What to Do in Your First Week After Landing in the USA
# What to Do in Your First Week After Landing in the USA
You made it. After months of visa applications, paperwork, and probably a long and exhausting flight, you're finally here. The first week feels overwhelming for almost everyone — don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There's so much to figure out, and it can be hard to know what's urgent and what can wait.
This first week USA international student checklist is built around what actually matters right away, not just what sounds official. Some of these things have real deadlines. Some are just things that will make your life significantly harder if you skip them.
Let's go through it, roughly in order of priority.
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Day 1–2: The Basics You Need to Survive
Get Some Cash and a Temporary Way to Pay
Before you do anything else, you need money in a usable form. If you arrived with foreign currency or just a card from back home, your first stop should be an ATM — ideally at a major bank (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) to avoid high fees. Withdraw a few hundred dollars in cash. You'll need it for things like tipping, buying small items, or situations where cards don't work yet.
International debit and credit cards often work in the US, but they can carry foreign transaction fees of 1–3% per transaction. It's not the end of the world for a few days, but it adds up. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut are popular options among international students for keeping fees low while you're getting settled.
Report to Your School's International Student Office
This one is not optional. Most universities require you to check in with your Designated School Official (DSO) within a certain window after arriving — typically within 10 days of your program start date, but this varies. Your DSO needs to update your SEVIS record to confirm you've arrived. Missing this can create serious immigration problems.
Before you show up, bring:
- Your passport
- Your visa
- Your Form I-20 (or DS-2019 if you're on a J-1)
- Any other documents your school specifically requested
Check your school's international student office website ahead of time. Many now let you do part of this check-in online. Don't assume — verify.
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Day 2–4: Housing, Food, and Getting Your Bearings
Confirm Your Housing Situation
If you're in university housing, you probably have this sorted already. But even so, take a walk around the building. Find your laundry room, the nearest grocery store, and figure out how the mail system works. Your mailbox matters more than you'd think — important documents like your Social Security card or bank debit card will come by mail.
If you're in off-campus housing, do a proper walkthrough as soon as possible. Document any existing damage with photos before you unpack. Email those photos to your landlord so there's a written record. This protects your security deposit when you eventually move out.
Find Food and Learn What Things Cost
Grocery costs in the US vary a lot depending on where you are. A simple weekly grocery run in a mid-sized city might cost $40–$80 for one person if you cook at home. In places like New York City or San Francisco, budget higher. Stores like Walmart, Aldi, and Trader Joe's tend to be more affordable. Whole Foods is not your friend when you're watching your budget.
Most campuses have a dining hall — if you have a meal plan, use it in the first few days while you're still figuring out the kitchen situation in your new place.
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Day 3–5: Set Up a Bank Account
This is genuinely one of the most important things you'll do in your first week. Without a US bank account, you can't receive wire transfers easily, can't set up direct deposit, and will struggle with a lot of everyday payments.
The most commonly used banks among international students are Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo. Many have student checking accounts with no monthly fees — ask specifically about that when you go in. Some schools also have credit unions or banking partnerships worth looking into.
What you'll typically need to open an account:
- Your passport
- Your visa
- Your I-20 or DS-2019
- Your university acceptance letter or student ID
- A US address (even if temporary)
Some banks also ask for a Social Security Number (SSN). If you don't have one yet — and you might not in week one — ask the bank if they can open the account without it and add it later. Many can. Don't let the lack of an SSN stop you from starting this process.
A few banks like Chase have physical branches everywhere, which matters when you need help in person. Online-only banks like Chime are popular too, but require less documentation — research which option suits your situation.
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Day 4–6: Get a US Phone Number
You need a working US number. Not just for convenience — landlords, employers, banks, and your university will all want one. Using a foreign number for everything quickly becomes a problem.
The main carriers — AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon — offer solid coverage but can be expensive. Many international students start with a prepaid or MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) plan instead. Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Visible are popular choices. Plans can start around $15–$25 per month for basic service, though your mileage will vary depending on your location and data needs.
If you brought an unlocked phone from home, you can usually just buy a SIM card. If your phone is locked to a carrier in your home country, you may need to buy a new or refurbished one.
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Day 5–7: Understand Your Transportation Options
How you get around depends entirely on where you live. Some cities have excellent public transit. Others basically require a car. Don't assume.
If you're near campus, walking and biking may cover most of your needs. Many universities offer free or discounted transit passes — check with your student services office.
If you'll need to drive eventually, your home country license may be valid in the US for a period of time (this varies by state — check your specific state's DMV website). Getting a US driver's license is a longer process, but it also doubles as a widely accepted form of ID, which is genuinely useful.
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft work well in most areas and are easy to set up once you have a US number and payment method.
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A Few Things That Can Wait (But Not Too Long)
- Social Security Number: Only apply if you have work authorization (like an on-campus job). Check with your DSO before applying.
- Health insurance: Verify your coverage before you need it. Many schools offer student health plans — review what's included. If you need to enroll, deadlines can come fast.
- Setting up a credit history: This matters for renting apartments and eventually getting credit cards, but it's a longer-term project. Look into secured credit cards or credit builder options once you're settled.
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FAQ
Do I need a Social Security Number right away?
Not necessarily. You only need an SSN if you're working or for certain financial accounts. If you plan to work on campus, check with your DSO first — they can guide you through the application process.
What if I don't have a US address yet to open a bank account?
Many banks will accept a temporary address like your university's dormitory address or even your international student office's address. Ask the bank directly about their policy.
How much money should I have accessible in my first week?
It depends on your city and situation, but having the equivalent of $300–$500 in accessible funds gives you a reasonable buffer while your banking gets set up.
Can I use my home country's driver's license in the US?
Often yes, for a limited period. But the rules vary by state. Check your specific state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for the current policy.
What's the most important thing to do in week one?
Report to your international student office and confirm your SEVIS status. Everything else is important, but this is the one with immigration consequences if you miss it.
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Your first week will feel chaotic. That's completely normal. Focus on the things that have real deadlines — your DSO check-in, getting your banking started, securing your housing situation — and let the rest come in order. You don't have to figure everything out in seven days. Give yourself some grace. You're building a new life, and that takes a little time.
