Palash Academy

🇺🇸 Pre-Departure Guide

USA — Know before you fly

Everything Indian students need to prepare for USA: arrival, first week, culture, emergency contacts, and packing.

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Departure Checklist

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1Valid passport (6+ months validity)
2F-1 Visa stamp (valid — not required to re-enter if D/S, but needed for re-entry)
3Original I-20 with DSO signature (within 1 year)
4SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
5Proof of financial support (bank statements)
6University I-20 (latest version)
7Offer letter / acceptance letter
8Accommodation confirmation
9Prescription medicines (90-day US supply rule)
10Health insurance documents

Arrival Essentials

At the Airport (CBP)

  • Join the visa holders queue at immigration
  • CBP officer will ask about your university, program, and plans
  • Carry I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, financial documents
  • Customs form: declare food, cash over USD 10,000
  • Your passport will be stamped D/S (Duration of Status) — not a fixed date

What CBP May Ask

  • Name of your university and program
  • Where you're staying (address)
  • How you'll support yourself financially
  • Do you plan to work? (On-campus only, 20 hrs/week)
  • When does your program end?

Customs Rules

  • Cash/monetary instruments over $10,000 must be declared (CBP Form 6059B)
  • Certain Indian foods (dairy, meat, fresh fruits/veg) are restricted
  • Prescription medicine: carry original prescription + letter from doctor
  • Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes duty-free

First Week Checklist

HIGH

Report to International Student Office (DSO)

Mandatory within first few days. Bring passport, I-20, and visa. DSO updates your SEVIS record.

HIGH

Apply for SSN (if working on-campus)

Social Security Number — apply at Social Security Administration office. Need letter from university confirming on-campus job.

HIGH

Open a US bank account

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo — most offer student accounts. Need passport + I-20 + university acceptance.

HIGH

Get a US SIM card

Mint Mobile, T-Mobile, Lyca Mobile — plans from $15–30/month. Buy online or at store.

HIGH

Get university health insurance

Most US universities mandate it. Review your plan and get your insurance card. Apply for waiver if you have better coverage.

HIGH

Attend international student orientation

Mandatory at most universities. Learn about OPT/CPT, campus resources.

MEDIUM

Get a State ID or Driver's License

Visit your State DMV. Need passport, I-20, SSN (or ineligible letter), proof of address.

MEDIUM

Register for courses via student portal

Ensure you're enrolled full-time (12+ credits for F-1 compliance).

Cultural Briefing

Do's

  • • Tip 18–22% at restaurants — it's not optional, it's part of servers' income
  • • Make direct eye contact and smile when greeting people
  • • Be punctual for class and appointments
  • • Say "How are you?" and respond with "Good, thanks" — it's a greeting, not a real question
  • • Respect personal space — 2–3 feet
  • • Participate actively in class — professors appreciate questions and discussion

Don'ts

  • • Don't discuss politics, religion, or race casually — sensitive topics
  • • Don't skip tipping — bartenders, drivers, and service staff depend on it
  • • Don't assume "American" means just the USA
  • • Don't be excessively formal in casual settings
  • • Don't violate F-1 visa rules (off-campus work without authorization, dropping below full-time)

Pro Tips

  • ★ ISIC card and .edu email unlock hundreds of student discounts
  • ★ Trader Joe's and Walmart/Target are affordable for groceries
  • ★ Campus recreation centers and libraries are free and excellent
  • ★ Rideshare apps (Uber/Lyft) and campus shuttles are your best transport
  • ★ Health insurance waiver deadline is early — act fast to save thousands

Weather & Packing Guide

Fall Arrival (Aug–Sep)

20–35°C (varies by city)

Aug–Sep

  • Light to medium clothes
  • One medium jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes

Winter (Dec–Feb)

-10 to 10°C (North) / 10–20°C (South)

Dec–Feb

  • Heavy coat for northern states
  • Thermal innerwear
  • Winter boots
  • Gloves and scarf
  • Lighter layers for Texas/Florida

Spring (Mar–May)

10–20°C

Mar–May

  • Light to medium jacket
  • Spring layers
  • Rain jacket

Summer (May–Aug)

25–40°C

May–Aug

  • Light summer clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • AC-beating indoor layers

Local Resources for Indian Students

Indian Grocery Stores

  • Patel Brothers (multiple cities)
  • India Bazaar (Texas)
  • Apna Bazar (NJ, IL)
  • Costco/H Mart (Indian sections)

Places of Worship

  • BAPS Swaminarayan temples (12 states)
  • Islamic Society of North America mosques
  • Sikh Gurdwaras across all major cities

Indian Restaurants

  • Zaffran (NYC)
  • Desi District (various)
  • Numerous local restaurants near every campus

Student Communities

  • India Student Association (ISA) / SASA at each university
  • Telugus of America, Gujarati Samaj chapters
  • Facebook: Indians in [City/State]