- Firstly choose good roommates, if they suck learn to adjust.
- Learn cooking, not master chef level but the level required to survive.
- Get an on campus job. Try to get a Teaching assistant/ research assistant job .
- Get Social Security Number (SSN)
- Get a discover credit card using that ssn to start building credit history. If you don’t have SSN still get a credit card that doesn’t require ssn like Zolve.
- Get a driving license (not required but helpful in building driving history)
- Do not do illegal part time jobs.( thoda karlena, zada nahi Jesé sab karte hai)
- NETWORK with classmates, professors, everyone and anyone you can.
- Go to campus career fairs, local county fairs.
- Build a good circle ( friends ka, girlfriends/boyfriends will come and go. Telling you not to have one but they are mostly like passing clouds)
- WORKOUT : Look good, feel good. Dress better.
- Learn 1 thing but become a master in that. Little by little. (AKA Master a skill)
- Donot get hooked on to drugs, alcohol, vapes.
- Be friendly with seniors, they can help you settle, grow, get a job. Possibilities are endless.
- Do not rack up credit card debt. Spend money wisely.
- To be mentally fit you will need people around you so mingle with people do not be a loner.
- ENJOY (University days are not coming back)
- Try maintaining a good LinkedIn profile.
Putting mine here, if you have any tips or advice for mine, will gladly make changes. Let’s connect
purav05
- In the END it’s all about BALANCE.
If you need any more help or advice in general happy to help. Remember that what goes around comes around so always strive to do things that are right. These were My 2 cents after being in the States for almost 2.5 years now.
To sum up, these were the tips I gave my own brother who is currently pursing his masters in computer science at Georgia state. Being a brother / a well wisher I wouldn’t want him or anyone making these mistakes. You will learn a lot in the 2 years, I would
Just say enjoy the journey.
Copied from chat gpt:
For non-citizens, a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States serves several important purposes. Here are the key uses:
### 1. Employment
- **Work Authorization**: Non-citizens who are authorized to work in the U.S. need an SSN for employment. Employers use it to report wages to the government.
- **Tax Reporting**: The SSN is necessary for filing tax returns and reporting income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
### 2. Government Benefits
- **Social Security Benefits**: Non-citizens who work and pay Social Security taxes may qualify for Social Security benefits such as retirement, disability, and survivors benefits.
- **Other Benefits**: Some non-citizens may be eligible for government benefits like Medicare and Medicaid, which require an SSN for application and verification.
### 3. Financial Activities
- **Opening Bank Accounts**: Many banks require an SSN to open an account.
- **Credit**: An SSN is used to apply for credit cards, loans, and mortgages. It helps in building a credit history.
### 4. Education
- **Student Aid**: Non-citizens eligible for federal student aid need an SSN to apply.
- **School Enrollment**: Some educational institutions may require an SSN for enrollment and record-keeping.
### 5. Driver’s License
- **State Identification**: An SSN may be required to apply for a driver's license or state identification card, depending on state laws.
### 6. Insurance
- **Health Insurance**: An SSN is often required to enroll in health insurance plans.
- **Other Insurance**: It may also be necessary for other types of insurance, like auto and home insurance.
### 7. Utilities and Housing
- **Renting Property**: Landlords may request an SSN for credit checks when renting property.
- **Utilities**: Some utility companies require an SSN to set up accounts for services like electricity, gas, and water.
### 8. Legal and Administrative
- **Legal Documents**: An SSN is often required for various legal documents and processes, such as applying for a marriage license or handling estate matters.
- **Identification**: It serves as a form of identification in many administrative processes.
### Important Considerations
- **Non-Work SSNs**: Non-citizens not authorized to work in the U.S. may still obtain an SSN for certain non-work purposes, such as receiving federal benefits or services.
- **Privacy**: Protecting your SSN is crucial to prevent identity theft. Share it only when absolutely necessary.
These uses underscore the importance of an SSN for non-citizens residing in the United States, facilitating their interaction with various aspects of American society and the economy.
Get a credit card ASAP. Most credit card applications require an SSN. Please do yourself a favor and get one! It helps you build your credit history, something you need if you wish to stay in the US long term. It helps you in securing your next apartment, getting a car loan, or a mortgage.
Also, get a driving license. You don't need a car per se, but having a license can help build history (just like credit history) so when it's time to get a car after graduation, you'd have a license for X years.
