Last Updated on 2023-06-25
0. Prepare for Your Flight
Flight Arrangements
For international flights to the United States with a domestic transfer or flights from Canada to the United States, it is necessary to go through immigration, retrieve your checked luggage, and pass through customs upon arrival. To ensure a smooth transition, we recommend allowing a minimum of 3 hours for your transfer.
Carry-on Items
Remember to keep your passport (including visa) and I-20/DS-2019 handy in your carry-on bag. These immigration-related documents must be presented before retrieving your checked luggage upon arrival in the United States, so it’s important not to pack them in your checked baggage.
Baggage Restrictions
Typically, flights to the Americas allow 2 checked bags weighing 23 kg each, along with 1 carry-on bag and a personal item. U.S. airlines generally do not have a weight limit for the carry-on bag. However, if you are flying with an Asian airline, there is typically a limit of 7-10 kg for the carry-on bag. To ensure compliance, please refer to the official website of your airline before departure to confirm the specific restrictions.
1. Entry into the US
Please refer to the Transit and Immigration section for more details.
2. Arrival in Pittsburgh
Since Pittsburgh is typically the second or third destination upon arriving in the United States, there is usually no need to go through immigration or customs again. After retrieving your luggage, you can proceed to leave the airport. Here are some transportation options from the airport to your place of residence:
- Uber / Lyft: Available 24/7, Uber and Lyft offer convenient transportation options. The estimated fare ranges from $40 to $80. Please note that surge pricing may apply during peak hours.
- 28X Bus: You can opt for the 28X Bus, which costs $2.75 for a one-way trip. The bus journey takes approximately one hour to reach Oakland. The operating hours are from 4:00 am to 12:00 am.
- Taiwanese Scholar Society in Pittsburgh (TSS) Shuttle Service: The Taiwanese Scholar Society in Pittsburgh (TSS) organizes a shuttle service for a fee. For more details, please refer to the TSS Facebook page.
3. New Student Check-in
To facilitate a smooth transition, it is important for new students to complete the check-in process as soon as possible upon arrival. The check-in process includes obtaining your student ID, which grants you access to various university services, including free bus transportation. Please note that the student ID allows for free bus transportation, so it is recommended to report to the school promptly to obtain your ID.
When reporting for check-in, make sure to bring the necessary documents and be prepared for on-site photography or have your pre-uploaded photos ready. For students starting in the fall semester, the ID pickup time is scheduled after August 1st.
International students have additional requirements. They are required to report to the Office of International Education/Office of International Services (OIE/OIS) on designated dates after entering the country to activate their SEVIS status. International students should bring their passport, I-20 (or DS-2019), and I-94 for this process.
Keep an eye out for notifications regarding department orientations and the university’s international student orientation. It is crucial to participate in these orientation events as they provide valuable information and support to help you acclimate to your new environment.
4. Get a Phone Number
A phone number is essential for accessing various services in the United States. For detailed information on cell phone plans, please refer to the Cell Phone Plan section.
5. Open a Bank Account
When residing in the United States long-term, it is highly recommended to open a U.S. bank account. Having a U.S. bank account offers practical payment methods such as checks, direct deposit, Zelle, and more, along with access to a range of financial services. For further information on opening a bank account, please consult the Bank Account section.
6. Enroll in Health Insurance
While the country boasts advanced healthcare technology and quality, it is important to note that medical costs can be exorbitant. Having appropriate health insurance offers essential protection against unexpected illnesses, accidents, or long-term medical needs. It is worth noting that individual circumstances may vary, and insurance requirements and costs can differ, making thorough research and evaluation of different options essential before selecting a plan.
Health insurance typically encompasses medical, dental, and vision coverage. For a basic introduction to relevant health insurance terms and types, please refer to the Introduction to Health Insurance section.
International students are generally required to have medical insurance, though it may not necessarily need to be the school’s plan. For detailed information on health insurance for international students or scholars, please refer to the University Student Health Insurance and International Student Health Insurance sections.
7. Apply for an SSN/SSN Denial Letter
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number primarily utilized for individual tax reporting, credit history inquiries (such as applying for credit cards or loans), accessing social security benefits, and various identification purposes. Eligible individuals can apply for an SSN at no cost, while those who are ineligible can obtain an SSN Denial Letter. For further information regarding SSNs and obtaining an SSN or an SSN Denial Letter, please refer to the SSN/SSN Denial Letter section.
8. Apply for Credit Cards
Credit cards serve as a widely utilized payment tool in the United States and also offer an opportunity to establish a credit history. They provide enhanced security features and a range of benefits and rewards not typically found with debit cards. However, it’s important to note that many credit cards require a credit history when applying, which can pose a challenge for new international students who do not yet have one. Thankfully, there are credit card options available that do not require a credit history. The Best Credit Cards With No Credit History section provides valuable information on credit card options specifically tailored for individuals without a credit history.
9. Get a Photo ID
Photo ID is an identification document that contains the holder’s name, photograph, date of birth, and residential address. While a passport can serve as a valid photo ID, it may not be convenient for frequent carry and can be troublesome if lost. Therefore, the most commonly used photo IDs in the United States are a U.S. driver’s license or a state identification card (State ID). These documents are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in each respective state.
For more detailed information on obtaining a driver’s license or State ID, please refer to the Driver’s License/State ID section.
10. Join Amazon Prime Student
Amazon Prime Student provides all the benefits of Amazon Prime, including free 1-2 day shipping, low-threshold same-day delivery, Prime Video, and more. Additionally, it offers exclusive perks for students, such as discounted Amazon Music Unlimited at $0.99 and access to exclusive student discounts.
To avail yourself of these benefits, you can register for a free 6-month trial by using a U.S. edu email address. After the trial period, you can continue the membership at a discounted rate for up to four years.
Alias Email Address
Both Pitt and CMU offer the option to create alias email addresses. By applying for an Amazon Student Membership using an alias email address, it will be considered a new account, allowing you to enjoy a fresh free student membership.
Shared Accounts
While sharing Amazon Prime accounts is not explicitly prohibited, it is recommended to limit sharing to acquaintances due to financial considerations. This ensures a fair distribution of costs and benefits among the account holders.
11. Change Google Play/Apple ID Country/Region
In order to download certain apps like Venmo, it may be necessary to change the country/region settings on your mobile device’s app store, such as Google Play or the App Store, to the United States. However, please note that changing the country/region settings on your mobile phone typically requires a U.S. mobile phone number, a U.S. address, and payment information.
It’s important to be aware that there are time restrictions, usually around one year, for each country switch on these platforms. If you find yourself frequently needing to switch countries, it is advisable to create a separate account specifically for the U.S. region. This will help you avoid potential issues and ensure smoother access to the desired apps and services while maintaining compliance with the respective platform’s policies.