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A big achievement for students.
Securing a seat at one of the top universities in the USA! It’s like a dream come true for students who get their visa approved to study in the USA.
However, the procedure of relocating is quite time-consuming, so it is important to be mindful when preparing for it. One thing that you can do to make your traveling worryless – is a travel checklist. This is one of the most prominent activities you can do to make your transition to the USA smooth.
Help yourself with our double-eyed checklist for Indian students going to the USA to avoid stress and complications while preparing for the same.
Preparing for the Transition to the USA
One of the best study-abroad destinations for Indian students is the USA – and there’s no lie in it. USA offers world-class universities with top academic programs.
The multicultural environment of America attracts international students to experience the American lifestyle and pursue their dream courses in the USA.
While you may have been admitted to one of the top universities in the USA, arranged your financial funds, and received approval on your study visa, you are still left with so many things to get done.
For Indian students, this could be a massive change for them as the Indian and American cultures are both different, including their education system, environment, and lifestyle.
Therefore, it is wise for you to know about the changes you are going to experience in the initial time and how could you better prepare for it from here.
As the journey is going to be longer and you are going to stick in the USA for a couple of years, you must know the challenges you may face and how can you overcome them.
You can make a list of things you should carry with you that are essential. Carrying the necessities can save you from unnecessary expenditures in the USA.
To make your transition to the USA hassle-free, ensure you have ticked off everything from the checklist below.
Document Checklist for Indian Students Going to the USA
The study abroad journey for Indian students going to the USA is exciting and transformative. As you prepare for the new chapter of your life, it is crucial to ensure all the necessary documents and arrangements are in place to make the transition really easy.
This comprehensive checklist will guide you through essential steps and in-depth information on each aspect.
1. Passport and Student Visa
Passports and student visas are gates to entry. Your passport is the cornerstone of international travel. Make sure your passport is valid for at least the next six months beyond your planned return date from the USA. Check for any required renewal or updates in your passport.
The student visa is your authorization to study in the USA. You are required to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa depending on the type of your chosen program. Make sure you carry your student visa and all the necessary supporting documents with you.
2. I-20 form and SEVIS Fee Receipt
These are mandatory requirements. The I-20 form serves as your eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status in the USA. It is mandatory for international students who want to study in the USA. The I-20 form can be obtained from your chosen university, which allows international students to apply for their student visas.
SEVIS fee receipt is also a must-have for international students. It is a compulsory payment for all international students in the USA. The SEVIS fee receipt is the confirmation of your payment.
3. University Acceptance Letter
The university acceptance letter is a formal document issued by your chosen US institution confirming your admission to a specific academic program. The letter provides details about your enrollment, program duration, tuition fees, and any other relevant information.
Keep multiple copies of the university acceptance letter handy for various purposes, including visa applications, airport check-in, and establishing residency in the USA.
4. Accommodation Arrangements
Securing accommodation arrangements is the essential step in preparing for your study-abroad journey. Whether you opt for on-campus housing, rental apartments, or homestays, ensure you have the necessary documents to finalize your accommodation arrangements.
Students can find accommodation in the USA by checking the university website, contacting the international student office, or using online platforms. Students opting for rental apartments should consider the distance between the campus and the apartment, neighborhood safety, public transport availability, etc.
If you have rented an apartment, make sure you have lease agreements, residency permits, or confirmation letters from your housing provider.
5. Academic Transcripts and Certificates
Academic transcripts are required by the universities as proof of education and academic performance. Academic transcripts include scorecards, course details, and past education records. International students are required to keep multiple copies of their academic transcripts to apply to different colleges and universities in the USA.
These documents will be used to assess their academic qualifications and determine their placement in the appropriate coursework.
6. Health Insurance Documents
All student visa holders must have health insurance that meets certain minimum coverage requirements. The health insurance policy must cover at least emergency medical expenses and repatriation of remains.
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in the USA. You must obtain health insurance to protect yourself from unexpected medical costs and provide yourself financial protection.
7. Organized Finance Documents
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in the USA. This can be done by providing bank statements, proof of scholarships, grants, statements of support, loan letters, and other personal financial statements.
Prepare clear documentation of your financial support statements for immigration purposes and demonstrate your ability to live and study in the USA.
8. Standardized Test Score Reports
The colleges and universities in the USA require standardized test score reports to assess students’ academic potential. International students whose native language is not English, are required to take English proficiency tests of TOEFL and IELTS to establish their English proficiency.
The copies of standardized test score reports of GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, or SAT should be available to you. These scores are needed for academic and placement purposes.
