A Guide to Studying in the US for Fall 2022! Read this Article to Learn All You Need Before You Leave

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Heading to the U.S. for the Fall 2022 semester? Congratulations — big adventure ahead. This guide collects everything you’ll want to do, bring, and know before you leave: paperwork, visas, health, budgeting, travel, housing, academics, and first-weeks survival tips. I’ll also give practical checklists, sample emails, packing lists, and a simple budget template so you can get out the door with confidence.

Quick note: Policies (especially health and travel rules) changed a lot in 2020–2022. Treat this guide as a practical checklist and planning resource — always confirm the final details with your university’s International Student Office (ISO/ISS), the airline, and official government websites (U.S. Department of State, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, CDC) before you travel.

Before you go — essential documents & admin

Most problems abroad come from missing paperwork. Make a copy of everything, keep originals with you, and store electronic copies in a secure cloud folder.

Must-bring original documents (carry in hand luggage):

  • Passport (valid at least 6+ months beyond entry is best)
  • U.S. entry visa (F-1 or J-1) stamped in passport
  • I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) — signed by your DSO/RO and by you (if required)
  • SEVIS I-901 payment receipt (print)
  • University acceptance letter and official admission/enrollment confirmation
  • Financial support documents (bank statements, scholarship/award letters)
  • Transcripts / diplomas (sealed copies if required by school)
  • Medical records & vaccination certificates (including COVID vaccination card, if applicable)
  • Prescription medicines with doctor’s notes (in English when possible)
  • Travel insurance details (if you purchased any)
  • Emergency contacts list (family + university)

Electronic copies (cloud + email to self):

  • Scans/photos of every document above (PDF or clear photos)
  • Passport photo (one saved file)
  • Copies of email correspondences with admissions / housing / ISO

Pro tip: Carry backups. Put one set of originals in a small travel pouch close to your carry-on, and store document scans in at least two places (cloud + email).

Timeline: What to do and when (8 → 0 weeks)

8+ weeks before departure

  • Confirm visa appointment date and expedite if needed.
  • Pay SEVIS fee (I-901) and print receipt.
  • Book flight — choose refundable/flexible ticket if possible.
  • Apply for student housing (university/leases) and campus meal plans.
  • Schedule a medical checkup and get needed vaccines; request copies of records.
  • Arrange finances: request any needed bank transfers, notify home bank.

4–6 weeks

  • Finalize housing or short-term stay (airbnb / temporary housing) if permanent housing not secured.
  • Start packing lists; buy adaptors and basic supplies you can’t find easily there.
  • Confirm pre-arrival tasks from university (online orientation, health insurance enrollment).
  • If required, apply for on-campus jobs or prepare documents for hiring.

2 weeks

  • Print key documents; prepare your travel document folder.
  • Notify your mobile provider about travel (if keeping number) and decide on SIM/eSIM plan.
  • Check luggage allowances and transit requirements (changing airports may need you to go through security multiple times).
  • If you have prescriptions, get enough supply for first 1–2 months and a translated prescription note.

48–72 hours

  • Check in online and reconfirm flight times and entry requirements.
  • Email your arrival time to ISO / housing office / airport pickup if provided.
  • Pack a small “arrival bag” with documents, change of clothes, toothbrush, phone charger, local currency/dollars, and a power bank.

Health & COVID (what to prepare for Fall 2022)

Health rules fluctuated in 2020–2022. By mid-2022 many U.S. universities required COVID vaccinations or had testing/quarantine protocols; others offered accommodation exemptions. Do these steps:

  • Check university health requirements — mandatory vaccines, forms, and deadlines. Submit immunization records early.
  • COVID vaccine & booster — if your university requires them, bring official proof (paper card + digital photo). Some schools also accept WHO-approved vaccines; confirm specifics.
  • Medical insurance — most schools require or offer student health insurance. Buy or enroll before arrival to avoid out-of-pocket hospital costs.
  • Medication & prescriptions — bring at least 1–2 months’ supply of prescription meds with the original packaging and a doctor’s letter in English describing dosage.
  • Dental/vision — consider a checkup before you leave (most plans don’t cover initial dental work).
  • Mental health — many schools provide free counseling for students. Know the contact details for urgent care and campus counseling.

Important: If you are concerned about COVID rules for air travel or entry, verify the CDC and airline pages the day before travel.

Travel & arrival: airports, customs, and what to expect

At passport control

  • Expect questions about your program and duration of stay. Be calm, concise, and honest. Typical answers: program name, school, and program start date.
  • Present your passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, SEVIS receipt, and acceptance letter. Have copies ready.

Customs

  • Declare large amounts of cash (over $10,000) and bring no prohibited items.
  • Keep any restricted items (food, plants, seeds) out of carry-on.

Arrival planning

  • Share flight itinerary with your ISO and any campus pick-up service.
  • If arriving late, let your housing office know — they’ll advise on key pickup or temporary access.
  • Carry local currency for immediate needs (taxi, food, SIM); rideshare apps often require a card so have some cash ready.

Housing: on-campus vs off-campus

On-campus pros: easier to meet people, closer to classes, often furnished, campus support, easier for arrivals.
Off-campus pros: cheaper in some areas, more independence, cooking facilities; but you’ll have to handle utilities and leases.

If renting off-campus

  • Read the lease carefully — understand utilities, duration, deposit, and subletting rules.
  • Ask for a written inventory of furniture and its condition.
  • Get renter’s insurance if recommended.
  • If signing remotely, use a secure payment method and insist on a clear, signed lease (no wire transfers to unknown accounts).

