Janice Lozano
International students who wish to live and study in the United States need to meet several requirements and navigate various cultural aspects. Firstly, obtaining a student visa, such as the F-1 or M-1 visa, is crucial. This involves enrolling in an accredited academic or vocational program, demonstrating English proficiency, and having sufficient funds for self-support. International students should also consider their accommodation options, ranging from on-campus dormitories to off-campus rentals or homestays. Understanding healthcare requirements, such as purchasing health insurance, is essential. Additionally, international students may seek employment opportunities, with restrictions, and explore transportation options like flying, driving, or using public transport. The diverse US culture offers both independence and a sense of community through fraternities and sororities. Lastly, international students should be aware of safety considerations and legal drinking age restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa | F-1 or M-1 visa |
| Enrollment | Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program |
| School | Approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program |
| Full-time student | Yes |
| English proficiency | Proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency |
| Self-support | Sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study |
| Residence | Must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up |
| Health insurance | Required by some universities |
| Accommodation | On-campus dormitories or off-campus rent |
| Employment | F-1 students can work up to 20 hours a week during their degree programs and up to 40 hours during term holidays, but only on campus |
| Transportation | Flying, driving, or taking a coach |
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What You'll Learn
Student visas
International students intending to study in the United States must obtain a student visa. The most common types of student visas are the F and M visas, which are non-immigrant visas for full-time international students. The F-1 Visa is for academic studies, while the M-1 Visa is for vocational studies.
To obtain an F-1 or M-1 Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Enrol as a full-time student at an accredited academic institution, such as a college, university, high school, or language training program.
- Your chosen school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and authorised by the U.S. government to accept foreign students.
- You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses that will lead to English proficiency.
- You must have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your studies.
- You must maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up.
Additionally, F-1 and M-1 visa holders may be eligible to work on-campus or in jobs related to their area of study. However, prior authorisation is required from the Designated School Official and USCIS.
Another type of student visa is the J-1 exchange visitor visa, intended for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study exchange programs. Examples include visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.
When applying for a student visa, you must review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply. A consular officer will interview you to determine your eligibility and collect ink-free, digital fingerprint scans. After the interview, your application may require further administrative processing, and you may need to pay a visa issuance fee. It is important to note that obtaining a student visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, and you must meet all the requirements under U.S. law to receive the visa.
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Accommodation
International students have a variety of accommodation options to choose from when studying in the United States. These include on-campus and off-campus housing, with the former being the most popular and budget-friendly option for international students.
On-Campus Housing
Many universities in the US offer on-campus housing, which can include dormitories (or dorm rooms), student residence halls, and apartment-style accommodations. Living on campus offers convenience and proximity to classes, libraries, and other campus facilities. It also helps international students make friends and connect with campus life. On-campus residence halls typically offer several options, including single rooms, double rooms, suites, and apartment-style units. Most housing is furnished, although students may need to bring their own bedding, towels, and other household items. The cost of on-campus housing in US universities ranges from $9,500 to $11,000 per year.
Off-Campus Housing
Off-campus housing provides students with greater freedom, flexibility, and independence. Students can live alone, with roommates, or in shared apartments to save money. When renting an apartment or house, students will need to sign a lease, pay bills, and manage maintenance. It is important to carefully read the lease agreement and be aware that rent may not include utilities. Off-campus housing can be more time-consuming and costly to travel between, and students may need to purchase a car to commute to campus. Temporary accommodation, such as hotels, hostels, and Airbnb, is also available for short-term stays when students first arrive in the US.
Homestays
Homestays are another option for international students, where they live with a local family and immerse themselves in American culture. Homestays typically include meals and cover utilities, providing a comfortable and safe environment for students in a foreign land. The American Homestay Network ensures the safety and quality of homestays in cities like Chicago, Washington, and Portland.
Finding Accommodation
International students can find accommodation through university websites, social media groups, friends, or classified advertisements in local newspapers. Some universities have an off-campus housing office to assist students in finding suitable housing. Students may need to provide proof of enrollment, identification documents, and evidence of sufficient funds when applying for housing. It is recommended to visit the area before finalizing accommodation to understand the location and amenities better.
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Health insurance
International students will need a visa to study in the United States. The type of visa will depend on the nature of the course of study and the institution. The F-1 Visa is for academic students, while the M-1 Visa is for vocational students.
