Getting Started as a Student in the United States

Guide

Your first weeks in the U.S. involve getting ready for life both inside and outside of the classroom. This overview walks through some of the most important tasks to prioritize as you’re getting settled in, plus resources to help along the way!

Written by Jennifer Glass, Immigration Coordinator at the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: July, 2026

Academics

As a new student, one of your most important first tasks is meeting your academic advisor. This person is key to you (1) getting registered for classes and (2) importantly, picking classes that actually meet requirements for your degree. It can feel overwhelming at first, facing all the classes there are to choose from, the new registration system you have to navigate, the degree requirements you’re trying to figure out - but your academic advisor is specifically here to help with these very things. Introduce yourself now (if you haven’t already!) and start building this relationship, which will continue to be important throughout your studies.

Other academic tasks may include taking placement tests, submitting final transcripts and diplomas, and choosing courses and enrolling in them through your school’s online system. With your course enrollment, do make sure you’re enrolled full-time, which is required to keep your F-1 or J-1 status. A few essentials:

• Full-time enrollment is typically 12 credits (undergraduate) or 9 credits (graduate), with limits on online courses.

• Only one online course (up to 3 credits) per semester counts toward full-time.

• U.S. grades convert to a 4.0 GPA scale; most schools require above a 2.0.

• International students generally pay out-of-state tuition at public schools.

• The new Loss of D/S regulation limits any academic or program changes for students below the graduate level, and at any time during the academic program for graduate students, unless an exception is approved by SEVP. Check with your DSO or ARO before planning any academic program changes.

• Use tutoring, writing centers, and office hours early and often.

Always coordinate with your international student office before dropping classes that would put your enrollment below full-time.

Healthcare

With the medical system in the U.S. being largely privatized, you’ll want to be prepared for more expensive healthcare here. As much as possible, take care of doctor visits, prescription refills, etc. while you are still home. International Student Insurance put together a helpful introduction video if you would like an overview of the U.S. healthcare system.

Know that many schools have certain immunizations that all new students are required to have in order to attend classes. Check with your school to see what their requirements are. It may be cheaper for you to get required immunizations or easier for you to get access to records of past immunizations you’ve had while you’re still at home. If you are unable to get certain immunizations at home, don’t worry - your school will be able to assist you in getting any missing ones after you arrive on campus.

Most schools will require students to have health insurance because of how expensive healthcare can be in the U.S. Beyond school requirements though, it is also an immigration requirement for the J-1 visa. J-1 students are required by federal regulation to maintain health insurance for their entire stay; F-1 students are strongly encouraged to, and most schools require it.

Finances

Figuring out how you are going to store and access money is critical, since it’s a task that will impact most other tasks. First of all, opening a U.S. bank account will make things like paying your tuition, sending money home, getting paid, etc. all easier. Review the various types of bank accounts available and talk with your school for advice on which banks might be most convenient to work with. Note that usually some amount of cash deposit is required to set up the account.

Once you have a bank account set up, you should be able to move forward with campus finance tasks. For tasks like paying tuition, it’s very important to note your school’s tuition payment deadline. While it may not be possible to meet that deadline due to travel delays or arrival logistics, if you know what the deadline is, then you can at least communicate in advance with the relevant office about the delay to hopefully avoid late fees. Additionally, having your bank account will give you the details needed to set up ‘direct deposit’ so you can get paid if you’ll be working an on-campus job.

Do note that while some banks may ask for a Social Security Number (SSN), it shouldn’t be required for opening an account, since most international students don’t have an SSN at the time of opening an account. You can apply for an SSN only after getting an on-campus job offer or work authorization. Before then, you can ask about an ITIN.

Housing & Transportation

Securing housing is one of the most important pieces to feeling at home in a new place. You may need to plan for temporary housing first; someplace you can stay for a few nights to a few weeks while you are working to secure your permanent housing. Students have found temporary housing through local hostels, through student networks from their schools, and through websites such as Furnished Finder and Airbnb.

For help finding housing, your school will be a critical resource for the local market. Lean on the housing office, international office, and fellow students for recommendations, as well as room or apartment listings. That said, housing scams are real, so be extra careful about any agreements you’re considering before physically being in the U.S. to meet a landlord or visit an apartment.

Once you know where you’ll be living, you can look at your transportation options from there. If buying a car is an option, driving is the easiest form of transportation in most places in the U.S. Each state has its own rules and processes for getting a license though, so check in with your school for the relevant information regarding driving in your state.

Note also that in spite of the dominance of cars in the U.S. it is possible to survive without one (many students do just fine getting around via alternative methods). Check for city and school bus or train systems, as often there are more options than may immediately be apparent. Until you know your local system-specific apps, you can use a general navigation app to find the public transit routes in your area.

Connect!

I know that there is a TON to do right now. But please don’t forget to make a little bit of time to connect! Connect with your new home by exploring where you are - make time each week to learn or experience something new on your campus or in your city. Connect with your new neighbors and colleagues - make time each week for a meal or a walk or another activity with someone you want to get to know better. And connect with yourself - make time each week to reflect on how things are going and how these experiences fit in with your broader goals in coming to the U.S. And then keep connecting and settling in, and let us know how we can support you going forward!