Studying in the USA: what to do in your first month
Orientation, a US phone number, banking, health insurance, transport and daily costs, explained in order for Thai students starting at a US campus.
早わかり
- Attend the international student orientation and complete any check-in the school requires, because that confirms your status in the school's records.
- Get a US phone number early: banks, apps and two-factor codes often expect one, and a travel eSIM can cover the first days.
- Visa rules, work permissions and insurance requirements change, so rely on your school's international office and official government sources.
Before departure: documents, address and a landing plan
American campuses are often far from the airport, and public transport between them may be limited or slow. Decide your route before you fly: a school pickup, a shuttle, a ride-hailing app or a pre-booked car. Write down the full address of your accommodation, including the building and room, and the phone number of the housing office, so you can show them to a driver.
Keep your passport, entry documents, the school's admission paperwork and proof of funds in your cabin bag. Border officers can ask questions about your studies, so know your programme name, your school and where you will live. Your school will tell you which forms it expects you to carry.
Orientation and your international student office
In the US, the international student office is the place that keeps your status in order. Orientation is not optional decoration: it is where you report your arrival, confirm your address and learn what you must update when something changes. Save the office's email and opening procedure in your phone, and tell them quickly if you move, change your programme or plan to travel during a term.
- Ask who to contact about status questions, and write down the name of the advisor
- Ask whether work on campus is possible for you and what rules apply before applying for any job
- Ask before travelling during the term, because re-entry documents may need an advisor's attention
Phone and data: why a US number matters
A US number is used for bank sign-ups, delivery drivers, ride-hailing, campus apps and two-factor codes. Some services refuse numbers from other countries. In the first days, a travel eSIM gives you data for maps, rides and messages while you compare US plans. Buying a local plan usually needs ID, and each provider has its own rules on contracts, so read the terms and compare for yourself.
Keep your Thai number as a second line if you can. Thai banks still send codes there, and your family can reach you on a messaging app over Wi-Fi or data. Our guide on SMS and one-time codes abroad explains how to plan for this.
Opening a bank account and using cards
Banks and credit unions near campus often have programmes for students. You will usually need your passport, proof of your US address, your school documents and sometimes a US phone number. Some banks ask about a tax number, and whether you are eligible for one depends on your situation, so ask the international student office or the bank rather than guessing. Compare monthly fees, how ATMs work and whether a Thai transfer is easy.
Until the account works, your Thai cards are the safety net. Tell your Thai bank you are abroad, check foreign transaction fees and decide which card is for everyday use and which stays in a drawer as a backup. Card readers in the US often prompt for a tip or a PIN, and contactless payment is common, so make sure your card supports it.
Health insurance and finding care
Healthcare in the US is expensive and confusing for newcomers, so understand your coverage in week one. Many schools require students to hold insurance, and some offer a plan. Read what your plan covers: ask about the network of doctors, the deductible and co-payments, and whether urgent care and mental health support are included. This is general guidance, so confirm the details with your insurer and the student health service.
Know the difference between a campus clinic, urgent care and an emergency room. In a life-threatening emergency the long-standing US number is 911, but confirm before you travel. For anything less, the student health centre is usually the first call.
Getting around without a car
Many US cities are built around cars, but campuses often run buses, and student cards may give free or discounted rides on local transit. Check how your campus and city work before buying a car or a long pass. Ride-hailing and bike or scooter schemes can fill gaps, though they add up. If you drive, ask the international student office and the local motor-vehicle authority what licence you need, since rules differ by state, and see our guide on international driving permits.
Everyday costs: tipping, tax and phone bills
Prices shown in shops often exclude sales tax, which is added at the till, and restaurants usually expect a tip on top of the bill. Norms and amounts vary by place and service, so ask a local student rather than guessing. Subscriptions for streaming, gym and phone plans can quietly add up, so list every monthly charge in your first month and cancel what you do not use.
| 料金 | 確認すること |
|---|---|
| Rent and deposit | What is included, and how and when the deposit comes back |
| Meal plan or groceries | Whether your school requires one and how unused credit is handled |
| Books and materials | Whether used, rented or library copies are allowed |
| Phone and data | Contract length and cancellation terms |
Safety, scams and settling in
Callers who claim to be from a government agency and demand payment immediately are a known scam pattern. If you receive one, hang up and contact your international student office. Use your university email for official matters, and be careful with rental or job offers that ask for money first. Learn the campus safety service and its walk-home or escort programme if there is one.
Give yourself time. The first month is mostly forms, queues and unfamiliar rules. By the end, aim for a US number, a bank account, a clear picture of your insurance and one trusted person to ask.
よくある質問
Can I use my Thai SIM in the US during the first week?+
Possibly, if your plan includes roaming, but charges can be high. Check with your Thai operator first, and consider a travel eSIM for data while keeping the Thai SIM for SMS.
Do I need a US number to open a bank account?+
Some banks ask for one, others accept a foreign number. Ask the bank before your appointment so you know what to bring.
Is health insurance mandatory for students?+
Many schools require it, but rules differ. Read your school's policy and ask the international office what counts as acceptable cover.
Do I have to tip everywhere?+
Not everywhere, but in sit-down restaurants and some services a tip is expected. Amounts and customs vary, so ask classmates or check the service's own guidance.
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