There are several options for obtaining health insurance as an international student in the US. Some universities offer a group health insurance plan, which can sometimes be covered by tuition fees. If your university does not offer a group plan, there are other options available.
You can use a comparison site to compare the various levels of cover and choose a plan that suits your needs and budget. There are also companies that specialise in providing health insurance for international students, such as Compass Student Insurance and International Student Insurance (ISI). These companies offer affordable and flexible plans that meet the requirements of most US colleges, universities, and visa categories.
It is important to ensure that your health insurance plan provides adequate coverage for your needs. Some key areas to consider include mental health, sports, and maternity cover. Additionally, make sure that your plan meets the requirements of your visa and your university.
You can purchase health insurance before you arrive in the US, ensuring that you have coverage from the start of your stay. It is also worth noting that you may be eligible for a refund if your plan is not approved by your school, as long as no claims have been made.
Overall, it is important for international students to carefully consider their health insurance options and choose a plan that provides adequate coverage and meets the requirements of their university and visa.
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Transport
The United States is a large country, and getting around may seem challenging, especially for international students. Depending on where you live and attend school, you will have different transportation options available to you. If you live on campus, you may find that most of what you need is within walking distance, and you may only occasionally need to use other modes of transportation.
Bicycles are a popular way to get around, especially on larger campuses in rural areas, and in cities with extensive cycling infrastructure. If you plan to cycle, be sure to buy a good lock, as bicycle theft is common, and always wear a helmet for your safety. Some states have mandatory helmet laws for bicycles.
If you live in a city, you will likely have access to an extensive bus system, as well as other forms of public transportation such as trains, metros, subways, and light rail. These systems may also be available in some suburban areas, but they may not be as extensive or frequent. In general, trains tend to be faster and more frequent than buses, but they may not stop as close to your school. Many cities also offer smartphone apps that allow you to track your next bus or train, so be sure to check if this is available in your area.
If you need to travel longer distances, you can consider flying, driving, or taking a coach. Car rental companies are often happy to rent vehicles to international students as long as you have an appropriate driver's license. However, cars can be expensive to maintain and may not be financially worthwhile unless you plan to use them frequently. In some cities, it can be difficult to find parking, and free parking spaces may be limited. If you do not want to drive, you can also consider car-pooling with other students.
Overall, there are several transportation options available to international students in the United States. The best option for you will depend on your location and specific needs. Be sure to research the transportation options available in the area where you plan to live and attend school.
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Employment
International students in the US on F1 visas are allowed to work but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Most international students hold an F1 visa, which is the US non-immigrant student visa. F1 students may accept on-campus employment during their first academic year, subject to certain conditions and restrictions.
After the first academic year, F1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Off-campus employment: F1 students may work off-campus with special permission from USCIS. This is only given if the student has studied in America for at least a year and is in severe financial need or there is a crisis in their home country.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): F1 students can work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after the completion of their degree. All OPT employment requires prior authorization from USCIS and the student's school International Student Office. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least nine months and can work for up to 12 months after completing their degree.
- STEM OPT Extension: Students in STEM fields can extend their OPT for an additional 24 months.
Students with F1 visas may also be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis due to special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief. To work off-campus, F1 students must show an ability to afford the costs of school and living expenses before entering the US.
To work in the US, international students will need a Social Security Number (SSN) to enable their employment to be officially registered and taxed. Students can start working after applying for an SSN and should provide it to their employer as soon as they receive it.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two types of nonimmigrant visas for international students: the F-1 Visa and the M-1 Visa. The F-1 Visa is for academic students enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program at an accredited college, university, or other academic institution. The M-1 Visa is for vocational students in non-academic programs.
To obtain a student visa, you must meet certain criteria, including:
- Being enrolled as a full-time student at an approved school
- Demonstrating English proficiency or being enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
- Having sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies
- Maintaining a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up
International students with an F-1 Visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during their degree programs and up to 40 hours during term holidays, but the work must take place on campus. For off-campus employment, official authorization is required, and the job must be related to the student's area of study.
International students can choose to live on-campus in dormitories (dorms) or off-campus in rented apartments. Dorms typically cost between $5,000 and $8,000 per year, including utility bills. Universities may also offer homestay programs, where students can stay with a local family.
