Get the most out of your money

Your daily cost of living will vary depending on the state or city you live in. The average annual cost of study, including tuition and living expenses, is about $32,000 USD/year. However, this number can increase significantly with some private schools charging $40,000 or more for tuition alone, so it's important to do your research.

Other expenses that you need to consider in your budget include student visa application fees and application fees, university administration fees, application fees, mandatory fees for services, application fees as well as insurance to use on-campus medical facilities for testing general, basic tests, and prescriptions for common diseases.

Most schools offer student meals, allowing you to eat a main meal at the on-campus cafeterias. These types of meals are provided at different levels to meet each student's budget.

Choice of bank and payment method

The currency in the United States is the US dollar, the currency symbol is USD. When it comes to managing your money, there are several choices as follows.

  • You can open a bank account at any bank that is allowed and you should check if your school or university has any special relationship with the local bank as you can enjoy some benefits such as free banking services, interest-free deductions, and travel discounts.

  • When choosing the right bank for you, it's important for the bank to compare costs and services and ensure that you enjoy all the perks as an international student.

  • There are two main types of accounts.

1. The trading account is for frequent deposits and withdrawals and is most suitable for managing daily living expenses.2. A savings account is not intended for daily use, which means that the money deposited into the account is money saved to be able to enjoy interest over time. To open a bank account, you need to submit the following types of documents:

  • Current and valid passport

  • Records of addresses, phone numbers, and utility bills

  • Form I-94

  • Notice of approval of Form I-20, DS-2019, or I-797. Forms I-20 and DS-2019 are immigration documents related to your visa status and are issued by the school or university where you were admitted. Form I-797 is a notice of action approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

  • Confirmation letter of enrollment from the school

  • Any secondary identification records such as student ID, birth certificate, national driver's license, or letter from the Office of International Students and Academic Affairs

Telephone and Internet connection

You may want to connect to your phone and Internet service as soon as you arrive in the U.S.

Speaking of connecting your phone, you have three main options:

1. Make an international call

International calls can be much more expensive than domestic calls in the United States. You may want to purchase an international calling card at a discounted discount or use an online app like Skype or FaceTime instead. If you want to buy an international calling card, you can buy it at most convenience stores.

  • To call a U.S. number from abroad, you need to enter the country code (1) followed by the area code and then the phone number

  • To call another country from the United States, dial 011, followed by the country code and area code (if needed) and then the phone number

2. Internet Access

There are many choices among Internet service providers in the United States, but it's a good idea to find out which plan has the best rates and load limits that fit your needs and budget.

Most educational institutions have free Wi-Fi that you can access by logging in with your student account and password. If you can't access the Internet on your laptop or desktop, you can usually use a computer in the student library, at an off-campus public library, or at an Internet-connected coffee shop.

You can also access the Internet wirelessly in some public places or on public transportation, however, some providers may require you to pay to access this service. You should always check the security of the network you are connecting to.

FREE ASSISTANCE FROM IDP

IDP understands the difficulties faced by students and parents when preparing their applications and many questions need to be answered.

There are deadlines you need to keep in mind so as not to miss any opportunity to apply to the school. If you are planning to study in the US in the near future, Please contact a consultant immediately for answers.

At IDP, our U.S. study abroad consultants will help you select a school, and choose the industry and course that suits your abilities and interests. During the consultation process, IDP will proactively introduce potential scholarships to study in the US, as well as help you make a successful scholarship-hunting application.

IDP counselors will also assist you with your application for admission, track your progress, and receive a confirmation letter from the school. In particular, you will be able to practice interviewing and completing the application Apply for a U.S. student visa free of charge with a success rate of over 95%, as well as accommodation advice, financial planning, flight booking, and pre-departure skills (Pre-departure session).

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