What To Do After Arriving the USA as a New International Student (90 Day Survival Checklist!)

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As a new international student, it can be quite challenging getting adjusted to life in the USA.

For one, you have to manage the demands of orientation, placement and proficiency tests, as well as getting accustomed to the American classroom during your first few weeks in the USA.

However, there are some other important things you will have to take care of to quickly adjust to living in the USA.

And in this video, I have highlighted the most important activities you should try to get done within the first 30 days and within the first 90 days in the USA.

You can consider this the 90 Day Survival Checklist for New International students.

These activities that should be done within your first 30 days and 90 days include.

**Some product links below are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

//YOUR FIRST 30 DAYS

1. Opening a US Bank Account
As an international student, opening a bank account should definitely be on your to-do list during your first 30 days in the USA. This is an absolute essential when it comes to performing several transactions such as paying for your school fees, depositing any cash you have on hand, and paying for your living expenses.

When it comes to choosing a bank in the USA as an international student, it's best to go with a bank that has several locations near you. This will allow you easy access to your money.

Furthermore, you can quickly walk into a bank's branch office if you ever need any in-person help with your finances.

Overtime when you have become accustom to the American banking system you can take advantage of the saving opportunities with lower bank fees and higher interest rates that online banks provide. However, unlike the brick & mortar banks, online banks have very few locations in the USA.

2. Setting Up a Cell Phone Plan
While you may get away using WhatsApp for free wherever you can obtain a Wi-Fi connection, at some point you will need a reliable data plan.

**Get a Phone Plan with AT&T: https://fxo.co/CwKR
**Get a Phone Plan with Verizon: https://fxo.co/CwKV

3. Setting Up Utilities If You Live in an Off-Campus Housing Facility
At some point either before you move into or after you move into an off-campus housing you will need to setup your utilities. This will include gas, electrics, water, and internet access. Some landlords might also require you setup renters insurance as well.

**Set Up Internet Access with AT&T: https://fxo.co/CwKR

4. Applying for your Social Security Number:    • Social Security Number (SSN) for Inte...  
International students who plan to work within the first 30 days should apply for a US Social Security Number (SSN). This number is required to be set up for your on-campus job. Learn more about applying for your SSN in the video recommended.

//YOUR FIRST 90 DAYS

5. Getting a State Identification Card:    • How to Apply for a US STATE ID as an ...  
Obtaining a State ID is one of the smartest things you can do during your first 90 days. With a State ID you can safely leave your passport at home, while using your State ID as a primary form of identification. Learn more about applying for your State ID in the video recommended.

6. Getting a State Driver's License:    • How to Get a US Driver's License as a...  
If you must drive in the USA either, on regular or infrequent basis, you will need to have a State Driver's license as most US states do not recognize foreign driver's licenses.

If you plan to get a Driver's license within your first 90 days, then you can skip applying for a State ID. As your Driver's license can be used as a your primary identification document.

7. Getting a Car/Auto Insurance
Every US state requires drivers to carry auto insurance that provides Liability Coverage. Liability coverage means that if you get into an accident and you are at fault, you will be required to cover the damages (property & body damages) to the other person. So you can see why driving a car without insurance is never a good idea.

8. Applying for an ITIN:    • How to Get An ITIN Number as an Inter...  
If you do not plan on working soon, then you won't be able to apply for an SSN. However, you will need to apply for an ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number), which is needed to file your US taxes during the tax filing season in April of every calendar year.

**Get Your ITIN Using Sprintax here: https://sojourningscholar.com/tax (Affiliate Link)

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