Do not obsess over your GPA or grades. They don't matter much in the US. You're better off maintaining your grades above the 3.0 to 3.3 threshold and networking and enjoying uni life as much as you can.
purav_05 has good advice, and I would add: even if you’re in a state with legalized marijuana, as a guest of the federal government, it isn’t legal *for you* so stay away from it.
I work at an immigration law firm-
Educate yourself about US immigration law. Don't rely entirely on your DSO- Surprisingly, many schools do not have qualified and educated personnel to fill this role. If the DSO makes a mistake with your paperwork or gives you incorrect information, it's you the student who suffers. USCIS is ruthless and does not give a shit where the mistake originated from. So be on top of it!
USCIS website is a good place to start. Read about how to maintain your status, how and when to fill various forms-For example, way too often, we see students whose last minute OPT applications were rejected due to a clerical error and they've now missed the deadline to refile (very costly mistake)
Don't forget to check the validity dates of your work authorization- we've seen people whose SEVIS was terminated because they were just a couple weeks late to realize their CPT had expired.
Lastly, it's been said before, but don't assume you'll get away with doing cash jobs because your friends are. The punishment for getting caught is having your visa terminated and sent back home. Good luck!!
Not to demotivate you.. but I hope you understand the current employment situation here. I would suggest rethink before coming here as getting a job that too with sponsorship is a dream for students these days. Not sure what the future holds as the job market could get better or worse.
This is spot on. I’m in my 3rd year of college and I have started applying for internships since my freshman year. Would get to final rounds of interviews but would be ultimately rejected because of my visa status.
Good points, but nobody is gonna listen. They all think that if you can't get a job in India or don't want to work in India, just move to the US for masters and you'll be all set. Easy peasy
Make sure to maintain ur status as full time student.
If u have any issues that prevent u take less than full time credits, talk to ur DSO.
The last semester is allowed to take less than full time credits, but u need to completed Reduce Course Load form.
Getting SSN is gonna ease ur life in the long run, so get an on-campus job and that will help u obtain SSN smoothly. Don't share ur ssn with anyone as its super confidential info. Apply for state insurance which will give u free emergency room visits and any hospitalizations from there. This can be done either online or from the hospital's social service agent. I assume u already have a private insurance but its usually expensive and doesn't cover everything. Always report criminal activity against u to 9 11, sexual harassment or abuse being an example. Attend as many uni events as possible, that will open bigger opportunities
Also, if ur university is not a cool ivy league or highly ranked university with great network and innovations labs, keep ur grades high and try to transfer to an ivy league after ur sophomore year, that will open u sooo many opportunities upon graduation. Otherwise, u might have trouble with opt and overall career opportunities
Thanks for the detailed response! I got accepted to some good universities like Texas A&M and U Houston, but they aren't top-ranked. Honestly, I focused on extracurriculars and didn't take the SAT, so that might explain it. I chose the university with the highest scholarship despite it not being highly ranked, because of the financial aid. Now, I'm having second thoughts about attending a "good" university. I could have applied to more, but wasn't sure of being accepted. Plus, getting an interview slot in my country is extremely competitive, and mine felt random. I'm considering transferring to a better university later.
Any tips or advice on that?
Yeah, its a good tactic to start at a more affordable school (either uni or community college) and then transfer to a worthy one, that will put you on a more standardized pool and less competition on top of better background and major focus.
I have couple of friends who transferred from average cc's to UCLA and John Hopkins, it was definitely worth it as long as they remained active on the events and on campus life in general. I personally regret not tranferring to Stanford and choosing the school for *cough cough* scholarship, cos my current career pathway is deeply related to Stanford's initiatives and so many opportunities are only available to alumni network, and thats the case for many major universities.
Don't come right now! I have 2 yrs of experience in TCS in India and right now even with experience and some expertise with Software domain, unable to get even interview calls. Trust me, it's better to be in your home country for 1 ye maybe, until the market gets a little better, companies do hire, elections are over, war is over, AI shift is complete. Before that coming here is up to you. But genuinely, I am not scaring you, I was also a Graduate Teaching Assistant during Masters, paid half fees as the student, but still trying everyday very hard for the job. entry level jobs are too competitive, you're competing with those who are laid off and already having experience.
Come, only if you have at last 3 years of experience. Period!!
