S u p por

EducationUSAb

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eU.S. D e p art m entofto Studyin the United States

4

GETTING READY TO GO: PRACTICAL INFORMATIONFOR LIVING AND STUDYING IN THE UNITED STATES

If You Want to Study in the United States: Getting Ready to Go

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
U.S. Department of State

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Editor: Coleen Gatehouse
Cover Design: Rolando Ribera
NOTE: Inclusion of a website or publication in this booklet does not indicate recommendation or approval by the
U.S. Department of State; it is for information purposes only. Listings of websites and publications are aselection only and should not be considered a complete list of those available.

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If You
Want
to

Study
in theUnitedStatesBooklet 4
Getting Ready to Go

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Acknowledgments
This four-booklet series, published under the title If You
Want to Study in the United States, was produced by the U.S. Department of State’s Educational Information and Resources
Branch. The booklets are also available on the Internet at
http://www.educationusa.state.gov. This current edition isan updated version of the original project coordinated by
Evelyn Levinson in 2000-2001. The update project wasadministered by the College Board Office of International
Education through a cooperative agreement with the U.S.
Department of State. Carol Blythe and Janine Farhat thankColeen Gatehouse for her organization and editing andRolando Ribera for his cover design.
The Department of State wishes to thank the following
individuals from around the world who contributed theirtime, expertise, and talents to this series:
Kathleen Alam
Evelyn Levinson
Ellen Badger
Amy Lezberg
Martin Bennett
Diana Lopez
Louise Cook
Ted Mashima
Juleann Fallgatter
Michael McCarry
Julia Findlay
Beryl Meiron
Judy Freudenberger
Martyn J. Miller
Coleen Gatehouse
Terhi Molsa
Nancy Gong
Barbara Nichols
Joanna Graham
Roberta Paola
Sharon Grodzielanek
Dawn Piacentino
Sandarshi Gunawardena
Rohayma Rateb
Linda Heaney
Laura R. Ruskaup
Lisa Henderling
Sohair Saad
Lia Hutton
Jaylene Sarrasino
Judith Irwin
Bethany Shaw
Michelle Johnson
Sharon Snyder
Rekha Kalle
Karen Solinski
Nancy Keteku
Peter Storandt
Ann Kuhlman
Rosalie Targonski
Gaston Lacombe
James Vaseleck
Carolyn Lantz
JoAnn deArmas Wallace
Maria Lesser
Harold Woodley
2

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Preface
Getting Ready to Go: Practical Information for Living andStudying in the United States is one of a series of four introductory booklets produced by the U.S. Department of Stateto provide objective and practical advice to prospective international students and scholars on studying in the UnitedStates. The booklets may be downloaded from the Internet
at www.educationusa.state.gov, and print copies are available at EducationUSA advising centers worldwide. To findthe center nearest you, contact a U.S. embassy or consulate,or consult the list available on the EducationUSA website.
The four booklets cover the following areas:

Undergraduate Study
How to choose and apply to U.S. bachelor’s and associatedegree programs, plus information on technical and vocational educational opportunities in the United States.

Graduate and Professional Study and Research
How to research and apply to U.S. master’s, doctoral degree, and postdoctoral programs, plus information on certification and licensing procedures for professionals who wish
to further their education or practice in the United States.

Short-Term Study, English Language Programs,
Distance Education, and Accreditation
Information on opportunities to study in the United States
for up to one year, plus an overview of studying toward a
degree, diploma, or certificate from outside the UnitedStates through distance education programs. The booklet
also includes detailed information on accreditation of U.S.
higher education institutions.

Getting Ready to Go: Practical Information for Living
and Studying in the United States
Help with planning your move to the United States after
you have been accepted to a U.S. university or college. Thisbooklet provides advice on applying for a visa, moving to theUnited States, and what to expect when you arrive on campus.
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The United Sta te

4

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ta tes of America

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Contents
Introduction		
Chapter 1

11

Sources of Predeparture Helpand Information

12

Chapter 2

Predeparture Planning

14

Chapter 3

The Student Visa
— A General Overview

25

EducationUSA Advising Centers
International Student Advisers
Useful Websites
Documents to Bring
Legal Documents
Certificates of Immunization
and Vaccination
Prescriptions for Medicationand Eyeglasses
Medical and Dental Records
Academic Documents
Contact Information
Financial Issues
Budgeting for Your Stay
Arrangements with Your Bank
Travel and Settling-in Costs
Monetary Restrictions
Insurance
Health Insurance
Academic and Language Preparation
Typing Skills and Computer Literacy
Language Skills
Predeparture Checklist
Useful Websites

What is a Visa?
Visa Types
Student and Exchange Visitor
Program (SEVP)
Applying for a Student or
Exchange Visitor Visa
The Visa Application Process
Planning Ahead for the Visa Process,Not Just Your Academic Admission
Applying for a Visa — Key Points to 		
Keep in Mind
Where to Apply for Your Visa

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Contents
When to Apply for Your Visa
Important Points to Remember When
Applying for a Student Visa
Visa Refusals
Some Visa Don’ts
Additional Information about Visasand Entering the United States
Useful Websites
Chapter 4

Traveling to and Arriving in the
United States

34

Beginning Your U.S. Education

47

Planning Your Journey
When to Travel
Making Travel Arrangements
Travel Agencies
Travel Clubs and Charter Organizations
Travel Arrangements Made bySponsoring Organizations
Packing Your Bags
Airline Baggage Allowance
What to Bring
Protecting Your Baggage
Shipping Additional Items
Arriving in the United States
Correct Time in the United States
U.S. Immigration
U.S. Customs
Travel to the University
Connecting Flights
Shuttle Services
TrainsBuses
Renting a Car
Overnight Accommodations
Arriving at the University
Useful Websites
Chapter 5First Days at the University
The Academic Year
The Academic Program
The Academic Adviser
Course Registration
Campus and Department Orientation

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Contents
EducationUSA Orientation Programs
Professors
Study Skills
The Honor CodeCheating
Plagiarism
Useful Websites
Chapter 6

Housing

55

Chapter 7

Practical Information for
Everyday Living

61

Temporary Accommodations
Campus Housing
Off-campus Housing
Apartments
Off-campus Dormitories
Cooperative Residence Halls (“Co-ops”)
Living with a U.S. Family
Cafeteria and Meal Plans

Money Matters
U.S. Currency
Opening a Bank AccountAutomatic Tellers and 24-Hour Banking
Online Banking
Checking Accounts and Checks
Savings Accounts
Debit Cards
Prepaid Debit Cards
Credit Cards and “Buying on Credit”
Tipping
Telecommunications
Telephones
Telephone Numbers
Emergency Numbers
Long Distance Calls
Calls to Foreign Countries
Prepaid Calling Cards
Cellular or Mobile Phones
Internet Phone Calls
Public (“Pay”) Phones
Internet and E-mail Services
Text Messaging
U.S. Postal Service
Mailing Address
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Contents
Post Offices
Postage Rates
Post Office Boxes
Health and Wellness
Campus Health Clinics
Family Medical Care
Shopping
Common Types of U.S. Stores
Eating Out
Transportation
Public Transportation
Cars
BicyclesMotorcycles
Leisure Travel
Airlines
TrainsBuses
Personal Safety
Clubs and Sports
Clubs
Cultural Activities
SportsArrangements for Dependents
Who May Join You
Schools for ChildrenChild Care
Activities for Spouses
Useful Websites
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Adjusting to a New Environment

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9

Language Problems
Culture ShockSocial Customs
Greetings
Use of Names
Friendliness and Friendships
Social Invitations
Dating and Relationships
Personal Hygiene
If an Emergency Occurs at Home
Useful Websites

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Contents
Appendices

10

Glossary of Terms

82

Additional Resources

93

Index

94

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Introduction
Congratulations — you are about to leave to study in the
United States! With all the changes you are about to experience, this is probably both an exciting and an uncertain
time for you. Getting Ready to Go: Practical Information for
Living and Studying in the United States provides important
information to help make your experience in the UnitedStates the best it can be.
From resources to help you prepare before you leave, toguidance on what you will need during your trip to theUnited States, to advice on aspects of everyday life as a U.S.
student or exchange participant, the information in thisbook will be useful to you throughout your experience. The
more you prepare, the easier your transition will be, and themore you will profit from your time in the United States.
Good luck!

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Sources of Predeparture Help
Chapter 1 andInformation

		Sources ofPredeparture
		 Help and 			Information
In planning your move to theUnited States, you may wish toseek assistance from a professional international student adviser.
This kind of help is available from
EducationUSA advising centersworldwide, as well as from international student advisers at colleges and universities throughout
the United States.
EducationUSA AdvisingCenters“It is difficult to overestimate
the help and support I got fromthe advising center. The center
was my first and primarysource of information about theAmerican educational system.
12

The books, magazines, and theInternet access at the centerproved extremely useful, andthe staff assisted me very muchin achieving my goals.”— Business student from Russia

Choosing the best program foryou will require commitment andcareful planning, but nearly 450
EducationUSA advising centersworldwide are ready to help youwith information and advice.
These centers have directories,
program guides, and admissions
test information, as well as trained
educational advisers who want tohelp you and your family with theprocess of choosing and applying
to programs. Some centers run

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Sources of Predeparture Help
Chapter 1 andInformation

events like college fairs or seminars. Introductory information in
the form of video or group presentations, website access, and independent resource libraries is available free of charge, but payment
may be required at some centers
for additional services.
All EducationUSA advising centers are supported by the U.S.
Department of State, with thegoal of providing objective information on the range of study
opportunities available in the
United States; however, thenames of the centers and the organizations that run them vary fromcountry to country. To locate thecenter nearest you, contact yourclosest U.S. embassy or consulate,or consult the list available on the
EducationUSA website http://
www.educationusa.state.gov.
International Student
Advisers

Office, or department with a similar name, and is the person responsible for your orientation on arrivaland for helping with visa and tax
issues. If there is no official international student adviser at yourcollege or university, there will
be some other person assigned towork with international students,
at least on a part-time basis.
When you receive your acceptance letter, you should receive
the name of the international
student adviser or a person who
acts in this capacity. If no nameis listed, ask your admissions officer or check the school’s website.
Be sure to let your adviser know
when you plan to arrive in the
United States so that he or she
can plan to meet you and makesure that the appropriate person
reports your arrival to the Department of Homeland Security.
Useful Websites

On almost all U.S. university campuses, the international student adviser (ISA) is the main source of assistance, advice, and other personal
support you might need while you
are in the United States. You may
also wish to contact the ISA before
you depart if you have questions
about preparing for your trip or
what you might need when you arrive on campus. The ISA is usuallybased in an International Student

EducationUSA
http://www.educationusa.state.gov
If You Want to Study in the UnitedStates On-line
http://www.educationusa.info/pages/
students/research-references-study.php
Directory of EducationUSA AdvisingCenters
http://www.educationusa.state.gov(Click on “Find an Advising Center.”)

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Chapter 2 Predeparture Planning		Predeparture
			 Planning
Documents to Bring
Plan to bring any important documents that relate to your legal,
medical, and academic history
with you to the United States.
Carry all important documentswith you while traveling to theUnited States and once you arrive; do not put them in your suitcase. Do not loan or give themto anyone unless that person canshow some form of identification
stating that he or she is authorized
to receive them.
Legal Documents
As a foreign national entering
the United States, you must have14

the following documents, which
define your legal status. You willneed them to enter and stay in the
United States, and to reenter if
you leave the country at any point
during your exchange experience.
It is important that you keepthese documents valid at all times.
• valid passport issued by yourcountry (must not expire for atleast six months beyond yourentry date);• nonimmigrant visa stamped
inside your passport by a consular officer of a U.S. embassy
or consulate (see chapter 3 fordetailed instructions on how toapply for a visa);

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Chapter 2 Predeparture Planning• Certificate of Eligibility (I-20
or DS-2019 form);• Arrival-Departure Record (I-94
form): you will most likely receive your I-94 on the airplane.
Fill it out and be prepared togive it to the immigration officer who assists you when you
arrive at the airport (see chapter 3 for more information anda sample I-94 form).
It is also a good idea to bring an
official copy of your birth certificate, as you may need it when
applying for various forms ofidentification and other documents in the United States. If you
are married and your spouse willaccompany you, bring a copy ofyour marriage certificate or other proof of marriage. Be sure toobtain notarized translations ofthese certificates if they are not inEnglish.
Certificates of Immunization
and Vaccination
Most U.S. colleges and universities have specific immunization
requirements you must meet
before you can enroll in class.
These often include proof of
immunity to measles, mumps,
and rubella. Many schools also
require either a recent (within
six months to a year) PPD skintest or chest x-ray to screen fortuberculosis infection. Check
with your international student
adviser if you have questions.
While requirements vary fromschool to school, one useful way
to record and keep track of yourimmunizations is to use the standard “International Certificate
of Vaccination or Prophylaxis”
issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). This yellow
card should be available fromyour doctor or from the publichealth service in your country.
For more information, visit
the World Health Organization homepage on international
travel and health at http://www.
who.int/ith/.
Prescriptions for Medicationand Eyeglasses
When you enter the UnitedStates, you must declare any
medications you are carrying to
the customs officials at your portof entry. Certain drugs may not
be brought into the country. If
you have questions, check with
the U.S. embassy or consulate before you leave home. If you takeprescription medicine on a regular basis, bring a sufficient supply
and a copy of the prescription,
written in English. If you dependon eyeglasses, it is a good idea tobring an extra pair, if possible,
and a copy of your eyeglass prescription, written in English.

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Chapter 2 Predeparture Planning

Medical and Dental Records
If possible, bring detailed andup-to-date medical and dental
records for you and any dependents traveling with you. These
records should reflect recent visits to health care professionals
for general examinations, blood
tests, dental and eye checkups,
x-rays, and other procedures.
This will help your U.S. doctors
better understand past diagnoses and treatments, and help you
avoid paying to repeat tests in the
United States.
Academic Documents
Bring official transcripts fromsecondary schools, colleges, or
universities, as well as syllabi,
catalogs, bulletins, course descriptions, or other relevant materials
issued by the school you attended
most recently. These records canhelp the Admissions Office andacademic departments if questions arise concerning academic
credit or placement in courses atyour U.S. college or university.
Contact Information
Be sure to carry the name, address, and telephone number ofthe individual at your U.S. university to contact in case of a travel
delay or emergency. Also include
the name, address, and telephone
16

number of a contact person athome and the name, address, andtelephone number of your country’s embassy or consulate in the
United States and/or anotherentity, such as an educational mission or sponsoring agency.
Financial Issues
Budgeting for Your Stay
When figuring out how muchmoney you will need to financeyour stay, look at the cost estimates that appear on the I-20 or
DS-2019 form that accompanies
your letter of admission. Theseestimates are usually accurate, andinternational students are expected to have funds to cover the fullamount shown. You might also
ask your international student adviser, an EducationUSA adviser,or your sponsor for advice on how
much money you will require. Use
the list below to guide you as you
prepare your budget.
Tuition and Fees: Tuition, fees,and other educational costs vary
greatly. To understand these costs
and your financial obligations,check your I-20 or DS-2019
form and study the admissions
material from your university
or college. If you have questions,ask the Admissions Office, yoursponsor, or your international
student adviser.

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Chapter 2 Predeparture Planning

Living Costs: University catalogs
and websites are good sources of
information on current living
costs. Your EducationUSA advising center may also have information on the latest monthly living
expenses by city or institution.
Be sure to take into account theextra expenses of vacation periods. Most university dormitories
and eating facilities close during breaks, which means you willneed to pay for a place to stayand for your meals if your school
does not keep a dormitory open
for students who are unable to go
home. Ask your international student adviser about what to expect
so you can make appropriate arrangements.
Travel Insurance and Health
Insurance: You will need travel
insurance to cover the trip fromyour home to your U.S. campus.
You will also need health insurance for the duration of yourstay in the United States. Healthinsurance plans vary in cost. (See“Health Insurance” later in thischapter.)
Baggage Insurance: Baggage insurance protects you against loss,
damage, or theft of your baggage.
It is reasonably priced and available at travel agencies and airport
kiosks. If a piece of your luggage islost, immediately file a claim at theairline’s desk at the airport. It is agood idea to write down the nameof the person who helps you andthe work address and telephone
number where you can reach him
or her later. The airline will try tolocate the bag (which may simply
have been routed to the wrong
destination) and will send it toyour U.S. address when it is found.
The airline will pay to you replace
the bag if it is not found after acertain length of time.
Books and Supplies: Students in
the United States must buy their
textbooks, which can be very expensive. Most institutions haveon-campus bookstores where you
can buy new books or purchaseused books at a lesser cost. (Youmay also be able to sell your books
back to the bookstore at the endof a semester at partial value.) The
cost of textbooks and supplies
varies depending on your field ofstudy. Liberal arts students can
expect to spend as much as $800
a year for textbooks. If you areplanning to study in a field that
requires special supplies, such asengineering, art, or architecture,
your expenses are likely to behigher. Books and textbooks forengineering students may cost an
additional $250 to $350 per year,
and books for medical, pharmacy,
and law students are often evenmore expensive. You may also be
required to buy or obtain access toa personal computer.

