When you do so, bring your student identification, your passport, and the funds you wish to deposit.
Banks offer many different financial services.
You may wish to compare the services and costs of several banks before choosing one at which to open an account. A checking account will permit you to write checks to make purchases and pay bills. Most retailers and service providers will accept a personal check drawn on any U.S. bank as long as you can show appropriate identification. If you plan to bring money for the entire academic year, this should be a good alternative in order to earn interest. You can withdraw money from an ordinary savings account, but you cannot do so by writing a check.