International Student Arrival
Student priorities differ from other newcomers: school check-in and activating your status come first, and you can't even get an SSN without a job. This checklist follows the real F-1 order.
Check your I-94 after entry
Within 24 hours of arrival, download your I-94 from the CBP site and confirm the status says F-1 and Admit Until Date says D/S. Errors here break every later status step — contact your International Student Office (ISO) immediately if something's wrong.
⏱ Right after entry🔗 Official I-94 download
Check in with the International Student Office (SEVIS activation)
Complete check-in as instructed by your school's emails so the ISO activates your SEVIS record. Not activated = your status hasn't started. This is the single most important pre-semester task.
⏱ Before classes start
Get a phone number
Students usually pick budget carriers (Mint, Visible) or split a family plan. Be careful with two-year contracts at campus booths — don't sign casually.
💲 $15–25/mo
Open a bank account
Pick a bank on or near campus. Bring your passport, I-20, and proof of address. Most big banks waive monthly fees for student accounts. F-1 students can open accounts without an SSN.
💲 Free
Inspect before renting off-campus
Before signing, read the lease term, deposit-return terms, and sublease policy — sublease terms matter a lot when semesters don't line up. See the renting checklist for details.
Get the school-required health insurance
Nearly all schools require insurance, and the default plan is pricey. Some schools accept qualifying outside student plans via a waiver — watch the waiver deadline before classes start.
💲 $1,000–3,000/yr
SSN: only with work authorization
F-1 students need an on-campus job offer (or CPT/OPT) to apply for an SSN. Once you have a job, get letters from your employer and ISO, then visit a Social Security office. Before you have an SSN, taxes use an ITIN.
💲 Free
Start building credit (once you have an SSN)
Start with a student or secured credit card, keep spending small, and always pay in full on time. Jobs and apartments after graduation check your credit — senior year is too late to start.
Figure out local transportation
Many college towns are unlivable without a car. Before buying, price the insurance (young + new license = high premiums). Consider passing the written test early so the license is ready when you need it.
Two tax facts to remember
① F-1 students are usually nonresident aliens (NRA) for their first 5 calendar years and can't use TurboTax's default flow; ② your home country may have a tax treaty benefit for students. You must file by April 15 every year (Form 8843 even with no income).