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Chapter 2 Predeparture Planning

Transportation: The living costs
quoted by most universities do notinclude trips between the UnitedStates and your home country. Be
sure that your annual budget includes expenses for return travel
between your home country andyour school. If you plan to live
off campus and commute to theuniversity, you should add in yourcommuting expenses.
Communications: Budget carefully for communications such as
telephone calls and postage.
Personal Expenses: Personal expenses include the cost of clothing, toiletries, and other basic
goods and services. If you havedependents — a spouse and/or
children — or if you have special
medical needs, you will need substantial additional funds to meetyour living expenses. Most institutions can provide an estimate ofstudents’ basic costs.
Incidentals: Consider your personal needs such as laundry, stationery, photos, dining out, andentertainment.
Travel: If you intend to travel,
remember to include the cost of
your trips.
Taxes: If you are receiving a scholarship or assistantship from yourU.S. university, keep in mind that18

the federal and state governments
usually tax these awards. Income
or awards from your home country may also be taxable.
Arrangements with Your Bank
Before you travel to the UnitedStates, contact a major bank inyour home city. Find out how you
can have additional money sent toyou while you are in the UnitedStates. It is usually safest to havemoney sent electronically fromyour home country bank to yourU.S. bank once you have opened a
U.S. account. (See chapter 7 for information on opening a U.S. bankaccount.) Ask what the fees arefor transferring money and how
long it might take for the money
to reach you. Be sure to get any information you will need to transfer
funds to the United States, such as
your international bank accountnumber and the bank’s identifier
code (BIC or SWIFT).
Travel and Settling-in Costs
Before you leave, determine howmuch money you will need during the first few weeks of yourstay in the United States. You will
likely need funds to pay your firstsemester tuition fees, plus roomand board if you plan to live in adormitory. If you plan to live off
campus, you will need money forapartment and (possibly) utility

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Chapter 2 Predeparture Planningdeposits, living expenses while you
look for housing, and for transportation. Your international student adviser can help you assess
the costs of living off campus. You
will also have expenses for books,
school supplies, and fees.
You should have $100 to $200 insmall cash denominations ($20,$10, $5, $1) to use for things liketaxis, meals, and telephone calls
during your journey. You canchange U.S. paper money into
smaller denominations and coinsat almost any store, but small storesand vendors may have difficultychanging bills larger than $20. Do
not carry large amounts of cash,
since it can be easily lost or stolen.
Since it may take several weeks toopen a bank account and transfer
funds from your home countrybank, you will need to plan ahead.
If you have a bankcard from yourhome country, find out if it is valid
in the United States. If it is, youwill not need to carry as muchmoney with you when you travel.
If you do not have a bankcard, or
your card is not valid in the United States, you will need to carrymoney with you. If you must carrylarge sums of money, it is probably
safest to purchase a prepaid debitcard or use traveler’s checks.
Prepaid debit cards are accepted
instead of cash by most U.S. busi-

nesses. When you buy a prepaid
debit card, you pay a specificamount of money, which is added
to your account. You may then use
the card to make payments until
your card balance is zero; if you
wish to continue to use the card,
you must add more money to thebalance or purchase a new card.
If you cannot purchase a prepaid
debit card in your home country
or online, you can find them inmost U.S. airports. (See chapter 7
for more information on prepaid
debit cards.)
While less convenient than ATM
or debit cards, traveler’s checks
are also a safe way to carry money while traveling, since they are
insured against theft, loss, anddamage. With proper identification, you can cash them easily inmost U.S. stores. You can purchase traveler’s checks from travel
agents and in most banks. At thetime of purchase you will be asked
to sign your name on each traveler’s check. Sign each check once,
as directed. When you cash eachcheck, sign it a second time toverify that you are the person towhom the check was issued. Sign
your name as it appears on yourpassport, “in English.”Monetary Restrictions
The U.S. government does not
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Chapter 2 Predeparture Planning

rency a nonresident, noncitizen
may take or send to the UnitedStates for educational expenses.
It does require, however, that individuals report the transfer (intoor out of the country) of cash orother financial instruments valued at $10,000 or more. Ask the
U.S. embassy or consulate in yourcountry for more information
about this requirement.
Many countries do have currency
exchange restrictions. If yourcountry has such restrictions, you
may have to request permission totake currency out of the country.
For more information, contact
the government office that issues
passports in your home country.
Insurance
Below is a list of the insurance you
should have while in the UnitedStates. Your international student
adviser can help you find more information about each type.
• Health insurance: provides
coverage for medical care in the
United States. More detailed
information about health insurance, including the types of insurance available, is below.
• Travel insurance: covers you
during your journey from yourhome country to the UnitedStates.
20• Life insurance: insures yourlife. If you should die, benefits
are paid to the person you nameas your beneficiary.
• Personal property insurance:
insures items you bring to theUnited States against loss, theft,or damage. It is not advisable tobring expensive jewelry or othervaluable personal belongings
with you to the United States.
• Automobile insurance: covers
your automobile and injuries topersons in the event of an accident. If you buy an automobile
in the United States, most statesrequire that you carry automobile and liability insurance. If
you rent a car, you can pay a
supplemental fee for insurance
coverage, or your personal car
insurance/credit card company
may cover your use of the rental.
Health Insurance
The United States does not have agovernment medical plan or healthcare service that covers the whole
population. Instead, most people
have private health insurance.
The U.S. Department of Staterequires students on J-1 exchange
visitor visas to have insurance
that covers health and accidents,
medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. The U.S. govern-

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Chapter 2 Predeparture Planningment has no specific health insurance requirements for students
on F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrantvisas. However, most educational
institutions require international
students to prove they have a certain amount of health insurance(determined by the university)
before they are allowed to enroll
in classes.
Although you can purchase healthinsurance in your home country,
many plans will not adequately
cover your health care needs during your stay in the United States.
Many U.S. health care providers
are also reluctant to bill foreign
insurance companies for healthcare charges. They prefer to receive payment directly from thepatient and let the patient seek
reimbursement from the foreign
insurance company. Unless you
are certain that the policy is equal
to or better than the policies of
U.S. health care insurance companies, and that your home-country health insurance policy can bebilled in the United States, you
should probably purchase healthinsurance after you arrive in the
United States.
If your university or colleges does
not offer its own health insurance
plan, you will need to obtain coverage from an outside source. Ask
your international student adviser
for more information.

Academic and Language
Preparation
If you do not have solid academic skills, particularly those that
relate to your field of study, you
may take longer to adapt to thepace and demands of university
work in the United States. Ask
your current teachers and advisers to evaluate your academic
strengths and weaknesses and forsuggestions on how to improve
the weaker skills before coming
to the United States. Review
your school’s catalog for detailed
information on the instructional
facilities and teaching resources,
as well as the course requirements and descriptions, so you
know what to expect when you
arrive on campus. Most schools
post their catalogs online, andmany EducationUSA advisingcenters have copies of college
and university catalogs in theirlibraries.
If you have been admitted
conditionally or as a “special
student,” you must fulfill certain
requirements before you will beconsidered a degree candidate.
Review the terms stated inyour admission letter and talkto your EducationUSA adviser
and international student adviser
about what will be expected ofyou.

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Chapter 2 Predeparture Planning

Typing Skills and Computer
Literacy
Learn to type on a computer withan English-language keyboard before you come to the United States.
Many university courses require
written assignments that must be
typed. You may also have to prepare a typed thesis or dissertation,
especially if you are a graduate student. In engineering, mathematics,
or fields that use statistics, you will
most likely have to use computers
to work on complex problems.
You may also need computer skills
to use the school’s library. Somecolleges and universities require
all students to purchase a personal
computer, and many offer informal computer courses at the beginning of each semester.
Language Skills
Most academic institutions in the
United States require international students to take an Englishlanguage examination such as theTest of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing
System (IELTS). Some schools
require a second institutional
English proficiency exam before
students are allowed to registerfor classes.
Students who speak English well
do not always write English well.
22

Even native English speakers often need assistance with reading
and writing for academic purposes. If you can read and write
English easily and have a good vocabulary, it will be easier to study
and to finish assignments on time.
Lectures are the most common
method of instruction in U.S. colleges and universities. Professors
will not reduce their normal lecture speed to accommodate you.
You must be able to understandEnglish well, and you must be able
to take notes easily on the facts,
ideas, and references presented in
lectures.
To increase your proficiency andachieve greater success in yourstudies, take advantage of every
opportunity to improve yourlanguage skills before coming to
the United States. Speak English
as often as possible, read English-language publications, andconsider joining a class or study
group to practice. You might also
get acquainted with U.S. pronunciation and slang by watching
television and movies or listening to music and radio programsfrom the United States.
Predeparture Checklist
The following checklist should
serve as a guide as you prepare toleave for the United States:

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Chapter 2 Predeparture Planning• Once letters of acceptance orrejection arrive, decide which
university to attend, notify the
Admissions Office of your decision, and complete and return
any required forms. Notify
those institutions you will notattend and return any official
forms you will not use.
• If you are being sponsored, notify the sponsoring organization ofyour plans and ask about the arrangements for your trip. Contact the nearest EducationUSA
advising center for predeparture
information and a schedule oforientation programs.
• Request information about
health insurance and enroll in asuitable plan.
• Obtain certified copies of yoursecondary and postsecondarytranscripts, along with detailed
descriptions of your courses andthe books used.
• Obtain copies of important
medical records, x-rays, andprescriptions. Have prescriptions written in English in generic terms.
• Check to see that your passport
is valid.
• Apply to your nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate for a visa

after you receive your I-20 or
DS-2019 form and well in advance of your departure date.
(See chapter 3 for detailed information on applying for a visa.)• Contact the International Student Office with details of yourarrival plans and to confirm thedetails of new and/or international student orientations.
• Find out how to get to yourschool from your point of entry
to the United States and maketravel arrangements. Try to arrive on campus a few days to one
week before orientation andregistration begin.
• Finalize your housing arrangements. Inquire about temporary
housing or other arrangements
you will need if you arrive earlyor on a weekend.
• Organize finances: arrange totransfer funds to a U.S. bankand make sure you have funds
for travel and expenses on arrival; consider buying traveler’s
checks to cover costs during
your first month in the UnitedStates; consider obtaining acredit card, if possible.
Review• Make sure you have all the
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Chapter 2 Predeparture Planning

academic) you will need to takewith you.
• Assess your long-term financial requirements, as well as
your immediate needs when
you arrive in the United Statesand have not yet opened a U.S.
bank account.
• Investigate health insurance
policies for your time in the
United States. Be aware of
any requirements your university or college has for minimum
coverage and find a policy thatmeets your needs.
• Prepare yourself for the academic and language requirements that await you. Consider
improving your English, learning to type on a computer thatuses English-language characters, and strengthening yourstudy skills to make the most of
your experience in the UnitedStates.

Useful Websites
EducationUSA
http://www.educationusa.state.gov
U.S. Network for Education Information — Information for International
Students and Professionals
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/
list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlitestudents.html
Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates,
and Diplomatic Missions
http://www.usembassy.gov
Tax Information for International
Students
Internal Revenue Service —http://www.irs.gov (Click on“Individuals,” then “Students,” then“Foreign Students.”)
EduPASS Guide to Studying in the
USA — http://www.edupass.org/finaid/taxes.phtml
World Health Organization International Travel and Health Page
http://www.who.int/ith/
U.S. Visa Information
http://travel.state.gov/visa

24

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Student Visa —Chapter 3 The
A General Overview

The Student Visa —		 A General
			 Overview“Because interviews are short,
do your best to explain why you
want to study in the UnitedStates, how you plan to support
yourself while in school, andwhat your plans are for whenyour studies are finished.”— Vice Consul,
U.S. Consulate Monterrey, Mexico
What is a Visa?
Many people misunderstand themeaning of a visa and what it authorizes. A visa, which is issued
by the U.S. Department of Statein a U.S. embassy or consulateabroad, does not guarantee entry
into the United States. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel toa U.S. port-of-entry and request
permission from a U.S. immigration officer to enter the UnitedStates. For more information
about the definition of a visa, as
well as policies and procedures
regarding visas, please visit the
Department of State’s visa web
page at http://www.travel.state.
gov/visa/visa_1750.html.
Visa Types
Most non-U.S. citizens who wish
to study in the United States will

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seek an F-1 (non-immigrant) student visa, but there are other visa
types that are sometimes authorized for those who study in the
United States. If you have questions about which visa is right foryou consult the international student office at the school you plan
to attend.
F-1, or Student Visa
This visa is the most common
for those who wish to engage inacademic studies in the UnitedStates. It is for people who want
to study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at a university or intensive
English language institute. Learn
more at http://travel.state.gov/
visa/temp/types/types_1268.
html. If your spouse or children
under the age of 21 are travelingwith you to the U.S. (or joining
you at a later date), they would be
eligible for an F-2 visa.
J-1, or Exchange Visitor
The “J” visa is for people who will
be participating in an exchange visitor program, including those programs providing high school anduniversity study. Learn more at
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/
types/types_1267.html. If your
spouse or children under the ageof 21 are traveling with you, theywould be eligible for a J-2 visa.
26* Note: Some J-1 Exchange
visitors (and their spouses anddependents) are ineligible to apply for H, L, or immigrant visa
status until they have returned
to and been physically present
in their country of permanent
residence for two years following
their J-visa exchange program. If
you apply for a J-1 visa and will
receive funds from your homecountry government or the U.S.
government you will be subject
to the “Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence (Foreign
Residence) Requirement.” Theconsular officer issuing your visa
will determine whether you aresubject to this requirement andnote it with the words, “subject
to 212(e),” at the bottom of yourvisa. (This refers to the section of
the Immigration and Nationality Act [INA] that includes therequirement.) The Foreign Residence requirement does not preclude you from applying for othertypes of visas, such as the B (tourist) or F (student) visa, or anotherJ exchange visa.
For more information, see theDepartment of State website at
http://travel.state.gov/visa/
temp/types/types_1267.html#12.
M-1, or Student Visa
This visa is for those who will be
engaged in non-academic or vo-

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Student Visa —Chapter 3 The
A General Overview

cational study or training at an
institution in the United States.
Learn more at http://travel.
state.gov/visa/temp/t ypes/
types_1268.html. If your spouseor children under the age of 21
are traveling with you, they would
be eligible for an M-2 visa.
Student and Exchange
Visitor Program (SEVP)The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), locatedwithin Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is
the Department of Homeland
Security program that manages
the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
SEVIS is an Internet-based
system that maintains data on
foreign students and exchange
visitors before and during theirstay in the United States. For
more information about the
SEVIS program, visit the ICE
website at: http://www.ice.gov/
sevis/index.htm.
U.S. colleges and universities
must be approved by SEVP before they can issue I-20s to international students. Most U.S.
institutions of higher education
have received this approval. If
you wish to confirm that the institution which you are interested
in attending has been approved
to admit international students,

you can view the list of approved
schools at: http://www.ice.gov/
sevis/schools/existing_schools/
index.htm#map.
Programs that focus on exchange
visitors must be approved by the
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the Departmentof State before they can issue
DS-2019s to exchange visitors.
The Designated Sponsors List isavailable at http://eca.state.gov/
jexchanges/index.cfm.
Applying for a Student or
Exchange Visitor Visa
To apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, you must firsthave been accepted by a SEVP
certified school or a Departmentof State approved J-1 Exchange
Visitor program and have received a SEVIS-generated document (either an I-20 or DS-2019)
issued by a program authorized
to enroll international students orparticipants. You will be required
to submit this form when you apply for a visa.
The U.S. academic institution
or program sponsor will provide
you with the appropriate SEVISgenerated form only when you
have been academically admitted
to the institution or accepted asa participant in an exchange program and have provided evidence

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that you can meet all the costs ofthe program. The institution or
program sponsor will send you
additional information about applying for the your visa, including
information about the SEVIS
fee.
Once you have all the required
documentation, you may apply
for a visa, even if you do not intend to begin your program ofstudy for several months. It is best
to apply early to allow sufficient
time for processing.
The Visa Application Process
Most of the procedures and requirements for applying for student visas and for the exchange
visitor visa are standardized.
For a detailed discussion of thevisa application procedures visit
http://travel.state.gov/visa/
temp/types/types_1268.html.
For information specific toyour country, please visit thewebsite of the U.S. embassy or
consulate. (To find the nearest embassy or consulate visit
http://www.usembassy.gov.) If
you have specific questions aboutvisas that are not answered by theembassy website, please contact the
EducationUSA advising center
nearest you for individual
guidance.
28

