Read on Twitter
Someone I know will soon become a F1 parent! (F1=student visa in the US).
So I offered to share a few pointers I had put together year ago for students moving to the US for higher studies.
Figured why not share it here.
#F1visa #America #Masters #students #India #Pune
So I offered to share a few pointers I had put together year ago for students moving to the US for higher studies.
Figured why not share it here.
#F1visa #America #Masters #students #India #Pune
Before you leave:
1.Scan every single certificate (mark sheet degree cert, birth, aadhar, Pan etc) and save in a secure place. Easiest is to open an email address only for documents. Make 4 sets of copies, 2 with your parents 2 with you.
1.Scan every single certificate (mark sheet degree cert, birth, aadhar, Pan etc) and save in a secure place. Easiest is to open an email address only for documents. Make 4 sets of copies, 2 with your parents 2 with you.
2.Spend AS MUCH time with your parents as possible. It still will feel inadequate once you are there.
http://3.Buy multiple sweaters, jackets, scarves, wollen caps, gloves, wollen socks etc.
http://3.Buy multiple sweaters, jackets, scarves, wollen caps, gloves, wollen socks etc.
Once there:
1.Keep all documents in a bag locked. Once a fortnight, check that all documents are there. NO one will steal them but you might have taken one out and not put it back. Make a list,if you remove a document, make an entry on removal and replacement. Easier to track.
1.Keep all documents in a bag locked. Once a fortnight, check that all documents are there. NO one will steal them but you might have taken one out and not put it back. Make a list,if you remove a document, make an entry on removal and replacement. Easier to track.
2.Make an appointment with the office of international programs. Have them explain every single aspect go being on a student visa to you:
-How do you get a social security number?
-Can you work? How long? What are the restrictions?
-How do you get a social security number?
-Can you work? How long? What are the restrictions?
-Open TWO accounts. Savings to keep the bulk of your money and checking to use on a daily basis.
(Savings= no card/check, current has both).
-DO NOT get a credit card for a year at least. When you do, PAY YOUR BILL RIGHT AWAY. Understand what credit history is.
(Savings= no card/check, current has both).
-DO NOT get a credit card for a year at least. When you do, PAY YOUR BILL RIGHT AWAY. Understand what credit history is.
Protect it like your life.
-Which taxes/medicare fees/ social security etc are you waived from paying while a student? Ensure
your employer makes those changes. It is impossible to get that a refund.
-Make sure you have your medical insurance in place. Scan the card.
-Which taxes/medicare fees/ social security etc are you waived from paying while a student? Ensure
your employer makes those changes. It is impossible to get that a refund.
-Make sure you have your medical insurance in place. Scan the card.
-Find a doctor and make an appointment for a check up. Without this you cannot get an appointment even if you are sick. Medical systems are totally opposite as compared to India.
-Find a 24 hour pharmacy and save the number in your cell phone.
-Find a 24 hour pharmacy and save the number in your cell phone.
-Before this, get a cell phone. Speak to your senior Indian students. Usually a SIM gets passed on and you pay the bill. Understand the plan because usually this is a 1-2 years contract and you cannot
cancel it easily. Range can be an issue.
cancel it easily. Range can be an issue.
-Track your money on a daily basis. It is VERY easy to lose track of it.
-AVOID using card for the first few months. It is very easy to get into that habit and its irreversible.
-Friends are your lifeline. They become family. Get to know AS many fellow students as possible.
-AVOID using card for the first few months. It is very easy to get into that habit and its irreversible.
-Friends are your lifeline. They become family. Get to know AS many fellow students as possible.
-Try to make non Indian friends also. But at the end of the day, don’t abandon your fellow desis.
-Invest in a GOOD winter coat. Buy a new one. It will protect you and keep you happy.
-Don’t underestimate the winter. It can be very damaging physically and mentally!
-Invest in a GOOD winter coat. Buy a new one. It will protect you and keep you happy.
-Don’t underestimate the winter. It can be very damaging physically and mentally!
-Try as many cuisines as possible. US has the BEST options when it comes to food.
-Get used to miles and pounds over kms
-Do some local tourism. You will graduate before you know it and realise you never truly got to enjoy the sights your town had to offer!
-Get used to miles and pounds over kms
-Do some local tourism. You will graduate before you know it and realise you never truly got to enjoy the sights your town had to offer!
-Keep notes of the location of stuff like stores, pharmacies, restaurants etc.
-Make plans for the long weekend. Ensure you are not alone specially on campus. Crime is an issue.
3.Last but not the least: Call your parents daily. Visit India every year. It is very important.
-Make plans for the long weekend. Ensure you are not alone specially on campus. Crime is an issue.
3.Last but not the least: Call your parents daily. Visit India every year. It is very important.
Wish you ALL the best. Being a student in the US is the best experience in the world. You can never get to do anything like this again.
