Now that you are well within the country limits of the US of A, you can breathe a sign of relief...however, there are still a number of things to do before you can sleep in peace.
Post-Arrival Information
Port of Entry procedure
Form I-94 ('Arrival-Departure Record' or 'Permit to Stay'): This form will be given to you on the airplane, and you will be asked to complete it before you leave the airplane. After reviewing your documents, the immigration officer will indicate on this form the length of time you will be permitted to stay in the US and the name of the university. An INS inspector will write this admission number on your INS Form I-20 A-B/ ID. The officer will attach the I-94 form to your passport. Protect this I-94 Form with your life! There will be times when you will need to show it. Be sure you know the expiration date so that you can plan in advance to renew your stay in the US, if necessary.
The INS inspector will then send pages one and two of this form, known as I-20 A-B, to your school as a record of your legal admission to the United States. You are expected to keep pages three and four, known as the I-20 ID (the Student Copy of your I-20).
This document is your proof that you are allowed to study in the United States as an F-1 student. You should see your designated school official (DSO) if you need a replacement copy of your I-20 ID. You should also keep safe your INS Form I-94, because it proves that you legally entered the United States.
Customs Declaration Forms and Immigration Forms: Sometime before your arrival, the flight attendant will distribute customs declaration forms and immigration forms. Fill these out on the plane. You will submit them to the appropriate US Customs authorities after you land. If you do not understand something in the form, ask the flight attendant for assistance.
Correct Time: As you approach the airport where you will land in the US, the pilot will announce the correct time. The US follows a 12-hour system of time, rather the 24-hour system followed by most of the countries. Also set your watch to the correct US time before you disembark. Keep in mind that the US has four different time zones.
Review of Immigration Documents: Upon entering the US you will pass through the US immigration area. Your passport, visa and other documents will be official reviewed. The following documents should be carried with you, never checked with baggage: Passport, Visa, Form I-20 A-B, and Evidence of Financial Resources (if not included in Form I-20 A-B).
Customs: Even if your luggage is booked through to your final destination, it will be off-loaded at your port of entry. After passing through the immigration area, you will collect your baggage and then, with your baggage, pass through customs. A customs inspector will ask you to declare what you have brought into the country. He will inspect your bags and review the customs form you have filled out on the airplane. Penalties for concealing declarable items can be severe, so be honest and make a full declaration. Certain articles are forbidden or restricted. These include plants, fruits, meats, vegetables; clothing made from the skins of endangered species and switchblade knives. Pickles, spices, etc. will be allowed in as long as they are packed properly and sealed. Spices are usually classified as non-perishable and dehydrated and you may declare them as such.
Travel Assistance and Services: At many airports, you can rent a cart to transport your baggage. The fee is nominal, usually $2. If you engage a porter, you must pay him a small fee.
Currency Exchange: Point-of-entry airports have banking services for the exchange of foreign currency and traveler's checks. However, airport banking services usually have specified hours and may not be open late at night or early in the morning. When changing currency, it is advisable to ask for US $3 to $4 in coins so that you can use a public telephone to make local or long distance calls.
Connecting Flights: If you will be continuing your journey by air, check in at the airline counter as soon as you are through customs. In most airports, you might have to change terminals to board your connecting flight. Please ask the airline representative at the counter about changing terminals. You might have to use the Airport Transport System to do so. These counters are right outside the customs area, usually. Remember, it is your responsibility to collect your baggage after passing through immigration, clear it through customs, and get it checked in again for the onward connection. In case your baggage does not arrive on the same flight as you, do not waste too much time hunting for it. Mention it to the airline representative and give them a forwarding address and phone number where you can be reached. In any event, do not miss your connecting flight. In case your flight came in late, or the onward flight is cancelled, it is the responsibility of the airline on which you flew into the country, to make arrangements for another flight. If the delay involves an overnight stay, then the airline has to put you up for the night and also pay for your meals. Do not let the airline representative convince you otherwise. One important thing, if at any time during your travel you have to ask a question or clear a doubt, do so with an official person. ‘Official’ refers to airport authorities or flight attendants. Do not approach a stranger until circumstances require you to. Also keep your passport and ticket in a very safe place. It may be a good idea to carry a travel pouch that can be attached to your belt.
