Five Steps to Study Abroad in the U.S.: Preparing for Your Departure

Hello readers! In last week’s column, we wrapped up Step 4 of EducationUSA’s “5 Steps to Studying in the US” series. So far we’ve discussed ‘Step 1: Research your options’, ‘Step 2: Fund your studies’, ‘Step 3: Complete your application’ and ‘Step 4: Apply for a student visa’. Today we continue with the first part of the last step, “Step 5: Prepare to go”.

Once the student has completed steps 3 and 4, the student will have to prepare for departure and arrival in the United States. Today’s step is to prepare and complete an arrangement checklist prior to travel based on these categories and tasks:

travel preparation

• Book air tickets according to the university’s NSO (New Student Orientation) for international students. These are usually compulsory courses. If you need a connecting flight, please be aware of time changes when planning your layover!
• Pick-up at US airports can be arranged by:
i) Help from current students at U.S. institutions
ii) Other new international students
iii) Help from the school’s International Student Office
iv) Online pickup services such as Uber or Lyft
v) Airport taxi/shuttle service

packing bag

• Check the baggage allowance policy of the airline of your choice
• Research the average weather conditions in your destination state and pack accordingly
• Avoid packaging restricted items
•Check these websites for guidance—Transportation Security Administration (TSA): www.tsa.gov/travel, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP): www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors

important documents

Valid passport for student visa: Form I-20, financial documents, university acceptance letter, transcript
• Other necessary documents (such as proof of vaccination, etc.)
• Make sure to keep all important documents in a safe place

health check

• Each institution has its own vaccination requirements for incoming international students, so check the university website for details.
• Get vaccinated according to your university’s guidelines and carry proof of vaccination with you
• General health check
• dental checkup
• eye exam
• As students will be traveling abroad, it is best to ensure their health prior to travel

buy health insurance

• The United States requires health insurance, so students should purchase locally valid insurance.

Packaging Prescription Drugs

• Students should bring their medications and prescriptions to the United States.

Set up housing arrangements

Students should arrange for a place to stay between their arrival and when their long-term housing arrangements are available. Students can:
• Seek support from their department
• live with other students at the college or university
• Seek support and/or information from your institution’s International Student Services office
• Seek support and/or information from your institution’s Indian or South Asian Student Association
• Book a room at a hotel or hostel

prepare dollars

• Some options include planning to exchange currency, carrying travelers checks and/or carrying foreign currency cards
• Remember, this is not a complete list. Some people may find that there are other tasks they need that are not listed here.

Next week, we will discuss the entry process.

— US Consulate General in Hyderabad