Thread by @Gautaamm

Someone I know will soon become a F1 parent! (F1=student visa in the US).

So I offered to share a few pointers I had put together year ago for students moving to the US for higher studies.

Figured why not share it here.

#F1visa #America #Masters #students #India #Pune

Before you leave:
1.Scan every single certificate (mark sheet degree cert, birth, aadhar, Pan etc) and save in a secure place. Easiest is to open an email address only for documents. Make 4 sets of copies, 2 with your parents 2 with you.

2.Spend AS MUCH time with your parents as possible. It still will feel inadequate once you are there.
3.Buy multiple sweaters, jackets, scarves, wollen caps, gloves, wollen socks etc.

Once there:
1.Keep all documents in a bag locked. Once a fortnight, check that all documents are there. NO one will steal them but you might have taken one out and not put it back. Make a list,if you remove a document, make an entry on removal and replacement. Easier to track.

2.Make an appointment with the office of international programs. Have them explain every single aspect go being on a student visa to you:
-How do you get a social security number?
-Can you work? How long? What are the restrictions?

-Open TWO accounts. Savings to keep the bulk of your money and checking to use on a daily basis.
(Savings= no card/check, current has both).
-DO NOT get a credit card for a year at least. When you do, PAY YOUR BILL RIGHT AWAY. Understand what credit history is.

Protect it like your life.
-Which taxes/medicare fees/ social security etc are you waived from paying while a student? Ensure
your employer makes those changes. It is impossible to get that a refund.
-Make sure you have your medical insurance in place. Scan the card.

-Find a doctor and make an appointment for a check up. Without this you cannot get an appointment even if you are sick. Medical systems are totally opposite as compared to India.
-Find a 24 hour pharmacy and save the number in your cell phone.

-Before this, get a cell phone. Speak to your senior Indian students. Usually a SIM gets passed on and you pay the bill. Understand the plan because usually this is a 1-2 years contract and you cannot
cancel it easily. Range can be an issue.

-Track your money on a daily basis. It is VERY easy to lose track of it.
-AVOID using card for the first few months. It is very easy to get into that habit and its irreversible.
-Friends are your lifeline. They become family. Get to know AS many fellow students as possible.

-Try to make non Indian friends also. But at the end of the day, don’t abandon your fellow desis.
-Invest in a GOOD winter coat. Buy a new one. It will protect you and keep you happy.
-Don’t underestimate the winter. It can be very damaging physically and mentally!

-Try as many cuisines as possible. US has the BEST options when it comes to food.
-Get used to miles and pounds over kms
-Do some local tourism. You will graduate before you know it and realise you never truly got to enjoy the sights your town had to offer!

-Keep notes of the location of stuff like stores, pharmacies, restaurants etc.
-Make plans for the long weekend. Ensure you are not alone specially on campus. Crime is an issue.

3.Last but not the least: Call your parents daily. Visit India every year. It is very important.

Wish you ALL the best. Being a student in the US is the best experience in the world. You can never get to do anything like this again.