Note: Please don't panic if your flight arrives late and the time for the connecting flight is too close for comfort (say, within the next 10-15 minutes) for you to make it due to immigration and customs delays. Simply follow the same actions outlined above and get your airline to arrange things for you. Don't be rude, but be firm while dealing with the airline representatives. If a representative from the airline on which you will be traveling is outside the customs area, tell him/her that you are taking the plane to Austin. (Often he/she will telephone ahead and the plane will be held for a few minutes for you.)
Keep in mind that air travel covering more than a few time zones often results in a disorientation called 'jetlag'. Your body will initially have trouble adjusting to the time shift. During your flight, avoid caffeine and alcohol, but drink plenty of water. After you arrive at your destination, it is important to go to sleep at the normal time for your destination, and to walk around in the bright morning sunlight after you wake up. Most people take about 3 days to recover from jetlag.
Currency and Banking
Currency:
American currency is based on the decimal system with 100 cents to each dollar ($). Currency is issued in either coins or bills. Coins are copper and silver and come in six different sizes and values:
- 1 cent = (a penny); the only copper coin.
- 5 cents = (a nickel); larger than a penny.
- 10 cents = (a dime); the smallest coin.
- 25 cents = (a quarter); larger than a nickel.
- 50 cents = (a half-dollar); not commonly used.
- 100 cents = (silver dollar); rarely seen in circulation.
Paper bills are all the same size and color. They are issued in denominations of one (often called a buck), five, ten, twenty, fifty and one hundred. Coins and bills are used in most vending machines -- food and soda vending machines, photocopiers, telephones, parking meters, stamp machines, washing machines and dryers. There are dollar changers, or change machines which will give you coins for your paper money on campus and in laundromats in case you require them. If you do not find any on campus, use a vending machine instead (buy a soda with a dollar bill and use the remaining change).
Banking:
One of the first things you should do when you arrive in the US is to deposit your money in a bank. It is not a good idea to carry large amounts of money with you or to keep it where you live. Usually the houses that you rent will not have cupboards (or closets) that can be safely locked. There are two types of accounts at banks: checking and savings.
Checking Accounts: A 'checking account' with a bank allows you to write drafts or 'checks' against money you have on deposit in that account. Opening a checking account is very easy. You need to deposit money and fill out a signature card. You will be given temporary checks right away, but you should order personalized checks which usually have your name, address and home phone number printed on them. Most merchants prefer that this information be printed on your checks before they will accept them for a purchase. You will pay a fee for your checks, usually less than $15, for 200 checks. Always carry identification with you if you plan to write a check. You will usually need to show a valid drivers license, a state ID from the Department of Transportation, a major credit card, or your university ID as proof of your identity. Be sure to carefully record each check that you write in the register of your checkbook.
Each bank has different banking practices, and the types of checking accounts available vary from bank to bank. Some banks charge a monthly service fee or charge 10-15 cents for each check that you write. Others do not charge a service fee, but require that you maintain a minimum balance in your account. Some banks, credit unions, and savings and loan institutions offer special checking accounts, which permit you to earn interest on any money that remains in the account. The type of account you choose should be determined by the number of checks that you write each month and/or the amount of money which you are able to keep in your checking account. It is recommended that you compare different banks' services by talking with their customer service personnel.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs): Most banks will offer a service whereby you can make deposits and withdrawals 24 hours a day by using an automated teller machine or ATM. You will be given a small plastic card, and a personal identification number (PIN) to use this service. Do not print this number on your card or carry it in your wallet near your card; if your wallet or purse is stolen or lost, the thief may be able to easily take money out of your account. It is best to memorize your PIN and destroy any written record of it. Ask your bank for information on their ATM service. Keep in mind, however, that there may be a fee to use the ATM service in some banks.
Savings Accounts: If you have money which you do not need to use for routine living expenses, a savings account is a safe way to invest it. Savings accounts are available at most commercial banks, credit unions, and savings and loan institutions, but the interest rates vary. There are several types of savings accounts. A regular passbook account allows you to withdraw money from it whenever you need it. If you have a checking account at the same bank you can usually telephone the bank and have them transfer money from your savings account to your checking account. A lot of credit unions and commercial banks also have Internet banking whereby you can transfer money from a savings to a checking and vice versa, online. Frequent withdrawals are usually discouraged, but the bank will pay you any interest that your money has earned up to the date you withdraw it.
