It’s time to pursue your dream of moving to the U.S. for your studies– how exciting! However, some of you might think it’s rather nerve-wracking. There may be loads of things to resolve, such as figuring out what to pack and how to deal with the emotions of leaving your home. Speaking from experience, it’s pretty overwhelming! 😅
But hey, calm down. Take a deep breath: in from your nose, out from your mouth.
Okay, we’re now ready to dive into this post that’ll hopefully help you feel less overwhelmed. You can do this! 😎
Today, we bring tips on what you should consider for your departure to the U.S. (and we believe these tips can also apply to other countries!).
Get nerdy & do some research 🤓
Here are a few suggested topics to research that’ll help your move to the U.S.:
- Documents: Know which documents are required for entry and stay in the country, as well as those that are valid in the country. The most important documents are usually your passport, visa, duration of status (the code depends on visa type, for example: I-20 for F visa, DS-2019 for J visa, DS-160 for B visa, etc.), immunization records, marriage certificate (if married), and driver’s license (local and/or international).
- Important contacts: Make a list of emergency numbers, embassy and/or consulate, friends and/or family in the area, and any helpful connections (advisors, friends, colleagues, etc.).
- Language: It’s worth studying and practicing English in preparation for your trip; this way, you won’t arrive in the U.S. that rusty!
- Regulations: Check the country’s rules to ensure compliance with any restrictions or prohibited items. Also, check your state’s specific rules, as they change according to each state.
- Climate: It’s important to know how the temperature behaves throughout the year; this way, you can plan your wardrobe accordingly.
- Culture shock: Learn about culture shock so that you’re aware of the potential journey you’ll go through. We’ve written a series of posts about it and will post them in the near future, so stay tuned!
- Extras: U.S. customs/traditions, transportation system, etc. And remember that we have some content here on the blog to help you on your new adventure– go check it out! 😁
Get documents & insurance 🪪
Now that you know which documents are needed, get moving on securing them, as it can take a while for them to process! For those documents you already have, stay organized by putting them in a folder. For example, if you’ve already rented a place to live, keep the lease agreement in your folder.
To be safe and extra organized, make copies of all your documents; if possible, authenticated. A tip for married couples: provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate translated into English. And finally, have copies of your documents in your cloud storage.
Regarding insurance, check the types required for your trip. Also, check with your university if there’s any type of insurance they require for students. If you already have insurance, check with your insurer if it covers you in the new country. And if you haven’t already gotten insurance, it’s wise to get it– better safe than sorry! 😇
Find & buy plane tickets ✈️
If you’re like me, you’ll do a lot of research to find tickets with great deals, less layovers, and shorter travel times. But don’t let this search delay you from purchasing your ticket! It’s good to establish a ticket budget and purchase deadline.
After your purchase, don’t forget to research the airline’s policies so you don’t have problems when boarding. You can download your airline’s app on your phone and check-in 24 hours in advance. Just in case, you can also make physical copies of your tickets.
Health checks 🩺
Make any necessary doctor’s appointments before your trip. If you take any prescriptions, bring enough with you until you can find a new doctor. And don’t forget to bring copies of your prescriptions, medical records, and health insurance documents.
Regarding vaccines, make sure you have all the necessary doses and check if the U.S. requires any specific ones. If you haven’t had them yet, it’s time for some needles! 💉
Old & new homes 🏠
It’s time to think about the details of your departure from your homeland. Whether you live alone or with your spouse and/or children, you have to figure out your moving plan, such as selling/renting your house, what to do with your furniture, canceling utilities (electricity, water, etc.) and any subscriptions (like the internet), changing your mailing address, and so on. Also, think about how you’ll choose to communicate with your family while settling in the U.S..
And be present! Don’t forget to actually hang out with your family and friends, plus eat all your favorite foods!
You’ll also need to think about your new home in the States, from research on available homes, to accessibility to key places (like the university, grocery store, hospital), to modes of transportation…
If you know people that live there, don’t be shy and ask for help! IFI also has a program for airport pickup and temporary housing, which can assist you at the start of your journey.
