Services · student life
What to set up—and how
Each lesson names the tools, documents, and traps for that step. Use My Path for the one next action; use these pages when you need the full how-to.
United States lessons
Choose destinationNot sure which service is Next?
My Path picks one step from your dates and stage, with a short how-to—so you do not open every service at once.
Before arrival
Visa & immigration
I-20 / student route, SEVIS, DS-160, and interview prep—confirm every fee on official sites.
Start with · School document → SEVIS fee → DS-160 → appointment
Open lessonHealth insurance
School plan vs waiver, immunizations, and what travel insurance never covers.
Start with · Portal waiver deadline before you buy anything in India
Open lessonHousing
Campus housing first, then verified off-campus—never wire a deposit to a stranger.
Start with · University portal or international-office landlord list
Open lessonLoans & funding
Count only written aid, then map India loan or no-cosigner options to bursar due dates.
Start with · Build a net-cost table with confirmed awards only
Open lessonFirst week
Banking & payments
Open a student-friendly account, wire tuition safely, and turn on fraud alerts day one.
Start with · Ask which branch opens accounts with passport + I-20
Open lessonPhone plans (SIM / eSIM)
Unlocked phone, campus coverage, and a plan that works the day you land.
Start with · Compare Mint / Visible / carrier prepaid for your zip code
Open lessonStudent ID & cards
Campus ID unlocks buildings, transit, and most discounts—ISIC is optional.
Start with · Get the university ID before buying third-party cards
Open lessonUtilities & internet
What rent includes, meter photos, and short internet contracts that match your lease.
Start with · Ask what’s included before you create accounts
Open lessonRemittances & money transfers
Tuition on bursar wire only; living money via Wise vs bank SWIFT—compare total landed cost.
Start with · Pull current bursar instructions from the portal
Open lessonEveryday
Food & groceries
Dining plan math, discount groceries, and Indian/Asian stores near campus.
Start with · One discount grocery + one familiar pantry store
Open lessonShopping essentials
Bedding and kitchen kit after you see the room—thrift and Target before Amazon carts.
Start with · Check what housing already includes
Open lessonLocal travel & transit
U-Pass / shuttle first, then city apps—budget rideshares for airport nights only.
Start with · Ask orientation for the exact campus pass name
Open lessonCampus life
Rec center, clubs, counseling, and career services you already pay for in fees.
Start with · Activate gym access + one club in week two
Open lessonStudy & work
Work & jobs
Permission first, then Handshake—never start before DSO approval when required.
Start with · Confirm hour limits with the international office
Open lessonSSN & ITIN
Most F-1s don’t get an SSN on arrival—apply after authorized work; ITIN is tax-only.
Start with · Confirm eligibility with international office before SSA
Open lessonTaxes
Campus tax workshop, W-2 / 1042-S / 8843 basics—not WhatsApp tax “agents.”
Start with · Use the school’s spring international tax link
Open lessonDriver’s license & state ID
Transit first; state ID vs licence is state-specific—quote insurance before buying a car.
Start with · Bookmark your state DMV checklist after address is stable
Open lesson