Planning Ahead for the
Visa Process, Not Just Your
Academic Admission
One of the most important
things you can do to ensure thatyou will be able to arrive in time
for the start of your educational
program in the United States
is to plan well in advance, notonly for the academic portionof your U.S. program, but also
for the visa process. This means
you will need to request andreceive the appropriate visaqualifying document (either an
I-20 or DS-2019) from the U.S.
institution or program sponsor
well in advance of your planned
departure to the United States,and pay the appropriate I-901
SEVIS fee. You will also needto make an appointment foryour visa interview.
Applying for a Visa – Key
Points to Keep in Mind
• You must pay the SEVIS fee(information about the fee isavailable at http://www.ice.
gov/sevis/i901/index.htm) atleast three days prior to submitting your visa application.
• Pay the non-refundable visa
application processing fee (theprocedure will differ from one
U.S. embassy/consulate to another, so visit the website of the

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U.S. embassy in the country
where you are located).
• Make an appointment for thevisa interview.
• Complete the Nonimmigrant
Visa Application (form DS156) correctly, following the instructions carefully. Some applicants for an F, J or M visa may
also have to complete the DS157 and the DS-158. Use theinformation from your passport
to complete these forms. Make
sure that your passport is valid
for at least six months and thatyour name is spelled the sameon all documents. Any inconsistencies can delay the issuance ofthe visa.
• Gather and review your documents. Make sure you have all
the documentation you will needwhen you go for the interview,
including the visa-qualifying
document (I-20 or DS-2019),
financial support documents,
proof of payment of the SEVIS
and visa fees, and a completed
visa application form.
Where to Apply for Your Visa
Most students will apply for a visa
at the U.S. embassy or consulate
with jurisdiction over their placeof permanent residence. Although in many places U.S. em-

bassies and consulates may accept
visa applicants from other countries, it is usually easier to complete the process in your countryof permanent residence. If you
are not living in your country ofpermanent residence, check thewebsite of the U.S. embassy inyour current place of residence
for details of the visa application
process.
When to Apply for Your Visa
Apply for your student visa wellin advance of the date you would
like to depart for the UnitedStates. Holiday seasons (such as
Christmas/New Year’s Day)and the summer months (Junethrough August) can be very
busy times at U.S. consulates andembassies.
U.S. embassies and consulates
work hard to process student
and exchange visitor applications promptly, but it is wise to
apply for your U.S. visa as earlyas possible. Enhanced security
screening can sometimes makethe process lengthier for somestudents, so apply for a visa assoon as you have your documents.
This also leaves time to reapply
if necessary. For visa application
procedures and requirements andapproximate processing times,
consult the website of the embassy or consulate at which you plan

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Student Visa —Chapter 3 The
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to apply. Approximate wait times
are also available on the State
Department website at http://
travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/
wait_4638.html.
Important Points to
Remember When Applying
for a Student Visa
To increase your chances of afavorable visa decision: start theprocess at least two months inadvance of your departure date;have the required documentation organized and ready topresent during your interview,
and make sure you are well prepared. When you receive yourCertificate of Eligibility (I-20 or
DS- 2019), make sure your nameis spelled correctly and exactly
as it appears on your passport,that the personal, financial, andprogram information are correct, and that a college official has
signed the document.
In order to issue your visa, theconsular officer must be satisfied
that you have been accepted by a
SEVIS-approved institution or
program in which you plan to enroll and remain, that you have sufficient funds to cover your studies
or exchange program, that you
speak English well enough tocomplete the program (unless you
intend to participate exclusively
in an English-language train30

ing program), and that you plan
to return to your home country
when you finish.
The consular officer may lookat your educational backgroundand plans and ask why you chosea particular program. To demonstrate your academic commitment, you may wish to bringschool transcripts, national examination results, and/or SAT/ACT and English-language testscores. The officer may also ask
how you plan to finance yourstudies or exchange experience.
Your form I-20 or DS-2019
will list how you have shown theuniversity or program you will
cover your expenses, but you
should also be able to provide
solid evidence of your family
and/or sponsor’s finances, especially sources and amounts
of income. If you have a spouseor dependents, you will need todemonstrate how you will support them during your stay (evenif they will not accompany you to
the United States). Finally, sinceconsular officers are required toconsider all applicants for student or exchange program visas
as intending immigrants until
they can convince the consular
officer that they are not, be prepared to show that your reasons
for returning home are stronger
than those for remaining in the
United States.

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Visa Refusals
If your application is refused, theconsular officer is required to give
you a written explanation. You
have the right to apply a second
time, but if you do reapply, makesure to prepare carefully; the consular officer will need to see fresh
evidence sufficient to overcome
the reasons for the first denial.
You may wish to contact the nearest EducationUSA advising center or the Admissions Office orInternational Student Office of
the U.S. college or university you
plan to attend for advice on yoursecond visa interview.
Some Visa Don’ts• Do not plan to enter the United States on a tourist or visitor’svisa (B visa) and then change
your visa status to student (F1). If you do, you may not begin
study until the Department ofHomeland Security approves
the change, which can take 90
days or more and preclude youfrom beginning classes on time.
• Students and exchange visitors need a visa even if theirhome countries participate
in the Visa Waiver Program(VWP). To travel without avisa on VWP your travel must
be to visit, not to study, andyou must meet certain otherrequirements. If you attempt toenter the United States under
the Visa Waiver Program eventhough you intend to study or
participate in an exchange,
you will be required to depart
the United States and apply
for a visa. Persons coming to
the United States on the Visa
Waiver Program are not allowed to change to another status, including student status.
• If you have been admitted tomore than one U.S. college
or university, you must present the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019)from the institution you plan
to attend when you apply fora student visa. You must thenpresent that same Certificate
of Eligibility when you reach a
U.S. port of entry. Entering theUnited States on one school’s
certificate but enrolling someplace else is a violation of immigration regulations and may
be considered visa fraud.
Additional Information
about Visas and Entering theUnited States
There are two additional bits of
information that are useful toknow. First, your U.S. embassy
or consulate cannot issue a visa
more than 120 days before theactual start of the program in the

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United States. Thus, if the college
or university to which you havebeen admitted states on the I-20
or DS-2019 that the program
will start on September 1, a visa
cannot be issued before May 1.
(Keep in mind, however, that you
may submit your application morethan 120 days in advance of the
I-20 start date in order to accommodate processing time.)
Second, even if you have been issued a visa to enter the UnitedStates, you will not be allowed toenter the country more than 30days before the start of your program if you are an initial entry
student. Using the earlier example, if the program of study starts
on September 1, you will not be
permitted to enter the UnitedStates until August 1 or later.
Note that this applies only to students on their initial entry. Students who obtain a visa to continue studies in the United States
are not subject to this provisionand may reenter at any time.
Review• Schedule your visa interview appointment early, as soon as you
are prepared and well in advanceof your planned travel date.
• Complete the visa application
correctly, following the instructions carefully.
32• Be sure to submit all required
documents when applying:– SEVIS-generated document(either an I-20 or DS-2019)
issued by a U.S. college oruniversity or Department ofState-designated sponsor organization– Completed Nonimmigrant
Visa Application, Form DS156– Completed Supplemental
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157 (ifapplicable)– Completed DS-158: Contact Information and Work
History for Nonimmigrant
Visa Applicant (if applicable)– Any additional items listed
in the embassy or consulate’s
instructions, such as proof of
payment of both the SEVIS
and visa application fees.
• Be prepared to answer questions regarding your ties toyour home country, yourEnglish language skills, youracademic background, the program in the United States towhich you have been admitted,
your financial ability, and yourdependents.

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Useful Websites
List of U.S. Embassies and ConsulatesWorldwide
http://www.usembassy.gov
Student and Exchange Visitors Website
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/
types_1270.html

Nonimmigrant Visa Application Forms
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/
forms/forms_1342.html
Department of Homeland Security(DHS)
SEVIS Fee Processing – www.fmjfee.
com

Visa Wait Times for Interview
Appointments
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/
wait_4638.html

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to and Arriving
Chapter 4 Travelingin the United States

Traveling to andArriving in the		 United States“Find out about airline andimmigration policies andprocedures so you do not panic
if something strange happens.
Luggage, passports, what you
can and what you cannot
bring. It’s always better to know
everything beforehand.”— Computer Science student from Brazil

Planning Your Journey
More than likely you will arrivein the United States by plane. If
34

you do not receive travel information from your U.S. college oruniversity, contact your international student adviser to find out
the best way to reach your finaldestination. He or she can tell
you which airlines serve the nearest airports and if you will have totransfer planes or take alternate
forms of transportation to reachthe school. Many U.S. colleges
and universities are located awayfrom urban centers or in small
cities, so local directions will be

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to and Arriving
Chapter 4 Travelingin the United Statesvery helpful in planning your itinerary. It is also important to findout the best days and times to arrive. Notify your international
student adviser of your arrival
date and time, since some may
make arrangements to meet youat the airport.
When to Travel
Before you make travel arrangements to the United States, findout when you are expected to arrive on campus. If you do not receive this information from yourschool, ask your international
student adviser. Following are a
few suggestions for planning yourtravel:• Arrive on campus in time toparticipate in the orientation program for international
students.
• If you plan to arrive before
your campus accommodations
are available, you will need aplace to stay.
• Arrive on campus during business hours, Monday-Friday,
and not in the evening or on

Saturday or Sunday, unless
your school advises you differently.1• If you are booking a return
ticket make sure you have consulted the academic calendar
for your school so you know
when the terms end.
• U.S. immigration regulations
allow you to enter the UnitedStates no more than 30 days
prior to the start date on yourF-1 or J-1 immigration document, the I-20 or DS-2019.
• It is not advisable to make yourplane reservations until you
have been issued your U.S. visa.
Making Travel Arrangements
If you want to make your own
reservations, you can deal directly with an international airline byphone, mail, or Internet. Most
airline agents can also advise youon other travel matters, such as
baggage allowances, airport andcustoms procedures, and vaccination and health requirements.
There are many travel websitesthat allow you to compare prices,

In making your travel arrangements, you should be aware of peak tourist seasons or holidays,
when airfares are more expensive and tickets are harder to get. These include Easter (either inMarch or April); the summer months of June through August; and the Thanksgiving, Christmas,
and New Year’s Day holidays in November, December, and January. For more information
about U.S. holidays visit http://usinfo.org/enus/life/symbceleb/holidays.html.
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to and Arriving
Chapter 4 Travelingin the United Statescreate your own itinerary, andbuy your tickets online. Making reservations this way canbe riskier since you do not havethe expertise of a travel agent at
your service, but it can also save
you time and money if you know
exactly what you are looking for.
Remember there will be an additional charge if you have tochange your reservation.
Travel Agencies
Using a travel agency is probably
the most efficient and convenient
way to make your travel arrangements. Travel agents can advise
you on airlines, fares, and routes,
compare prices, and confirm orchange reservations. If you havedietary restrictions, the travel
agent can also order you a special
in-flight meal. Because they haveaccess to current specials or sales,
travel agents may save you money. They also are aware of which
airlines offer reduced student
rates or special student packages,
including round-trip international fares and domestic U.S. fares.
Travel Clubs and Charter
Organizations
Certain organizations in yourcountry may specialize in charter
flights and other low-cost travelto the United States. Sometimes
these organizations advertise in36

local publications and student
newspapers, but students usually learn about them from otherpeople who have dealt with them.
Some travel clubs require that you
join their club and pay a membership fee before you are eligible totake advantage of charter flights.
Check the organization’s reputation before you pay a fee or makereservations. When you call for
information, ask whether fares,
departure dates, and connections
are reliable. Sometimes, if thecarrier does not sell enough seats,
charter flights are cancelled or rescheduled.
Travel Arrangements Madeby Sponsoring Organizations
If you are being sponsored by yourhome country government, a government official may make travel
arrangements for you. If so, youwill be informed by your sponsor.
If you have a sponsor other thanyour home country government,
write to that sponsor to share
the travel information from yourcollege or university and ask foradvice. Ask the organization to
makes arrangements for you toarrive at the city nearest your university, not just your first point ofentry. If your sponsor cannot arrange travel plans beyond yourfirst point of entry, be sure to
make onward arrangements before you leave home.

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Chapter 4 Travelingin the United States*Note: Students sponsored by
the U.S. government may be required to travel on U.S. airlines
whenever possible.
Packing Your Bags
Before you start packing, there
are many things to consider. How
much can you bring? What is safe
to bring? Will you bring it withyou to the United States or send
it separately? Remember you willprobably have to carry everything
yourself once you arrive, and once
you’re on campus you will have abetter sense of what you need.
Airline Baggage Allowance
There is a limit to the amount ofbaggage you can take with you ona plane. The number of pieces ofbaggage and the size and weightof those pieces determine thislimit. Confirm your airline’s baggage allowance when you purchase your ticket, but be awarethat regulations are subject tochange. Most economy class passengers traveling on international
flights to the United States are allowed two pieces of baggage, plus
one small piece of hand or “carry-on” baggage that can be carried onto the plane and must beable to fit under the seat. Flights
within the United States usually
allow one piece of baggage plus
a carry-on bag. Each piece mustmeet the weight and size restrictions established by the airline. If
your luggage exceeds these limitations, you will be asked to pay
excess baggage charges.
What to Bring
What you bring with you is largely a matter of personal choice.
You will have to carry whatever
you bring, so try to keep yourbaggage light and compact. If you
need advice, write to the international student adviser or talk toanother student who has recently
been to the United States.
Start to pack early to make sure
you have everything you need andcan remove unnecessary items if
you begin to exceed weight andsize restrictions. Do not worry
if you cannot bring everything,since most goods are available
in a wide range of prices in the
United States.
Do bring:• a good bilingual dictionary,
since it might not be possible toobtain one for your language inthe United States;• all of your essential identification
papers and documents. Carrythese with you in your hand luggage. Do not put them in yourchecked baggage. (See chapter 2,

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Chapter 4 Travelingin the United States“Documents to Bring,” for a listof important documents);• pictures of your family, home,and country;• items from your culture, suchas musical instruments, recordings of traditional and contemporary music, picture books,
arts and crafts, and small gifts,
to share your talents and customs with people in the UnitedStates. You might also consider
bringing traditional dress andaccessories from your country;• books, manuals, or journals you
think may be useful for reference
in your field of study and thatdefinitely will not be available in
the United States (you may wantto consider having these sent toyou after you arrive);• a camera to record your experience in the United States (Ifyou do not own a camera, you
can easily purchase one in the
United States.); and• at least $100 to $200 in small cash
denominations, in case you need
U.S. money before you reach acurrency exchange center.
Do NOT Bring
U.S. customs regulations prohibit
travelers from bringing narcot38

ics, weapons, some foodstuffs,
and items for resale into theUnited States. More information on these restrictions is available wherever you acquire yourvisa and on the U.S. Customs
and Border Protection website at
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/
travel/clearing/restricted/. Following is a sample list of items
to leave at home, but be sure tocheck airline and customs regulations as well.
• goods you can easily buy in the
United States, such as notebooks, pens, paper, toiletries,
towels, or bed sheets. These
items will take up valuable
space in your luggage;• food, seeds, or plants. The
United States has very strict restrictions on importing foods,
perishables, and agricultural
goods into the country;• books that can easily be obtained in U.S. libraries. Some
universities have their librarycatalog on the Internet so you
can check ahead of time. You
can also contact university library staff to verify the availability of books or order themfrom another library via interlibrary loan;• animals;

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Chapter 4 Travelingin the United States• medications, unless you havewritten prescriptions from a
doctor (See chapter 2, “Prescriptions for Medication andEyeglasses”);• expensive jewelry, treasured
possessions, family heirlooms,
or delicate things, since they
could be stolen or damaged;• firearms, knives, weapons, or
articles that could be perceived
as weapons;• narcotics or drugs;• duty-free alcohol if you are under 21;• any article of clothing, artifact,
or medicine made from endangered animals; or• electrical appliances (Appliances in the United Stateswork on a different systemthan in many other countries.
It is usually best to purchaseelectrical items in the UnitedStates, especially if you plan
to live in university housing, assome items will not be allowed.
Remember that video systems,
including televisions, VCRs,
and DVD players, use different systems in different parts of
the world, and those you bringfrom home are unlikely to becompatible with U.S. media).