Finances 💰
Separate an amount of cash to take with you and don’t forget to exchange it to dollars. Make sure to verify your credit/debit card and notify your bank agency prior to departure; this will prevent you from getting your card blocked due to suspicious activity outside the country.
And finally, search for ATMs that’ll accept withdrawals from your card around your new area. If you run short of cash, you’ll know where to go! 🤑
Packing up 🛄
I particularly think a trip becomes real when we start packing things to leave, and that long awaited moment will come! Before starting, review your airline’s baggage policy according to the type of ticket you purchased. Also, make a list of everything you think you’ll need. Here are some suggestions:
Backpack and/or carry-on 🎒
Pack essential items you need to have during your trip, as well as those that are valuable to you. If your checked luggage gets lost, for some reason, you’ll have all your essentials/valuables with you. These could be:
- Your paperwork needed for the trip (passport with visa, DS, immunization records, boarding pass, list of important contacts, etc.). And make sure they’re easily accessible!
- Wallet (with cash, cards, ID, etc.)
- Medicine (vitamins, prescription drugs, motion sickness pills, etc.)
- Glasses and/or contact lenses and solution
- Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- Jacket/sweater– you might get cold during the flight!
- A change of clothes and a towel
- Water bottle and snacks
- Travel pillow
- Earplugs
- Favorite book
- Hat and/or sunglasses
- Electronics, such as your phone, iPad, laptop, Kindle, power bank, headphones, camera, digital watch, flash drive, etc. And don’t forget their chargers! Regarding outlet adapters, the electrical outlets and voltage may vary between countries, so check those before you go!
Checked baggage 🧳
- Clothes– short and long-sleeved shirts, tank tops, jeans/pants, shorts, belts, exercise outfits, skirts and dresses (casual and formal), blazers, sweaters, pullovers, light jackets, etc. Consider choosing clothes that are appropriate for the U.S. climate, as well as that can be dried in the dryer. Personal tip from who had clothes shrunk in the dryer! 🙃
- Undergarments (underwear, socks, bras, etc.)
- Cold weather gear, if needed (gloves, boots, thermal undergarments, etc.)
- Shoes (sandals, sneakers, exercise shoes, etc.)
- Towels
- Bathing suits
- Hair and beauty products
- The rest of your toiletries (razors, feminine hygiene products, lotion, etc.)
- Sentimental objects that’ll help you feel at home
- Can’t-live-without items
After you’ve made the list of what you need, get on it! And don’t worry about getting every single thing on your list; you can always wait and buy stuff in the States!
Tips for packing 💪
- To optimize space in your bag: roll your clothes, stuff your shoes with small items, and use space/vacuum-storage bags
- Put your shoes in bags so they stay together and keep your clothes from getting dirty
- Use leak-proof containers for liquids or put items that contain liquids in bags
- Distribute the weight of your items between the luggage you’re going to take
- Pack the essentials last since you’ll want them handy, in case you need them
- Put a small lock on your checked baggage
- Ensure easy identification of your checked baggage at the baggage pickup by attaching a distinctive item that catches your eye from a distance. Personally, I find it effective to secure a ribbon onto my luggage for easy recognition.
- Weigh your checked baggage. I recommend leaving 2-2.5 pounds (0.9-1.1 kilos) under the limit, as airport scales may have a different calibration.
Final Thoughts ⌛
Well, dear friend, I’m excited for you as you prepare for your new phase in life. I brought several suggestions and tips, but I believe the key to packing and moving is planning and organizing. So before you start anything, take time to plan.
I recommend starting the packing process at least three months before you move. This way, you’ll have time to calmly organize yourself. If you can get started sooner, even better! But if your days are numbered, don’t fret; you’ve come this far and hopefully we’ve helped you with what to consider before leaving.
And a little freebie for ya: we made a checklist to facilitate your life! Just click here to get it.
Happy packing and see you in the next post! 🤗
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