International Students: Prepare to Study in the U.S. With This College Checklist

Studying in a foreign country can be an exciting but daunting experience, especially when attending college.

Compared to domestic learners, international students face additional challenges, such as extensive paperwork and planning. However, by packing the right items and preparing accordingly, you can set yourself up for a successful first year of college in the United States.

This guide will explore what you need to know to prepare for college as an international student in the U.S.

International students in the U.S. often need to go through several more steps than domestic learners. As a result, it’s important you start this process early.

Check with the international students’ office at your school for details. This office should offer cultural and academic support and an on-campus global community to connect with.

U.S. colleges and universities require you to submit documentation proving you’re in the country legally to study. Many colleges provide students with advisors to help them gather the necessary forms. Knowing what documents to bring to college can help avoid potential issues later.

Required items often include the following:

Current CDC guidelines require all nonimmigrant, non-U.S. citizens — including international students — entering the United States by plane to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. To meet this requirement, you must have received both doses in a two-dose series (as of March 2023, booster shots are not required for entry).

Additionally, many U.S. colleges require incoming students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Be sure to confirm your class schedule and that you’ve registered for courses required by your degree program. A U.S. student visa may require international students to maintain full-time status, meaning taking too few classes could complicate your time abroad.

Whether you want to live in an on-campus dorm or an off-campus house or apartment, finding housing as soon as possible is important. Before you arrive, reserve your room on campus or use your school’s resources to find off-campus options.

If you want a roommate, take time searching for one who meshes well with your personality and overall lifestyle. You can use social media, email, and video chat to get to know a prospective roommate before agreeing to live with them.

Figuring out what to pack can feel overwhelming. Here’s a short list to help you prioritize the essentials.

While it’s best to bring the items above with you, here are a few things you should wait to get until you arrive on campus.

Your housing space will likely be pretty empty once you arrive, so stock up on dorm essentials right away. Some items to put on your list include bedding, a laundry hamper, toiletries, storage containers, utensils, and a small trash can. Depending on what your college offers and whether you live on campus, you may also need to buy furniture.

Creating a college supplies checklist can help ensure you don’t show up to your first class without an essential item. Whether you decide to shop off campus or visit your campus bookstore, make sure you buy all the essentials for school, including pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, and a planner.

There are several ways to save on college textbooks, though they can still be expensive. For starters, decide whether renting or buying textbooks makes more sense for you. If you’re taking a class outside your major, you may be able to rent books or borrow them from the library or a friend.