The Ultimate International Student Freshman Survival Guide
📅 January 2025
⏱️ 6-minute read
🌍 Welcome to your American adventure!
Congratulations — you made it! 🎓 You’ve been accepted to a U.S. college or university and are about to begin one of the most exciting chapters of your life.
Out of more than 1.1 million international students who studied in the U.S. last year, you’re now part of that global family. 🌎
Moving to a new country takes courage. The culture, language, and even daily habits might feel very different from home — but that’s exactly what makes this experience unforgettable.
Your first year in college (or freshman year, as Americans call it) will be full of new faces, challenges, and opportunities. With a little preparation, you’ll be ready for all of it.
Let’s make sure your journey starts strong 👇
✈️ 1. Plan before you leave home
Preparation is the secret to a smooth landing in the U.S. 🇺🇸
Here’s what to organize before your flight:
🧾 Bring the right documents
Make sure your travel folder includes:
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Passport and student visa
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Driver’s license (if applicable)
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Health and travel insurance info
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Prescriptions (for medication, glasses, or contacts)
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University admission and enrollment confirmation
Tip: Keep these documents in your carry-on — never in checked luggage.
💰 2. Master your money early
For many J-1 and international students, studying in the U.S. is the first time managing your own finances. Budgeting wisely from the start can save you a lot of stress later.
💡 Make a simple budget
Your spending depends on where you live (New York ≠ Kansas!) and your lifestyle.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
Expenses:
🏠 Rent and housing setup (furniture, bedding, cleaning products)
📚 Tuition, books, and supplies
🚍 Transport (bus pass, gas, maintenance, insurance)
🍕 Food and groceries
💻 Bills (internet, electricity, phone, water)
💊 Health (insurance, doctor visits, prescriptions)
🎟️ Fun (movies, gym, concerts, trips)
👕 Personal items (clothes, toiletries, haircuts)
📊 Track your spending
Use a budget app or a simple Google Sheet to record what you earn and what you spend. Watching your numbers helps you stay on track — and avoid that end-of-month panic.
🧾 3. Don’t forget your taxes (yes, even students!)
If you work while studying in the U.S., you’ll have to file a tax return — even if you earn very little.
🗓️ Tax season runs each year until April 15, so mark your calendar!
💭 Why file taxes?
Filing your tax return keeps you compliant with U.S. law and protects your future visa status. Ignoring it could lead to fines or issues when re-entering the country.
🧮 Your tax status matters
As a J-1 or F-1 student, you’re usually considered a nonresident alien for tax purposes (unless you meet the Green Card Test or Substantial Presence Test).
You’ll need to file the correct federal and state forms to stay compliant and — bonus — you might even get a tax refund 💸
At J1 Summer Tax Back, we help you check your residency status, file correctly, and claim any refund you’re owed — hassle-free.
🤝 4. Making friends in your first weeks
The best part of college life? The people! 👯♂️
Get involved from day one — attend welcome events, join clubs, play sports, or simply say hi to someone new in the cafeteria.
🎭 Clubs and societies are great ways to meet like-minded students — from film and dance to robotics and hiking.
If sports are your thing, joining an intramural or campus team can help you connect fast.
Tip: Even if you meet people from your home country, try to speak English often — it’s the fastest way to improve.
🏡 5. Choose the right accommodation
Living in student housing or dorms gives you instant access to community life. You’ll share meals, study sessions, and midnight snack runs with students from around the world.
If you prefer off-campus housing, be careful with online listings — and never send money without seeing the place in person (sadly, scams happen).
💬 6. Coping with culture shock
At some point, you’ll probably miss home — and that’s okay ❤️
Culture shock is part of adapting to a new environment. You might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or homesick, but remember — it’s temporary.
Try these quick tips:
🍔 Explore local food spots
🎧 Listen to new music genres
👋 Talk to people from different cultures
💬 Visit the campus counseling center if you need support
Each small step helps you build confidence and feel more at home.
🗣️ 7. Ask for advice — from those who’ve done it
Know someone who studied in the U.S. before? Reach out! They’ll have real tips on what to pack, how to find part-time jobs, and how to deal with homesickness.
Experience shared = stress reduced 🙌
🚫 8. Stay alert for scams
Unfortunately, some people take advantage of new arrivals — especially when it comes to housing or online payments.
🚨 Rule #1: Never pay deposits or fees before you’ve visited the accommodation or verified the source.
When in doubt, ask your university’s housing office for guidance.
🎉 9. Enjoy the ride!
Studying in the U.S. is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — full of opportunities to learn, grow, and create memories that last forever. 🌟
Be open, be curious, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
At J1 Summer Tax Back, we’re here to help you handle the “adult stuff” — like taxes 💼 — so you can focus on what really matters: living your American dream. 🇺🇸