Just Landed in the U.S.? 8 Things Every International Student Should Do First
By Joy Ilabija · September 2026
Dear international student, congratulations on your admission and arrival to the United States!
I hope by now you’ve gotten over the long flight, leaving behind the people and community you’re familiar with in your home country, and adjusting to your new life here. Don’t worry; the first few weeks are the best, full of newness and surprises. Soon, you will start wondering where all that time (and its fun memories) went.
As someone who has walked this journey this past year, here are some essential next steps to take:
Check in with your school’s international student’s office
This is the first and most important step to take. The international student office at your institution oversees everything that pertains to your immigration status and offers valuable help and information on how to navigate life here as an international. They also act as your contact to Homeland Security and USCIS. In the first weeks of resumption, they will organize an orientation for international students, which I would strongly advise you to attend. There, they will provide a breakdown of immigration rules, the school’s policies, and point you to resources in your city of study. They will also activate your SEVIS record, confirming that you have arrived. If you find yourself in any kind of trouble during your stay, the first office you might want to contact is the international student’s office.
Collect your student ID
This gives you access to campus buildings, libraries, free transportation, events, and student discounts.
Get a US phone number or SIM
A local phone number makes it easier to connect and communicate with your school, bank, classmates, employers, and service providers.
Open a bank account
You probably have a domiciliary bank account based in your home country, but you would need a new debit card here, so that you do not incur unnecessary bank charges or find yourself stranded when a store rejects your card. So, find a good bank in your neighborhood and open an account. Some banks do not require you to have an SSN to open an account; all you need is present relevant documents. Also, your age and student status could make you eligible for some discounts or promotions. You should choose a bank near campus to receive payments, manage expenses, and avoid international transaction fees.
Apply for a job
As international students, you can only work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours a week during school session. Another reason you shouldn’t miss your orientation is that the Designated School Official (DSO) will explain the rules guiding this to you, and it’s important you do not violate them, or it could tamper with your stay. Utilize apps like Handshake or any platform your school uses to advertise jobs and attend career fairs organized by the school. There, campus employers with vacancies will be actively scouting for employees, so it’s important you present yourself. If you can, apply for jobs that are relevant to your field of study so you can start building experience, such as teaching, research, or graduate assistantships. If you wait too long and haven’t gotten an offer related to your course or study, then go for anything available.
Apply for a social security card
After getting a campus job, proceed to apply for a social security card. The card displays your full name and a nine-digit SSN. It shows employers that you are authorized to work in the U.S. and allows them to report your earnings, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also requires it for filing tax returns. After getting an on-campus job, email your hiring letter to your international student office and they will let you know the procedure for applying for a social security card.
You cannot get an SSN until you get an on-campus job.
Health insurance
Remember, health is wealth, and as a student it’s important to prioritize your health, especially now that you are far from home. During your financial registration, your school must have informed you or attached a health insurance plan from a company for you or given you the option to waive that and get a health insurance plan that meets certain requirements. After you have paid the fee, upon arrival, it’s important to log into your profile with that company and apply for your card or fill out any necessary forms. With this, you can then proceed to scout for primary care doctors accepting new patients or visit your school clinic.
Get a credit card
What do I need a credit card for? Well, that’s what I thought until it was time to get into an apartment and the landlord asked to see my credit score. You should get a credit card such as Discover to build your credit score. This card is not for you to spend however you want, because it may look like free money, but it’s one of the fastest ways to run into debt if you are not financially disciplined. A credit score is a number that predicts how likely you are to pay back a loan or bill on time. Having a good credit score helps with rental and loan application approvals and could also get you discounts.
Taking these steps early will help you settle in more smoothly and avoid unnecessary stress. Remember that adjusting to a new country takes time, so be patient with yourself and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. You’re not alone on this journey; reach out, stay curious, and make the most of this exciting new chapter.
Welcome to the United States, and best of luck!
About the author
Joy Ilabija is a 2026 Seyi Odewale Foundation scholar. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Babcock University and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Public Health at Johnson & Wales University.