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Your smooth
transition and easy adjustment from life in Oman to being an international
student in the U.S.A. is important. As much as possible, you want to feel
and make the U.S.A. your second home while you are there. Get to know
as much about the country you will be in for the next couple of months
or years. Below are some helpful topics compiled by the Cultural Office
to assist you. There is much, much more to learn about the United States.
We wish you all the best in your new adventure, and we invite you to share
your experience with us: write to culturaldivision@omani.info-
We wish you all the best!
Preparing for U.S.A.
Careful planning for your study in USA is essential in making your
whole experience abroad a success. With so many things that need to be
planned, you need to start as soon as you get accepted at your school
of choice. Make sure that you make use of a timetable to keep your schedule
on track. As with your schools requirements, make sure to check out its
website for the latest information for new students. Remember, our goal
is to help you have a smooth transition in your move from Oman to the
USA.
In
this section, we have covered 4 main areas that you need to address before
you leave from Oman.
Insurance – Medical treatment is very expensive
in the USA. Be sure to be prepared by getting the appropriate health insurance
that will cover you in case you need medical attention.
Phone Cards – Keeping in touch with family and friends
back home is important. The easiest and most convenient way to do it is
by buying phone cards.
Travel – Studying abroad may require a certain amount
of traveling. Booking flights and making transfer arrangements is not
a problem. Check here for more information.
Visas - One of the most critical areas for your study
abroad. Our visa information section will give you the information you
need to know.
Insurance
In the U.S., there are so much health insurance providers to choose
from. From each provider, you will also be faced with different types
of coverage. Getting the right coverage may require a bit of research.
For students like you, you may choose to obtain the insurance from your
university or from a medical insurance provider. As for students enrolled
in the Omani Scholarship Program, they can choose to leave the task of
obtaining a medical insurance to the Oman cultural division. Seek advice
of trusted friends, relatives, or the cultural division academic/financial
advisors to learn about the best option for your particular situation.
The system in the States is one of the best (and most expensive) in the world. Unusual health hazards in the United States are rare; tap water, for example, is safe to drink nationwide. The 911 or 0 (zero) emergency telephone system is also widely available.
Quality health care is available everywhere in the country from a variety of sources. The key lies in knowing the proper procedures and knowing where to go for specific kinds of care. This knowledge can save an international student significant amounts of time and money. Because health care for a major accident or illness can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, most Americans have health insurance to minimize the costs.
Health Care On- and Off-Campus
The United States, unlike other countries, does not provide socialized health care. It is important to learn about the local health care system before it is actually needed. During your first week on campus, take a copy of your medical records (including immunization and vaccination records and prescriptions) to the school's health care center or infirmary. Most campuses offer some type of general medical care; services vary from basic first-aid and treatment of minor ailments, to sophisticated multi-doctor primary care centers offering x-rays, laboratory tests, prescription drugs and access to specialists. The cost of on-campus medical services is normally not very expensive.
If you prefer to visit a medical practitioner off-campus, you have several choices (though the cost is generally higher). Private doctors treat non-emergency patients by appointment during regular office hours, typically 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Minor emergency clinics do not require appointments, and are usually open on weekends and holidays.
In case of serious emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room -- by ambulance if necessary. Hospital emergency rooms are designed to treat life-threatening ailments; this is typically the most expensive place to receive care.
If you need to use a medical facility, but are uncomfortable with your English skills, ask a friend to go with you. Proper communication is very important.
Health Insurance
Many colleges and universities have their own health insurance plans for their students. According to a recent independent study, larger U.S. schools tend to have better international student insurance programs than smaller schools. Participation in the plan is often mandatory, especially for non-U.S. students.
A
number of private companies offer insurance plans specifically designed
for international students. Quality varies, so request advice from the
on-campus International Student Office and other international students
-- especially students who have had experience with insurance claims.
Important questions to consider:
* Does the health insurance plan cover both accidents and sicknesses?
* Does the plan cover costs incurred outside of a hospital setting?
* Which doctors or hospitals does the plan recognize?
* What exactly are the exclusions and limitations?
Here are some basic insurance terms that will get you started in learning
more about health care in the United States:
* Premium: The amount that you pay to purchase the insurance coverage.
* Deductible: The amount that the insured person must pay before the insurance
company starts paying.
* Co-Insurance: The percentage that the insured person pays after the
deductible is paid; for example, if co-insurance equals 20 percent, then
the insured person pays 20 percent and the insurance company pays 80 percent.
* Expenses: Costs for services such as surgery, hospitalization, x-rays,
prescription drugs, and/or laboratory tests; expenses are defined in the
individual insurance contracts.
International students are responsible for the expenses they incur while
in the United States. As such, U.S. law requires universities to verify
that international students on J-1 visas (and their J-2 dependents) have
health insurance before allowing them to enroll. The federal government
does not require students on F-1 visas to have health insurance, but many
schools require it.
