Tips & Tricks

As international students, office hours can be a whole new concept but they are one of the best resources on campus. Going to office hours can help you tremendously. To name a few, it can help you-

• Get extensions on assignments

• Better prepare for exams

• Make good relationships with professors

• Save time in the  long run!

When you come to the US, there is a high chance you may need to get an American phone number, and sometimes, the phone you may have currently may not be compatible with e-sims used in the US. If this happens, there are a couple of options to get your American phone number-

• You can go to a retailing store (like Best Buy or Walmart) and get a temporary phone that comes with a phone number.

• If you have a compatible phone, you can simply go to a cellular company store (Like AT&T, Verison, etc.) and get a sim card (it will most probably be an e-sim)

This can be an intimidating process, but the key is to be calm and tackle it like an adult! When you come to the US, you will need to open your very own bank account and while this can sound like a huge challenge, it is very easy. Here are a few steps to guide you-

• Choose a bank of your choice (Wells Fargo, Bank of America, etc.)

• Go to their website, you will find all the information you need over there.

• Most of the time, you will need to attend an in-person appointment to confirm your details. During this, make sure you have all your documents in hand! 

• PRO TIP: For international transactions, you will many a times need a routing number, this will mostly be in your account manager app, or you can ask your banker.

When you find a job on campus, you will need to apply for a social security number so that you can legally proceed to earn money in the US. Here are some tips regarding the process-

• Try to complete your application online, this will save you a lot of time when you go to the Social Security Administration Office.

• You will need to go to Roanoke since that is where the nearest SSA office is located. You can take the Smart Way bus, but make sure to take 3-4 hours off your schedule for this trip.

• Remember to take ALL your documents with you. Some of the important ones are:

• Your Passport

• I94

• I20

• Official letter about your position (this is a password-secured document)

• There are also many other important documents you may need, so make sure to talk to your employer about them.

• PRO TIP: Often students are confused about I9 and SSN. The I9 is a form almost everyone needs to fill out if they start working for the first time. To complete the I9, you need an identification number like SSN. So, in a sense, the SSN is a prerequisite to complete your I9!

Around the beginning of the year, Cranwell International Centre will send out emails regarding tax forms you will need to submit for the previous tax year. Remember, even if you did not earn any income, you will need to fill out and submit a tax form (Mostly form 8843)

Here are some tips-

• Read the emails sent by Cranwell carefully.

• Make sure you start with the process at least one week prior to the deadline.

• Some forms cannot be completed online and have to be mailed. Make sure to look into the proper format for mailing. (Mailing can be done through Owens Mail Room)

When coming to the USA, make sure you do not bring a lot of clothes with you! This is a mistake a lot of international students make, but here is the truth: Clothes are better to be bought from places you are living in. Buying locally makes sure that the clothes you buy are made according to the weather there. 

PRO TIP: Blacksburg weather is unpredictable. Some days may be hot and sunny, and others may be freezing cold and windy. Here are a few tips regarding clothing to survive this weather:

•  Layering is key: It may be cold outside but the indoors will be hotter due to heaters in the buildings. So having layers that you can take on and off will be a lifesaver.

• Socks: Rains in Blacksburg can be very unpredictable. Often times, walking in the rain will cause your shoes and socks to get wet and this can be very uncomfortable. Make sure you keep a spare pair in your backpack!

• Thrifting: While thrift stores downtown can be expensive, don't let this deceive you from how cost-efficient thrifting can be! Try exploring different thrift stores when you feel like experimenting, or even finding closet staples!

Traveling as an international student in the USA can be intimidating. Here are some facts and tips that might be helpful! 

• A lot of countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, etc. Allow people with US Visas to enter the country VISA-FREE! This fact can be helpful while planning trips with friends.

• Signatures on your I20 are very important. When you are exiting the USA, make sure you visit the international office and update all your documents with applicable signatures. Failure to get these done can result in you not being able to enter the country.

• In case you do not have the travel signature document in hand, there may be an option to temporarily enter the United States and get all necessary documents in hand within 30 days.

• Have some cash in hand when traveling locally or in the USA. Sometimes, to use public transportation or even when in some emergencies, having cash in hand can help you make trivial payments, making traveling a lot easier. (For example, some buses require you to put a couple of dollar bills in a machine before you can board in)

• Try to travel light. Especially as international students, you may not have a car in your initial few years. When using public transportation, oftentimes there will be extra luggage fees, and it may be difficult to keep track and take care of all of it.

When you first arrive in the USA, you will need health insurance. Especially at VT, international students are required to have health insurance, and if you fail to have one, a hold will be placed on your account, disabling you from adding/dropping classes. While it can be stressful to choose, here are some tips:

• Research your medical needs and see which insurance companies offer the best plans for those.

• Keep information and all documents related to your health insurance safe but easily accessible. (Including your health card)

• For vaccinations, there are options for students to complete some of them when they arrive on campus, but it is best to have as many as possible completed before coming. (Make sure that all vaccinations are in place before you plan to add/drop classes since failure to do so will result in a hold on your account!)