Your Ultimate Pre-Departure Student Checklist For The USA

With exciting experiences, lively cosmopolitan culture and the opportunity to study in the world’s top universities, there’s no doubt that the USA is a hot study destination.

Despite the pandemic, there were over 900,000 international students in American universities from 2020 to 2021. Before COVID-19 hit, there were more than 1 million of them.

Since August 2021, the USA has opened its borders to international students, making it easier for those who wish to further their studies there.

However, the checklist of today is vastly different from how it was pre-COVID, so it helps to take note of what’s required and prepare accordingly in order to have a smoother journey.

If you have plans to pursue your studies in America, our USA pre-departure student checklist consists of everything you need to know so you can successfully make it there.

Your USA Student Pre-Departure Pandemic Checklist: 6 Things To Prepare

1. Your Student Visa

Before you fly off, the most important thing to obtain is your student visa.

As a full-time student engaging in academic studies for more than 18 hours a week at an accredited American college or university, you’ll require an F-1 visa. This enables you to stay in the USA for up to 5 years.

2. Vaccination Status

In order to be able to board a plane and travel to the USA, you are required to be fully vaccinated.

To be considered fully vaccinated in the USA, you’ll have to ensure that you have opted for the accepted COVID-19 vaccines – either a single dose of Janssen/J&J or 2 doses of Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna.

Apart from that, you must have taken your second dose at least 14 days prior.

For proof of vaccination, you’ll be required to present either via a QR code on a smartphone application or an official printout at a national level by an authorised vaccination provider.

3. Quarantine Might Not Be Necessary

After arriving in the USA, it is recommended to stay home and self-quarantine for 7 days even if you are vaccinated or have tested negative.

However, you can skip the quarantine if you recovered from a documented COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days.

4. Budget More Cash For Your Quarantine Arrangements

As many student campuses do not have the proper facilities to help with any necessary quarantine arrangements, it is important to set aside some funds for quarantine arrangements.

It also helps to factor in the cost of COVID-19 tests and budget accordingly just in case you need to monitor your health at any point.

5. Arrange Your Student Accommodations Before You Fly

In the midst of a pandemic or not, this is one of the most crucial things for all international students to do.

Whether you decide to stay in a student dorm or rent an apartment near campus, it helps to be prepared and make all your arrangements in advance. After all, you don’t want to be stranded and homeless when your planned accommodation becomes unavailable if you try to book at the last minute!

6. Understand The COVID-19 Regulations & Advice For Safe Daily Living

From wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth to staying 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you, there are some things you can do to keep safe. You’re also recommended to participate in outdoor rather than indoor activities as it is the safer choice when it comes to COVID-19 exposure.

Apart from that, it helps to take a closer look at the regulations of the specific state you’re planning to go to as it might vary depending on where you’re heading to.

Successfully Study In The USA With IDP

Now that you know what to prepare, the next step is to make sure you secure a spot in your desired course at an American university.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, fret not – all of us at IDP are here to help! From navigating the pandemic environment to university selection and course application overseas, our team of education counsellors will ensure you successfully make it to the USA.

Book your free counselling session today to get started! Alternatively, if you prefer to speak to us from the comfort of your home, you may do so via our virtual office.