The most important thing you can do is learn more; study the details of
your insurance plan, and get familiar with its rules and regulations.
Also, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle to minimize your chances of
illness or injury that may require medical treatment.
Phone
Cards
Calling cards are the cheapest and easiest way for you to stay in
touch with your loved ones around the world. Prepaid calling cards are
good because there are no monthly bills, you simply pay for a set amount
of time and then use it. You can easily get a prepaid card from any local
convenient store or gas station. There are also options of buying credits
over the internet or phone. Also, you can also inquire from the vendor
if they have cards specifically for calls to Oman or the Gulf Area because
you usually get better deals for these.
With so many differing cards to choose from it can be hard to decide which
is the best card for you. Below is some useful information for you to
look for when deciding which card to get.
Connection fees
Some cards have a connection fee, which can be very expensive and may
mask the real price of calls. When you see adverts promoting only 1 cent
a minute, be sure to check that the connection charge is reasonable. When
selecting a card, think about how long you will be using it and how often
you will be using it. It may be beneficial to get a card with a connection
fee, it the price per minute is low and you will be on the card for long
lengths of time.
How are the rates calculated
Be sure to check that the rate on the card is calculated per minute and
that if it is not per minute, make sure the rate is reasonable. Some prepaid
calling cards charge in 3, 4 or 5 minute increments, so if you only use
one minute, you are charged for 3, 4 or even 5 minutes.
Re-Charging
Find a card that is easy to recharge and that you can recharge if you
run out of credit on it. Some cards are set so that you cannot recharge,
however this may be an option you will want. Also, make sure that it is
easy to recharge your card, be it over the phone or over the internet.
You don't want to have to wait hours or even days for your credit to be
active on your card.
Travel
Information
Education is a continuing process. It extends far beyond what you
learn in the classroom. Experiencing an overseas adventure is really an
education in itself. Taking care of all the details with regards to school
admissions, getting enrolled, dealing with immigration…
By most international students’ accounts, all the preparation is worth
it for what lies ahead; their quality U.S. education. But of course, an
overseas education will not be complete without traveling-- seeing the
beauty of the United States outside the boundaries of the classroom.
The best time to explore the country is before or after the academic semester
or during the school official breaks. These official school breaks include
the Fall break, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break; check your own
school’s calendar for specific vacation dates.
Plan Ahead
Planning your general itinerary is important before you leave Oman for
the U.S. If you are on a budget, it is wise to take advantage of lower
costs by purchasing your travel tickets in advance. Try to use different
modes of transportation such as airplanes, trains, busses and automobiles
to get the most out of your travels – and keep within your budget. Amtrak,
for example, is the United States' primary passenger rail provider and
Greyhound is
the primary bus line.
Temporary Accommodations
Once you have completed you travel itinerary, consider your options for
accommodation. Perhaps, the best way for a student traveler to save is
to stay in a youth hostel, where men and women sleep separately in dormitory-style
rooms. Hostels are way cheaper than most hotels and this gives you the
chance to meet other travelers from around the world. The official website
of American Youth Hostels is http://www.hiayh.org
One general rule you should consider when looking for a place to stay
is that lodging situated a few miles out of the city are typically less
expensive than ones in the heart of downtown. In comparison to hotels,
motels are also a cheaper alternative and usually located near main thoroughfares.
Here is a listing of the top motels, along with their toll-free telephone
numbers you can contact:
- Best Western International: 1-800-528-1234
- Econo Lodges: 1-800-424-6423
- Howard Johnson: 1-800-446-4656
- Red Roof Inns: 1-800-843-7663
- Super 8 Motels: 1-800-843-1991
- Travelodge International: 1-800-255-3050
A Bed and Breakfast is a private home with one or more rooms available to travelers. Overnight stays include a morning meal. B and B prices are generally more expensive than hostels or motels, but the glimpse into American home life may be worth the few extra dollars. One of the most comprehensive websites is http://www.bbonline.com
For a prospective student like you, 3 different types of visas are available depending on your field of study and length of study.
F1
- An F1 visa is issued to student who are attending and academic program
or English Language Program. F-1 students must maintain the minimum course
load for full-time student status. They can remain in the US up to 60
days beyond the length of time it takes to complete their academic program.
They are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on
the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
click here for specific requirements
J1
- A J1 visa is issued to a student who needs to obtain practical training,
which is not available in their home country, to complete their academic
program.
click here for specific requirements
M1
- An M1 visa is issued to a student who is going to attend a non-academic
or vocational school.
click here for specific requirements
Living with your Student Visa in the USA
As you begin to think about funding sources for your educational and living expenses in the United States, remember that you cannot count on working in the United States unless you have been granted a teaching or research assistantship. When you submit evidence of your financial resources, you cannot rely on potential income.