Travelers Checks and Money Orders: Personal checks drawn on your bank account may not be honored outside of this area or state. Travelers checks provide a safe and convenient way to carry money when you travel. They can be purchased at any bank for a small charge (usually 1%); some banks even provide them free to their depositors. Traveler's checks can be cashed at banks, hotels, restaurants, and most stores throughout the world. They can also be replaced if they are lost. It is important to keep the record of the check numbers separate from the checks, in the event that your traveler's checks are lost or stolen. You will need to sign the checks when you get them at the bank and then endorse them again when you make a purchase.
Do not send cash through the mail. If you need to pay bills by mail you can use your checking account or buy money orders at banks and some large stores. Money orders are safer than sending cash through the mail and provide you with a receipt.
Should you need to buy an expensive item from an individual who does not want to accept a personal check for the purchase, your bank can issue you a cashiers check for the amount of the purchase. This guarantees the person getting the money that there are funds in your account.
Cash: If you pay for anything in cash, such as your rent or other large items, be sure to get a written receipt as proof that you have paid for it.
When you need cash, you can go to your bank and write out a check payable to cash or payable to yourself and funds will be taken from your checking account. Some supermarkets allow you to write a check for an amount over the cost of your purchase so that you get the extra amount back in cash. Check cashing services are also available at some supermarkets, but you must fill out an application before receiving this privilege.
Receiving Money from Another Country: It may be possible to arrange for a bank in your home country to cable funds directly to your bank here. You must provide the following information to the home country bank:
- the name and address of your bank in the US;
- your bank's identification or routing number;
- your name and bank account number here;
- your address and telephone number in the US;
- exactly how you want to receive your money, such as deposited in your account, in the form of a cashiers check, etc.
It is a good idea to request money transfers well before the time you will need the money. Wire transfers can take anywhere from a few days to a full month or more, to be honored depending on the processing time of the bank in your home country. In case there is an unaccountable delay, it may be wise to have a small savings account here for immediate living expenses. Some foreign governments or state banks require proof of a student's good academic standing before releasing funds. Certificates that attest to your status can be requested from the university. Such certificates are also available for students whose home countries have restrictions on dollar exchange.
Sending Money to Another Country: There are two ways to send money abroad:
- Send an International Money Order or Foreign Draft directly to the individual or institution
- Have your local bank send the funds to an individuals bank by air mail or cable. Provide the individuals name, account number, and address so that person will be notified when the funds arrive.
Bear in mind that processing delays of 1 to 6 weeks may be encountered before the funds become available to the receiving individual.
It is best to send items by registered or certified mail as an extra precaution. You may also purchase a return receipt with registered or certified mail. The return receipt is signed by the individual who is to receive the item and then sent back to you. If money is lost through mail or cable systems, there may be a long delay -- up to six months -- before the bank sending the money can locate it and issue a refund. In most cases, these systems provide adequate security.
It is not wise to send a Cashiers Check or personal check outside of the U.S. If a Cashier's Check is lost or stolen, the bank issuing the money may not be required to refund it. Many foreign banks do not want to cash these checks. If the checks are returned to the U.S., it may be two months or more before the individual to be paid is able to collect the money.
Credit Unions are different from banks in that they are owned by the depositors or shareholders. Profits from loans are distributed as interest to depositors' accounts. They have the advantages of competitive savings rates, interest earning checking accounts, and low interest loans. Most universities have a credit union on campus. As far as possible, open an account with them because they handle student needs efficiently.
Credit/Debit Cards: A credit card allows you to pay for your expenses without bothering about availability of money at the time of payment. The credit card company pays for you and later sends you a statement every month elaborating the payments made. You must then pay the credit card company by check. There are certain limits imposed on credit cards with regard to the amount of credit available to you, which vary. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards. The other being American Express card (called Am-Ex in short).
A Debit card is almost like a check, since it allows you to spend from your available resources only (this does not allow for credit). This is generally issued by the banks where you have an account, after you apply for it.