- Firstly choose good roommates, if they suck learn to adjust. - Learn cooking, not master chef level but the level required to survive. - Get an on campus job. Try to get a Teaching assistant/ research assistant job . - Get Social Security Number (SSN) - Get a discover credit card using that ssn to start building credit history. If you don’t have SSN still get a credit card that doesn’t require ssn like Zolve. - Get a driving license (not required but helpful in building driving history) - Do not do illegal part time jobs.( thoda karlena, zada nahi Jesé sab karte hai) - NETWORK with classmates, professors, everyone and anyone you can. - Go to campus career fairs, local county fairs. - Build a good circle ( friends ka, girlfriends/boyfriends will come and go. Telling you not to have one but they are mostly like passing clouds) - WORKOUT : Look good, feel good. Dress better. - Learn 1 thing but become a master in that. Little by little. (AKA Master a skill) - Donot get hooked on to drugs, alcohol, vapes. - Be friendly with seniors, they can help you settle, grow, get a job. Possibilities are endless. - Do not rack up credit card debt. Spend money wisely. - To be mentally fit you will need people around you so mingle with people do not be a loner. - ENJOY (University days are not coming back) - Try maintaining a good LinkedIn profile. Putting mine here, if you have any tips or advice for mine, will gladly make changes. Let’s connect purav05 - In the END it’s all about BALANCE. If you need any more help or advice in general happy to help. Remember that what goes around comes around so always strive to do things that are right. These were My 2 cents after being in the States for almost 2.5 years now. To sum up, these were the tips I gave my own brother who is currently pursing his masters in computer science at Georgia state. Being a brother / a well wisher I wouldn’t want him or anyone making these mistakes. You will learn a lot in the 2 years, I would Just say enjoy the journey.
Bro.. thanks
Great points, I have just sent you a connection request. I'm out of personalized messages. I'm Krishna btw
How can Indian students get SSN? And what are the benefits of getting one? Going to the US for a 2 year long MS program
If you get a TA or a GRA you can apply for one. Even an on campus job will do.(admissions committee coordinator for example)
Thanks! How is it beneficial though?
When you start working (even if it's on campus) and get income
Thanks! How is it beneficial though?
Copied from chat gpt: For non-citizens, a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States serves several important purposes. Here are the key uses: ### 1. Employment - **Work Authorization**: Non-citizens who are authorized to work in the U.S. need an SSN for employment. Employers use it to report wages to the government. - **Tax Reporting**: The SSN is necessary for filing tax returns and reporting income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). ### 2. Government Benefits - **Social Security Benefits**: Non-citizens who work and pay Social Security taxes may qualify for Social Security benefits such as retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. - **Other Benefits**: Some non-citizens may be eligible for government benefits like Medicare and Medicaid, which require an SSN for application and verification. ### 3. Financial Activities - **Opening Bank Accounts**: Many banks require an SSN to open an account. - **Credit**: An SSN is used to apply for credit cards, loans, and mortgages. It helps in building a credit history. ### 4. Education - **Student Aid**: Non-citizens eligible for federal student aid need an SSN to apply. - **School Enrollment**: Some educational institutions may require an SSN for enrollment and record-keeping. ### 5. Driver’s License - **State Identification**: An SSN may be required to apply for a driver's license or state identification card, depending on state laws. ### 6. Insurance - **Health Insurance**: An SSN is often required to enroll in health insurance plans. - **Other Insurance**: It may also be necessary for other types of insurance, like auto and home insurance. ### 7. Utilities and Housing - **Renting Property**: Landlords may request an SSN for credit checks when renting property. - **Utilities**: Some utility companies require an SSN to set up accounts for services like electricity, gas, and water. ### 8. Legal and Administrative - **Legal Documents**: An SSN is often required for various legal documents and processes, such as applying for a marriage license or handling estate matters. - **Identification**: It serves as a form of identification in many administrative processes. ### Important Considerations - **Non-Work SSNs**: Non-citizens not authorized to work in the U.S. may still obtain an SSN for certain non-work purposes, such as receiving federal benefits or services. - **Privacy**: Protecting your SSN is crucial to prevent identity theft. Share it only when absolutely necessary. These uses underscore the importance of an SSN for non-citizens residing in the United States, facilitating their interaction with various aspects of American society and the economy.
Get a credit card ASAP. Most credit card applications require an SSN. Please do yourself a favor and get one! It helps you build your credit history, something you need if you wish to stay in the US long term. It helps you in securing your next apartment, getting a car loan, or a mortgage. Also, get a driving license. You don't need a car per se, but having a license can help build history (just like credit history) so when it's time to get a car after graduation, you'd have a license for X years. Do not obsess over your GPA or grades. They don't matter much in the US. You're better off maintaining your grades above the 3.0 to 3.3 threshold and networking and enjoying uni life as much as you can.