The income on which you base your application must be assured and must be equal to or exceed the costs of the first year of your studies.
Immigration regulations are very strict with respect to working while carrying a student visa. F-1 status, which is the most common status for full-time international students, allows for part time, on-campus employment (fewer than 20 hours per week.)
Jobs available on campus typically do not pay much, certainly not enough to finance a university education. Do not count on this kind of a job for anything more than a supplement to other funds.
J-1 student status allows for similar employment, with similar restrictions, as long as permission is given by the exchange visitor program sponsor.
The "F" visa is for academic studies, and the "M" visa is for nonacademic or vocational studies. M-1 visa holders for technical and vocational programs are not permitted to work during the course of their studies. The M-1 student visa applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of intended stay.
Careful long- and short-term planning is necessary to ensure that you will have a rewarding educational experience in the United States. If you are realistic about your financial needs, you will be better able to enjoy the exciting academic and cultural experience of living and learning in the United States.
Applying for your Visa
Different universities have different admission policies. Your university will inform you what they need from you in order to determine that you are academically eligible. Amongst other requirements, you will need to show the school that you have enough money to support yourself whilst studying without having to work and you may have to show health insurance in order to cover any medical expenses should you need any medical assistance. Always protect yourself by keeping a copy of everything that you fill out and send off.
Once the university has determined that your application is complete and you are academically eligible, they will issue an I-20 form to enable you to apply for your student visa.
Applicants for student visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. This will normally be in Oman and although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
When
applying at the consulate for your student visa
1. You will have to pay a non-refundable application fee. This means that
if your visa does not get approved, you will not get your money back.
2. An application Form DS-156, completed and signed. These forms are free at all U.S. consular offices.
3. A DS-157 form for all males aged 16-45.
4. A passport
valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least
six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. If
more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring
a visa must make an application
5. One photograph 1 and 1/2 inches square (37x37mm) for each applicant,
showing full face, without head covering, against a light background
6. For the "F" applicant, a Form I-20A-B. For the "M" applicant,
a Form I-20M-N.
7. You will need to show that you have enough money to support yourself.
Please note:
When applying for a student visa, you will have to prove to the consular officer that you have strong ties to a residence in a foreign country which [this most likely will be your home country] you have no intention of leaving from, and that you will leave the United States when you have completed your studies.
You should take as much evidence as possible to show that you have ties to your home county. Such evidence can include, but is not limited to:
Ownership of property, proof of immediate family that is still based in your home country such as your parents, brothers, sisters, evidence of a mortgage payment, letter from a future employer stating that you have a job offer when returning home, assets, a car or anything else that can show that your intention is to return to your home country.
Your arrival at the United States Port of Entry
You need to be aware that even if your visa is granted, it does not guarantee your entry into the United States. It is ultimately up to the INS [The immigration and Naturalization service] to let you into the United States. It is also the job of the INS to determine how long you may remain in the United States.
At the port of entry, an INS official validates Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which notes the length of stay permitted. It is the small white card issued by the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) upon your entry to the U.S. The form I-94 is your permit to stay in the U.S.
If you are planning to study and live and grow in the United States, you already possess a well-known American characteristic -- the sense of adventure!
As an international student, you will experience many new and exciting things. In this section, we hope to prepare you for some of the adventures involved in living in the United States.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to discuss exactly what "Living in the U.S." means to everyone. This country's culture has been enriched by the values and belief systems of virtually every part of the world. From an international student's perspective, that diversity is very valuable: If you choose to live in a completely different environment, you may be challenged with new situations every day; but if you decide to live in a part of the U.S. that resembles your home country in some ways, you may find comfort in those similarities.
Learning more about yourself is perhaps the most important part of your decision to travel to the U.S. Once you know what you want to achieve, then you can identify the right place to study and live and grow in the States.
As you embark on a totally new experience, it is best to expect that things will certainly be quite different from the way things are at home. But all you really have to do is be flexible, learn how to adjust to your environment and most importantly, prepare and brace yourself for change.
As you journey on to fresh and new experiences, you will also encounter many stumbling blocks and challenges. Although you may feel at a loss sometimes, maybe confused or even unsure about studying in a totally different country, just try to keep in mind that different people have different values, different belief systems and a distinctive way of doing things. Although you might feel that so many things have changed, affecting all the different aspects of your life, remain strong and focused in your goals. Contact relatives and friends within the U.S. who will surely offer some form of comfort. Look for a new source of support. You must be able to find in the environment that surrounds you, a support system that will help you and guide you through your learning experience in the U.S. Ask for advice and surely words of wisdom will come from both new and old friends and family who care.