Protecting Your Baggage
Clearly label every piece of luggage with your name, U.S. address, and a telephone number(perhaps the International Student Office of the university orcollege you will attend). Disposable identification tags are available from the airline, but we recommend you use sturdier luggage
tags or labels. You may also wantto put a label or luggage tag inside your luggage for additional
security. Consider purchasing
baggage insurance to protect
against loss, damage, or theftof your baggage (See chapter 2,“Baggage Insurance”). Pack a
few days’ worth of clothing andpersonal items in your carry-on
baggage in case your checked luggage is lost or sent to the wrong
destination.
* Note: Never leave your baggage unattended. You must always be alert to the possibility oftheft.
Shipping Additional Items
While you may sometimes pay totake excess baggage on the planewith you, it is very expensive, somany students choose to ship additional items by mail or private
carrier (land, air, or sea) or to
wait until they have arrived andhave family members ship what

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they need. Regardless of how you
ship your belongings, clearly markall baggage or packages with yourname and your U.S. address.
Write directly on the box or onan address label, then place wide,
transparent tape over the writing.
If you ship packages before you
leave or know that someone will
be shipping them soon, be sure to
declare them at customs when you
enter the United States. Whenyou pick up the parcels in the United States, you might have to pay a“duty” (import tax). Ask about
this when you make arrangementswith your post office or shipping
company.
Arriving in the United States
Correct Time in the UnitedStatesThe United States follows a 12hour system of time. The 12hours from midnight to noon are
called “a.m.” (ante meridian).
The 12 hours from noon to midnight are called “p.m.” (post meridian). For example: 1400 is two
o’clock, 2:00 p.m., or 2 o’clock in
the afternoon; 2200 is 10 o’clock,
10:00 p.m., or 10 o’clock at night;
and 1000 is 10 o’clock, 10:00 a.m.,or 10 o’clock in the morning. Set
your watch to the correct U.S.
time before you leave the plane.
Keep in mind that the UnitedStates uses nine standard time40

zones, so if you have a connecting flight you may need to change
your watch again.
U.S. Immigration
On your flight to the UnitedStates, you will be asked to complete immigration and customs
forms, including the Form I-94
(Arrival-Departure Record). Use
the information from your I-20
or DS-2019 to fill out the I-94.
(Please note that the Form I-94
is the only government documentthat uses the European method ofrecording dates: dd/mm/yyyy.)
When you leave the plane andgo through immigration, youwill present the completed form
with your passport and I-20 or
DS-2019. The inspector willstamp your I-94 and usuallystaple it to your passport, which
will be returned to you along withyour I-20 or DS-2019 form. You
should keep this card securely inyour passport during your stay. It
will indicate the visa classification
you are given upon entry and thelength of time you are allowed tostay. The expiration date for persons in F or J status will be noted
as “D/S” meaning duration of
status. The I-94 of M-1 students
will bear the date you are expected to complete your programplus 30 days (a maximum of one
year.) Before you clear immigra-

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Chapter 4 Travelingin the United Statestion, check to make sure yourI-94 notes your correct status:
F-1, M-1 or J-1 and the correct
expiration date (“D/S” for F-1
and J-1 students).
Some students may be directed
to a private work station to provide additional information, havetheir photograph and electronic
fingerprints taken to verify theiridentity, and complete a shortinterview. They may also needto schedule a follow-up appointment to confirm their plans. If
you are required to undergo thissecondary screening, the customs
officer will use SEVIS to verify
your status; he or she may also
call your college or university toconfirm your information.
The Form I-94 is a critical document, since it shows that you
have been legally admitted to theUnited States and how long you
are authorized to stay. It is very
important that the informationon the form is correct, since it
is input into a U.S. government
computer system that shows arrival and departure information.
Make sure the information on
your Form I-94 is the same you
provided for SEVIS, since any
differences can confuse the computer system and make it difficult
to verify your status. Complete
instructions for filling out theForm I-94 are available on the

Customs and Border Protection
website at http://www.cbp.gov/
xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/i-94_instructions/filling_out_i94.xml.
Following is a sample Form I-94
with instructions. You may wish
to fill in the sample prior to traveling and use it to complete theactual form before you arrive in
the United States.
* Note: Citizens of Canada do
not need a visa to enter the U.S.
to study, but like other international students and exchange
visitors must present a SEVISgenerated document (either an
I-20 or DS-2019) issued by a U.S.
college or university or Department of State-designated sponsor
organization, as well as proof of
payment of the SEVIS fee andevidence of the ability to meet thecosts of their academic program.
If you are a Canadian citizen,
please visit the DHS, Customs
and Border Protection (CBP)
website to make sure you haveeverything you need to enter theUnited States.
Once you have entered theUnited States, you should direct
all questions about your immigration status and visa to yourdesignated school official or international student adviser. Theinternational student services office at your educational institu-

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Chapter 4 Travelingin the United Statestion is an important resource foryou if you have questions about
your stay in the United. Prior
to arriving in the U.S. consult
the website of the international
student office or e-mail the of-fice staff if you have a questionthat is not answered on the web
or in the arrival information
you received with your I-20 or
DS-2019. Then visit the office inperson soon after you arrive.

Use all CAPITAL letters. Use English. Usestandard United States characters and print
clearly. Letters like ñ, é, ü, ç are not recognizedby U.S. data systems. (Instead, use n, e, u or c.)Name (Blocks 1, 2, 14, and 15) — The Family name (Blocks 1 and 14) is also referred to as
surname or last name.
If you have only one name, enter it in the Family Name block.
Spacing is as important as spelling and must be
consistent. For instance, systems will not read
Mc Millan and McMillan as the same name.
Hyphens must also be used consistently.
Print your name exactly as it appears on yourForm I-20 or DS-2019 and your passportand visa.
Date of Birth (Blocks 3 and 16) and Date Issued (Block 11) — Your date of birth must be
given in Day/Month/Year order. This is not
the same order that appears on your Form
I-20 or DS-2019. For example, if you wereborn on the 9th day of January in the year 1986,
you should write 09011986 in the birth dateblock (Block 3 and 16). The same date format
is used in block 11 for Date Issued.
Country of Citizenship (Blocks 4 and 17)
Country of citizenship is the country that issued your passport. You can find the U.S. spelling in block 1 of the Form I-20 or on the secondline of the Form DS-2019.
Be sure you complete all required blocks.

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U.S. Customs
After passing through the immigration area, you will collect
your baggage and pass throughcustoms. A customs inspector will
ask you to declare what you havebrought into the country, inspect
your bags, and review the customs
form you filled out on the plane.
Penalties for concealing declarable items can be severe, so behonest and make a full declaration. (Remember to tell the officer about any additional items
that you have sent or will havesent soon.)
You may bring items for personaluse into the United States without
paying duty. As a nonresident,
you are also allowed to bring in
gifts with a total value up to $100
duty-free. If the total value of suchitems exceeds $100, you will needto pay a duty.
You must declare the amount ofmoney you have with you, but you
do not have to pay a duty on it.
You may bring as much money as
you want into the United States,
but you must file a report with the
U.S. customs official if you bringmore than $10,000.
Certain articles are forbidden or
restricted. (See page 37, “What toBring,” or visit the U.S. Customs
and Border Protection website at

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/
travel/clearing/restricted for a listof prohibited items).
For more information aboutclearing U.S. customs, please visit
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/
travel/clearing.
Travel to the University
Once you reach your U.S. port ofentry, you may have to travel byother means to your final destination. Your international student
adviser should provide this information, and a travel agent can help
you make the arrangements. If
you arrive at the airport and don’tknow how to get to your final destination (if you’re not flying), go
to the “Ground Transportation”
desk and ask for assistance.
Connecting Flights
It is best to book your tickets for
U.S. domestic flights while you
are still in your home country. Be
aware that if your final destination is a medium- to small-sized
city, your final leg of travel may
be in a small, propeller-driven“commuter” plane, rather than a
jet airliner.
Shuttle Services
If you are arriving at a large major
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tle service from the airport to local universities. You will find these
services at the Ground Transportation desk in the airport. Taking
a shuttle is almost always cheaper
than taking a taxi.
TrainsTrain travel in the United States
is relatively expensive compared
to train travel in other countries,
and it is not readily available.
Amtrak is the national rail line.
Although there are other smallrail lines, they generally travel
only in local areas. Amtrak travels across the country, but its
service is most extensive on the
East Coast. In most cities, train
stations are not located near airports, and public transportation
between the train station and the
airport may be limited.
Buses
Travel by bus is often the least expensive way to travel in the United States, and service is extensive.
As with train stations, bus stations
are rarely located near airports,
and public transportation may belimited between the airport andthe bus station.
Renting a Car
Renting a car is probably themost expensive, but most flexible,
44

way of traveling in the UnitedStates. Many car rental agencies are international and may
have branches in your country.
You can reserve a car from homethrough one of these branches,with a travel agent, or on the Internet. Keep in mind that there
are often age restrictions andcredit card requirements whenrenting a car. You may be asked
to show an international driver’s
license instead of, or in addition
to, your home country license.
Also consider that one-way rentals (picking up the car in one cityand returning it in another) often
cost much more than standard
rentals. If you plan to rent a car totravel from your U.S. entry point
to your college or university, aone-way rental may be required.
Overnight Accommodations
If you arrive at your final destination before you can moveinto your permanent housing,you may have to spend the nightsomewhere else. The most expensive options are hotels andmotels, but some “budget” motel
chains can be quite reasonable.
Other options include youth
hostels, international houses,and (at some schools) university
residences. Check with your international student adviser for
information on overnight housing options.

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Arriving at the University• Begin packing early.

Once you arrive on campus, you
should immediately report to theoffice responsible for assisting
international students and scholars. It may be called the Office ofInternational Services, the Office of International Education,
the International Programs Office, or some other similar name.
Whatever the name, this officecan help you with questions or concerns about immigration rules andregulations. Most importantly, thisoffice is required to report your arrival to the federal government using the SEVIS system. If this report
is not submitted at the beginning of
the term, you may be consideredin violation of your status in the
United States, which could jeopardize your stay. Be sure to makethe international student office oneof your first stops on campus. It is
helpful if you bring your passport
and immigration documents withyou on your first visit.

• Label your luggage inside andout with your name and the address of your university.
• Pack a travel bag with personal
articles to use in case your luggage is temporarily lost in transit.
• Give your family a contact
number, such as that of the International Student Office.
• Be sure the following items arein your carry-on bag (not inyour checked luggage):– valid passport with U.S. visa;– I-20 or DS-2019 form;– debit card and/or traveler’s
checks;– credit card, if you have one;– small amount of U.S. cash;

Review– insurance card;• Find out when you need toarrive on campus, and maketravel arrangements well in advance of your departure date,especially if you are traveling
during peak times. Know inadvance how you will travelfrom the U.S. port of entry to
your final destination.

– letters of acceptance and financial support and other important documents from yourU.S. university;– proof of your ability to cover
the costs of your U.S. education (scholarship letters, bankstatements, etc.);

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Chapter 4 Travelingin the United States– official transcripts from yoursecondary schools, colleges, or
universities;– important addresses and telephone numbers;– medical records including immunization certificate andany other health documents;– marriage certificate;– birth certificates for you, your
spouse, and your children;– international driver’s licenseand valid foreign driver’s license (if you plan to drive);– information about travelingfrom the airport to your college or university.
• Be prepared for both immigration and customs inspections,with all documents ready for theofficials.
• Know where you will stay if
you arrive in the United States
before you can move into yourpermanent housing or if you
plan to stay overnight in an intermediate city.
Useful Websites

then “Arrival Procedures for Students
and Exchange Visitors.”)
Sample International Student Website(Yale University) - See “Before You
Leave Home” and “Preparing forTravel”
http://www.yale.edu/oiss/newstudents/
index.html
Major U.S. Airlines
American — http://www.aa.com
Continental—http://www.continental.com
Delta — http://www.delta.com
Southwest — http://www.southwest.com
United — http://www.united.com/
US Airways — http://www.usairways.com
U.S. Train Travel
http://www.amtrak.com
U.S. Bus Travel
Greyhound—http://www.greyhound.com
Peter Pan Bus — http://www.peterpanbus.
com/
Trailways — http://www.trailways.com
Gotobus.com — http://gotobus.com
Overnight Accommodations
Hostelling International — http://www.
hihostels.com
Hotels.com — http://www.hotels.com
Travel Websites
Expedia — http://www.expedia.com
Orbitz — http://www.orbitz.com
Kayak — http://www.kayak.com
Travelocity—http://www.travelocity.com

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
http://www.cbp.gov (Click on “Travel,”46

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Beginning Your
U.S. Education

First Days at the University
The first few days at your U.S.
college or university can be truly
exciting, but also overwhelming
as you get organized and settle
in. You will want to let your family know you arrived safely, get
to know the campus, meet somenew people, select classes, andcomplete all the requirements forregistration and enrollment. But
don’t worry – you don’t have to do
all of this on your own. New stu-

dent orientation programs are aperfect opportunity to accomplish
all of these tasks, attend campus
social events planned especiallyfor new students, and help ease
the transition to a new place.
The Academic YearFor most colleges and universities, the academic year begins inlate August or early September
and ends in May or June. The“semester” system divides the ac-

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ademic year into two equal terms
of approximately 14-16 weeks
each. For schools on a “quarter”
system, the academic year is divided into three equal terms ofapproximately 11 weeks each.
Usually, there is also a fourthsummer quarter. The “trimester”
system has equal terms of approximately 16 weeks each, including
a summer term. Many students
take the summer off, and international students are generally
not required to study during thesummer. Some students, however,choose to go to summer schooland earn credits to complete theirdegree work more quickly. Make
sure you know your college oruniversity’s academic calendar.
The Academic Program
U.S. undergraduate programs aredesigned to give students a broad
educational background, with
an emphasis called a “major.” A
major is the subject in which you
concentrate your studies for a degree. You will take many classes
in your major, especially in yourjunior (third) and senior (fourth)years. In some cases, you may
also be allowed to declare a “minor,” which is a secondary field inwhich you want to concentrate.
It is normal for undergraduate
students in the United States tobegin studying for a bachelor’s
48

degree without knowing what
subject they will choose for a major. During the first two years,
undergraduates usually take avariety of courses from different
academic departments to fulfill “general education requirements.” As a result, even thosestudents who “declare” or choosea major when they first enroll often change to another major that
seems more interesting or is moresuitable to their career goals.
Most, if not all, coursework taken
during this general education period will count toward graduation
requirements. Usually, a student
must select a major by the endof the sophomore (second) year.
See Booklet One, Undergraduate
Study, for detailed information.
At the graduate level, study is
specialized. You will spend mostof your time in the department
in which you are doing your degree work, although there may
be some flexibility for taking
courses in other areas of interest.
See Booklet Two, Graduate andProfessional Study and Research,for detailed information.
The Academic Adviser
When you enter a university orcollege, you will usually be assigned an academic adviser who
will help you select your classes
and plan your program. He or

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she may also monitor your progress. You are free to seek advice
from other faculty members as
well.
Before you meet with your academic adviser, it may be helpful todesign a tentative program plan.
Know what the degree requirements are, or if you are not certain, prepare a list of questions.
Study the university catalog,
departmental course schedules,
and the printed schedule, whichlists all the courses being offeredduring the term and the days andtimes the courses will meet. Notethat not all courses must be taken
in a particular order; there is usually some flexibility in designing
your program.
At the first meeting with your academic adviser, you may wish to
discuss what you hope to do bothduring your program and after
you finish your academic studies. You should discuss the tentative program plan that you havedrawn up for the semester. You
may also wish to discuss opportunities for field experience, study
abroad, and other activities thatmight enrich your educational
experience.
Many international students arehesitant to express their opinions
to their academic adviser, since
this may be perceived as inap-

propriate behavior or a sign ofdisrespect in their own cultures.
In U.S. culture, it is very appropriate to voice your opinion. The
role of the adviser is to help you
make your own decisions, not tomake decisions for you. On most
campuses, your academic adviser
is responsible for approving yourplan of study and the number ofcourses you will take each term.
Remember that SEVIS requires
international students to take afull course load (usually 12 to 15
credit hours for undergraduatesand nine to 12 credit hours forgraduates) for their visas to remain valid.
Your academic adviser will help
you decide on a study plan based
upon your goals and the requirements for a degree. During theacademic year, you should makeappointments with your academic adviser at regular intervals (agood time is just prior to the next
semester registration period) inorder to review your progress.
Course Registration
Registration procedures are different at each educational institution. Course registration may be
managed on-line, by phone, or byvisiting an office or general registration area. Exact procedures
will be outlined in your orientation materials.