It is not so easy to get a credit card for a first timer in U.S. The application is scrutinized by the Credit Organization/Bank and the credit history checked up (They call up the banks where you have an account, to find out your balance and credit status etc). Usually your credit history is traced from your Social Security Number (SSN). Usually your period of stay in the US is also an important criteria e.g. at least a 6- month stay is essential to be considered eligible for a credit card.
For students though, some credit cards are easy to obtain- one of them being Am-Ex. You can apply online for these cards but you need to have a bank account and SSN before you apply.
Building up a good credit history requires that you take loans from the bank. e.g. to buy a car and repay it in time. This increases the chances of getting a higher spending limit on your credit card. The companies basically want to check f you pay your bills on time etc. That is extremely important in the US -- you must pay all your bills on time. never accrue finance charges (penalty for paying up late) because your SSN will track every bill you ever paid and if you paid your bills late, you will have a problem with insurance, loans etc. in the future. If you pay a credit card bill late, the interest they charge you on the amount is called the APR or the Annual Percentage Rate. Check that amount (it should be under 2%) before you apply for a particular credit card, if you feel you cannot pay your bills on time.
Most credit cards offer other benefits too, such as mileage accumulation for some airline enabling you to travel free on that airline anywhere in the U.S. once about 20,000 miles have been accumulated, at the rate of 1 mile per dollar. Some others offer Rental Car Insurance coverage and so on.
Managing Finances
Most students live on limited budgets. It is important to manage your money carefully to make sure that it lasts as long as possible. Until you have become accustomed to the value of the dollar and get a good idea of your daily living expenses, it is wise to be cautious. The following are hints from other international students on managing your money:
Budget carefully. You know how much your income and basic expenditures are, so pay all bills immediately at the start of each month and you will know exactly how much remains.
Keep accounts. Keeping track of expenditures in various categories - food, books, supplies - can pinpoint areas of heavy spending which might surprise you. Done on a monthly basis, this can give you quite an incentive to economize in certain areas.
File tax returns. Examine all options for exemptions or rebates, and do not hesitate to seek advice from the Internal Revenue Service. Keep records of expenditures throughout the year so that filling out returns will be easier.
Use inexpensive transportation. Recognize that a few extra dollars for an apartment near campus can save hundreds of dollars each year on a car. The car is part of the American Dream, and it takes some courage to realize that it is expensive to buy, to run and in many cases is unnecessary. Many young Americans are turning to bicycles and buses as a primary means of transportation. You can always rent a car for a long trip if you need to. It is much less expensive in the long run.
Be careful with credit. For many of you this is the first exposure to credit on any scale. For those of you who arrive in the United States with few household possessions, credit cards may seem like an easy answer, but beware of overextending yourself. Remember that you may be paying up to 22% per year in interest on some accounts.
Buy used or second hand! Garage and yard sales advertised in newspapers are frequent in the spring and summer, and you can buy used appliances and household goods at very reasonable prices. Sell your items the same way when you leave.
Type your own papers. If you did not learn to type in India and you have to submit an assignment that needed to be typed, you will find that you have to pay high prices for typing services. It is worth investing in a few hours of typing lessons because savings will be considerable in the long run.
Eat at home. If you do not live in a residence hall where meals are provided, it is very tempting to eat out regularly rather than prepare your own food. This expenditure can double your food bill.
Save at your credit union. If you are employed by the university and think you might be able to save some money, have a deduction made from your paycheck for deposit in the University Credit Union. What you don’t see you wont miss, and it mounts up quickly in your savings account.
Take advantage of 'sales'. Newspaper advertisements will tell you when a store is having a sale on something, i.e. selling it at a lower price than usual. If you can afford to do so, stock up on items that you use regularly when they are on sale.
Housing
Since universities do not usually provide on-campus temporary housing, you should adjust your budget to take into account temporary accommodation in an off-campus hotel room in case nothing works out.
1. Lease period and deposits
Usually there are two types of leases depending on the period of lease: 6 months lease and 12 months lease. (In some places they allow 3 month lease too, but the rent increases in that case).
You have to pay 1 months rent as security deposit and some amount for processing your application (15$-30$).
Housing is one of the most expensive items in a student's budget. You may have to compromise between ideal housing and what you can afford to pay. However it is extremely important to try to find a place to live where you will feel comfortable.
In general, the amount that you spend for housing should be held to one-half or one-third of the total living amount you have planned to spend. The rent differs from state to state and from city to city. It is always a good idea to check up with a few students at the university what a good deal is.