The end of
the year nears, snow lines the street, its shopping season once again
and trees decked with dazzling ornaments and lights are everywhere. Most
of your school mates are eager to head home for vacation and there is
nothing more you’d want to do than be on the first flight out of
the desolate place you’re in and journey to the warmth of your own
home and country. You yearn to be near family and friends but time or
maybe your resources simply won’t allow you. Maybe it’s more
practical to stay in school and spend the season in seclusion. All you
hope to do is sleep. You are upset and feeling lonely that you cannot
go home too.
Even if it has been some time since you first stepped into the U.S., the
occurrence of culture shock normally doesn’t take effect until months
or maybe even a year after. Despite feeling that you’ve already slowly
adjusted to the way of living in the country, you still fall prey to culture
shock. But it isn’t anything abnormal, it happens, even to strong,
resilient individuals.
In the moment that we spend long periods of time in a culture that is different from our own we will almost always experience culture shock. It happens when our own culturally determined behaviors, some of which we may not even be aware of, don't get us the results we expect; this produces a sense of psychological disorientation.
Possible signs that you are experiencing culture shock:
- You are easily irritated, frustrated and you can’t seem to concentrate. You are easily bored, you prefer solitary and withdraw from your usual social activities. You also tend to sleep, drink or eat a lot.
- Culture
shock could affect your relationships, leading to marital stress, or
tension and conflict with other family members and friends. You could
become hostile or unfairly stereotype Americans around you. The high
level of discomfort that culture shock often brings could make you physically
ill.
But while you cannot avoid experiencing a very human reaction, you can manage the effects of culture shock.
- Get to know the country you are in, its people and places. Learn and discover as much as you can about the culture of the community in which you will be living. Remain open to new ideas and experiences without compromising your own beliefs and attitudes.
- When in doubt, ask questions. Talk to locals about their country. Talk to other international students about their experiences.
- Most importantly,
use the support services available to you at your school, college or
university. Talk with your International Student Adviser (ISA), teachers
and professors, other counselors and administrators. Don't feel that
it's not important enough to discuss with them, and don't be embarrassed
about seeking help. With timely and caring advice, you will soon be
ready to enjoy your experience completely!
Be prepared to open yourself to NEW experiences; be prepared to learn, not only in the classroom, but in your interactions with NEW people everyday.
Characteristic of the American culture is the value it attaches to independence. Follow some advice written by some international students who first came to this country as
Be open. Meet people. To make new friends, you should put effort into connecting and really trying to be open to building new relationships. Remember that because Americans pride themselves in being independent, they will not always be looking out for you. Neither will they make certain that you get acquainted with other people. You must learn how to put yourself forward and stand up for yourself. If you need help, then go ahead and ask. If you don’t, Americans will naturally assume you are fine. So remember to speak up, ask and call attention if you feel the need to.
In many cultures around the globe, people tend to be prudent. In some cultures, it is thought to be politeness when one refuses several times if an offer comes up. However, the case is different in the U.S. In America, people would rather be straightforward. When an offer comes up and you are interested, simply respond by saying “Yes, please”. Don’t expect to be asked or offered a second or a third time. If you want something, whether it be food, drink or maybe obliging to an invitation, then be simple and straightforward by saying yes if you are interested and no if you’re not.
Although Americans value independence and individuality, they also have a tendency to group together and conform to their peers. They gain their identity by belonging to groups. Students social needs of belonging and fitting in are met when they group together, maybe in pursuit of common interests or simply for the company. For whatever reason it may be, students join these groups to find some sense of identity in belonging.
Just like
any other race, Americans may be hard to comprehend at times but certainly
keep an open mind and try your best to really know and richly experience
their culture in order to find the beauty that lies within it.
Some dates to remember
Each culture has its celebrated traditions and the only way to fully immerse one’s self in a culture is by participating in its different customs and traditions.
1 January: New Year's Day. The 1st day of the year is marked by parties and celebrations that start on its Eve, the previous night (December 31st).
3rd Monday in January: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The whole country honors the birthday of its most celebrated African-American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
14 February: Valentine's Day. Celebrate love and romance by exchanging tokens of love (usually cards, candy or gifts).
3rd Monday of February: President's Day. Honor past presidents like George Washington (the nation's first leader), and Abraham Lincoln (Civil War hero who helped abolish slavery).
17 March: Saint Patrick's Day. Celebrate the patron saint of Ireland with parades and parties decorated in Irish green.
1 April: April Fool’s Day. Play a clever (but harmless) trick or tell a joke to someone with a good sense of humor.
Last Monday of May: Memorial Day. Remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
4 July: Independence Day. View public displays of fireworks as Americans mark the date in 1776 when thirteen U.S. states declared their independence from England.
1st Monday in September: Labor Day. Honor the contributions and efforts of hard workers throughout the country.
2nd Monday in October: Columbus Day. Pay tribute to Christopher Columbus, who is traditionally thought of as the discoverer of the Americas in 1492.