Sample email to landlord confirming arrival/time

Subject: Arrival details and key pickup — [Your Name], [Property Address]
Hi [Landlord Name],
I will be arriving on [date, time] and would like to confirm key pickup instructions. My flight arrives at [airport] at [time]. Please let me know if that timing works or if I should arrange for a self-check-in. Thank you!
Best,
[Your Name] — [Phone / Email]

Banking, money, and phones

Banking

  • Open a U.S. bank account soon after arrival (campus banks make this easy). Bring passport, I-20/DS-2019, university ID, and proof of address.
  • Consider a bank that offers student perks and low fees.
  • Bring a small amount of USD for immediate expenses and have a plan to transfer larger funds.

Credit & building history

  • You’ll start with no U.S. credit history. Apply for a student credit card or secured card later to build credit. Pay bills on time.
  • For renting or utilities, you may need a co-signer if you don’t have U.S. credit.

Phones

  • Decide between a local SIM, eSIM, or international roaming. Prepaid plans can be very convenient. Major carriers and many MVNOs (Mint Mobile, Visible, etc.) offer student-friendly plans.
  • You’ll need an unlocked phone to use local SIMs — check before you depart.

Work & internships (visa basics, quick overview)

On F-1 (student visa)

  • On-campus work: allowed up to 20 hours/week during term (full-time in breaks). No SSN required to start but you will need one to be paid — your employer will guide you.
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT): must be authorized by your school and be integral to your program (pre-completion).
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT): post-completion work authorization (apply via USCIS; processing times vary). STEM degrees may qualify for extension.

On J-1 (exchange visitors)

  • Work restrictions vary; check with your Responsible Officer (RO) for specifics about on-campus and off-campus employment.

Always consult your International Student Office before accepting paid work. Unauthorized work can jeopardize your visa.

Academics: registering, expectations, and success tips

Before classes

  • Review degree requirements and pre-reqs. Register early — classes fill fast.
  • Attend orientation and academic advising; advisors can help shape your schedule.

In class

  • U.S. classrooms reward participation and critical thinking. Speak up, ask questions, and attend office hours.
  • Professors expect academic integrity — understand plagiarism rules and citation styles. Use tools like Turnitin if offered by your university.
  • Time management: expect continuous assessment (projects, quizzes, participation) instead of a single final in many courses.

Grading & GPA

  • Learn your program’s grading scale and credit policies. Cultural differences around grading and feedback exist; ask for feedback proactively.

Social life, culture shock & mental health

Culture & etiquette

  • People are usually direct and punctual for academic settings. Casual openness is common, but respect diversity and boundaries.
  • Learn basic U.S. culture norms (tips in restaurants, small talk, personal space). Local norms vary regionally.

Homesickness & mental health

  • Expect waves of homesickness. Reach out to campus counseling early if you feel overwhelmed — many schools include counseling in student services.
  • Join student clubs, faith groups, sports, and cultural associations to build social support.

Safety & health practicalities

  • Register with your university emergency notification system.
  • Know campus safety numbers and local emergency numbers (911 in the U.S.).
  • Personal safety tips: keep copies of documents, avoid sharing your exact travel details publicly, and keep valuables secure.
  • Know where your nearest urgent care and hospital are.

Packing essentials (practical list for Fall)

Documents & electronics

  • Documents folder (see above).
  • Laptop + charger + universal adapter.
  • Phone & charger, power bank, headphones.
  • External hard drive or USB with backups.

Clothing & personal

  • 2 weeks’ clothes (include layers for variable fall weather).
  • Formal outfit for presentations/interviews.
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Sleepwear, toiletries, small first-aid kit.
  • Small sewing kit.

Other useful items

  • Reusable water bottle, basic kitchen kit (if off-campus), small towel, umbrella.
  • A compact surge protector with USB outlets.
  • Medicines + doctor’s note.

First week after arrival — arrival checklist

  • Check in with International Student Office — complete any arrival forms.
  • Activate local SIM / phone.
  • Open bank account.
  • Attend campus orientation and meet academic advisor.
  • Get student ID card and set up email/online accounts.
  • Check health insurance coverage and register with campus health if necessary.
  • Find grocery stores, bus routes, and the campus safety office.
  • If studying in the U.S. for the first time, find a local pharmacy and clinic.

Sample pre-departure email to your International Student Office

Subject: Arrival confirmation & questions — [Your Name], [Program]
Dear [International Officer Name],
I’m writing to confirm my arrival on [date]. I have accepted housing at [on/off campus] and plan to arrive at [time]. Could you please confirm any arrival check-in procedures I should follow and whether a campus pickup is available? Also, please advise on any orientation sessions I must attend and required health form submissions.
Thank you for your help.
Best regards,
[Name] | [Student ID if known] | [Phone]

Final tips & checklist (last-minute)

  • Recheck entry/health rules 24 hours before departure.
  • Keep all critical documents in your carry-on.
  • Have contact details for ISO, emergency contacts, and your embassy printed and in your phone.
  • Be ready to adapt — things like housing dates, orientations, or vaccine policies can shift.
  • Practice a short intro: “Hi, I’m [Name], an incoming [program] student, starting [semester]. Nice to meet you.” It’ll be invaluable when you meet roommates, classmates, or faculty.

Closing — you’ve got this

Moving to the U.S. for Fall 2022 is a big step, but preparation removes most of the stress. Follow the checklists above, stay in contact with your university’s International Student Office, and keep copies of everything. If you want, I can now:

  • Build a personalized pre-departure checklist based on your country and the U.S. university you’ll attend, or
  • Draft a packing list that matches your campus location (Northeast winter vs. Southern mild fall), or
  • Create a one-page travel document pack you can print and keep with your passport.

Which would you like me to do next?Think

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