Moving to the United States as an international student can be exciting and full of new chances. Many come to chase dreams in education or work. A big part of success is getting ready well. This includes handling visas, finding a place to live, and learning daily life skills. If you plan to study English in the USA, it helps with classes, jobs, and making friends. Good prep makes the shift smoother and lets you focus on your goals.
Visa Requirements for Your U.S. Journey
Getting the right visa is the first step for any international student heading to the U.S. Most students use the F-1 visa for full-time study. This visa lets you enroll in schools or programs, like those to study English in the USA.
To apply for an F-1 visa, start by getting accepted to a school approved by SEVIS. The school sends you a Form I-20. This paper shows your program details and costs. Pay the SEVIS fee, about $350 as of 2026. Then, fill out the DS-160 form online and set up an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
Bring these items to your interview:
- Valid passport.
- Form I-20 from your school.
- Proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs.
- Ties to your home country, like family or job plans, to show you’ll return after studies.
If you’re already in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, you might change to F-1 status. File Form I-539 with USCIS. This can take months, so plan. Some schools offer help with this process. For example, LANGUAGE ON, a school that teaches English to international students, advises on F-1 visas and status changes. They guide students through steps to match their stay with study plans.
Wait times for visas vary by country. Check the U.S. Department of State website for updates. Enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program starts. At the airport, show your passport, visa, and I-20 to customs officials. They stamp your entry and activate your status.
Packing and Planning Your Move
Once your visa is set, think about what to pack and how to travel. Aim to arrive a week or two early to settle in. This gives time to beat jet lag and explore.
Pack smart for U.S. weather, which changes by region. If heading to Florida or California, bring light clothes. For places like Boston or Washington, DC, pack layers for cold winters. Essentials include:
- Important papers: Copies of passport, visa, I-20, acceptance letter, and health records.
- Money: Some cash in U.S. dollars, plus a credit card that works abroad.
- Electronics: Phone, laptop, adapters for U.S. outlets (Type A or B).
- Medicines: Any prescriptions, with notes from your doctor.
- Clothes and basics: Enough for a few weeks until you shop.
Don’t overpack. U.S. stores have affordable items. Airlines limit bags to 23 kg each, so check the rules. Book flights early for deals. Use apps like Kayak or Google Flights to compare prices.
Upon arrival, get through customs. Declare any food or large cash amounts. Then, head to your school or housing. Many schools offer airport pickups or shuttle info. Use ride-share apps like Uber if needed, but set them up before you land.
Finding Housing and Getting Around
Housing is key to a good start. Options include dorms, apartments, or homestays. Dorms are great for meeting people and are often on campus. They cost $800 to $1,500 a month, including meals sometimes.
Off-campus apartments give more space but need a lease. Look at sites like Craigslist or Zillow. Expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000 monthly, plus utilities. Share with roommates to save. Homestays let you live with a U.S. family, practicing English daily. Costs range from $800 to $1,200, often with meals.
Start your search early. Schools have housing offices to help. Read leases carefully and ask about deposits.
For transportation, cities differ. In big ones like Los Angeles or Boston, use public transit. Get a MetroCard or bus pass. Apps like Citymapper help plan routes. Bikes or scooters are fun for short trips—many cities have share programs.
If you want to drive, get an international permit before coming. After arriving, apply for a U.S. license in your state. Cars are handy in spread-out areas, but add costs like insurance and gas. Walk or bike where possible—it’s healthy and saves money.
Setting Up Key Services for Daily Life
Once settled, set up the basics to feel at home. Start with a bank account. U.S. banks like Chase or Bank of America offer student accounts with no fees. Bring your passport, I-20, and address proof to open one. This helps with direct deposits and avoids high ATM fees.
Next, get a phone plan. U.S. carriers like T-Mobile or AT&T have prepaid options for internationals. Buy a SIM card at the airport or store. Plans start at $30 a month for data and calls. Use Wi-Fi at school to save data.
Health insurance is a must. F-1 rules require it. Schools often provide plans costing $1,000 to $2,000 a year. Check what it covers, like doctor visits or emergencies. Carry your insurance card always.
Other docs include a Social Security number if you plan to work on campus. Apply at a local office with your I-20 and job offer. For taxes, file yearly even if you don’t owe—use Form 1040NR.
Track spending with apps like Mint. Budget for food ($300-500/month), transport ($100), and fun ($200). Shop at discount stores like Walmart for deals.
Adapting to U.S. Culture and Building Connections
Culture shock is common. You might feel homesick or confused by new ways. Give yourself time—it’s normal. U.S. culture values independence, direct talk, and punctuality. People smile a lot and chat casually.
To adapt:
- Join clubs or events at school. This builds friends from diverse places.
- Try U.S. foods like burgers or tacos, but find markets for home comforts.
- Learn customs: Tip 15-20% at restaurants, say “please” and “thank you” often.
- Handle time zones—call home at good times.
Mental health matters. Schools have counselors. Exercise, eat well, and sleep to stay balanced. Holidays like Thanksgiving offer chances to learn traditions.
Integration helps long-term. Volunteer or intern to gain experience. Network on LinkedIn for future jobs.
Why Learning English Matters for Your U.S. Success
Strong English skills open doors in the U.S. They help in classes, chats, and work. For international students, good English eases daily tasks like shopping or doctor visits. It boosts confidence and aids academic goals.
Many arrive with basic English but need more for university or careers. Enrolling in a program to study English in the USA builds fluency. Focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Practice with natives through conversations or groups.
Language schools support this. For instance, LANGUAGE ON specializes in teaching English to international students in the United States. They offer intensive courses for F-1 holders and semi-intensive courses for others. With campuses across Florida like Orlando, Aventura, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach, plus spots in Washington, DC, Boston in Massachusetts, Salt Lake City in Utah, Newark in New Jersey, and partner schools in Los Angeles, students pick spots that fit their lives. This setup lets you study English in the USA while exploring different areas.
These schools give practical tips, like accent work or business English. They also advise on visas, including F-1 processes and shifts from J-1. Small classes mean personal help, speeding progress.
Beyond classes, immerse yourself. Watch U.S. shows, read the news, or join talks. Set goals like passing the TOEFL for university entry. Consistent practice turns English into a tool for success.
Final Tips for a Smooth Transition
Prep work pays off. Research your city—know the weather, costs, and fun spots. Connect with other internationals online before arriving. Groups on Facebook or Reddit share tips.
Stay organized with a checklist:
- Visa and docs: Done early.
- Housing: Booked ahead.
- Budget: Planned monthly.
- English: Classes scheduled if needed.
- Health: Insurance active.
The U.S. offers growth and adventure. With good prep, you’ll thrive. Welcome to your new chapter—make it count.
We hope you found this blog post on Moving to the U.S. as an International Student: How to Prepare, useful. Be sure to check out our post 5 Tips To Adjust In a New Country for more great tips!
Have Experience in the Moving Industry? Want an Additional Income Stream? Work With All Around Moving!
All Around Moving Services shares profits 50%-50% with you from all jobs you book. Partner with us, relocation and moving consultants, and we’ll help you profit as a moving consultant. Click here to learn more.
