Moving to the USA: Your Ultimate First-Week Student Checklist

So, you’ve finally got your university acceptance letter, packed your dreams & and now you’re headed to the USA. Exciting, right? But let’s be real. The first week can feel like a lot. Between immigration queues, opening a bank account, & settling into your student accommodation, it’s easy to forget the small, but crucial things. 

That’s where this list comes in. Think of it as your personal travel buddy, a go-to first-week student checklist in the USA that covers everything from your passport and I-20 form to getting that first local SIM card. Let’s break it down step-by-step, because starting your American journey the right way makes all the difference. 

Air Tickets 

There are many students that panicked by booking things in the last week. The earlier you book your flight tickets, the better price you will have. According to some statistics, international fares are 18-25% cheaper when you book your flights 2-3 months in advance. It is important to double-check your baggage allowance. There are some airlines like Emirates & Qatar, they often allow 10–15 kg extra.  Keep both printed & digital copies handy. 

Passport & Visa 

When it comes to passport & student visa, they are not just documents. They are your identity when you are going abroad.  Make sure to keep them safe, zip-lock the folder while traveling. Make sure that your visa matches your SEVIS & I-20 information. Even one incorrect letter can trigger extra screening at customs. Around 12% of international students report delays due to incomplete or mismatched paperwork.  

I-20 Form 

The I-20 gives you official authorization to study in the U.S. You will need it as first-week student checklist in the USA for immigration, SEVIS check ins, university registrations & even applying for internships later on. Keep one hard copy & soft copy on your phone or drive. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it to stamp it, so don’t pack it up in your suitcase. 

SEVIS Fee Receipt 

This helps in proving that you have paid SEVIS fee. You will show it in both at immigration & during your university’s international orientation. Print it, staple it to your I-20 form. You can also store it in both waterproof sleeves.  

University Acceptance Letter & Admission Letter 

At some point, these might seem redundant. But there are many customs officers, who will ask you about this for proof of study. It is especially for first-time F-1 visa holders. Keep both of these letters togethers with your other first-week student checklist in the USA documents. This will help you so that you can easily flash them at the airport. 

Financial Documents 

You must carry your bank statements, proof of funds, loan approval letters & scholarship certificates. You will most likely need these to set up a US bank account or verify tuition deposits. According to US financial guidelines, students should show at least $10,000–$15,000 in accessible funds for the first year’s living expenses. 

Transcripts & Final-Year Project Report 

Some of the top US universities require you to give original academic transcripts or project work for departmental verification. Having printed copies handy saves time, & stress, when professors request them during orientation or lab enrollment.  

Health Insurance Documents 

Around 90% of US universities require proof of health insurance before class registration. Carry your insurance card, printed policy, & digital copies on your phone. If you’re buying your plan through your university, keep the confirmation email accessible. You’ll often need it for your first campus health check. This makes it one of many other first-week student checklist in the USA. 

Accommodation Arrangements 

Before flying, confirm your check-in date, payment schedule, & emergency contact for your student housing in the USA. Whether you’re booking on-campus halls or private student accommodation, always know your lease length & nearest transit route. Most international students arrive 3–5 days before orientation. This is perfect for unpacking, grocery shopping, & recovering from jet lag. A quick call to your housing provider before boarding helps ensure a smooth arrival. 

Bank Account Setup 

Opening a local account is step one toward financial independence. Some of the top banks in the US like Chase, Wells Fargo, & Bank of America, offer zero-fee student accounts. You’ll need your passport, I-20, visa, & university ID to open one. About 75% of international students prefer Chase for its easy online setup and international wire transfers. Don’t forget to link your account to apps like Zelle or Venmo. 

Foreign Currencies 

You must carry $200–$400 in cash for your first few days. Small bills are best for taxis, groceries, or coffee shops. Avoid bringing more than $10,000 in cash, as anything higher must be declared at customs. Once your US debit card activates, switch to card payments, safer & traceable. 

Phone & Get a Phone Plan 

Within 24 hours of landing, get a local SIM. Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, & Verizon offer student-friendly plans starting around $35/month with unlimited calls & 5G data. Unlocked phones save you from buying new devices. Bonus tip: download Google Fi or Mint Mobile beforehand. They often have cheaper first-month offers. 

Household Basics 

Simple items like towels, slippers, & a sturdy backpack make your first few days easier. You’ll save both money and time before your first Target or Costco trip. If you’re moving into shared student housing in the USA, coordinate with flatmates online. There is no need for three people to bring kettles! 

Airport Arrival Procedures 

When you land, keep your passport, I-20, SEVIS receipt, & university acceptance letter within easy reach. US Customs officers might ask questions about your course or where you’ll be staying. You must answer this briefly & confidently. After immigration, look for your university’s pickup counter or pre-booked shuttle to your student accommodation. A quick text home once you land never hurts,  especially across time zones. 

Conclusion 

The first week after moving to the US is all about getting your life in order. It might feel like a lot, but once you’ve got your checklist sorted, everything starts to click. You’ll know your routes, your roommates, & maybe even your go-to cafe by day three. Most international students staying in student housing in the USA or off-campus flats say that being prepared in week one saves them from weeks of confusion later.  

So, take this first-week student checklist in the USA. Keep your documents handy, stay calm at immigration, & give yourself time to adjust. You’ve earned it. Still hunting for a place that actually feels like home? Skip the endless scrolling & let University Living do the heavy lifting. Book your student room today!

Frequently Asked Questions