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Plan your schedule early. It may
take a great deal of thinking,consulting, arranging, and rearranging. It is a good idea to have
two or three possible schedules
written out by registration day.
Having more than one schedule ishelpful if some courses you want
are already closed or full.
During the registration period,
you will probably need to complete payment arrangements forthe semester, obtain your university identification (ID) card,and submit any health or medical
forms. Some schools require that
all tuition and fees be paid at the
beginning of each semester; others
may let you pay in installments.
Contact the college or university
Bursar’s Office for informationon these procedures.
Campus and Department
Orientation
Virtually every college and university in the United States offers orientation programs for
new students. The programs takeon many forms and cover different topics, but the purpose is thesame: to ease your transition toa new place. Sometimes there
are also campus or department
orientation programs and/or aseparate program especially forinternational students.
50

Some campus-based orientation
programs charge a fee that covers the costs of program materials, refreshments, staff support,
and other expenses. You may be
asked to pay the fee ahead of time
or find it included as part of yourtotal student bill.
While not all schools require students to attend, orientations often
provide the best possible introduction to your U.S. institution
and can help relieve much of theanxiety of being in a new place.
Some of the things you might do
at a typical campus or department
orientation program include:• meeting other students;• learning your school’s expectations for intellectual and personal growth;• getting to know your new school
and the local community;• moving into your on-campus oroff-campus residence;• speaking with professors andacademic advisers about course
placement and selection;• training in the use of the campus
library and computer services,
including electronic mail; and• registering for courses.

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At an orientation program forinternational students, you might:• meet other students from yourown country and from aroundthe world;• receive information about immigration regulations;• obtain a U.S. Social Security
Number (needed for employment, including on-campus employment);• have your passport and visa documents copied and signed for
future travel;• learn about the U.S. system ofhigher education;• obtain advice on personal safety,
health and accident insurance,
and wellness;• take a guided tour of the localarea;• open a bank account and purchase a cell phone;• take an English-proficiency examination;• learn about U.S. culture and social and personal relationships
in the United States; and• receive information on services

and programs for international
students.
EducationUSA Orientation
Programs
Most EducationUSA advising centers offer orientation
programs in June and July thatprovide information about U.S.
colleges and universities andguidance for students from yourparticular country. Go to the
EducationUSA website and clickon “For International Students,”
then “Attend a Pre-Departure
Orientation” to see if one ofthese programs is available in yourhome country.
Professors
The social code of behavior between students and professors
varies from institution to institution. While some professors adhere to more traditional methods,
others come to class wearing jeans
and sports shirts and insist thatyou call them by their first names.
Here are a few pointers to help
you deal with professors:• Always address teachers as“Professor” or “Doctor” unless instructed otherwise. If theteacher wants to be called something else, he or she will usuallytell you. Do not be shocked tohear students calling professors

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Chapter 5 Beginning Your U.S. Educationby their first names. This is especially common among graduate students, since they develop
a closer professional relationship with their teachers thanundergraduate students do.
• Professors in the United States
hold office hours, usually several times a week, when they areavailable for consultation. Many
students schedule meetings during office hours to discuss projects, review material covered inclass, or simply exchange ideas
on a given topic with their professors. If you would like to meetwith a professor but are notavailable during office hours, heor she will generally give you thechance to schedule meetings atother times.
• Be prepared for each class andarrive on time. Much of theprofessor’s impression of you
will be based on your level ofclass participation. Sometimes
part of your class grade is basedon your participation. Demonstrate interest in class, speak up,
ask questions, and respond toothers’ comments.
• At the undergraduate level,
many Teaching Assistants(TAs) work with professors,and some teach partial or fullcourses. These TAs are usually
graduate students from the de52

partment. You should not callthem “Professor” but rather“Mr.” or “Ms.” or, if they ask
you to, by their first name.
Study Skills
It is common for students to thinkthey already know how to be a
successful student, and that if they
do the readings and study they’ll
get good grades. But different
teaching methods, a different language, different academic background, and a different campus
culture can affect your ability to
be successful.
Most colleges and universities
offer free short-term classes tohelp you be a successful student.
Topics may include utilizing yourschool’s library resources to writea research paper, navigating theInternet, developing good study
skills, and practicing effective
time management. If English
is not your first language, you
might help your grades by visiting the university writing center,by taking an ESL course, or by
joining an informal English conversation group. There are also
excellent study-skills websites on
the Internet.
The Honor Code
Most colleges and universities
in the United States have honor

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codes or statements of rules thatstudents are expected to follow intheir academic work. These rules
relate primarily to academic honesty and originality. U.S. educational institutions take these rules
very seriously, and ignorance of therules is not an excuse for breaking
them. Violating a school’s policyof academic honesty can result insuspension from school. Even if aparticular academic practice is accepted in your country or is part ofyour culture, it is not acceptable toviolate the rules at a U.S. college
or university.
The university honor code, or
the university code of conduct,is usually distributed to new students at the beginning of theacademic year and is frequently
a topic of discussion during newstudent orientations. If you havequestions about any of these issues, talk to your instructor, youracademic adviser, or the international student adviser.
Cheating
Cheating is getting unauthorized help on an assignment, quiz,or examination. You must notreceive from anyone, nor giveto anyone, any information, answers, or help during an examination or any kind of test. You
must not take notes or books
to the examination if this is for-bidden, and you must not refer
to any books or notes while you
are taking the test unless you are
instructed otherwise. Sometimes
students who speak a foreign
language during an examination
are perceived by others to becheating, even though they may
simply be asking a fellow student
in their native language for apiece of paper or an eraser. You
should be aware of this and try to
avoid suspicion.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is another kind ofcheating. It is the failure to doyour own original work in written assignments. Instead, you use
someone else’s words or ideas
as though they were your own,
without crediting the source.
Plagiarism is considered literary
and intellectual theft and is vigorously condemned in academic
work. When quoting words orideas from books, magazines,
websites, recordings, films, orother sources of information,
always give appropriate credit
to the author in your text. Many
U.S. universities have specificguidelines to follow when quoting an author, and some of thempublish guides for papers. To
avoid being accused of plagiarism, make sure you know theuniversity policies on quoting
words and ideas.

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Review• Visit the international student
office as soon as you arrive on
campus.
• Attend your school’s new student and/or international student orientation.
• Use the first few days after yourarrival to get to know the campus, to meet new people, and to
become acclimated to your new
school.
• Ask your academic adviser tohelp you arrange your first-semester schedule and to help you
plan for future semesters andspecial academic opportunities.
• Faculty and staff are willing toassist you, but they will not as-

54

sume that you need help unless
you ask for it.
• Sign up for special classes or
meetings that will help you be a
successful student.
• Become familiar with yourschool’s honor code or student
code of conduct.
Useful Websites
EducationUSA Online Orientation
Schedule
http://www.educationusa.state.gov(Click on “For International Students,”
then “Attend a Pre-Departure
Orientation.”)America.gov — Education and Youth
http://www.america.gov/amlife/education.html

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Chapter 6 Housing			
One of the most important things
to do before you start your studies
in the United States is find a place
to live. It will be one of your biggest expenses and will affect yourpersonal and academic adjustment.
Temporary Accommodations
As mentioned earlier, if you arrive at your final destination before you can move into your permanent housing, you will have tospend the night somewhere else.
The most expensive options arehotels and motels, but some “budget” motel chains can be quite
reasonable. Other options include youth hostels, international

Housing

houses, and (at some schools) university residences. Check withyour international student adviser for information on overnight
housing options.
Campus Housing“Before I left for the USA,I knew that as a first-year
student I would have to livein the university dormitory
in a shared room. At first it
was strange to share my roomwith another person, but I soon
got used to it. My roommateand I eventually became goodfriends.”— Undergraduate student from Sweden

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Almost all U.S. colleges and universities give students the option
to live in residence halls or dormitories (also called “dorms”). These
are usually for single students,
not married couples or families,
and are situated on or close to thecampus. Dorms are great places
to meet U.S. students and makenew friends rapidly. Dorm rooms
are equipped with basic furniture,and many dorms also have a cafeteria. In some dorms there may be a
kitchen for those who would rather
cook for themselves. Dormitories
usually have common rooms wherestudents can get together to watch
television, play games, or simply
be with friends. Supervisors, often
called “resident advisers,” “resident
assistants,” or “resident directors,”
often live in dormitories to keep an
eye on safety and cleanliness and to
make sure the rules are observed.
Most of the time, these resident
advisers are students themselves,
employed by the university. The
resident adviser can be a greatsource of information and support
throughout the academic year.
There is usually a high demand
for residence hall space, so return
your housing application and pay
any required deposit as soon as
possible. At some colleges anduniversities, dormitory rooms are
so much in demand that a lottery
is held to determine who will be
granted space.
56

Some campus housing closes forholidays, vacations, and breakperiods, but some may be openyear-round. If you require campus housing during vacations
and holiday periods, be sure toinquire well in advance regarding availability. Also check withyour international student adviser regarding the possibility of ahomestay or off-campus housing
options.
Many rooms in dormitories areshared with one or more roommates. Many universities require first year students to sharea room. Your roommate will besomeone of the same sex, whom
you will not know. Be preparedto live with someone who could bevery different from you. Roommate arrangements often lead tolife-long friendships, but on rareoccasions roommates can provemismatched. If you have problems in your living arrangementswith your roommate, contact
your resident adviser or someone
else in charge of housing at youruniversity to discuss the situation.
In extreme cases, it is possible tochange rooms or roommates.
Some dormitory rooms do nothave a private bath or toilet. Instead, residents share large “community” bathrooms, which areseparate for men and women. In
the United States, a bathroom in-

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Chapter 6 Housing

cludes a toilet, a sink, and a bathtub or a shower.
Generally, students living in adormitory have to follow a setof rules to ensure smooth community living. There are rules tocontrol the noise level, the cleanliness, the number of visitors, andother aspects of living. These
rules can vary from building tobuilding to cater to different student tastes. For example, somedormitories might be designatedas “24-hour quiet” buildings forstudents who prefer a more studious lifestyle, while others might
not have strict noise regulations
for students who have a more
spirited lifestyle. Make sure you
are familiar with the rules before
you move into a residence hall to
avoid unnecessary discomfort or
misunderstandings. Examples oftypical campus housing include:• Coed Residence Halls: Coeddormitories have both men andwomen living in the same building. Male and female students
do not share rooms; sometimes
they live on different floors or inseparate suites, which are small
apartments that contain several
sleeping rooms, a common living
area, and one or two bathrooms.
• Single-sex Residence Halls:
These dormitories are for those
who prefer to live in an all-maleor all-female environment. Universities may set aside a residence or at least part of a residence building to house womenand men separately.
• University Apartments: Some
universities operate apartment
houses on campus. Apartments
are always in high demand.
Usually priority is given toupper-level students and to students who are married.
• Fraternity and Sorority
Houses: Fraternities (for men)and sororities (for women) arenational social organizations
with smaller groups or “chapters” on campuses throughout
the United States. Perhaps
most well known for the parties
and social activities they organize, fraternities and sororities
also sponsor philanthropic activities and take part in community service projects. Fraternity and sorority houses may beeither on- or off-campus, andliving in a fraternity or sorority
house may be restricted to upper-level students. For detailed
information on fraternities andsororities, see Booklet One,
Undergraduate Study.
• Married Student Housing: At
some universities certain apartments or houses are owned andoperated by the university ex-

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clusively for married students
and families. These houses andapartments are usually furnished, and demand for themis very high. If you are married,inquire as early as possible about
the availability of married student housing.
Off-campus Housing
If you cannot find accommodationin university dormitories, you may
have to look for off-campus housing. While university-subsidized
housing is often less expensive thanother housing in large cities, insmaller cities and towns you might
be able to save money by staying
somewhere in town rather than on
campus. Types of accommodation
include furnished and unfurnishedapartments and houses, privately
operated dormitories, cooperative
residence halls, and rented rooms
in private homes.
To find off-campus housing, ask
the university’s Housing Officeor consult the classified advertising section (also called “want ads”
or “classifieds”) of the local newspaper. Many U.S. newspapers are
now available on the Internet, so
you may be able to explore offcampus housing opportunities
while you are still at home. Checkcampus bulletin boards for noticesof students who are looking forroommates to share an apart58

ment. Seek the help of someone
who knows the community or ask
the international student adviser
for suggestions.
In general, the amount you spend
for housing should be limited to
one-third or one-fourth of thetotal amount you have planned tospend on living expenses. If thecost is one-half of your budget,
you may be spending too much.
If the costs are unusually inexpensive, it is possible that your living
quarters are substandard. U.S. cities have local housing rules, called“ordinances” or “housing codes,”which specify certain standards
that must be met to ensure thathouses and apartment buildings
are safe and sanitary.
Apartments
Be sure to consider the distancefrom campus and access to public
transportation when you choose
an apartment. Also take into account that you will most likely
need to pay the costs of gas, electricity, and telephone services(also known as “utilities”) in addition to your monthly fee if you rent
an apartment. Get an estimateof monthly utility bills from theutility company or previous tenants before you sign a lease, sinceutility bills vary depending on the
climate in which you live and thetype of phone service you use.

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Sharing an apartment with aroommate can keep costs down. If
you do not know anyone to room
with, you may ask another student
who is looking for a roommate toshare an apartment with you. If
you respond to an ad for a roommate, you will probably be asked
to visit for a personal interview.
These interviews are an excellent
way to determine if it would be amutually agreeable arrangement
to room together. Never roomwith someone until you have discussed issues such as smoking,study habits, cleaning arrangements, parties, overnight guests,
food, and cost sharing.
Take someone who is familiar
with the local community andrental procedures with you when
you go apartment hunting. Be
sure you understand both yourobligations and those of the landlord if you decide to rent an apartment and sign a rental agreement(also known as a “lease”). Many
landlords require payment of thefirst and last months’ rent before
the tenants move in. Many also
require a security deposit (alsocalled a “cleaning deposit”) equal
to one month’s rent. If the tenants leave the apartment in goodcondition, the landlord returns
the security deposit. Always geta copy of the rental agreement
and a receipt for your security
deposit.

Off-campus Dormitories
Sometimes there are privately
owned dormitory complexes near
the campus. These are designatedfor students and are run like university dormitories, but privately
owned. Usually the costs are comparable to living in an on-campus
dormitory.
Cooperative Residence Halls(“Co-ops”)
A co-op is usually a large housein which a group of students lives
together, sharing the costs andchores. Residents take turns cooking meals and work together toclean the house and take care ofoutside maintenance. Because they
are generally less expensive, rooms
in co-ops may be difficult to find.
Living with a U.S. family
Sometimes international student
advisers have listings of families in
the community who would like tohave an international student livein their home. Sometimes the family expects the student to perform
certain services, like babysitting
or household chores, in exchange
for free or reduced rent. Livingwith a family can be a warm andenriching experience, but consider
the family and the arrangements
carefully and be sure that you
understand what is expected of

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you. Check with the international
student adviser to determine if
services are expected in exchange
for room and board. This might
be considered employment by the
U.S. government and therefore
subject to certain regulations.
Cafeteria and Meal Plans
Most U.S. dormitories areequipped with cooking facilities,
but many students choose to eat incafeterias instead. Many dormitories have a cafeteria within thebuilding or nearby that offers lowcost food to students. Students may
sign up for a variety of meal plansthat allow them to pay in advancefor the food they will consume.
Depending on your tastes and financial situation, you might findthese meal plans convenient, cheap,and easily accessible. Some colleges
and universities require all students
who live on campus to sign up fora meal plan. Cafeterias are open
during scheduled hours and usuallyoffer a variety of foods, including
vegetarian selections. Meal plans
are sometimes available to students
living off-campus as well, which isa great convenience for students
who may eat as many as two meals
a day on-campus. If you plan to live
in an apartment and do not wish
to cook or if you enjoy the social
aspect of eating in the cafeteria,
consider trying out your school’s
meal plan. Cafeterias are generally
60

closed during holidays and vacation
periods.
Review• Know the various kinds of housing options available at your college or university.
• Campus housing, as well as
housing for families and married students, may be in great
demand. Apply early.
• If you decide to live in offcampus housing, consult withthe off-campus housing office
at your college or university foradvice.
• Review all rental and leaseagreements carefully, and do
not sign them if there is something you do not understand orwith which you disagree.
• Consider the various meal plan
options on campus, regardless of
your housing arrangements.
Useful Websites
Apartments.com
http://www.apartments.com
Hostelling International
http://www.hihostels.com
Hotels.com
http://www.hotels.com

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Practical Information for
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Living				 Practical						
Information for				 Everyday
						 Living
Money Matters
U.S. Currency
The basic unit of exchange in the
United States is the dollar ($),
which is divided into 100 cents(¢). One dollar is commonly written as $1 or $1.00. There are four
denominations of commonly usedcoins: 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents,
and 25 cents. Americans usuallyrefer to coins not by their value incents, but by their names. A onecent coin is a penny, a five-centcoin is a nickel, a ten-cent coin
is a dime, and a 25-cent coin is aquarter. There are also one-dollar coins and half-dollar (50-cent)coins, but they are seldom foundin circulation.
U.S. paper money (often calledbills: for example, a “one-dollarbill”) comes in single-bill denominations of one dollar ($1.00), twodollars ($2.00, but these are rare),five dollars ($5.00), ten dollars($10.00), twenty dollars ($20.00),
fifty dollars ($50.00), and one
hundred dollars ($100.00). U.S.
bills are similar in appearance,
but differentiated from eachother by the number value andwith the portrait of a different
U.S. historical figure on each denomination. U.S. coins are also
marked with the coin’s value, andeach denomination is a different
size.
Opening a Bank Account
One of the first things you should
do after arriving in the UnitedStates is open a bank account.
Do not carry large sums of cash
or keep it in your room. Most