9. Air-tickets
Book your flights well in advance to ensure availability and secure affordable fares. Keep your tickets and itinerary readily accessible for travel purposes.
Cultural and Social Considerations
The USA is a vast and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. As an Indian student preparing to study in the USA, it is important to be aware of some of the cultural and social differences you may encounter.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Cultural Differences
- Individualism vs Collectivism:
American society is generally considered to be more individualistic, while Indian society is more collectivistic. This means Americans tend to place a higher value on independence and self-reliance, while Indians tend to place a higher value on group harmony and family ties.
- Communication Style:
The people in America tend to be more direct in their communication style, while we are more indirect in our communication. Americans are more likely to say directly what they actually mean, in India, people use nuance and nicety in their communication.
- Non-verbal Communication:
Non-verbal cues such as gestures and body language can vary significantly between cultures. You will need to familiarize yourself with American non-verbal cues to avoid misinterpretation.
Social Considerations
- Making friends from diverse backgrounds is a rewarding aspect of the study abroad experience. You can join clubs, attend events, and participate in activities that align with your interests to connect with like-minded individuals.
- Familiarize yourself with common American social etiquette, such as greetings, table manners, and gift-giving.
What to Pack and What to Left Behind?
Clothing
Packing appropriate clothing is important for students on a study abroad journey to the USA. Consider the climate of the region and the activities you’ll be engaging in. Pack versatile and lightweight clothes that can be layered easily. Do not overpack with unnecessary clothes.Make sure to have packed the following essential clothes:
- T-shirts
- Jeans
- Formals
- Winter jackets and sweatshirts
- Casual clothes
- Traditional for special occasions
Include packing accessories like watches, socks, scarves, and comfortable footwear. Make sure you carry clothes that can be easily dried and don’t require ironing, as this will help you save a lot of time.
Electronic Gadgets
Carry the essential electronic gadgets such as laptops and mobiles. Students are allowed to carry their laptops in laptop bags. Furthermore, other electronic gadgets such as USB drives, digital cameras, pen drives, smartwatches, tablets, etc should be carried out safely
Toiletries and Other Personal Care Items
Pack essential toiletries like shampoo, soaps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorants, and other items, only if necessary. You can also bring one small first-aid kit with basic medicines and bandages.
Consider packing any personal care items that you use regularly and can hardly find in the USA.
Foreign Currencies
It is a good idea to have a small amount of foreign currency with you when you arrive in the USA. This will help you to pay for things like transportation and food until you have time to exchange the currency.
You should also bring credit and debit cards with you. Be sure to notify your bank that you will be traveling abroad so that they do not block your cards.
Household Items
Most dorms and apartments in the USA will not provide towels and sheets, so you will need to pack on your own. If you have any other household items that you are used to having, you may want to pack them with you as well.
However, keep in mind that these items can be expensive to purchase in the USA, so you may want to consider waiting until you arrive and see if you really need them.
Medicines
Pack a supply of over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, allergy medications, and stomach upset medications.
If you take any prescription medications, be sure to bring the prescription with you. You may also want to bring a letter from your doctor explaining your medical condition.
Items Not to Carry
Do not pack bulky items or items that can you easily purchase in the USA.
Avoid carrying the following items:
- Heavy bottles of liquid
- Heavy books and other reading materials
- Expensive jewelry
- Excessive amounts of food and beverages
- Dangerous items such as weapons or fireworks
- Valuables that you don’t want to risk or damage
Arrival and Settling for Indian Students Going to the USA
Arriving in a new country, especially one as diverse and dynamic as the USA, can be both exciting and overwhelming. For Indian students venturing on their study abroad journey, it’s essential to be well-prepared for the arrival and settling process.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure a smooth transition into your new American life:
Airport Arrival Procedures
- Pass through immigration
- Collect your luggage
- Customs declaration
- Meet your contact person or transportation
Settling into Accommodation
- Check-in and orientation
- Set up in your room
- Explore your surroundings
- Reconnect with your family and friends
Campus Orientation and Registration
- Attend orientation
- Complete registration
- Meet your academic advisor
- Get participated in activities
Remember, settling into a new environment takes time and patience. Be open to new experiences, seek help when needed, and embrace the cultural diversity that the USA has to offer. Enjoy your study abroad journey and make the most of this transformative experience.
Tick off All!
Speaking of studying abroad, most students will first think of studying in the USA. Getting your seat secured in the top universities in the USA is no less than a dream. Preparing for the tests can be perplexing without proper guidance. Flyway Immigration is the pioneer study abroad consultant, helping and guiding students in their study abroad journeys. Tick off the study abroad plan from your list with us!
