First Semester Survival Guide for International Students
Your first semester in America will be exciting, challenging, and transformative. This guide, compiled from advice by hundreds of international students, will help you navigate the transition and thrive from day one.
Before You Arrive: Preparation Checklist
Documents to Bring
- Passport (valid for 6+ months)
- F-1 Visa
- I-20 form (signed)
- Admission letter
- Financial documents
- Health records & vaccination proof
- Academic transcripts (originals)
- Passport photos (extras)
Tech Setup
- Unlocked smartphone
- Laptop with US charger/adapter
- Download offline maps (Google Maps)
- Set up international calling app (WhatsApp)
- Bank app (consider Wise/Revolut)
- University apps & portal login
First Week: Orientation & Setup
Priority Tasks:
- Check in with International Student Office — Complete SEVIS check-in within 15 days
- Get Student ID — You'll need this for everything
- Set up bank account — Bring passport, I-20, and address proof
- Get phone plan — T-Mobile and Mint Mobile are popular choices
- Activate health insurance — Know where the health center is
- Attend ALL orientation events — Even the "optional" ones
Critical: SEVIS Check-In
You MUST report to your school's International Student Office within 15 days of the program start date on your I-20. Failure to do this can jeopardize your visa status.
Academic Expectations
US academic culture may be different from what you're used to:
What's Expected
- Active class participation (it's often graded!)
- Speaking up and asking questions
- Meeting deadlines strictly
- Office hours visits
- Group project collaboration
- Independent research and reading
What's NOT Acceptable
- Plagiarism (even accidental)
- Late submissions without approval
- Missing classes without notice
- Using phone during lectures
- Copying homework
- Disrespecting classmates' opinions
Grade Breakdown (Typical):
- Participation: 10-20%
- Homework/Assignments: 20-30%
- Midterm Exam: 20-25%
- Final Exam/Project: 25-35%
Cultural Adjustment & Culture Shock
Culture shock is real and happens to almost everyone. Here's what to expect:
The Culture Shock Curve:
- Honeymoon Phase (Week 1-4): Everything is exciting and new
- Frustration Phase (Month 2-3): Homesickness, confusion, irritation
- Adjustment Phase (Month 4-6): You start adapting
- Adaptation Phase (6+ months): You feel comfortable and at home
Common Cultural Differences:
Communication
- Americans are often very direct
- "How are you?" is a greeting, not a real question
- Small talk is expected
- Personal space is important
Daily Life
- Tipping is mandatory (15-20%)
- Prices don't include tax
- Punctuality is expected
- Credit cards are used for everything
Making Friends & Building Community
Building a social network is crucial for your wellbeing and success:
Where to Meet People:
- Orientation events — Everyone is looking for friends!
- Clubs and organizations — Join 2-3 that interest you
- International Student Association — Find others who understand your experience
- Study groups — Great for academics AND friendships
- Dorm/residence hall events — Easy way to meet neighbors
- Intramural sports — No skill required, just fun
- Religious/cultural organizations — Find your community
Pro Tips for Making Friends
- Say yes to invitations, even when tired
- Be the one to initiate plans
- Don't only hang out with people from your country
- Ask questions and show genuine interest in others
- Invite classmates to grab food after class
Health & Wellness
Physical Health
- Know where the health center is
- Understand your insurance coverage
- Keep prescription info handy
- Get flu shot (often free)
- Use the gym — it's usually free!
Mental Health
- Counseling services are usually free
- Homesickness is normal
- Maintain sleep schedule
- Don't isolate yourself
- Seek help if struggling
Financial Management
First Month Budget (Example):
| Expense | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Housing | $800 - $1,500 | May be prepaid with tuition |
| Food | $300 - $500 | Meal plan or groceries |
| Books/Supplies | $200 - $400 | Higher first semester |
| Phone | $30 - $60 | Plus one-time setup |
| Transportation | $50 - $150 | Bus pass or occasional Uber |
| Personal/Entertainment | $100 - $200 | Be realistic! |
Money-Saving Tips:
- Get student discounts (Amazon Prime Student, Spotify, Apple Music)
- Cook at home when possible
- Buy used textbooks or rent
- Use campus resources (gym, library, events with free food)
- Look for on-campus jobs (allowed under F-1 visa)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Academic Mistakes
- Not attending office hours
- Waiting until finals to study
- Not participating in class
- Plagiarizing (even accidentally)
- Overloading first semester
Social Mistakes
- Only befriending people from home
- Staying in your room all the time
- Not joining any clubs
- Spending all free time on video calls home
- Not exploring beyond campus
Financial Mistakes
- Not budgeting
- Eating out too often
- Buying all new textbooks
- Ignoring student discounts
- Not tracking expenses
Visa Mistakes
- Not completing SEVIS check-in
- Working off-campus illegally
- Dropping below full-time status
- Not maintaining valid I-20
- Traveling without proper documents
You've Got This!
Remember: every successful international student felt exactly how you feel right now. The first semester is the hardest. It gets better. Reach out when you need help, stay curious, and enjoy this incredible adventure!
Explore More UniversitiesDisclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements and regulations change frequently. Always verify information with official sources such as the U.S. Department of State, USCIS, or consult with a qualified immigration attorney for your specific situation.