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Livingbanks have main offices in thecenter of the city or town. Smaller offices, called “branches,” areusually found in other parts of acity or town and in the suburbs.
Even if your bank does not havea branch nearby, you can often
find automated bank machines
to serve your needs. Bank hours
vary; some close earlier than other businesses and are open only
during limited hours on the weekend. Your international student
adviser can suggest which banks
are convenient to campus.
Check with several banks todetermine which offers the best
services for your needs. Interest
rates on savings and checking accounts vary from bank to bank.
Investigate and compare various
banks and their rates of intereston checking and savings accounts
before you decide which type ofaccount(s) you need and at whichbank. You might also consider using one of the many reliable Internet banks now available. If you
choose to use an Internet bank,you might even be able to set youraccount(s) up ahead of time, before you get to the United States.
Automatic Tellers and24-Hour Banking
Almost all American banks now
offer banking privileges 24 hours
a day through “Automatic Teller
62

Machines” or ATMs. When you
open an account at a bank, youwill be issued a bankcard and a
Personal Identification Number(PIN). You will be able to use
this card in your bank’s ATM
to access your account and maketransactions such as withdrawing
and depositing money, transferring funds, and viewing your balance. Generally, you can also use
your bankcard in other banks’ATMs for a small service fee, but
only for cash withdrawals. Banks
often impose limits on how muchmoney you may withdraw fromthe ATM in one day, usually between $200 and $400.
Having an ATM card is very
convenient, since you can use it allover the United States and evenin other countries. You may alsouse cards from other countries
in the United States as long as
they function on one of the banking networks used in the UnitedStates. Before leaving home, ask
your bank if you can use yourhome country’s bankcard in the
United States. This is especially
useful if, in case of emergency,
you need to get money fromhome quickly.
Online Banking
Most U.S. banks now allow customers to conduct most or allof their banking online. This

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Livingincludes everything from viewing your balance, to transferring
funds between accounts, to paying bills electronically, to making
arrangements for your bank tosend personal checks to individual people or businesses. These
services are available at bothInternet-based and traditionalbanks. Be sure to ask about online banking when you decide to
set up an account.
Checking Accounts andChecksSavings Accounts
If you plan on bringing enoughmoney with you for the entire
school year, or even most of themoney you will need, you should
consider opening a savings account. A savings account usually offers a higher rate of interest
than a checking account and allows you to make withdrawals tocover your living expenses.
Debit Cards

Checking accounts allow you to
avoid carrying large amounts ofcash or sending it through themail, since you can use checks instead of money in most stores orbusinesses in the United States.
They are a convenient place tokeep the money you need on a
day-to-day basis and are usuallyconnected with an ATM or debitcard/check card. Many people
use debit cards, which withdraw
money directly from their checking account, so they do not haveto write and keep track of paper checks (see below for more
information on debit cards).
Checking accounts often pay lessinterest than savings accounts on
the money you deposit, so many
people choose to keep a savings
account as well so that money
they will not need until later has achance to gain more value.

Most U.S. bankcards may also be
used as debit cards, which withdraw money directly from yourchecking account each time you
use them to make a payment.
While many stores now accept
debit cards instead of cash, it is agood idea to carry a small amountof cash with you at all times in casea store does not accept debit cards
or the card system is not working.
Prepaid Debit Cards
Like other debit cards, prepaid
debit cards are now acceptedin most U.S. stores. Instead ofagreeing to have money withdrawn directly from your checking account, with a prepaid debitcard you pay a specific amount ofmoney, which is loaded on to thecard. You may then spend up tothat amount on your purchases;
once you reach the limit, you must

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Livingadd more money to the card.
Prepaid debit cards are a usefulway to avoid overspending andincurring penalty fees from yourbank. You can purchase prepaid
debit card in banks, online, andin many stores; choose a prepaid
card from a major credit provider
such as American Express, MasterCard, or Visa to ensure it will
be accepted widely.
Credit Cards and “Buying on
Credit”
The use of credit cards is widespread in the United States, andhaving a credit card is very convenient. Banks, credit card companies, gas companies, department
stores, and other organizations
issue credit cards. Card holders
must pay a minimum amountof what they owe each month,or they are issued a “financecharge.” Applications for credit
cards are available in many banks
and stores, and most ask for theapplicant’s source and amount ofincome, length of residence at hisor her present address, and somebank information. Many companies that issue credit cards requireapplicants to have a specific minimum income. If you use a credit
card or purchase something on
credit, be sure you understandthe terms of the loan agreement.
While most cards allow users to
pay only a portion of their bill64

each month, you will likely haveto pay high interest rates, sometimes as much as 21 percent, for
any amount you do not pay in fulleach month.
Tipping
In the United States, tips (gratuities) are not usually added tobills. While it is always your decision whether to tip or not, you
are usually expected to leave a tip
for certain services. People who
commonly receive tips are paid
a lower wage than those who do
not receive tips and often depend
upon tips for a significant part oftheir income. The average tip is
15 percent, depending on the extent and the quality of the service
provided.
Waiters/Servers: The expected
tip in a restaurant is 15 or 20 percent in a good restaurant withexcellent service. You should
leave your tip on the table for thewaiter or waitress as you leave. If
you pay with a credit card, you
can add the tip to the credit cardcharges before you total the bill.
If you sit at a counter in a restaurant, the tip is usually smaller; 10
to 15 percent is sufficient. In afast-food restaurant, the bill is
paid when the food is ordered,and no tip is expected. No tip
is expected in a cafeteria or selfservice restaurant.

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LivingTaxi Drivers: It is customary togive 10 to 15 percent of the total
fare.
Airport and Hotel Porters: It is
customary to give $1.00 to $2.00
for each bag.
Barbers, Hairdressers, andBeauticians: They are usuallytipped 10 to 20 percent of the bill,
depending on the type of establishment. You might give a stylist
at a high-end salon who spends
a lot of time on your treatment
more than someone who gives
you a quick haircut at a barber
shop.
Valet Parking: The attendant
should usually receive $1.00 to$2.00.

“floor” telephone, which students share. Other dormitories
have telephones already installedin the rooms and offer competitive rates for long distance calls.
If you live off campus and have aphone installed, you will have to
buy your own phone and pay for
installation charges and perhaps adeposit to ensure that you will pay
your telephone bills. You will bebilled monthly for use of the telephone, usually a flat fee for local
service plus extra charges for long
distance calls. These costs varyfrom area to area in the UnitedStates.
Telephone Numbers

Telecommunications

Telephone numbers in the UnitedStates have 10 digits, including
a three-digit “area code” thatserves a wide region or sectionof a city, plus a seven-digit set of
numbers that is the prime telephone number. If you need a telephone number and cannot find it
in the telephone book or on theInternet, you can call “directory
assistance.” In most areas, thenumber for directory assistanceis “411.”

Telephones

Emergency Numbers

For convenience and privacy,
most students choose to have atelephone. Almost all dormitories have at least a dorm or a

Find the phone numbers for the
local fire, police, and rescue departments, your doctors, and thecampus emergency line and ei-

Never offer a tip to public officials, police officers, or government employees. This is against
the law in the United States.
There is no need to tip hotel desk
clerks, bus drivers, theater ushers,
salespeople, flight attendants, orgas station attendants.

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Livingther save them in your phone or
keep them nearby. In many communities in the United States,when you need police, the fire
department, or paramedics inan emergency situation, you simply dial “911.” Once you havedialed 911, the operator will ask
you what the emergency is, ask
for your address, and then summon the appropriate help. Mostof the time, the operator will stayon the line and give you support
or advice until help arrives. It isvery important to call 911 only inan emergency situation, and it isillegal to use it otherwise.
Long Distance Calls
The cost of long distance calls depends on the time of day, lengthof call, type of call, and the long
distance company. When you
connect with the local telephonecompany, you will be automatically connected to their long distance service unless you choose
an outside company. Compare
the prices and packages available
from several different companies
before choosing a long distancecarrier, since many offer special
rates for customers who frequently call the same people orcountry. Be sure to note whenrates are lowest (usually weekends, holidays, and at night) if
you plan to make long distancecalls. Ask your international stu66

dent adviser for advice on private long distance companies if
you are not sure which would be
best for you.
Calls to Foreign Countries
It is possible to dial direct to almost all foreign countries fromthe United States, and direct dialing is less expensive than placing
calls through the operator. To get
an international line, you mustfirst dial “011,” then the countrycode, city code, and telephone
number you wish to reach.
Prepaid Calling Cards
Prepaid calling cards are widely
available in campus bookstores,
grocery stores, and convenienceshops, and also on the Internet.
They offer very competitive rates
and are often the least expensive
way for international students
to call home. Prepaid cards require users to call a toll-free or
local number, then enter a special code that gives them a specified amount of calling time. The
length of time and price per minute depend on the phone number
you call and the type of card you
choose. Shop around for the cardwith the best deal for the places
you call most; you can often callacross the world for just a few
cents per minute with a prepaid
calling card.

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LivingCellular or Mobile Phones
Many students choose to use acellular phone (also called a “cellphone” or “mobile phone”) exclusively. Cell phones are widely available at very reasonable
prices in the United States, andcell phone companies provide
a variety of inexpensive calling
plans that include free long distance calls throughout the country. Some offer special deals forcustomers who make frequentcalls to the same person, state,or country. Many colleges anduniversities have strict policies regarding cell phone use on campus
and in class.
Internet Phone Calls
If you have access to the Internet,
you may wish to consider making your long distance and overseas calls via the Internet. Usinga technology called Voice-overInternet Protocol (VoIP), many
service providers can help you
convert your voice to a computer
signal for free or for a minimal
charge and call from your computer to another computer or to atelephone. There are many VoIP
providers available; one popular
service with international students is “Skype,” which allows
users to sign up and begin making basic computer-to-computer
calls for free. (See “Internet andE-mail Services” below for information on Internet and computeruse on campuses.)
Public (“Pay”) Phones
Pay phones are available in somecommercial areas and require theuser to insert coins or use a credit
card to make a call. Directions
for making calls are printed on
the telephone. Most telephonecompanies also sell debit cards
that allow users to pay a certain
amount, then have the cost ofcalls deducted each time they use
their card to make a call from a
pay phone.
Internet and E-mail Services
Most U.S. colleges and universities give students a free e-mailaddress, and many require themto use that address to receive official news from the school or for
information on their courses. Internet services are free on many
campuses, but some institutions
charge a technology fee. Most
U.S. colleges and universities
have several computer rooms
where you can check your email, browse the Internet, or
use software programs to complete assignments. Some students choose to keep a desktop
computer in their dorm roomor bring a laptop to use aroundcampus. Some universities have

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Livingnetwork connections available
in all dorm rooms. Off-campus
students can sometimes apply foraccess to the university’s server
at a discount or, possibly, forfree. Some schools require all
students to purchase a computer(often a laptop) for their personaluse, usually at a discounted pricefrom a local provider. The priceand availability of computer andInternet services vary from campus to campus, so be sure to ask
your international student adviser how things work at the school
you plan to attend.
Text Messaging
The widespread use of cell phones
has made text messaging perhaps
the most popular form of communication among young adults
in the United States. Many colleges and universities have rules
regarding text messaging on
campus and in the classroom, so
be sure to check before you text.
Never text while driving.
U.S. Postal Service
Mailing Address
Before you leave home, give
your correct mailing address in
the United States to family andfriends who will be writing you.
If you do not know the address
yet, have letters sent in care of68

your international student adviser. Then inform people ofyour permanent address as soon
as you can.
Whenever you change addresses while you are in the UnitedStates, be sure to tell your international student adviser and/or the DSO/RO listed on yourI-20 or DS-2019 so he or she canupdate your SEVIS profile. You
may also wish to fill out a changeof-address form at your local
post office or online so the postal
system can forward any mail addressed to your old address toyour new address. This service
continues for six months and canbe extended to a full year if you
request.
Post Offices
Every city has a main post office, and larger cities have several
smaller branches as well. Many
colleges and universities havetheir own post offices, or at leasta place you can buy stamps andsend mail. Post office hours varyand may be limited on weekends.
Most post offices deliver mailonce or twice a day, except on
Sundays and federal holidays.
Postage Rates
There are many options forsending mail, depending on what

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Livingyou send, where you send it, andhow quickly you need your mailto be received. Rate information
is available at your local post office or on the U.S. Postal Service
website at http://www.usps.com.
The U.S. Postal Service website
also allows users to purchasepostage and order mailing supplies such as envelopes and boxes
online.
Post Office Boxes
Most post offices have small
lock boxes you can rent and use
to receive your mail. The rental
fee varies from city to city. To apply for a post office box (usuallycalled a “P.O. Box”), go to thenearest regular post office; bringa piece of identification that has
your address on it, such as a statedriver’s license. When you areassigned a post office box, youwill receive the combination or
key of the lock and can begin toreceive mail there. The person
helping you will give you the exact address people should use on
their correspondence so it willreach your box. Most colleges
and universities also provide students with a free mailbox to receive mail on campus.
In addition to the federal postal
system, many private or commercial firms (such as UPS, DHL,
and Federal Express) offer nor-mal or express mailing services
through a variety of delivery
options. Usually these firms will
prepare packages for mailing foran additional fee.
Health and Wellness
Campus Health Clinics
Most colleges and universities in the United States have aclinic that offers free or reduced
cost health services for students.
These services are usually limited
to minor and emergency care. Incase of a serious health problem,the university will most likely refer you to another facility in thecommunity.
Family Medical Care
Since campus health clinics usually serve only students, you willneed to find another source of
medical care if you are travelingwith your spouse and/or family.
If possible, establish a relationship with a doctor shortly after
you arrive in the United States
so you will have ready access to
medical care if someone becomes
ill. When choosing a doctor, you
might consider a general practitioner/primary care physician,
who can provide medical care forthe whole family, a pediatrician if
you would like someone who specializes in infants and children,

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Livingor an obstetrician/gynecologist, of you would like someone
who focuses on women’s health.
Ask friends, the student healthservice, or your international
student adviser for recommendations of doctors in your community. When you telephone for an
appointment, ask how much thedoctor charges for services andmake sure you know what medical services your health insurance
covers. For more information on
types of health care plans andhealth insurance, see chapter 2,“Health Insurance.”
Shopping
Even the smallest cities in the
United States have shopping
centers or “shopping malls” witha wide variety of stores and services. Store hours vary dependingon the area you live and the typeof store. Stores and businesses do
not close at lunchtime as is customary in many other countries.
Common Types of U.S. Stores
The Campus Bookstore: Almost every campus operates abookstore where you can purchase required textbooks andsupplies, clothing with the university’s emblem, and a variety ofother items. Most textbooks areavailable either new or used. Usedbooks are considerably cheaper,70

but they may be damaged or
marked in by the previous owner.
Keep your sales receipt when
you make a purchase in case you
drop a class or decide you do notneed a particular book and wish
to return it. At the end of theschool term, if your textbooks
are in good condition and you do
not need them anymore, you canoften sell them back to the bookstore for a reduced price.
Supermarkets: The supermarket, sometimes called the “grocery
store,” is a large store that sells
food, health and beauty aids, anda variety of other items such as
kitchen utensils, houseplants andflowers, and sometimes clothing.
Prices in supermarkets are usually
lower than in small, independent
stores. Some supermarkets carryforeign foods, especially if they
are located in an area with a large
immigrant population.
Pharmacies: In the UnitedStates, pharmacies are also called“drugstores” and usually offer alarge selection of cosmetics, toiletries, stationery, and other items
in addition to medicines. You may
purchase both “nonprescription”(that is, not prescribed by a doctor) medications, such as aspirin
and common cold remedies, and“prescription” (prescribed by adoctor) medications here. Many
medications in the United States

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Livingcan be obtained only with a doctor’s written prescription.
Department Stores: Department stores have many different
sections, or departments, where
you can buy clothing, shoes, appliances, kitchen items, china, gifts,
jewelry, and more. Department
stores differ in price and quality.
Discount Stores: Discountstores are similar to department
stores but generally offer lower
prices because they buy in large
quantities and because the storesare large, economically built, andplain. At some discount stores,
you must pay a membership fee
and present your membershipcard to enter.
Eating Out
U.S. towns offer a variety of restaurants in many price ranges.
Some feature specialties of theregion, while others specialize in “ethnic” foods from various regions of the world. Whilesome of these ethnic restaurants
are very authentic, others haveadapted their food to suit American tastes. It is safe to eat inrestaurants in the United Statessince they are regularly inspected
for cleanliness and for compliance with health codes. It is also
safe to drink water from a tap in
the United States. Bottled water

is usually available in American
restaurants for an extra charge.
If you plan to eat at a formal restaurant, call in advance to makea reservation. Not all restaurants require reservations, but it
is a good idea to check. This isespecially true on weekends andholidays.
Transportation
Public Transportation
Public transportation in the
United States varies significantly. Some U.S. cities have adependable, comprehensive system, while others offer very little
public transport. Dependingon where you live in relation to
your college or university campus, public transportation canbe the simplest, least expensive,and most reliable way to get toschool. If you plan to live off campus and will not have access to acar, make sure you know how
frequently your street or area isserved by public transportation,
the times of scheduled stops, andthe price of travel. If you need totake public transportation daily,
consider purchasing a monthly
pass to save on transport expenses. These passes are available atthe public transportation officein your city and often in otherlocations such as drugstores orpost offices.

