After You've Been Accepted

You’re only a few steps away from becoming a U.S. university student. You may think that once you’re accepted you can finally relax before starting your first semester. But there’s still work to be done. Use the checklist below to make sure you’re fully prepared before you depart for the U.S.

Preparing for Your Departure

Items you’ll need to take care of before you head off to start your new academic life:

  • Get or renew your passport
  • Obtain a student or exchange visitor visa
  • Make airline reservations
  • Confirm your living arrangements
  • Get inoculations and have your doctor complete a World Health Organization yellow immunization card
  • Obtain health insurance
  • Contact the university’s international student adviser
  • Make sure you understand U.S. currency
  • Arrange to set up and transfer money to a U.S. bank account and bring funds (in U.S. currency) to use when you arrive
  • Ask the university about transportation from the airport
  • Arrange in advance to ship belongings that will be over the baggage limit on airlines
  • Pack appropriately (a warm coat for Chicago, flip-flops for Miami), and label all of your luggage with your full name and address of the college you’ll be attending

Getting Your Visa

Before entering the U.S., you must first obtain a U.S. student visa, which is an endorsement on your passport indicating that you’re allowed to enter the U.S. and stay for a specified period of time. You must have a valid passport to apply for a student visa. Make sure to apply for your visa early to avoid possible delays. The U.S. Department of State has plenty of information on this.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

Before you apply for a visa, your university will send you documentation that enrolls you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks international students through an electronic network of colleges, universities, U.S. immigration services and U.S. consular posts overseas.

You must pay a fee to be enrolled in SEVIS, and you’ll need to retain your proof of payment for presentation during your visa interview at the U.S. embassy. The fee varies according to the type of study or exchange program you’re participating in and the type of visa you apply for.

Types of Visas

The three most common types of visas that students outside the U.S. can apply for are:

  • The F-1 student visa: This is for students attending a full-time degree or academic program at a school, college or university. It’s valid for as long as it takes you to complete your course of study. It also allows you to work on campus part-time.
  • The M-1 student visa: This is for students enrolled in non-academic or vocational study. It’s valid for one year, but you may apply for extensions for up to three years.
  • The J-1 exchange visitor visa: If you’re being sponsored by a government scholarship or exchange program, you may be eligible for this visa, which allows you to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs.

If you’re applying for an F-1 or M-1 visa, familiarize yourself with the process on how to navigate the U.S. immigration system.

Getting Involved

While academics are important, a successful U.S. university education also involves balance. Getting involved in social, cultural and sports activities outside of class gives you a chance to meet new people and make friends, as well as develop team and leadership skills that will benefit you in your future career. Visit your university’s website or talk to your international student adviser on campus for suggestions on how to become involved at your new college. The International Student Office should be your first stop after arriving on campus.

Costs and Paying for College

The cost of attending a U.S. university is something you and your family should consider while you’re in the planning process and could be a determining factor whether you will actually study in the U.S. Costs vary widely among institutions, so make sure you create a budget for yourself to include tuition and fees, living expenses, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses for each year you’ll be at college. You can check estimated costs by using the College Cost and Net Price Calculators.

Keep in mind, the cost to attend university for international students is primarily your responsibility. However, universities may offer financial aid and scholarships to international students. Visit university websites directly to find out if you’re eligible for any financial assistance. You can also visit College Board resources such as Scholarship Finder.

Once you receive your financial aid award notice from a college, it pays to analyze what they’re offering (gift aid, loans, student jobs) and whether it meets your needs. Read about making the best decision and comparing aid packages. Paying for college is a long-term investment and how you put together your funding plan can differ from school to school. Be aware that loans from U.S. sources normally require a resident of the U.S. as a co-signer, so it’s always worth checking in your home country for local sources of loans and grants as well.

In addition to the EducationUSA advising center in your country, here are some other places to search: