Pre-departure and Arrival Guide for Studying in the USA | 赴美留学入境与入学准备指南

📚 Pre-departure and Arrival Guide for Studying in the USA | 赴美留学入境与入学准备指南

Embarking on a journey to study in the United States is an exciting yet complex transition. From visa interviews and document preparation to navigating U.S. Customs and Border Protection and settling into campus life, careful planning can make all the difference. This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap to help international students stay compliant with immigration regulations, manage practical arrangements, and adapt smoothly to the American academic environment.

赴美留学是一段激动人心但又相当复杂的旅程。从签证面试、文件准备，到通过美国海关和边境保护局的检查，再到安顿校园生活，周详的计划至关重要。本指南提供一份分步骤的路线图，帮助国际学生遵守移民规定、处理好各项实际安排，并顺利适应美国的学术环境。

1. Securing Your Visa and Essential Documents | 确保签证与核心文件

After receiving your I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students), pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online and keep the receipt. This payment is mandatory before your visa interview and must be recorded in the SEVIS system.

在收到 I-20（F-1 学生）或 DS-2019（J-1 学生）表格后，请在线缴纳 SEVIS I-901 费用并保留收据。此费用为签证面试前的强制性付款，必须在 SEVIS 系统中记录。

Schedule your visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as early as possible, since appointment availability varies. Prepare your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay), the signed I-20 or DS-2019, SEVIS fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation page, financial documents, and admission letter.

请尽早预约最近的美国大使馆或领事馆的签证面试，因为可预约时间会不断变化。准备好护照（有效期需超出预定停留期至少六个月）、签字的 I-20 或 DS-2019、SEVIS 缴费收据、DS-160 确认页、财务证明材料和录取通知书。

During the interview, answer questions honestly and explain your study plans clearly. The consular officer may ask about your intended major, funding sources, and post-graduation intentions. Once approved, verify that the visa foil in your passport contains correct personal information and visa type.

面试时请如实作答，清晰说明学习计划。签证官可能会询问你拟修读的专业、资金来源以及毕业后的打算。获得批准后，请确认护照内的签证贴纸个人信息和签证类型准确无误。

2. Health Requirements and Insurance | 健康要求与保险

Most U.S. institutions require international students to submit immunization records and a medical history form before enrollment. Check your college's health portal for required vaccines such as MMR, Tdap, and meningococcal vaccines, and get certified translations if the records are not in English.

大多数美国院校要求国际学生在注册前提交免疫接种记录和病史表格。请查阅你所在大学的健康信息门户，确认是否需要接种麻腮风三联、百白破和脑膜炎等疫苗，并准备好非英文记录的认证翻译件。

Health insurance is mandatory for nearly all international students. You may enroll in the university-sponsored plan or purchase a comparable private plan that meets the school's waiver criteria. Verify that the plan covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation, and carry a copy of your insurance card at all times.

医疗保险对几乎所有国际学生都是强制性的。你可以参加学校提供的保险计划，也可以购买符合学校豁免标准的同类私人保险。核实你的保险是否涵盖急诊、住院和遗体运送，并随时携带保险卡副本。

3. Packing and Customs Regulations | 行李打包与海关规定

Airlines typically allow two checked bags and one carry-on for international flights, but weight limits vary. Pack essential documents in your carry-on, including passport, I-20/DS-2019, admission letter, financial statements, and contact information for your international student advisor. Never place these items in checked luggage.

航空公司通常允许国际航班托运两件行李和携带一件随身行李，但重量限制各不相同。请务必把核心文件放在随身行李中，包括护照、I-20/DS-2019、录取通知书、财务证明和国际学生导师的联系方式。切勿将这些物品放入托运行李。

Review U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules regarding restricted and prohibited items. Certain foods, plants, animal products, and large sums of undeclared currency (over $10,000) must be declared. Prescription medications should remain in original containers and be accompanied by a doctor's note in English.

请查阅美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）对限禁物品的规定。某些食品、植物、动物制品以及超过 10,000 美元的未申报现金都必须申报。处方药应保留在原装容器中，并附上英文医生说明。

4. Financial Preparedness | 提前做好财务安排

Carry a mix of U.S. dollars in cash (a few hundred dollars for immediate needs) and an internationally accepted credit or debit card. Notify your home bank of your travel dates to avoid card freezes. It is also wise to bring traveler's checks as a backup, though they are increasingly rare.

