5 Tips for Preparing to Study Abroad in the United States
Whether you’re coming to the United States for a single semester or the entirety of your college program, studying in the USA can be an incredible experience. Having a plan for what to do upon arrival can help make the transition much easier and set you up for success for the rest of the semester.
5 tips to prepare you for college in the United States
Going to college in another country can be daunting. But these tips will ensure you’re ready for the academic year:
1. Create a budget
You may be surprised by how expensive things can be in the United States, especially if you’re coming from a country with a lower cost of living. Creating a budget will help you manage your expenses and set aside money for fun activities, such as sightseeing in your new city or souvenirs to send home.
Designing a budget is simple:
- List your sources of income: As a college student, your income is likely from international student funding, such as student loans, grants or scholarships. Or you may draw on savings or money from your family. Any money that you will use for your expenses during the academic year should be included in this category. Divide that amount by the number of months in the academic year to determine your monthly income.
- Think about your expenses: Next, list all of your monthly expenses. This category isn’t just your tuition and fees but also your textbooks, groceries, transportation and entertainment.
- Look for areas where you can reduce your spending: If your income doesn’t cover all of your expenses or if you’re just breaking even, reducing your spending can give you more breathing room while you’re in school. Getting a roommate, renting textbooks instead of buying them and preparing your own meals rather than using a school meal plan are all ways to cut down your expenses.
- Allocate money for emergencies: Be sure to create a line item in your budget that accounts for emergency expenses. As a student, unexpected expenses can pop up, such as a classroom fee you didn’t know about or a medical bill. Setting aside a little money each month will help you prepare for those added costs.
Once you have a budget in place, track your spending so you don’t exceed your income. You can use free tools like Mint or GoodBudget.
2. Design a schedule
Transitioning to a schedule in the United States can be challenging. From different time zones to rigorous class schedules, you may feel disoriented at first. As you adjust to living and studying in the USA, sticking to a schedule can help you adapt and keep up with your coursework.
Review your class schedule and design a schedule for yourself. Think about setting a certain window to wake up, such as between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time, and when you’ll go to sleep; sticking to those windows will help you adjust to the different time zone faster. Note when you have classes and when you’ll study or work on your assignments.
Be sure to set aside specific blocks of time – or even whole days when you don’t have classes – for relaxation and leisure activities. Balancing your coursework with your social life will give you a more robust study abroad experience.
3. Join clubs
Homesickness is a natural part of studying abroad, and many students struggle with it. You can combat those feelings by getting involved on campus and joining college clubs. Being a part of a group will give you access to a support network and establish a sense of community on campus.
Colleges often have hundreds of clubs. There may be clubs specifically for international students (or even for students from your home country), for certain majors and other interests. Colleges also have groups dedicated to casual sports, such as flag football or frisbee.
To find out what clubs are available, contact the university’s residence life department or ask your international student office how to get involved.
4. Take advantage of university services
Many students are unaware of how many services their university offers. But your school likely has a lengthy list of amenities and services that can help your experience. For example, your school may offer the following services:
- Tutoring: Colleges often have free tutoring services provided by students who’ve excelled in certain subjects.
- Counseling: Many schools have mental health services, including counseling or support groups. For students struggling with homesickness or depression, utilizing these services can be a significant help.
- Career development: Whether you plan on staying in the United States or returning to your home country, you can use the career development department to get assistance writing a resume or cover letter and improving your interview skills.
- Theater and cultural events: Universities often host plays, comedians, artists and musicians, and these events are typically free or low-cost for current students.
- Physical activities: Colleges typically have substantial physical fitness amenities that are free for students. For example, your school may have a fitness center with the latest gym equipment, lap pools, running tracks, tennis courts and recreational fields.
Talk to your college advisor or the school’s international student office to find out what services and amenities are available to you.
5. Contact the school financial aid office
The university financial aid office can be an invaluable resource to you as you adjust to studying in the United States. Not only can they help you find international student funding opportunities, such as private student loans, but they can also identify other solutions to funding gaps.
The financial aid office may be able to enroll you in a payment plan or recommend scholarships or grants that are designed for international students to cover your living expenses during holiday breaks. (See MPOWER Financing scholarship information.) The financial aid office may provide other resources, as well, including free or low-cost classes on budgeting.
How to plan ahead for your USA study abroad experience
Studying in the United States can be a life-changing experience. As an international student, it’s important to plan ahead so you can maximize your time in the USA. Creating a budget and getting help from your financial aid office will give you clarity and ensure your financial needs are met. By creating a schedule, you can complete your coursework and still enjoy yourself during your free time. And by getting involved in the campus community, you can build a support network and lifelong connections.
