What to Do After Landing in the US as an International Student

It is time to celebrate after all those application papers, visa meetings and months of waiting have brought you to this point. Landing in the U.S. is the beginning of a completely new chapter of learning, being independent, and a little adventure. However, one last leg of preparation awaits you before you plunge into classes and campus life.

In order to help you in the transition we have developed an easy step-by-step checklist that will help you know everything that you should do after landing in the U.S. as a student. Just stick to it and you will be off to a great start in your study-abroad life as you will be full of confidence and ready to maximize the benefits of this new, exciting adventure.

Things to Do Right After You Land in the US

The first two days after landing are crucial. This is when you set up everything that ensures your stay remains smooth. From immigration records to basic necessities, completing these small but important tasks early saves time and avoids future complications.
 

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  Update your I-94 record online as soon as you reach your accommodation. It’s proof of your legal entry into the country and will be required for most university and banking formalities. You can easily get it from the official website of Custom and Border Protection (CBP).
   

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  Notify the international office of your university that you are there. Complete your online check-in or send an email, as this step helps maintain your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) status. Postponing it may cause problems with your student record.
   

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  Buy a local SIM card or set up an eSIM to stay connected. You’ll find options at the airport or nearby stores. Popular ones are Mint Mobile, T-Mobile, and Airalo. If you want to save money, join a family plan or compare limited-data offers.
   

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  Buy simple groceries and room necessities before you begin to unpack everything. Popular stores among the students are Walmart, Target, and Amazon Fresh. Stick to necessities such as cleaning materials, snacks or bedding.
   

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  Install the official app of your university in your phone and use your student account. It will guide you to your schedule of classes, campus map, bus schedules, and the necessary alerts. Switch on the notifications so that you will be informed about some changes or safety notices.

First Week at University Checklist

The way you spend your first week determines how your whole university life will be. It is always better to get a few important things out of the way early so that you can feel ready,confident, and a member of campus life on your first day.
 

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  Collect your student ID card as soon as possible. Take your passport and admission letter to have it issued. It will provide you with town access to libraries, gyms, buses and even discounts.
   

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  Participate in all orientation and welcome activities. Such sessions can be repetitive yet very beneficial. They include safety, housing, academic policies, student services available and it is the most effortless place to find your initial friends.
   

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  Open a student-friendly bank account with your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94, and proof of address. Major banks in the U.S. are Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America offer low-fee student options.
   

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  Start setting up your dorm or apartment gradually. Only buy essentials in the beginning like bedding, toiletries, and kitchen essentials. It will help you avoid overbuying as many students realize later they brought or bought too much.
   

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  Download local transport apps such as Moovit or Transit. The university might offer free shuttles, late-night transportation or reduced-price buses; see whether your university offers any of these options. There are also a number of campuses where you can take free city buses with your student ID.

Stay Safe and Smart in the US

It is all about getting used to your new country during the first few weeks and being alert is just as important. Talking to locals and learning about scams helps you protect your belongings.
 

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  Do not trust job opportunities or emails that are offering to pay lots of money or a high hourly wage. Most of these are scams trying to steal your Social Security Number or banking details. Report anything suspicious to your university’s IT helpdesk.
   

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  Never share your Social Security Number unless it’s a verified request from your university, bank, or an official government office. No landlord or random caller should ever ask for it over email or phone.
   

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  Many services such as writing labs to counseling and legal aid are free or heavily subsidized. Use it as early as possible and make your life a lot easier later.
   

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  Join societies, go to cultural celebrations and talk with seniors or mentors. They will give you valuable information and tips that no official manual will ever have.
   

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  Keep your valuable materials securely such as your passport, visa, I-20, I-94 and student ID. Always ensure you have a digital backup and set reminders on the renewal to ensure that there is no last minute rush.

Accommodation Tips for International Students in the US

Whether you live in a dorm or a shared apartment, you should sort your space out immediately at the beginning so that you can make it really seem like home.
 

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  Take photos or videos of your room as soon as you move in. Capture furniture condition and any damages before unpacking. Send them to your landlord or housing office to protect your security deposit and avoid disputes later.
   

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  When you are there, set up your Wi-Fi. Find out if your building uses campus internet or a separate provider. Also, learn how laundry access works as some buildings use cards or apps, while others take coins.
   

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  Coordinate with roommates before purchasing big items like cookware or cleaning tools. Start with basics such as bedding, towels, power adapters, and lamps.
   

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  Check how mail delivery works, the local grocery store and who to call to do maintenance. Even a brief discussion with your housing manager or senior students can save you a lot of time in the future.
   

If you still haven’t found someone to share your space with, try GyanDhan’s Roommate Finder. It’s a simple tool that helps you connect you with students heading to the same university and choose a roommate who matches your preferences.

Smart Tips for University Journey

University life is not only about classes and grades, but also a combination of growth and little things that define your time there. Early adaptation, organization and knowing when it is time to seek assistance can help to make your experience easier and more gratifying.
 

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  Store both soft and hardcopy of crucial documents. Backups will ensure that you are not in trouble in case something is lost.
   

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  Access the support services of the university. Academic counseling, career counseling, mental health counseling, whatever it may be, either it is free or is a part of your tuition.
   

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  Never take university or visa rules lightly. Ignoring them or assuming they don’t matter can create problems later. 

Conclusion

Now you have a complete roadmap of arrival activities to settling in university life that will make your first days in the U.S. easier. Each little action you take will make you feel at home on the campus. You can also be a part of GD Connect, a community of GyanDhan to network with peers, exchange experiences, and be advised in real-time by students who have already studied abroad. It is important to keep in mind that you are not the only one, as you start this new academic chapter. Explore, study, and enjoy your time overseas.
 

Read Also:

• 
  Pre-Departure Checklist for USA Students
• 
  Best Education Loans for Indian Students in the USA 2025
• 
  All About OFC Appointment for a US Student Visa
• 
  US Student Visas Explained

Frequently Asked Questions