Moving from Nepal to the United States for school is exciting, but the first few weeks can be expensive and confusing. A clear checklist helps you focus on the school and immigration steps that matter, then settle your daily routine without panic.
Before your flight: organize the essentials
Keep your passport, valid visa (when required), Form I-20, school contact information, housing address, and any requested supporting documents easily accessible in your carry-on. Review the instructions from your international student office and confirm your housing move-in date before booking nonrefundable travel.
For initial F-1 entry, students generally may not enter more than 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form I-20. Confirm your specific timing and documentation with your designated school official (DSO) and the relevant government guidance.
Arrival week: check in with the university
- Contact your international student office promptly and complete required arrival check-in and orientation.
- Confirm your class schedule, program start date, and student ID requirements.
- Keep copies of your I-20, passport identification page, and admission-related paperwork in a secure place.
- Review your most recent Form I-94 admission record when available and contact your DSO if information appears incorrect.
Your DSO is the right first point of contact for school-specific F-1 status questions. Do not assume that receiving a student ID or enrolling in a class replaces any separate international student check-in requirement.
Sort out housing, transportation, and your phone
Make sure you understand the lease, security deposit, utilities, and move-in condition before paying. If you are staying temporarily with a friend, ask your school what address information it needs. Compare local public transit, campus shuttles, and the cost of car ownership before buying a vehicle.
A prepaid phone plan can help you manage initial costs; compare coverage in your neighborhood rather than looking only at the headline price. Keep a small emergency reserve for unexpected expenses or a delayed paycheck.
Build a realistic first-month budget
Besides rent, plan for groceries, bedding, kitchen items, laundry, local travel, health insurance charges, books, and any school fees not covered by aid. Your first month may cost more than your typical month because of deposits and one-time purchases.
Create two columns: “one-time arrival costs” and “monthly recurring costs.” This makes it easier to see what you will need before the first semester begins.
Work rules and Social Security numbers
Do not assume that an F-1 visa allows any job. Employment opportunities and authorization depend on the type of work and your status; ask your DSO before accepting a position. A Social Security number is not generally issued simply because someone is an international student; eligibility depends on an authorized purpose such as qualifying employment.
Build a support network
Attend orientation, learn where to find student health and counseling services, and introduce yourself to classmates, professors, and community groups. A familiar group can make the first months abroad feel less isolating, but also make room to meet people outside your own language community.
Official resources
- Department of Homeland Security: Study in the States for Students
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: I-94
- EducationUSA: Prepare for departure
General information only. Immigration and employment rules may change; follow your university's DSO and official instructions.