Last Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day. Feast on a traditional meal that commemorates the dinner of Pilgrims (first settlers of the thirteen colonies) and the Native Americans.
25 December: Christmas Day. Celebrate the birth of Christ, leader of the Christian faith, by exchanging gifts with family and friends.
An integral part in your stay in the U.S. is your interaction with other people. You will encounter new faces coming from places so you must be ready to introduce yourself in a positive way. The most common people you will probably meet are fellow students, professors and other people both on- and off-campus.
Usually, one of the first on-campus social activities that an international student would be part of is “The International Student Orientation Program,” which is traditionally coordinated by the Admissions Office or the Office of International Programs. Although the approach may be different from school to school, the essence of the program is very much the same – to introduce the international student to each other and to campus life. Most often, the topics include immigration, academic advising, computer and library resources, telephone services, public safety, medical services, transportation around the area, banking options. During this orientation, students can also learn about upcoming school activities and tours around local attractions.
In addition to the International Student Orientation Program, many schools designate a “Student Activities Center” where you would have the chance to choose and join different school organizations such as student government, school newspaper staff, different athletics group, course specific organizations, chorale and many more. There will surely be a few organizations that will suit your interests!
Developing Deeper Friendships
Most of us if not all, are excited with getting to know new people and making more friends. Ironically, many international students have found that they and not their American counterparts should be the ones who must be more assertive if a friendship is to develop. Here are some outlooks of American social life, in the point of view of an international student like you.
The most common phrases that Americans use in greeting each other are “Hi” and “How are you” and “How’s it going”. Even people you don’t know might say these phrases while passing you on the street but don’t seem to bother waiting for your answer. You might get the impression that they are superficial or perhaps even rude but in reality this kind of greeting is considered very friendly.
Along the same lines, people may ask your name and country where you were born; they may seem interested for a few minutes, but then go and speak to someone else. This may seem to contradict their initial friendliness, although it is not meant to. The fact that they made an effort of striking up a conversation with you already shows their good intention.
Many may find that it is easy to have a lot of “acquaintances” on campus, who share your passions and interests. However, you will realize that it will take time and effort if you want to build a strong, lasting friendship. Also, to be able to fully appreciate another person’s culture is to be open to understanding it. One may have different set of values, customs and practices from another but in the end, respect for each other is what matters.
Different Ways of Communicating
Almost every American has an email account. Why? Because it’s the easiest, most convenient and fastest form of communication available. Most campuses across the U.S. are wired to the internet which in-turn makes it accessible to its students. If you still do not have an email account, it will just take you minutes in signing up for one. The most popular email services are Gmail and yahoo mail. As a matter of fact, e-mail plays an important role in the social lives of many Americans -- as they send and receive messages regularly with friends and family.
Socialization is one of the most important aspects of your international experience. According to the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, socialization is most strongly enforced by the school, the family, and peer groups. It is essential for the development of individuals who can participate and function within their societies, as well as for ensuring that a society’s cultural features will be carried on through new generations. Socialization continues throughout an individual’s lifetime -- and your experience in studying abroad will challenge you to develop your "people skills" even further.
In finding a housing alternative in your stay, there are basically 2 main choices: It’s either you live on-campus or off-campus. Choosing one over the other has its pros and cons. It is recommended that new students apply to a dormitory initially to familiarize themselves with the area and then decide later on if this is the best option.
Moving into a dormitory is fairly simple. Basic utilities such as water, electricity and telephone are most likely included and ready to use. Each university has its own policies on local and long distance phone calls: research on it once you arrive on campus.
On the other hand, arranging accommodations off-campus may be a bit more complicated. Some housing plans do not include utilities in the rent. If this is the case, you must contact the utility companies and request them to turn on the electricity and telephone service for you. Don’t hesitate to contact your landlord for further information.
For your long distance telephone service, you may also be given different calling plans to choose from. The plan that you will decide to use will depend on how often you plan to call back home. If you think you’ll be calling back home often, it is wiser to subscribe to the plan with more minutes because the price per minute will be much lower. You may also call the customer service representative of your carrier to ask for discount plans, particularly for international connections. To find out more about other long-distance calling options, please visit the section on phone cards. Also, soon after you register for your phone service, you will receive 3 free telephone directories: the white pages (listing local residents alphabetically by name), the blue pages (government listings), and the yellow pages (business listings and advertisements).
Many households have telephone answering machines, which record messages from callers when no one answers the phone. You may purchase an answering machine for about $25. Another option is to request that the telephone company provide an electronic answering service, for which they charge a small monthly fee.
In most cases, the least expensive way to keep in touch with far-away friends and family is via e-mail. Again, each school has its own policies and procedures for accessing the Internet. If you choose to access your own e-mail off-campus, you can expect to pay about $20 per month to an Internet Service Provider.