The other thing to do is look for a property agent. Property agents are usually free (though you should always ask them before you use their services) and find apartments for you that will fit your budget and your needs. These agents are available around campus and they take the onus of driving you around to the different apartments.
Keep your eyes and ears open to good house deals. Often you will see signs outside properties that say 'Move In Specials'. Ask the leasing management (within the premises) about these discounts. Also, take a walk around campus and walk into an apartment complex and speak directly to the apartment management about available apartments.
If you wish to live on campus, fill out the housing application sent to you with your acceptance letter from the university. Housing space is often assigned in the order that applications are received. Therefore, send in the application as soon as you are sure you would be attending the university. You may have to enclose a deposit in the form of a check or money order, if one is required. Your options include furnished and unfurnished apartments and houses, privately operated dormitories, cooperative residence halls and rented rooms in private homes.
2. Utilities
Check whether your rent includes utilities such as water, electricity, trash, cable etc. Some rents are inclusive of some or all of these. Remember, each apartment will have a refrigerator, a stove and an AC (you may have more but these are basics). All of these require electricity (unless specified otherwise) so you should make sure you can estimate your costs.
3. Lease Terms
Understand the lease terms properly because most of the times you need to break the lease in case you shift universities or you have a roommate problem.
If you want to break the lease
a. You may have to give a 30- day notice.
b. You may lose your security deposit.
c. In some cases they (the apartment management) try to find somebody who wants to rent your apartment or you should do so yourself. If they don't get anybody within 30 days period, you have to pay 1 month's rent extra. In this situation you lose your security deposit plus one months rent. Get these terms clarified before signing the lease papers.
Remember- till your name is on the lease, you are bound by all the terms and conditions and you have to pay the bills on time. If you want to move out and someone else is willing to lease the apartment, usually apartment managements want you to sign a roommate addendum, which essentially a document releasing you of paying the rent. Always keep a copy of all correspondence to leasing managements - they can sometimes take you for a ride. Always ask for a copy of the lease and make sure they tell you about all hidden charges.
4. Lease Breaking
Assuming 3 people are sharing an apartment and all three have their names on the lease papers, if one of the three wants to leave before the lease period is over, you need to take a letter from him saying that all further paper work can be done by the other two people. This letter is required when your lease period is over or even if you want to break the lease before that period is over. If you don't have such a letter you won't be able to break the lease unless all three have signed the lease break paper. In such cases you also end up losing your deposit. This is true even for normal termination of lease period. Be careful and understand these terms and conditions fully.
5. Damages
After renting an apartment carefully observe if there are any inconsistencies in the apartment. If you see any, ask your Property Manager to make a note of it. Otherwise they will deduct some amount from your security deposit when your lease period is over.
6. Downgrading and Upgrading
If you want to move to 2 bedroom apartment from 1 bedroom apartment you have to pay extra money. Many cases downgrading i.e. moving to 1 bedroom apartment from 2 bedroom apartment is not allowed. Get clarification on all such points while signing lease papers.
7. Electricity and telephone connection
After you rent the apartment you need to inform your local Electric Supply company that you will be staying in that apartment from so and so date and that they may bill you from that date.
Ask your local telephone company for a telephone connection by calling them up. Most of this takes place on the phone itself. You need not go anywhere. You will probably need to buy your own phone instrument before you do this.
8. Maintaining an apartment
In most of the apartments you have cooking range, oven, dish washer, refrigerator etc.
Use an aluminum foil to cover part of the cooking range (other than coils) so that it remains clean and in the end you don't need to spend time in cleaning it.
Dishwashing liquid is available in supermarkets. The inner surface of the dishwasher begins to accumulate dirt if it is not cleaned regularly. The cleaning liquid can be used to clean it. This can be done once in a month.
Clean your oven once in a month using an oven-cleaning liquid. Use plastic garbage bags in trash cans so that you can just take the bag and dispose it in the central trash disposal, usually provided in the apartment complex.
All apartments are usually carpeted. You need to take care else you will end up paying quite a bit for the cleaning when you eventually move out.
9. Laundry
No matter where you stay, you'll have access to washing and drying facilities. These machines have large capacities, so that it is possible to do 1-2 week's laundry at a time. So plan your wardrobe accordingly.
