items will be helpful to pack:
Money: Bring enough accessible money (approximately U.S. $900) in cash or debit cards for initial living expenses such as food, household items, and transportation.
Your driver's license/international driver's license: These can be used as alternative forms of ID.
Photographs, souvenirs, music, crafts, videos, picture books, recipes, and clothing from your home country: You can use these items to share your culture with your friends and during campus festivals.
Cultural preparation
Living in a culture that's different from your own can be both an exciting adventure and a challenging process. Regardless of which country you're from, it's common to go through a period of cultural adjustment. Understanding that this adjustment process is normal and getting support with the transition will help you to have a more fulfilling experience, both academically and personally.
Below are some ideas to help you prepare:
Learn about U.S. culture before you leave home. A great resource for this is a website called "What's Up With Culture". See section 1.5.
Stay connected: family and friends will want to stay in touch. Find a balance of connection back home and building new relationships in the U.S.
Think about what has helped you with other transitions in your life. Plan to do whatever works for you (exercise, sleep, eating well, talk to a friend, etc.)
Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate this transition.
Think about how much you plan to find a balance between adapting to U.S. culture and holding on to aspects of your own culture and identity
ARRIVAL & ORIENTATION
Preparing for Customs & Immigration at the airport
The majority of international students traveling through U.S. airports have a smooth experience. However, it’s important to be prepared and know your rights. Preparation includes carrying your immigration documents (passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, proof of SEVIS fee payment) and letter of acceptance from your university with you along with the number for your university’s international office in case you need to reach them. If an immigration officer asks you questions, remain calm and remember you are a valued member of your university’s community.
Arrival support from your university
Some universities will offer a ride from the airport or some kind of assistance when you first arrive. Others, especially in more urban areas, will expect you to use public transport to arrive from the airport. If your university does offer a welcome service, take advantage of it. What a relief it is to see friendly faces after a long journey!
International student orientation
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this article, it’s that international student orientation is an essential part of your success as an international student. In my time as the Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars, I saw students who didn’t attend orientation struggle more than those who did. Don’t skip it! It’s an opportunity to meet the international student advisors who will support you throughout your time at the university, as well as your peers and older students, who often work as orientation assistants. Plus, you’ll get important information about maintaining your immigration status and other matters essential to your success.
Complete immigration requirements
The U.S. government requires your university to report key information about your immigration status. It’s important that you complete any immigration requirements asked of you, especially at the beginning of the semester. Typically, this will involve uploading copies of your passport, visa, and I-20 or DS-2019, as well as inputting your U.S. address. Make sure you do this by the deadline given to you!
Helpful Documents for College Students & Their Families
FERPA (Family Educational and Rights to Privacy Act) Release Form/Waiver: The FERPA release/waiver form is provided to students (18 years or older) who want their designated family members to have access to their academic records, including their transcript, grade reports, financial accounts, or if they want to speak to their academic advisor. You are neither required nor expected to sign the waiver, and it’s not necessary for family members to have access to this information. However, the college will only speak to a family about certain matters if this release form is signed and included in your academic file. Colleges will provide the form if it’s needed.
HIPAA (Health Information Privacy) Authorization: Oftentimes, colleges will ask for this form to be filed when you choose to use the college’s health and wellness resources like the Health Center or Counseling Center. This signed authorization will allow a family member to inquire about any medical issues that might come up and give access to speak to your medical care providers in case of an emergency. If you’re attending college out-of-state, it’s best to fill out the HIPAA form for both states. Colleges will provide the form if it’s needed.
Psychiatric Advance Directive: If you’re under psychiatric care at the time you’re attending college, it’s recommended that family members get a directive in case you have a psychiatric emergency. This will allow a designated person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. The directive empowers you to determine your care team in case you face a crisis and need support.
Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Proxy): This will allow a parent/family member to make medical decisions for you in case of a medical emergency if you’re unable to help in your own medical care. If you’re attending college out-of-state, a healthcare proxy form should be available for the home state and the state where your college is located (available online or in consultation with legal aid).
Durable Power of Attorney: This form allows a designated person to access your bank accounts, credit cards, file a tax return, or handle other financial matters. Both this form and the medical power of attorney are helpful to have available in case of emergency. If you’re provided the opportunity to travel during college, especially overseas, documents like these are very important to have (available online or in consultation with legal aid).
Living Will: If you have assets or play a fundamental role in the care of younger family members and you’ve been designated as a guardian of a minor, having a legal document that states who should receive the assets and/or how the minor child/children should be cared for in case of death is very important. There are templates available online that can be filled out, but they must be notarized in order for them to be considered legally valid.
Special thanks to Dana Ponsky for contributing to this blog post.
Written by Kristy Magner, IEC and founder of Magner Consulting. Kristy has worked with international students for over 20 years, most recently as the Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars at Tulane University. Aside from her professional experience, she personally knows the challenges and rewards that come with moving to a new place, having lived and traveled abroad extensively, and she works closely with her students to ease their transition to college. Outside of work, one of Kristy’s greatest sources of joy is playing and listening to music and, luckily for her, she lives in one of the world’s most musical places: New Orleans, LA.