Student residences across the country offer a wide variety of living situations. At some schools with older campuses you will be housed in beautiful Victorian edifices, complete with hardwood floors and scenic views of the campus, while at others you will live in the equivalent of an apartment building, with cinder-block walls and elevators. You may share a room with one or two other people, or have your own room and live en suite with a few others, or your own room off a long hallway. Even on a single campus there are great differences between certain residences. Each residence has a reputation that precedes it: some are "party dorms" where historically people stay up to all hours making noise, and some are quiet, where most of the residents have a studious attitude in common. You may share a large bathroom with a whole floor of students, or with only a few other people in your suite. For the most part, graduates and undergraduates will not share residences as generally different attitudes towards living and academics prevail with each. Residences may also allow you access to a common room, extra study rooms, some type of shared kitchen and maybe even a television or computer facilities. For the most part residences are only available to single students, without spouses or children.
Mmmmmm Cafeteria Food
If you choose to live on-campus, in most cases you will be required to buy a meal plan which entitles you to meals in the school's cafeterias. The food offered in these cafeterias will not be the best sampling of local cuisine: cafeterias cook for large numbers of people with different likes and dislikes and that means taste and quality are often left out of the mix. In addition, international students not used to cafeteria food, might find the selection even more difficult to adjust to. There are two things to be said for cafeteria eating: one, it's convenient (after a long day of classes and labs and before you sit down to write a paper, usually the last thing you want to do is cook yourself a meal); and two, everyone else is doing it, so it doesn't usually seem that bad.
Dining Options
These meal plans do vary across the board as well. In some cases you will just pay a lump sum along with your "rent" which will entitle you to three meals either five, six or seven days a week. In others, you will be given an option to pay for one of a number of plans, based on the number of meals you plan to eat. In other places you will pay for the use of a debit card, where meal credits will be deducted from your account. Often with these you are not limited to eating in the residence cafeteria, but can use your card at a number of cafés and restaurants on or around the campus. Plans such as these supposedly work better because you are in greater control of what and how you eat, but sometimes leftover credits (as you pay for all your credits at the beginning of the semester) are impossible to get back or transfer, so you end up paying for what you don't use, exactly the problem that these plans set out to solve. Any information you receive from the school about meal plans should outline their program and its costs clearly. You will not save money by buying the plan, so if you do have the option to choose how many meals you buy, and you feel confident that you will have time and a place to prepare some of your own meals, choose a less complete plan.
Why bother living on-campus then?
The best reason to sharing your living space with hundreds of other students, some like-minded and some not, is exactly that: sharing space with so many people of different backgrounds gives you a place to make many friends and even more acquaintances. This is especially useful if it is your first year in a place, as it can help ease the uncertainty and isolation you may be feeling about being so far from home. Also, living on-campus will save you hours of commuting time, which you would have wasted if you have lived off-campus.
How to Apply to Residences
When you initially ask for information and an application to be sent to you from the university or college admissions office, you should ask for information about residences to be included. You will receive some type of brochure with information on it, and pictures of typical rooms and as well as an application for a housing. Your application should be completed and promptly returned before the deadline, usually to a separate address than your university application. This application should include on it a questionnaire about your personality, your living habits, your likes and dislikes. Completing this information will only help you to be placed in a situation that best suits you. Ending up in a dorm full of party-goers will not make you happy if you are a serious student who requires quiet time to study. Residence administration offices are usually sympathetic and attentive to student needs when placing them, as it is only further hassle to process room change requests halfway through the semester. Often they will put international students together in one room or on one floor. If you have been accepted into a residence, you will be required to send a deposit to keep your place.
The Other side: Off-campus living
Finding accommodation off-campus is entirely the responsibility of the student. If you have not been accepted to residence or have decided that it does not suit your needs or your family, you must be prepared to brave the housing market. In some cities and towns there is no shortage of affordable places to live as a student, while in others, finding an apartment takes weeks or months of serious scouting, as well as a flexible budget. But even if you don't have a flexible budget, living in your own apartment (once you find it) can give you a flexible lifestyle, not governed by institutional rules and regulations, and it is for this reason that so many students choose to live this way.
What your institution can do to help
Every school should be able to help in some way. Smaller institutions that may not offer you their own listing service of apartments and roommates with at least be able to send you to the Housing Office of a larger school. These housing offices will be a great source of help for you: not only do they have a comprehensive listing of available housing in the city, but the landlords who advertise their properties in these offices are accustomed to renting to students. Furthermore, every office has a staff which is available to give you limited help, by way of guiding you through the listings, or setting you in the right direction (i.e. do you need a whole apartment to yourself or just a room to rent in shared house?). In addition to listing vacant apartments, university housing lists roommates also. You will find that sharing an apartment with other people, even just one other, will reduce the amount of rent you pay, as well as other utilities like electricity and phone bills, which are not always included in the monthly rent you pay to the landlord. Phones should also be provided for you at the office to make calls to landlords to arrange a time to view apartments. In some housing offices, they will even provide internet access by which to search university listings or city-wide listings for rentals. These offices cannot, however, provide guarantees of quality, as they do not view each listing. That part is up to you.
