Setting Up in the U.S.
Phone Plans, Wifi, Bank Accounts... Where do you begin?
Ok, ok, ok, breathe! I know a transition to a new place, a new country, and a new culture can be overwhelming, but don’t worry. I am going to provide you with a checklist📝 that you should go through and complete, once you settle into your new home!
🏦 Opening a Bank Account
First things first, you need a safe place to store all your money. It is not wise to hold large amounts of cash in your home. Your parents are also going to require your bank account details if they decide to send you money for school, resources, and other items.
So before you start doing anything, visit a local bank (one that’s close to your campus so that you can visit it if any problems or concerns arise) and speak to a banker. Take your documents with you (passport, I-20, and other forms of ID) to open up your first bank account in the United States of America. Below is a list of some of the popular banks located in the United States:
The links that I have provided take you to the student portal of each bank’s website. I’d recommend starting there but eventually, you should visit the banks in person and speak to a banker for clarification.
📲 Get a Mobile Phone Plan!
Your next step after setting up a bank account should be to get a mobile phone plan that provides you mobile data and even hotspot if possible. Many of you might be bringing your own devices to America and would just need to sign up with a phone carrier to receive a sim card and use their services. Others might want to get a new mobile through their new phone carrier. Whatever you decide, here a couple of phone carrier companies that you can consider speaking to when trying to figure out a phone plan:
Now although there are other options like Cricket Wireless and MintMobile, the top 3 offer nationwide wireless services with 4G and 5G networks included. You can definitely find cheaper plans elsewhere (Mintmobile is relatively cheaper than the others and has decent options) but in order to be on the safe side and not have to go through support or troubleshooting issues, I would recommend using one of the top 3 services that have a much stronger technical & support system.
📡 WiFi
Just as you provided your phone with a network to get connected with the world, you should do the same for your home as well. Setting up a router to connect to the wifi should be an essential step for everyone regardless of their student status. The only way that you will be studying or doing anything virtually, for that matter, at home, is if you get setup with a WiFi plan. Below are some suggestions of the much popular WiFi options that are chosen by many in America.
AT&T
Verizon
Xfinity
Spectrum
The options that I have suggested are based on popularity but I would suggest searching for the best signals that you can get in your area and by which provider are you receiving them. Sometimes these internet providers might not be the strongest in your area so you should check based on your location.
🪪 Form of ID
The last thing on this list that is essential to get is an ID card to prove your identity at all times. You should not be walking around with your passport in your hand. Although your I-20 is an official document, many people cannot comprehend its use case and it can only go so far in proving your identity.
Which is why you should apply for a State ID and then use that ID to travel domestically, show as proof of identity, and verify your status in case something happens. You can even open accounts with different banks and services with your ID. Basically, your ID is your new identity wherever and whenever you go somewhere.
Conclusion
So, now that you’ve got your simple checklist you can go get started by making sure that you complete these tasks. Obviously, there are other important things to consider as well but its important to get the ball rolling.
I’d be happy to take in any questions, concerns, or suggestions that you might have regarding the F-1 Visa progress or about the newsletter overall. DM on Twitter for any inquiries or reach out to me via Linkedin @omairskhan!