携带少量美元现金（几百美元以备即时之需）以及一张国际通用的信用卡或借记卡。出发前通知你的本国银行出行日期，以免卡片被冻结。尽管旅行支票已不常见，携带少量备用也是稳妥之举。

Understand the U.S. currency denominations and anticipate initial costs such as housing deposits, textbooks, and transportation. Many U.S. banks require a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for certain accounts, but international students can often open a basic account with just a passport and I-20.

熟悉美钞面值，并预估抵达初期的开支，如住宿押金、教材和交通费。很多美国银行在开立某些账户时要求社会安全号（SSN）或个人纳税识别号（ITIN），但国际学生通常可以仅凭护照和 I-20 开立基本账户。

5. Booking Flights and Arrival Timing | 预订机票与抵达时间安排

Book your flight to arrive well before the program start date indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019. F-1 students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date. Arriving too early may lead to denial of entry; arriving late risks missing mandatory orientation and registration.

请预订在你 I-20 或 DS-2019 上标明的课程开始日期之前抵达的航班。F-1 学生最多可提前 30 天入境。过早到达可能被拒绝入境，过晚则可能错过强制性的迎新活动和注册。

If you have a connecting flight within the U.S., allow at least 3-4 hours for the first port of entry to complete immigration, baggage claim, and customs clearance. After clearing customs, re-check your luggage and proceed to the domestic terminal. Stay calm and follow signs for connecting flights.

若需在美国境内转机，请为第一个入境口岸留出至少 3–4 小时，以完成入境检查、行李提取和海关通关。海关清关后，请重新托运你的行李，再前往国内航站楼。保持冷静，依照转机指示行动。

6. Navigating U.S. Port of Entry | 顺利通过美国入境口岸

Upon arrival, you will be directed to a CBP officer for primary inspection. Present your passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, and customs declaration form (often completed electronically at a kiosk). The officer may ask about your school, major, and intended length of stay. Answer politely and succinctly.

抵达后，你将被引导至 CBP 官员进行初步检查。出示护照、签证、I-20/DS-2019 和海关申报表（通常可在自助终端上电子填写）。官员可能会询问你的学校、专业和计划停留时长。请礼貌并扼要作答。

Officers will digitally capture your fingerprints and photograph. You will receive an electronic I-94 record, which you should print or save immediately from the official CBP website. Check that the admission stamp in your passport correctly notes "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S" (Duration of Status).

官员会采集你的指纹和照片。你会获得一份电子 I-94 记录，应立即从 CBP 官方网站打印或保存。请检查护照上的入境章是否正确注明了 "F-1 D/S" 或 "J-1 D/S"（身份持续期）。

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If you encounter secondary inspection, remain calm. It may simply be a random check or verification of documents. Cooperate fully and provide truthful information. Never use your phone or make jokes during inspection, as this can be misinterpreted.

如果遇到二次检查，请保持镇定。这可能是随机抽查抑或文件核实。全程配合，如实提供信息。检查过程中切勿使用手机或开玩笑，因为可能被误解。

7. Getting to Campus and Temporary Housing | 前往校园与临时住宿

Many universities offer airport pickup services or shuttle buses during orientation week. Check with your international student office before traveling. If no such service is available, pre-arrange a taxi or ride-share, or use the airport's official taxi stand. Have your campus address written down in English.

许多大学在迎新周期间提供机场接机或班车服务。出发前请向国际学生办公室咨询。如果没有此类服务，请提前预订出租车或网约车，或使用机场官方出租车候客区。携带用英文写好的校园地址。

If you arrive before dormitories open, book a hotel or a campus guest house. Confirm temporary check-in procedures with the housing office. Keep your keys and ID card safe, and note emergency assembly points and dormitory rules on the first day.

如果你提前于宿舍开放日抵达，请预订酒店或校园招待所。与住宿办公室确认临时入住程序。妥善保管钥匙和学生证，并在入住首日记下紧急集合地点和宿舍规定。

8. Campus Check-In and International Student Orientation | 校园报到与国际学生迎新

Report to the international student office or designated check-in location as soon as you arrive on campus. This is required to activate your SEVIS record and confirm your arrival. Bring your passport, I-20/DS-2019, I-94 printout, and local address information.

抵达校园后请立即前往国际学生办公室或指定报到点。这是激活 SEVIS 记录并确认你已抵达的必要步骤。请携带护照、I-20/DS-2019、I-94 打印件和本地地址信息。

Attend all orientation sessions, even if some topics seem repetitive. They cover crucial information on academic policies, health services, safety, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, and maintaining your F-1/J-1 status. Connect with an academic advisor to finalize your course schedule.