Other places to look
Every city has real estate listings in its local papers, which are usually up-to-date, if not always that detailed. Check these and any associated web sites, which may have different listings than the paper versions. A good place to start looking for an apartment in your area is by searching vacancies over the internet. The website ApartmentGuide.com - nationwide apartment finder and locator is a good example. You can search over 6 million apartment units for rent, see apartment floorplans and view rental property photos.
Walk Around
Finding a place to live in a city you know well is tough, but looking in a city or town you don't know at all is even more difficult. People will tell you of good and bad neighborhoods to live in and you can usually trust them about the bad ones, but the good ones might be far out of your budget. It is best to see for yourself what each area looks like and if it is up to your standards. This might even be as simple as taking an afternoon to walk around the areas close to the campus or even getting on a bus and looking out the window en route. If you pick one area where you think you might like to live, maybe based on the fact that many other students live in the area, or that there is a population of people of your nationality living there, take time to look around the area carefully, as you may see houses or apartments with rental signs outside or paper flyers on telephone poles, at bus stops, in neighborhood community centers or libraries.
The process
There are a number of steps to take to secure a place to live off-campus.
1. Search listings for possible leads. Be sure to consider location in this initial phase. Cheaper housing is usually located farther from the school itself, but there is no use getting an only slightly cheaper place very far from campus because you will spend more money and time on public transportation than is worthwhile.
2. Call the landlord at the phone number provided. If you get an answering machine, leave a message with a phone number where you can be reached, but be prepared to call back, as many landlords do not return these messages. If you speak to someone, ask as many questions as you can now, as it will save time later. The housing office may provide you with a list of questions you should ask, or write out a list yourself. Ask about the price, the exact location, how far it is to public transportation, the size of the room/apartment, how many other people you will be sharing with and in what capacity, which rooms will be shared, ask about safety in the house and in the neighborhood, ask about the condition of the house, has it been renovated recently, ask about appliances (you may need to buy your own fridge and stove in some cities), and any other hidden costs. If you like what you hear for the most part, arrange a time to see the place.
3. View each apartment. Ask any questions you haven't already. Look in all the closets and small spaces for evidence of bugs or mice. Reconfirm the price. Be prepared to supply references (a friend, any family in the country, someone at your school who will vouch for you) and be prepared to write a check for rent plus deposit. If you are definitely interested you may be able to sign a lease immediately. It is a good idea to see a few apartments before settling on anything.
4. Make a decision.
5. Sign a lease. In most cases you will need to sign a one-year lease, even if you only plan to be in the country for eight months it may be necessary to take on a longer lease and make other arrangements to sublet your apartment when you will not be there. Some landlords will be sympathetic and only ask for an eight- month contract.
Timeframe
What appears to be a simple and easy process could take three days, or it could take a month. Determination is essential. You will have to make a lot of phone calls and be persistent.
In the Meantime
You must arrange for a place to stay while you are looking for somewhere more permanent. This could be a hotel (an expensive option), a boarding house, or with a relative. An International Student Center will be able to help you find a temporary place to stay.
Another Living Option: Homestays
At some universities and colleges, usually those in smaller cities or that have either short term or smaller programs may offer homestay living arrangements to foreign students. This means that you will be placed in the homes of families who live close to the school. These people offer space in their homes and some meals for a sum of money. You will live in their home, possibly along with another student like yourself, eat meals with the family and generally abide by the rules of the house. These programs are not common, but are usually arranged through university housing and you should inquire there about this option.
Careful planning is both necessary and wise. You will be required to prove to the university, to the consular officer (the person at the U.S. Consulate who issues visa stamps), and perhaps to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses (housing, food, clothing, etc) and health insurance, as well as university's tuition and fees.
So how much money will you need? You can get a general idea about expenses by looking at catalogs or application information provided by the university. Remember, however, that tuition rates vary tremendously. State (public) universities are generally, but not always, less expensive than private institutions. Some private institutions may be able to offer scholarships that state schools cannot. Two-year or community colleges are usually less expensive than colleges and universities offering bachelor's and graduate degrees.
The cost of living in different parts of the United States also varies. In general, living in urban areas (in or near a big city) is more expensive than living in smaller towns or rural areas. Renting an apartment in a big city can cost twice as much as it does in a smaller town because there is such high demand for housing in large U.S. cities. Likewise, food, clothing, entertainment, and other living expenses may be more expensive in a city.
Budgeting is a continuous process. At this stage, work on a "big picture" budget that will include tuition, room and board, transportation, and living expenses. Later you can be more specific, taking into consideration all the additional expenses of moving and settling in. One very important factor in the "big picture" budget is health insurance, which can be as little as $1,000 annually for an individual or as much as $5,000 for a family.
