NSR Australia share with you some key points which will help you prepare for your trip to College in the USA.
Going off to college is both exciting and daunting all at the same time, coupled with the fact you are heading overseas to a foreign country. Remember, all the hard work getting to the point of being able to study and play sport overseas is done, year 12 is over.. For many of you, you may never have lived anywhere but at home or even traveled overseas so we hope to help you make a smooth transition from home to college life, starting here!
Documentation
Ensure that you have your I-20, Passport/Visa to get into the USA. If you have any medical conditions, make sure you have all your medicine and prescriptions to last for at least the first 3 months. Ensure you have any necessary documentation/referrals to get the same medicine in the States.
Sporting gear and casual clothes
Make sure you have the designated kit for your sport outlined by your coach i.e. Soccer shorts, t-shirts, soccer socks, boots, shin pads, sports bra’s (for girls), skins, running shoes, swim suit for post work outs.
Ensure you have both summer and winter clothes, depending on your location you may need to buy a warm coat/scarf or gloves.
You can always buy extra clothes when you get to the US, so don’t pack your whole wardrobe because dorm room space is limited. There is no need to bring items that are of value. Dorm rooms and college campus living isn’t the place for expensive watches, bags or jewellery.
Finance and Banking
Be sure to have US cash on hand when you arrive or take travelers cheques/debit card which you can convert to US dollars so you can buy a international sim card or new phone when you arrive.
Also make sure to have one or all of your coach’s phone numbers and emails with you in case there are travel delays.
Before you leave, check with your bank to see if they have any international banking services which won’t incur extra costs. We recommend that you open a US bank account so you don’t get charged the international fees. Your college Coach and college staff will be able to help facilitate this process when you arrive but make sure you are proactive and approach them to make a time to do this.
Brush up on Campus knowledge
Contact your room mate as soon as you find out who he/she is. Skype is a great way to make contact and they can usually show you a preview of your room if they are already there.
Get hold of a campus map and familiarise yourself with landmarks and distances so when you arrive you feel a little less disorientated. Sometimes there are virtual tours on college sites and Google earth helps too.
Books and school supplies
You can buy your books online early for cheaper prices, or investigate second hand options at school. It’s better to own a set of books if you can but buying new books can be very expensive. Most books are bought on campus second hand from other students. Basic supplies such as fridges, microwaves, kettles are usually supplied in dorms however if you want to get any extras you can usually find second hand bargains on campus bulletin boards but you will need to get in early.
Bud
get
It is very important to lay out a budget for your time at college, especially in the first year. Work this out with your family before you leave and you won’t get stressed out or have to beg your room mate for food later down the track!
Casual jobs
As a student, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week. In saying that, it might be a little much to handle school and sporting responsibilities to work this many hours. However, many students find it is beneficial to have a little cash for food and entertainment. Get in quickly and seek out college bulletin boards for odd jobs around campus or hand out flyers for gardening or extra handy work if you live off campus. It’s a great way to get some extra cash if your budget is tight!
And finally…remember, college is new experience for everyone but you will always have a great support team behind you in your coaches, team mates and teachers…Embrace your new environment, have fun, be proactive, take chances and stay safe and most importantly please keep in mind… you can’t buy Vegemite in the US so stock up!!! 