Campus Life: Surviving (and Loving) the First 30 Days
Practical guidance for international students during the first month on a U.S. campus — housing, dining plans, banking, transit, and finding your community.
The first 30 days set the tone for the rest of the year. Treat them like a project with a checklist instead of an open-ended adventure.
Week 1 — logistics
- Set up a U.S. bank account on day 1; bring your passport and I-20.
- Get a SIM or eSIM that works on campus and in the dorm.
- Activate your student ID, dining plan, and Wi-Fi credentials.
Week 2 — academics
- Attend every "syllabus week" lecture in person, even online classes.
- Bookmark office hours and library study rooms.
Week 3 — community
- Join one cultural org and one academic org. Two is the sweet spot — more is noise.
- Sign up for one weekend trip with the international students office.
Week 4 — health
- Confirm your insurance is active and find the campus health center.
- Schedule your first dental appointment if covered.
- Build a sleep + gym routine before midterms hit.