These washers and dryers are coin-operated. Each time you do laundry, it will cost you about 75c (this cost varies) to use the washer and another 75c to use the dryer. Always keep spare change.
Note: Indian clothes (particularly cottons) have a tendency to shrink when washed in the hot and/or warm cycle in a washing machine here or by drying them in the dryer. So please be careful with sizes and the quality of the fabric.
Grocery and desi joints
An integral part of our lives out here is doing grocery shopping. There are quite a lot of local grocery stores that are usually accessible by bus/taxicab or the easier way -- catch hold of a senior to give you a ride. Since everyone needs to go there anyway; you just have to tag along with them. Often you will find some good Indian grocery stores as well. The bottom line? Doing grocery is absolutely no problem, and depending on where you stay, you can get everything out here really easily.
Social Security Number and driver's license
Social Security Number (SSN): Each individual in the US is required to be registered with the US government by law. The way we have registration in India through Ration Card, it is referred to as Social Security here.
This number is very useful for the government as well as for the individual. The US government keeps a track of the individuals through them. You will need the SSN for any official paper work or while opening a bank account. A person's entire credit history can be traced from this number.
As soon as one arrives in US he/she is required to get an SSN immediately. It is a very simple procedure.
Every town or a city has a Social Security office. You have to go there with your Passport, I-20 and sometimes a Birth Certificate. First thing you need to do is collect the application form for a new SSN. Fill it completely. It will ask you for your local postal address details besides other information. The officer will check your application form and passport. After checking everything you will be informed when you will be receiving your SSN, which will be by postal mail.
Generally within three to four weeks time you will receive your SSN which appears printed on a small paper card, which you should carry/preserve safely. For more information, visit www.isa.gov.
Getting a driver's license: Every state in the US has a separate department to issue a driver's license. A driver license issued in any state is valid all over the country.
The driver's license is the most commonly used form of personal identification.
To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18 and do not have a driver license from
your home country, you will need to do the following:
- Visit a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) or a DPS (Department of Public Safety) office.
- Complete application form DL 44
- Give a thumb print
- Have your picture taken
- Provide your SSN
- Verify your birth date and legal presence
- Pay the application fee. The fee varies from state to state and is between $20 to $100.
- Pass a vision exam (not always required)
- Pass a traffic laws and sign test. You are given three chances to pass.
If you don't know how to drive, there are many reputed driving schools where you can learn to drive. They can guide you through the paperwork and provide a vehicle you can use to take the driving test. Once you pass the test, you will probably get a temporary license. The real license would come a few weeks later.
You will need to get to your local Motor and Vehicles Registry with your:
- Passport and Visa
- Social Security Card
- Passport Photograph
If you have a license from your home country, you will be required to take a drive test. To take your drive test, you will need to call the DMV office to set up an appointment (driving tests are not given without an appointment), bring your instruction permit for the class of drive test to be taken, provide proof of financial responsibility.
Have a licensed driver accompany you to the drive test site. After you pass your drive test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. You have three chances to pass the drive test. If you fail, you may practice for a while, then call DMV to set up another appointment. There is no waiting period, but you must make an appointment.
1) To get learners permit: You are required to take a test which has multiple choice questions. For this the DMV provides a guide with rules and regulations. A thorough review of this guide is very essential to pass through the test. Once you pass this test, you are given a Permit to drive. You could at this point only drive with another person with drivers license in the car.
If you have never had driving classes, this is where you start taking classes. The best way is to contact an individual or company who offers driving classes. They generally charge for each half hour. A 20 hour training program should be sufficient. If you already know driving, you could take 2 to 3 classes to get familiar with the signs, freeways and regulations.
After you are comfortable you could go for the actual driving test. Taking classes from a trainer is advantageous as they take you for the test and you just have to pay them for the time. Otherwise you need a car with insurance for the test. You need to find a person who is willing to go and spend that time with you.
2) The driving test: The actual test involves setting up a prior appointment or going to the DMV and standing in the line based on the busy nature of the city. One of the DMV representatives goes with you and take you through a 15 to 30 minute ride. The representative takes out points for each error you make. You may request to make turns, do parallel parking etc.
© 2000 Ruchika Joshi.
