Researching
U.S. colleges and universities and deciding which school to attend are
complicated processes. Once you've decided which school to attend and
have been accepted, there is a lot you must do to prepare for your trip.
Contact the closest
U.S. Overseas Educational Advising Office as
you make your plans. Staff at these offices, operated by the U.S.
Department of State, can provide guidance on topics such as admissions
procedures and financial planning. Advisors at these offices work with
the consular officials who approve visas.
Apply for
a student visa. To apply for a student visa, you must show that you
have been admitted to a U.S. college or university; you must also
provide proof of English proficiency and proof of finances for your
stay in the United States. You can apply for a student visa once you
receive the I-20 or DS-2019 form from your chosen school. Student visa
application packets are available from
U.S. embassies and consulates, as well as at many U.S. Educational Advising Centers. A wealth of information about visas is available at
Destination USA. This Web site offers information in five languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish).
Gather,
update, and apply for, as necessary, other important paperwork: a
passport issued by your home country; certificates of immunization and
vaccination; and certified copies of your secondary and postsecondary
transcripts.
Research health insurance options, and
select a plan. Take with you copies of important medical records, and
have your doctor write any necessary prescriptions in English.
Make
travel arrangements. Purchase the necessary tickets and obtain maps of
the area surrounding your school. Learn how to get to your school from
your arrival point. Consider scheduling your arrival for a week before
orientation; this will allow you time to begin adjusting to your new
surroundings.
Contact the international student
office at your university to confirm important dates, such as
orientation for international students (not all universities hold such
events), registration deadlines, and the first day of class.
Finalize
housing arrangements with your university. If you arrive in advance of
the academic year, make temporary housing arrangements; this will
typically mean staying in a hotel until university housing is
officially open.
Organize your finances. Open an
account with a U.S. bank, and transfer the appropriate funds. Make any
deposits or payments due at your university.