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LivingCars
It may seem to you that everyonein the United States has a car andthat everyone needs one. Cars
can be convenient, but they canalso be very expensive to buy andmaintain. Some universities may
not allow first-year undergraduate students to keep a car on campus due to limited parking space.
Buying a Car: Research thecars you are considering to becertain they are safe and reliable.
When shopping, take someone who knows about cars andhow they are sold in the UnitedStates. Most car dealers will negotiate prices with the customer.
The total cost of the car will depend on the age of the car, theoptions you choose, and the typeof car. Look at different brands
and models, and compare prices.
Used cars are less expensive than
new cars, but may require more
repairs. The Kelley Blue Book (online at http://www.kbb.com) is a
useful resource that lists the fairmarket value of many different
makes and models of used cars;
take a look so you know how
much you should expect to pay.
You should also have a mechanic
check any car you consider purchasing from an individual to
make sure it does not have major
problems. If you purchase the carfrom a dealer, there should be72

a warranty, so you do not needtake it to a mechanic.
Before you buy any car, contact
the department of motor vehicles
in your state to find out the state
requirements for owning a car.
Then be sure to get any required
documents from the seller.
Getting a Driver’s License
and Obeying Traffic Laws: If
you plan to drive in the UnitedStates, you must have a valid
driver’s license. It is a good idea
to get a driver’s license issued in
the state where you will live, sincesome states do not recognize aninternational driver’s license.
Even those that do recognize aninternational license will accept it
for only one year after you arrivein the United States. Check withthe local office of the state motor
vehicles department for information on obtaining a state driver’s
license.
It is important to learn and obey
traffic laws and to understandthat they are enforced. People
who break these laws can receive fines or jail sentences, andeven lose their driving privileges.
Traffic and driving laws vary bystate, and you will be required
to pass a written test on the lawsof your state in order to get a license. You may also have to passa driving, or “road,” test.

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LivingAutomobile Insurance: In mostof the United States, automobile
insurance is mandatory, but theamount of coverage required varies from state to state. If a car is
not insured, the owner of the car
is financially responsible for any
accidents or damage connectedwith the car. Ask your international student adviser about state
requirements and for advice onpurchasing automobile insurance.
Renting a Car: Renting a car isa convenient way to travel withinor outside your city without thehassle of buying and owning a car.
Keep in mind, however, that there
are certain requirements and restrictions connected with renting
a car. For example, many agencies
require that individuals be at least
25 years old to rent a car. Somewill allow drivers who are younger,
but for an additional fee.
Car Sharing Clubs: Car sharing
clubs allow fee-paying members
to borrow or reserve cars at theirconvenience. As members of a car
sharing club, users can check theavailability of cars by telephoneor online, then pick them up in
designated spots around the cityor have them delivered to theirhomes. The cost to use a shared
car is usually less than a traditional
rental car, and members often do
not have to pay for gas, insurance,or their initial mileage. Perhaps

the most popular car-sharing clubin the United States is Zip Car.
BicyclesBicycles are useful, inexpensive,and convenient to use on many
U.S. campuses and in many communities. Many communities
also have bicycle clubs that schedule group outings and competitive races. Some universities andsome city police departments
require that bicycles be licensed.
Ask your international student
adviser about regulations andtraffic rules for bicycles on campus and in the community.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles and other twowheeled vehicles with motors areanother relatively inexpensive
form of transportation. Most
states require motorcycle drivers
to have special motorcycle licenses, register their vehicles, and wear
protective helmets when riding.
Many universities and colleges
also require that motorcycles andsimilar vehicles be registered withthe campus security office.
Leisure Travel
Airlines
The United States has several national airlines as well as many re-

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Livinggional carriers. Because of competition between airlines, you may
find that airfares are surprisingly
low, particularly when airlines offer sales. You can book tickets directly with the airlines, through a
travel agent, or through the Internet. Several popular websites allow users to browse and compare
fares between different airlines.
(Keep in mind that fees and taxes
often increase the total cost of an
air ticket considerably.)
TrainsAmtrak is the U.S. national rail
carrier. While train travel in the
United States is often more expensive than in other countries,
Amtrak does offer a USA Rail
Pass that allows travelers to pay
a reduced price for concentrated
travel during specified lengths oftime. Visit the Amtrak website
for details. Local commuter trains
are usually cheaper than Amtrak
trains and can be an easy way to
see nearby cities.
Buses
Bus travel is often the least expensive way to travel in the United States. Reservations are often
not required, but if you plan a trip
on a busy route you may wish tocontact the company ahead oftime to hold a seat. The largest
intercity bus company serving
74

the United States is Greyhound,which offers a “Discovery Pass”
that provides unlimited travel andstopovers for periods of 7, 15, 30,
or 60 days. There are also many
private bus lines that make several
trips per day between major cities; these are particularly popularalong the East Coast, where passengers frequently travel between
Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
Ask your international student
adviser for more information.
Personal Safety
Every town has unsafe areas, andyou should find out where these
are as soon as possible. Everycollege and university employs
police officers or security personnel to help keep the campus safe.
If you do not receive security
guidelines during orientation,
ask your international student
adviser or campus security officeabout safety on campus and in thecommunity and what you should
do to ensure your personal safety. Remember that good judgment, precaution, and common
sense can significantly reduce thechance of having an unpleasantand possibly harmful experience.
If you do become the victim of acrime, report it immediately tothe campus/community police
and your international student
adviser.

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LivingClubs and Sports
Clubs
Clubs are an excellent way tomeet people who share your interests, to make friends, to learn
new things, and to have fun.
There are student organizations
for almost every interest and purpose, from academic societies, toservice organizations, to socialgroups, to international student
associations. Check your school’s
website for a list of campus clubs
and organizations, or ask your international student adviser.
Cultural Activities
College and university campusesin the United States offer a variety of cultural activities suchplays, concerts, films, lectures,
and art exhibitions. If the university is located in or near a metropolitan area, you will find many
more opportunities advertised in
the entertainment and arts section of the city’s newspaper.
SportsAlmost all colleges and universities have sports teams thatcompete with teams from otherschools. These teams often compete at a very high level and attract large crowds of student
supporters and other fans. Most

colleges and universities also offer intramural sporting teams orcompetitions; intramural sports
are usually less competitive than
the intercollegiate teams and areoften open to anyone with an interest in the sport.
Arrangements for Dependents
Who May Join You
Schools for Children
In the United States, education is the responsibility of eachstate, and every school system isdifferent. Your international student adviser can help you findmore information about local
schools and their admission requirements. Bring copies of yourchildren’s birth certificates andschool records to enroll them inschool at the appropriate level
once you arrive.
Child Care
There are many options for fulltime or part-time child care in
the United States. Prices dependon the setting, the amount of individualized attention your childreceives, and geographic location.
Home Day Care: Usually for
infants and pre-school children(five years old and younger). Caregivers (also called “babysitters” or“nannies”) watch your child or a

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Livingsmall group of children at theirown home or, in some cases, atyour home. Some home day careproviders also care for school-age
children before or after school.
Day Care Centers: Usuallycare for pre-school children (notalways infants). Day care centers often have several teachers/care givers and provide care tolarger groups of children. While
there are many private day careproviders, some centers are directly connected to particular
work places, providing care primarily to the children of theiremployees.
Nursery Schools or Preschools:
Usually serve children three tofive years old. Most schools holdclasses from two to five days aweek, usually in the mornings orin the afternoons. Nursery andpreschools provide play activities
and help prepare children to enter kindergarten, usually the firstyear of schooling in the UnitedStates.
Activities for Spouses
Although spouses of international students are usually not permitted to work, there are many
interesting and fulfilling ways tospend their time in the UnitedStates. Some choose to pursue afavorite hobby or improve their76

English, and many enjoy participating in activities with otherinternational spouses or throughcommunity service organizations.
Still others take courses theymight not have had the time forat home. Ask your international
student adviser about local ESL
classes, academic and continuing
education courses, and/or opportunities to volunteer in local hospitals, schools, libraries, or otherorganizations.
Review• Research local or Internet
banks to determine which one
best suits your needs.
• Explore telephone and/or Internet service options so you
can keep in touch with family
and friends.
• The U.S. postal service offers a variety of ways to send
packages and mail, at manydifferent price levels. Visit
http://www.usps.com for more
information.
• Find out where the campus
and community health carefacilities are so you know
where to go if you become
ill. If you are traveling withfamily, find a local doctor andestablish a relationship before
you need his or her services.

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Living• The availability and convenience of U.S. public transportation varies. If you plan to live
off campus, consider how you
will get to class and be sure toinclude transportation costs inyour budget.
• If you decide to buy a car, findout the local requirements forownership, and be sure to apply
for a driver’s license from thestate where you will reside.
• Ask your international student
adviser, or check the Internet
for information on bus, train,
and airline travel if you would
like to explore the UnitedStates or the area near yourcollege or university. Sometransport companies offer discount tour packages or special
passes for international visitors.
• Stay safe; use caution and common sense as you get to know
the campus and your new cityor town.
• Take advantage of activities
available in the community andon campus, including clubs andsporting activities.
• Ask your international student
adviser for information on how
to ease your family’s transition
to their new home, including
information on local schools

and opportunities for yourfamily to be active and engaged
in the community.
Useful Websites
U.S. Postal Service
http://www.usps.com
Information on Used Car Prices
http://www.kbb.com
Travel Sites
Expedia — http://www.expedia.com
Kayak — http://www.kayak.com/
Orbitz — http://www.orbitz.com
Travelocity — http://www.travelocity.
com
Train Travel
Amtrak — http://www.amtrak.com
Bus Travel
Greyhound — http://www.greyhound.
comPeter Pan Bus — http://www.peterpanbus.com
Trailways — http://www.trailways.com
Gotobus.com (search for deals and tours
throughout the United States)
http://gotobus.com
Campus Safety and Personal Security
Security on Campus, Inc.
http://www.securityoncampus.org

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Chapter 8 Adjusting to A New Environment			Adjusting					 to a New				 Environment
Language Problems
Even if you speak English very
well, you might not understand the
local accent right away, or you may
be unfamiliar with U.S. slang or
the local expressions. Humor, wit,
and sarcasm are an integral partof American English, and at firstsome international students havetrouble adapting to this informal
style of conversation or understanding whether the person they
are speaking with is being serious
or not. You might also not know allof the abbreviations and technicalterms used in your study program
or workplace. Give yourself time
to adapt to the language, and ask
78

people to repeat what they have
said, speak slowly, or explain what
they mean. You may also wish tocarry a small dictionary with you
in case of emergency.
Culture Shock“I wish I had realized that culture shock was something real,for I thought it did not apply tome. I felt quite disoriented thefirst couple of weeks in the college. But the information frommy predeparture orientation
program helped me to adjust
and move on.”— Health sciences/chemistry student
from Sri Lanka

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Culture shock refers to the feelings associated with adjusting to a
new country and culture. International students experience culture
shock in varying degrees; somehardly notice it, while others findit very difficult to adapt to their
new situation. It is normal to feelexcited and interested when you
first arrive, then confused or evenhostile as you encounter things
you don’t understand or agreewith. You will likely miss yourhome country, your family, andyour friends. As time passes you
will come to better understandthe culture and customs of yourcampus and (hopefully) cometo feel comfortable in your new
home. Ask your international
student adviser if you need help.
Social Customs
Greetings
Upon meeting each other for the
first time, most Americans shakehands firmly. Good friends, family members, or people in a romantic relationship might hug orkiss upon meeting one another.
Customs vary in different parts ofthe country and between younger
and older people.
Use of NamesFirst names are more readily usedin the United States than in othercountries. It is almost always acceptable to use the first name ofsomeone of approximately thesame age or younger as soon as
you meet. Use “Mr.” (for men)or “Ms.” (for women) and theperson’s last name when talking
to people in positions of authority, your professors, or your elders, unless they ask you to callthem by their first name. Do not
be shy to ask people what theywould like you to call them andto tell them what you would likethem to call you.
Friendliness and Friendships
Americans’ friendships are often more casual than friendships
among people from some othercultures. Americans might referto acquaintances or people theymeet in class as “friends,” eventhough they do not always haveclose emotional ties to them. Men
and women often have long-term
platonic relationships, which cansurprise some foreign visitors.
People of the opposite sex might
go to the movies, a restaurant, aconcert, or other event together
without ever being romanticallyinvolved.
Social Invitations
Americans tend to be quite punctual. If you have accepted an invitation or agreed to a meeting, try

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to arrive on time. If you have tocancel an appointment or knowthat you will not be able to be ontime, call to cancel or reschedule. If you are formally invited tosomeone’s home, it is considerate
to bring a gift to your host. Common gifts are a bottle of wine, abox of chocolates, or flowers. No
gift is expected when friends visit
each other casually.
Dating and Relationships
For many international students,
American dating and relationship rituals can be difficult tounderstand. In general, men andwomen treat each other as equals
and in an informal, casual way.
Traditionally, men ask women on
dates, but it is also acceptable fora woman to ask a man out. Expenses on a date are sometimes
paid by one person or sometimes
split between the two. The man
will usually offer to pay but willusually not protest if the woman
offers to pay in part. Going ona date in the United States does
not assume any kind of sexual involvement. Homosexual relationships are common in the UnitedStates.
Personal Hygiene
Most Americans shower orbathe at least once a day to control body odors and brush their80

teeth with toothpaste in themorning and evening. In addition, they use underarm deodorant/antiperspirant to control
perspiration odors, and they
wash their hair regularly. Many
American women, though notall, shave the hair from theirunderarms and their lower legs.
Many also wear makeup on
their faces. Americans usuallywash clothing that has taken on
the smell of perspiration before
wearing it again.
If an Emergency Occurs
at HomeIf a medical, financial, or family
problem arises at home, you willneed to decide how to respond.
If you decide to leave, make sure
your academic work will not suffer. Meet with your academic
adviser, the international student
adviser, and (for master’s anddoctoral students) your thesis director. If you miss a significant
amount of work, a professor may
grant you an “incomplete” as a final grade, meaning that you will
have a chance to make up thework in the next semester. Youmight also be allowed to dropsome classes, but in that case you
would not get a grade or credit
for the work done. Talk withyour international student adviser about how these changes could
affect your status in SEVIS.

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Chapter 8 Adjusting to A New Environment

A trip home could be very expensive, and being away could affectboth your tuition and your financial aid. If you need to depart foran extended period, make sure tocontact your university’s Financial
Aid Office to discuss your situation. Your international student
adviser can help you consider
your options and deal with theuniversity’s administration.
Whenever you leave the country, check with your international student adviser to makesure you have the appropriate
visa and documents to reenterthe United States. If your visa
expires while you are gone, if
you had a single-entry visa, or if
you are away for an extended period, you might need to reapply
at your local U.S. embassy for avalid student visa.
Review• If possible, plan to arrive at youruniversity or college several days
before orientation begins to allow time to recover from jet lag.
• Even if your English is very
good, you may experience somelanguage problems when you
first arrive. Do not be afraid to
ask people to speak more slowly or to explain what they aresaying until you are comfortable with the local language.