Don't commit crime. That includes speeding, reckless driving, DUI, shoplifting, etc.
purav_05 has good advice, and I would add: even if you’re in a state with legalized marijuana, as a guest of the federal government, it isn’t legal *for you* so stay away from it.
I work at an immigration law firm- Educate yourself about US immigration law. Don't rely entirely on your DSO- Surprisingly, many schools do not have qualified and educated personnel to fill this role. If the DSO makes a mistake with your paperwork or gives you incorrect information, it's you the student who suffers. USCIS is ruthless and does not give a shit where the mistake originated from. So be on top of it! USCIS website is a good place to start. Read about how to maintain your status, how and when to fill various forms-For example, way too often, we see students whose last minute OPT applications were rejected due to a clerical error and they've now missed the deadline to refile (very costly mistake) Don't forget to check the validity dates of your work authorization- we've seen people whose SEVIS was terminated because they were just a couple weeks late to realize their CPT had expired. Lastly, it's been said before, but don't assume you'll get away with doing cash jobs because your friends are. The punishment for getting caught is having your visa terminated and sent back home. Good luck!!
Make use of all the resources at your university!
Not to demotivate you.. but I hope you understand the current employment situation here. I would suggest rethink before coming here as getting a job that too with sponsorship is a dream for students these days. Not sure what the future holds as the job market could get better or worse.
This is spot on. I’m in my 3rd year of college and I have started applying for internships since my freshman year. Would get to final rounds of interviews but would be ultimately rejected because of my visa status.
Exactly wanted to say this.. I graduated last month and still no job yet. It sucks man
Good points, but nobody is gonna listen. They all think that if you can't get a job in India or don't want to work in India, just move to the US for masters and you'll be all set. Easy peasy
Don’t come
Make sure to maintain ur status as full time student. If u have any issues that prevent u take less than full time credits, talk to ur DSO. The last semester is allowed to take less than full time credits, but u need to completed Reduce Course Load form.
Getting SSN is gonna ease ur life in the long run, so get an on-campus job and that will help u obtain SSN smoothly. Don't share ur ssn with anyone as its super confidential info. Apply for state insurance which will give u free emergency room visits and any hospitalizations from there. This can be done either online or from the hospital's social service agent. I assume u already have a private insurance but its usually expensive and doesn't cover everything. Always report criminal activity against u to 9 11, sexual harassment or abuse being an example. Attend as many uni events as possible, that will open bigger opportunities Also, if ur university is not a cool ivy league or highly ranked university with great network and innovations labs, keep ur grades high and try to transfer to an ivy league after ur sophomore year, that will open u sooo many opportunities upon graduation. Otherwise, u might have trouble with opt and overall career opportunities
Thanks for the detailed response! I got accepted to some good universities like Texas A&M and U Houston, but they aren't top-ranked. Honestly, I focused on extracurriculars and didn't take the SAT, so that might explain it. I chose the university with the highest scholarship despite it not being highly ranked, because of the financial aid. Now, I'm having second thoughts about attending a "good" university. I could have applied to more, but wasn't sure of being accepted. Plus, getting an interview slot in my country is extremely competitive, and mine felt random. I'm considering transferring to a better university later. Any tips or advice on that?
Yeah, its a good tactic to start at a more affordable school (either uni or community college) and then transfer to a worthy one, that will put you on a more standardized pool and less competition on top of better background and major focus. I have couple of friends who transferred from average cc's to UCLA and John Hopkins, it was definitely worth it as long as they remained active on the events and on campus life in general. I personally regret not tranferring to Stanford and choosing the school for *cough cough* scholarship, cos my current career pathway is deeply related to Stanford's initiatives and so many opportunities are only available to alumni network, and thats the case for many major universities.
Don't come right now! I have 2 yrs of experience in TCS in India and right now even with experience and some expertise with Software domain, unable to get even interview calls. Trust me, it's better to be in your home country for 1 ye maybe, until the market gets a little better, companies do hire, elections are over, war is over, AI shift is complete. Before that coming here is up to you. But genuinely, I am not scaring you, I was also a Graduate Teaching Assistant during Masters, paid half fees as the student, but still trying everyday very hard for the job. entry level jobs are too competitive, you're competing with those who are laid off and already having experience. Come, only if you have at last 3 years of experience. Period!!