请参加所有迎新活动，即使某些话题看似重复。这些活动会介绍学术政策、健康服务、校园安全、多元共融举措以及如何维持 F-1/J-1 身份等关键信息。联系学术导师以确定选课表。

9. Opening a Bank Account and Phone Service | 开设银行账户与手机服务

Choose a bank with a branch near campus and accounts tailored to international students. Most major banks allow you to open a checking account with your passport, I-20, and local address verification. You may also need a phone number, so obtain a U.S. SIM card before visiting the bank.

选择在校园附近有网点并提供适合国际学生账户的银行。大多数主流银行允许凭护照、I-20 和本地地址证明开立支票账户。你可能还需要一个美国手机号码，因此在前往银行前先办理一张美国 SIM 卡。

Compare mobile plans from major carriers and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). Prepaid plans are often easier to set up without a SSN or credit history. Bring an unlocked smartphone to reduce costs, and verify network coverage in your area.

对比主流运营商和移动虚拟网络运营商的套餐。预付费套餐通常无需 SSN 或信用记录即可办理。携带一部已解锁的智能手机以降低成本，并核实你所在区域的网络覆盖情况。

10. Academic Adjustment and Campus Resources | 学术适应与校园资源

Attend office hours regularly, as professors in the U.S. are generally approachable and expect students to seek clarification. Participate in class discussion, as it often forms a significant portion of your grade. Learn to use the university library, writing center, and tutoring services early.

定期在办公时间去拜访教授，美国教授通常平易近人并期待学生主动解除疑惑。积极参与课堂讨论，因为这往往占成绩的相当大比重。尽早学会使用大学图书馆、写作中心和课业辅导服务。

Academic integrity standards are strict and may differ from your home country. Avoid plagiarism by learning correct citation methods (APA, MLA, Chicago) and understand what constitutes unauthorized collaboration. Rule violations can lead to disciplinary action, including expulsion and loss of visa status.

学术诚信标准极为严格，且可能与你的母国有别。学习正确的引用格式（APA、MLA、Chicago），避免抄袭，并理解何种行为会构成未经授权的合作。违反规则可能导致纪律处分，包括开除和丧失签证身份。

11. Maintaining Legal Status and Employment Rules | 保持合法身份与就业规定

Maintain a full course load each term and never drop below 12 credit hours for undergraduate students without prior authorization from your international advisor. Failure to maintain full-time enrollment will result in the termination of your SEVIS record and loss of lawful status.

每学期须修读全日制课程，本科生未经国际学生导师事先批准，所选学分不得低于 12 个学分。若未保持全日制注册，你的 SEVIS 记录将被终止，合法身份会随之丧失。

On-campus employment is generally allowed without additional authorization but is limited to 20 hours per week during the semester. Off-campus work, including internships, must be authorized through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) with strict eligibility requirements.

校内工作一般无需额外许可即可进行，但学期内限制为每周 20 小时。校外工作，包括实习，必须通过课程实习训练（CPT）或选择性实习训练（OPT）获得批准，且需满足严格的资格要求。

Report any change of address to your international student office within 10 days and keep all immigration documents unexpired. Traveling outside the U.S. requires a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019, typically valid for 12 months (6 months for OPT).

地址变更须在 10 日内报告给国际学生办公室，并确保所有移民文件处于有效期内。离开美国旅行前，需要在 I-20 或 DS-2019 上获得有效的旅行签注，有效期通常为 12 个月（OPT 期间为 6 个月）。

12. Cultural Adjustment and Well-Being | 文化适应与身心健康

Culture shock is a normal part of the transition. You may experience phases of honeymoon, frustration, adjustment, and acceptance. Build a support network by joining student clubs, attending cultural events, and reaching out to counselors at the campus wellness center.

文化冲击是过渡时期的正常环节。你可能会经历蜜月期、挫折期、调整期和接受期。通过参加学生社团、文化活动以及联系校园健康中心的咨询师，来建立一个支持网络。

Prioritize physical and mental health by managing sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Counseling services are confidential and often free for enrolled students. Do not hesitate to seek help if you feel persistently anxious, depressed, or isolated, as timely support can prevent academic decline.

通过管理睡眠、营养和运动来优先保障身心健康。咨询服务是保密的，且对在读学生往往免费。若持续感到焦虑、抑郁或孤独，请毫不犹豫地寻求帮助，及时的支持可以防止学业滑坡。

Familiarize yourself with campus alert systems and save emergency numbers (911 for police, fire, medical). Understand your rights as an international student and know how to report discrimination or harassment to the Title IX office or international student services.

熟悉校园警报系统并保存紧急求助电话号码（911 用于报警、火警和急救）。了解你作为国际学生的权利，并知道如何向 Title IX 办公室或国际学生服务处举报歧视或骚扰行为。

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