United States’ currency is based on a decimal system, with one dollar ($1 or $1.00) equal to one hundred cents. Coin currency is used for amounts less than one dollar; the most common coins and their equivalencies follow:
penny
equals one cent or 0.01 dollars
nickel equals five cents or 0.05 dollars
dime equals ten cents or 0.10 dollars
quarter equals twenty-five cents or 0.25 dollars
It may take a few days to get used to the new currency. You will learn, for example, that $1 is a reasonable price for a can of cola out of a vending machine; two dollars for the same item is expensive. Five dollars for a pizza is inexpensive, while twelve dollars is expensive.
Paper currency, all printed in green and white, is most often circulated in the amounts of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 or $100. The slang term for a dollar bill is a "buck" -- so $50 may be referred to as "fifty bucks."
Most banks and some major airports and hotels will exchange foreign paper currency for a service fee; very few, however, exchange foreign coinage. Pay attention to drastic fluctuations in the exchange rates between your home country’s currency and U.S. currency. If your home currency is decreasing in value, you may wish to conduct all transactions (like student loans) in U.S. currency.
Within the first few days of your arrival, you may want to open a checking account with a bank nearby campus. You may directly deposit traveler’s checks for free in most cases, or arrange for a wire transfer from your home bank for a fee of about $35. Typically, you may make an unlimited number of additional deposits or withdrawals thereafter. Be sure to always have sufficient funds in your account to cover all outstanding checks; if you "overdraw," the bank may impose expensive fees. Also be aware that there is usually a waiting period of a few days before you may withdraw the money you deposit, as a way for the bank to protect itself from fraud.
You will
most likely need some form of identification to open a checking account.
The bank representative may ask you for your Social Security Number. If
you do not have one, fill out an IRS Form W-8, which the bank can supply.
Most banks offer a number of different types of checking accounts. One
might bear interest if you maintain a minimum balance; another might provide
a limited number of free checks. Learn about all options before deciding
which type of account is best for you.
Many college students appreciate the convenience of a MAC (Money Access Card) or ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) card. The card allows account holders to make deposits, withdrawals and other transactions at any time -- 24 hours a day -- through machines located throughout campus and shopping districts. If you have an ATM card from a bank in your home country, ask whether the U.S. bank will honor it; some Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) cross national borders, while others do not. As a safety precaution, most ATMs limit the daily withdrawal amount to $300. If you happen to lose your ATM or MAC card, report it immediately to your local bank office.
Writing a check is simple. The dollar amount is written twice: once using numerals ($67.32 for example) and once using words (sixty-seven dollars and 32/100). Draw one horizontal line through any unused space after the words, to prevent someone from adding extra digits.
Once per month, the bank typically mails the account holder a statement of all transactions. It is important to make sure that their records match your records, to ensure that no errors were made by them or by you. If you have a question about your account, contact your local bank office.
Generally, retail stores accept checks only if they are drawn on an in-state bank. Be prepared to show some form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license, student I.D., or passport (though you may not want to carry such an important document with you all the time).
One payment option accepted nationwide is the credit card. As a matter of fact, you may find it difficult to make certain purchases without a credit card. You need one to place an order by phone, to rent a car, or buy airline tickets in most instances. A credit card is also a good idea if you want to maintain good financial records, as your monthly statement will serve as a reminder of how you’re spending money.
A credit card may turn into a very expensive payment option, if you are not able to pay the balance on the account within the specified grace period -- typically between 20 and 30 days. Be careful to read all of the details of the credit card offer before committing to it; some companies offer a special low introductory interest rate (perhaps 2.9%), but then increase it dramatically (to about 18.9%) after that introductory period. Also know the structure of the credit card company’s annual fees, such as how much and when they charge it to your card. As usual, learn all you can before you make a decision.
Some companies are reluctant to issue credit cards to international students, as they do not have an established credit history in the country. If you already have a major credit card from your home country (like Visa or MasterCard), bring it with you; after the bank reviews your credit limit on the foreign card, they may be more likely to offer you a credit card. Banks with which you have accounts are also more likely to accept your request for a credit card.
Debit Cards, or Bank cards as they are being commonly referred to is another option. When you open an account, you will most likely get a bank card which you can use to withdraw money from an ATM and you can also use it, like a credit card to make purchases. Unlike credit cards the money is instantly taken from you account, so if the money is not there it will get rejected.
For students new to the USA, this is a great way to pay for things until you can establish credit.
How
to obtain a drivers license
To know more
details on how to get a drivers license in the U.S.A, please access the
Official Website of the Motor Vehicle Department (DMV) in your area. The
site www.dmvwebsites.com
can provide you with links to each U.S. State's DMV websites.
Link to the States' Official Websites
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