Essential tips to prepare for your higher education journey in the USA this fall

If you're heading to the US for studies, trust your university’s advice first. Connect with current students, join orientation sessions, and prepare smartly. EducationUSA offers free, accurate guidance and support to make your transition smooth and successful.

You might have received an admission from your right-fit university and are awaiting visa approvals. You might have moved to Step 5 of EducationUSA’s 5-step process to study in the USA—Prepare for Departure, as your visa is approved.

When you announce your departure details in your circle of connections, virtual or otherwise, you will get advice and guidance from all your well-wishers. The guidance you get from the US university you are going to must be the top voice among all of them at all times.

---

How?

One might wonder where to get first-hand information about the various aspects of entering a university in a country one has not even visited. US universities have received international students for decades and are keen to do their best to bring comfort and cheer to their students, no matter their place of origin.

They are committed to making international students feel welcome. Universities that have been recruiting international students for many years have well-established routines that support them in finding their feet as early as possible. The exhaustive website and online sites with information for enrolled students are not the only sources. The current international students and alumni are a rich source of information, especially when they hail from the same region as the student seeking information.

Where?

These current students and alumni can be found on social networking sites like LinkedIn. If you strike the right chord, they will be eager to respond positively. Networking is a major aspect to look forward to in US universities. The current students and alumni will be well-versed in the extensive benefits of networking. Many of them understand the importance of passing on the same kindness received in their rookie years to those sailing in the same boat currently.

Many universities have pages on social networking sites with a large following. This will be handy when looking for information. However, please remember to be respectful and understanding when messaging these people. If you had reached out to them even while researching your options in various universities, it would be easier for you to cut to the chase. Otherwise, please ensure your message begins with a preliminary greeting and introduction.

What to ask?

Imagine that you are to stay at a new place for an extended period. What would be important to you to plan, beginning from the basic needs? Here are a few common aspects anyone would have to look out for:

● Housing

● Insurance

● Banking options

● Store outlets

● Transportation

● A typical day when classes are scheduled, and when they are not

Although you might be tempted to look for all the answers even while you are still here, refrain from going too deep into minor details. That said, in some aspects like housing, stores nearby might be something you would like to have a sketch as detailed as possible.

Beyond these common questions, students might have equally important questions specific to their interests and preferences. Here, the right person needs to be identified before proceeding. Generally, the in-country university representatives are great resources for this purpose. If your US university doesn’t have one, contact the admissions office with your query and request to be directed to the right contact.

The university-led pre-departure orientation sessions are valuable opportunities to connect with them and learn what to expect and how to prepare for your new journey. We also conduct pre-departure orientation sessions to help students leaving for the USA every year, particularly for the Fall intake, a major intake in the United States. Our PDO booklet is an essential resource for all students preparing for their departure to study in the United States.

EducationUSA is the US Department of State’s official resource for accurate, free, and up-to-date information about studying in the United States. Students can download the EducationUSA India app, available for free on iOS and Android devices, for the latest information about the college application process. Or visit https://educationusa.in/.

In Hyderabad, please visit the only EducationUSA center at,

EducationUSA@YAxis Foundation

S L Jubilee, Road No.36, Jubilee Hills,

Hyderabad-500033

Landline: 9000522000

Mobile: 91 9618680143 | 9618761143

Email:HyderabadYAF@educationusa.org

Website: https://educationusa.state.gov