• It is normal to experience some
culture shock when you firstmove to a new country.
• Become familiar with American social customs that may bedifferent from those in yourcountry. Understanding thesedifferences should help ease
your transition and avoid embarrassing situations and misunderstandings.
• If a family emergency shouldarise while you are at school,remember that there are people available at your university
or college who can help you
decide your best course of action. Returning home may not
be the best option in every circumstance.
Useful Websites
America.gov — Click on “AmericanLife”
http://www.america.gov
InfoUSA — U.S. Department ofState website with information on life,
education, government, media, and theeconomy in the United States
http://usinfo.org/enus
Sample International Student Web
Resource on Cultural Issues (New York
University)
http://www.nyu.edu/oiss/beyond/cultural/index.html

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Glossary of Terms

Glossaryof
Terms
Academic Adviser (AA): A member of a college
faculty who helps and advises students on academic
matters.
Academic Year: The period of formal instruction,
usually September to May; may be divided into
terms of varying lengths — semesters, trimesters, orquarters.
Accreditation: System of recognition and quality assurance for institutions and programs of higher education in the United States.
ACT University-Entrance Exam: A multiplechoice test of English, math, reading, and science reasoning (plus an optional writing component) used foradmission into undergraduate programs.
Add/Drop: A process at the beginning of a term
whereby students can delete and add classes with an
instructor’s permission.
Advance Registration: A process of choosing classes
in advance of other students.
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Glossary of Terms

Affidavit of Support: An official document proving apromise of funding from an individual or organization.
Assistantship: A study grant of financial assistance toa graduate student that is offered in return for certain services in teaching or laboratory supervision asa teaching assistant, or for services in research as a
research assistant.
Associate Degree: The degree awarded after a twoyear period of study; it can be either terminal (vocational) or transfer (the first two years of a bachelor’s
degree).
Attestation: Official affirmation that a degree ortranscript is genuine. Usually signed by a recognizedexpert or witness.
Audit: To take a class without receiving credit towarda degree.
Authentication: Process of determining whether
something is, in fact, what it is declared to be. Incoming students are often required to provide a documentof authentication for academic transcripts or previous
degrees when applying to a program of study in the
United States.
Bachelor’s Degree: Degree awarded upon completion of approximately four years of full-time study inthe liberal arts and sciences or professional subjects.
Class Rank: A number or ratio indicating a student’s
academic standing in his or her graduating class. A
student who ranks first in a class of 100 students would
report his or her class rank as 1/100, while a student
ranking last would report 100/100. Class rank may
also be expressed in percentiles (for example, the top
25 percent, the lower 50 percent).
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Glossary of Terms

Coed: A college or university that admits both men
and women; also refers to a dormitory that houses
both men and women.
College: A postsecondary institution that provides anundergraduate education and, in some cases, master’slevel degrees. College, in a separate sense, is a divisionof a university; for example, College of Business.
College Catalog: An official publication giving information about a university’s academic programs,
facilities, entrance requirements, and student life.
Core Requirements: Mandatory courses requiredfor completion of the degree.
Course: Regularly scheduled class sessions of one
to five hours (or more) per week during a term. A
degree program is made up of a specified number ofrequired and elective courses and varies from institution to institution.
Credits: Units that universities use to record thecompletion of courses (with passing grades) that are
required for an academic degree. The catalog defines
the number and kinds of credits that are required forthe university’s degrees and states the value of eachcourse offered in terms of “credit hours” or “units.”
Day Student: A student who lives in accommodations not administered by the college and off the campus grounds. He or she travels to campus every day
for classes.
Degree: Diploma or title conferred by a college, university, or professional school upon completion of aprescribed program of studies.

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Glossary of Terms

Department: Administrative subdivision of a school,
college, or university through which instruction in acertain field of study is given (such as English department or history department).
Designated School Official (DSO): A Designated School Official (DSO) is the person on campus
who gathers and reports information on international
students to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and assists international students in the visa and employment authorization process. Your DSO’s name will be listed on your I-20 or
DS-2019.
Dissertation: Thesis written on an original topic ofresearch, usually presented as one of the final requirements for a doctoral degree (Ph.D.).
Distance Education: A type of formal learning inwhich the student and the instructor are not in thesame place at the same time. It may be accomplished
via telephone, radio, television, audio-video recordings, computer programs, and/or the Internet.
Doctorate (Ph.D.): The highest academic degree
conferred by a university to students who have completed at least three years of graduate study beyond
the bachelor’s and/or master’s degree and who havedemonstrated their academic ability in oral and written examinations and through original research presented in the form of a dissertation.
Dormitories: Housing facilities on the campus of acollege or university reserved for students. A typicaldormitory would include student rooms, bathrooms,
common rooms, and possibly a cafeteria. Also known
as “dorms” for short.

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Glossary of Terms

Electives: Courses that students choose to take for
credit toward their intended degree, as distinguishedfrom courses that they are required to take.
Extracurricular Activities: Nonacademic activities
undertaken outside university courses.
Faculty: People who teach courses at U.S. colleges
and universities. Faculty members may include professors, associate professors, assistant professors, andinstructors.
Fees: An amount charged by universities, in addition
to tuition, to cover costs of institutional services.
Fellowship: A form of financial assistance, usuallyawarded to a graduate student. Generally, no service
is required of the student in return.
Final Exam: Often referred to as a “final,” a final
exam is a cumulative exam on a particular course subject encompassing all material covered throughout the
duration of the course.
Financial aid: A general term that includes all typesof money, loans, and work/study programs offered toa student to help pay tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Fraternities: Male social, academic, and philanthropic organizations found on many U.S. campuses.
Freshman: A first-year student at a secondary school,
college, or university.
GMAT: Graduate Management Admission Test,
usually required for applicants to business or management programs.

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Glossary of Terms

Grade Point Average: A system of recording academic achievement based on the numerical grade received in each course and the number of credit hours
studied.
GRE: Graduate Record Examination; primarily
multiple-choice test of verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing used foradmission into graduate programs.
High School: The U.S. term for secondary school.
Higher Education: Postsecondary education at colleges, universities, professional schools, technical institutes, etc. Education beyond high school.
Honors Program: A challenging program for students with high grades.
International English Language Testing System(IELTS): An English language proficiency examination of applicants whose native language is not English.
International Student Adviser (ISA): The person
at a university who is in charge of providing information and guidance to foreign students in areas of government regulation, visas, academic regulations, social
customs, language, financial or housing problems,travel plans, insurance, and legal matters.
Junior: A third-year student at a secondary school,
college, or university.
Liberal Arts: A term referring to academic studies ofsubjects in the humanities, the social sciences, and thephysical sciences, with the goal of developing students’verbal, written, and reasoning skills.

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Glossary of Terms

LSAT: Law School Admission Test required of applicants to professional law programs and some postgraduate law programs in American law schools.
Major: The subject in which a student wishes to concentrate.
Master’s Degree: Degree awarded upon completionof academic requirements that usually include a minimum of one year’s study beyond the bachelor’s degree.
MCAT: Medical College Admission Test requiredof applicants to U.S. medical schools.
Midterm Exam: An exam administered after half theacademic term has passed that covers all class material
up until that point.
Miller Analogies Test: Test of analytical thinking
sometimes required for admission to graduate programs in fields such as education and psychology.
Minor: A subject in which the student takes the second greatest concentration of courses.
Non-resident Student: A student who does not meetthe residence requirements of the state. Tuition fees
and admission policies may differ for residents andnon-residents. International students are usually classified as non-residents, and there is little possibility ofchanging to resident status at a later date for tuition
purposes. Also referred to as an “out of state” student.
Notarization: The certification of a document (ora statement or signature) as authentic and true by apublic official (known in the United States as a “notary public”) or a lawyer who is also a commissionerof oaths.

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Glossary of Terms

Placement Test: An examination used to test a student’s academic ability in a certain field so that he or
she may be placed in the appropriate courses in thatfield. In some cases, a student may be given academic
credit based on the results of a placement test.
Postdoctorate: Studies designed for those who havecompleted their doctorate.
Postgraduate: Usually refers to studies for individuals
who have completed a graduate degree. May also be
used to refer to graduate education.
Professional degree: Usually obtained after completing a bachelor’s degree; degree designed to lead into a
specific profession such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or law.
Prerequisites: Programs or courses that a student isrequired to complete before being permitted to enroll
in a more advanced program or course.
Registration: Process through which students selectcourses to be taken during a quarter, semester, or
trimester.
Resident Assistant (RA): A person who assists theresidence hall director in campus dormitories and isusually the first point of contact for students with problems or queries regarding dorm life. RAs are usually
students at the college who receive free accommodation and other benefits in return for their services.
Responsible Officer (RO): A Responsible Officer
is the exchange program staff person who gathers andreports information on exchange visitors to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and assists in the visa process. The RO’s name islisted on the DS-2019.
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Glossary of Terms

Sabbatical: Leave with pay granted to give a faculty
member an extended period of time for concentrated
study.
Scholarship: A study grant of financial aid, usually
given at the undergraduate level, that may take theform of a waiver of tuition and/or fees.
SAT: A primarily multiple-choice test of mathematics
and English that is used for admission into an undergraduate program.
School: A term that usually refers to elementary,
middle, or secondary school. Also used in place of thewords “college,” “university,” or “institution,” or as a
general term for any place of education; for example,
law school, or graduate school.
Semester: Period of study lasting approximately 15 to
16 weeks or one-half the academic year.
Seminar: A form of small group instruction, combining independent research and class discussions under
the guidance of a professor.
Senior: A fourth-year student at a secondary school,
college, or university.
Social Security Number (SSN): A number issued
to people by the U.S. government for payroll deductions for old age, survivors, and disability insurance.
Anyone who works regularly must obtain a Social Security Number. Many institutions use this number as
the student identification number.
Sophomore: A second-year student at a secondary
school, college, or university.
Sororities: Female social, academic, and philanthropic organizations found on many U.S. campuses.
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Glossary of Terms

Special student: A student who is taking classes but is
not enrolled in a degree program.
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System(SEVIS): An Internet-based system that maintains
data on foreign students and exchange visitors before
and during their stay in the United States. It is part of
the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security.
Syllabus: An outline of topics covered in an academic
course.
Teaching Assistant (TA): A graduate student who
acts as instructor for an undergraduate course in his or
her field, in return for some form of financial aid fromthe university.
Tenure: A guarantee that a faculty member will remain employed by a college or university until retirement except in the case of very unusual circumstances.
Tenure is granted to senior faculty members who havedemonstrated a worthy research and publication record. Its purpose is to preserve academic freedom.
Thesis: A written work containing the results of research on a specific topic prepared by a candidate fora bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
An English language proficiency examination of applicants whose native language is not English.
Thesis: A written work containing the results of research on a specific topic prepared by a candidate fora bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Transcripts: A certified copy (see “Notarization”) ofa student’s educational record.
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Glossary of Terms

Transfer: The process of moving from one university
to another to complete a degree.
Tuition: The money an institution charges for instruction and training (does not include the cost of books).
University: A postsecondary institution that offers
both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP): technologythat converts a user’s voice to a computer signal andsends it over the Internet. VoIP allows users to callfrom one computer to another computer or to a telephone.
Zip Code: A series of numbers in mailing addresses
that designates postal delivery districts in the UnitedStates.

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Additional Resources

		 Additional
			 Resources

Contact your nearest EducationUSA advising centerto find out more about these and other resources.
The Everything College Survival Book: From Social Life to
Study Skills—All You Need to Fit Right In. 2005. Michael S.
Malone, Adams Media, Cincinnati, OH.
International Student’s Guide to the USA. 1998. Ian Jacobs
and Ellen Shatswell, Princeton Review Publishing, LLC,
New York, NY.
NAFSA’s International Student Handbook: The Essential Guide
to University Study in the USA. 2001. NAFSA: Associationof International Educators, Washington, DC.
Succeeding as an International Student in the United States andCanada. 2008. Charles Lipson, University of Chicago Press,
Chicago, IL.
The Ultimate College Survival Guide. 2009. Janet Farrar
Worthington and Ronald Farrar, Peterson’s, Princeton, NJ.

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Index		

Index

Academic adviser
48-49, 50, 53, 54, 80, 82
Academic preparation
21-22
Academic year
47-48, 49, 53, 56, 82
Airline baggage allowance
37
American culture
79-80
Social customs
79-80
Apartments
18, 57, 58-59, 60
Lease/rental agreement
58, 59, 60
Security deposit
59
Utilities
58
Banking
18, 19, 61-64, 76
Automatic teller machines (ATMs)
19, 62, 63
Checking accounts
62, 63
Online banking
62-63
Savings accounts
62, 65
Bicycles73
Buses
44, 46, 74, 77
Cafeterias
60, 64, 85
Cars
72, 73
Buying72
Insurance
73
Obtaining a license
72
Renting73
Car sharing clubs
73
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IndexTraffic laws
Cell Phones
Cheating
Checks
Clubs
Computer literacy
Costs
Books and supplies
Communications
Incidentals
Insurance
LivingPersonal
Settling-in
Taxes
Transportation
TravelTuition and fees
Course registration
Credit cards
Cultural activities
Culture shock
Currency
Customs regulations
DatingDependents (spouse/children)
Activities for spouses
Child care
Schools
Dormitories

72
51, 67, 68
53
19, 23, 45, 63
36, 73, 75, 77
22
16-18
17
18
18
17
17
18
18-19
18
18
18
16
49-50, 47, 89
20, 23, 45, 64, 67
75
78-79
20, 6035, 38, 40, 41, 43, 46
80
18, 26, 30, 32, 75-76
76
75-76
75
17, 18, 55-57, 58, 59, 60,
		65, 67, 68, 84, 85, 89
DS-2019 form
15, 16, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 35,
		40, 41, 42, 45, 68, 85, 89
Duty (import tax)
39, 40, 43
EducationUSA advising centers
1, 3, 12-13, 17, 21, 23,
		24, 28, 31, 51, 93
E-mail67
Emergencies at home
80-81
Employment
60, 85English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
54, 76

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IndexExtracurricular activities
86
F-1 visa21, 26, 35, 41
Fraternity house
57
Friendships/friendliness
79
Full course load
49
Health and Wellness
69-70
Campus clinics
69
Family care
69-70
Insurance
17, 20-21, 23, 24, 70
Honor code
53, 54-55
Housing
Off-campus housing
58-60
		
Apartments
58-59
		Cooperative residence halls (co-ops)
59
		
Living with a U.S. family
59-60
		Off-campus dormitories
59
Campus housing
55-58
		
Married student housing
57-58
		Residence halls
56-57
		
University apartments
57
		
Fraternity and sorority houses
57
I-20 form
15, 16, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,
		35, 40, 41, 42, 45, 68, 85

I-94 form
15, 40, 41
Immigration
15, 26, 27, 31, 35, 40-42, 45
Important documents
14-16
Academic records
16
Certificates of immunization and vaccination
15
Contact information
16
Legal documents
14
Medical and dental records
16
Prescriptions
15
Insurance
17, 20-21, 24, 51, 87, 90
Automobile
20, 73Baggage
39
Health20-21, 23, 70
Life
20
Personal property
20
Travel20

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IndexInternational English Language Testing System (IELTS)		
22, 87
International student adviser (ISA)
12, 13, 15, 16, 20, 21, 35,
		37, 42, 43, 44, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 62, 66,

		68, 70, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 87
13, 23, 31, 39, 42, 45, 54
3, 12, 27, 35, 38, 52, 58, 62, 63, 65,
		66, 67, 68, 76, 77, 85, 91, 92
J-1 visa
20, 26, 27, 35, 41
Language skills
22, 52M-1 visa21, 26-27, 40, 41
Major (academic)
48, 88Meal plan
60
Minor (academic)
48, 90
Monetary restrictions
19-20
Motorcycles
73
Nonimmigrant visa
14, 21, 29, 32, 33
Office hours
54
Online banking
62-63
Orientation
50-51
Campus and department
50-51
EducationUSA
51
Overnight accommodations
44
Packing
36-39, 45
Passport
14, 19, 20, 23, 29, 30, 34, 40, 42, 45, 51

International Student OfficeInternet

Plagiarism
Postal service
Postage Rates
Mailing address
Post office box
Post offices
Predeparture checklist
Prepaid calling cards
Professors
Public transport
Resident advisers/assistants/directors
Residence halls
Restaurants
Roommates
Safety

53
68-69
68-69
68
69
68
22-23
66
22, 50, 51-52, 79, 86
44, 58, 71, 77
56, 8955-57
64, 71, 79
38, 55, 56, 59
51, 56, 74-75, 77

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Index
Shopping
70-71
Campus bookstore
70
Department store
71
Discount store
71
Pharmacy
70-71
Supermarket
70
Social customs
79-80
Social Security Number
51, 92
Sorority house
57
Sports75
Student visa
21, 23, 25-33, 40, 41, 49, 81
Study skills
21, 24, 52, 93
Teaching assistant (TA)52, 91
Telecommunications
65-68
Telephones
65
Long distance calls
66
Internet phone calls
67
Prepaid calling cards
66
Public (“Pay”) phones
67
Cell Phones or Mobile Phones
67
Text Messaging
68
Internet and E-mail Services
67-68
Temporary housing
23, 55
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
22, 91Time
40
Tipping
64-65
Trains44, 46, 74, 77
Travel Arrangements
35-37
Traveler’s checks
19, 23, 45
U.S. Customs
43
University identification (I.D.)50, 90Visa		
3, 13, 14, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25-33, 35, 38,
		9840, 41, 42, 45, 49, 51, 81, 85, 87, 89

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