Things you should know before studying in USA

There's nothing better than heading to USA to study, right? It's going to be an unforgettable experience, and you will no longer have to worry about things like how to find someone to help with your math homework anymore. If only things actually were as easy as this. There is a whole lot of stuff you should know before you start jumping for joy. Here is some advice:

Travel light

While you might want to stock up on everything you can think of, it's better if you travel light and stock up once you get to America. The country has absolutely everything you can imagine. You'll also save some money which you would otherwise have spent on luggage fees. Clothes aren't that expensive in America. So save up, and update your wardrobe once you get there.

Plan for the worst

When you are preparing to study abroad, it is recommended that you adopt a mentality where you are prepared for the worst possible outcomes in every scenario. This may sound a little negative, but when you are living independently in a new country with no safety net to fall back on, it's best to always be prepared. Make copies of all your important documents. Store receipts carefully in case you need to make insurance claims. Most importantly, get the most comprehensive type of insurance you can. It's always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Sororities

Almost all universities and colleges in the United States have fraternities or sororities for you to join. It's best that you bid for them as early as you possibly can. Do not think that you're better off without them. This is something that you are going to regret as your time progresses. Understanding how they work from the inside is an integral part of studying in the United States.

An emotional cocktail

When you go to a new country, you are going to go through an emotional adjustment for sure. You will go through the orientation phase followed by the honeymoon stage and then finally get to the disintegration stage. Everybody is different and the amount of time it takes to go through each stage will vary from person to person. But do not think for one second that you are not going to go through these ups and downs. Even when individual elements aren't working out for you, you will be learning more than you realize. It's all about anticipation, adventure, and discovery. You need to embrace the journey wholeheartedly.

No corner shops

One thing that most of the country lacks is that friendly corner shop where you can pick up most of the stuff, you would need regularly. If you are used to having a corner store right outside your home where you can conveniently pick everything up, get ready for a rude awakening. There are supermarkets where you will get everything you can imagine. But even when you're looking to pick up a loaf of bread, you will have to head to one of them. There is no alternative unless you're one of those lucky people who happens to stay near a convenience store.

Shorts and t-shirts aren't enough

You might think that the temperatures in the country aren't that bad, and you will be able to get through the year with just some shorts and t-shirts. But the truth is, you are going to need some thick socks and jumpers for the cold winter months too. It can get really cold there and seeing snow in the winter isn't a rare occurrence. So be prepared.

They love driving

You may not realize this right away, but eventually, you are going to learn that Americans love to drive. The roads aren't friendly for pedestrians, and everyone loves to take out their car even for the shortest of trips. It will be good for you if you can get yourself behind the wheel of a car as quickly as possible. There is nothing worse than being stranded in the middle of nowhere with no public transportation in sight. A good navigation app on your phone is recommended too. This will ensure you never get lost no matter where you are.

Culture shock

Lastly, you need to be prepared for a huge culture shock from the moment you step off the plane. No matter which part of the world you come from, you are going to find the culture in America to be very different. You may not notice it at first, but eventually, the differences will start to show on their own. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be overwhelming for sure. Adjusting to life in America is going to take time. You can turn to online courses as a reprieve to make this easier. The community is quite welcoming overall, and you should not have too much trouble fitting in.

Conclusion

Living in the United States is not necessarily the hardest thing you are going to do in your life, but it certainly can be if you don't do it right. There is no reason to feel threatened by an exciting proposition like this, and as long as you keep the above-mentioned tips in mind, you should not have any trouble successfully living there. So what are you waiting for? Start preparing yourself for a journey that very few people get an opportunity to experience.