📚 Complete Pre-Departure Guide for Studying in the United States | 赴美留学行前准备完整指南
Preparing to study in the United States is an exciting yet detail-heavy journey. From securing your visa to settling into campus life, thoughtful planning can ease your transition and help you avoid common pitfalls. This bilingual guide walks you through every critical step, ensuring you arrive confident and well-prepared.
准备赴美留学是一个令人兴奋但又细节繁多的过程。从获取签证到安顿校园生活，周密的计划能够让你的过渡更顺利，并帮助你避开常见陷阱。这份双语指南将带你走过每一个关键步骤，确保你抵达时信心满满、准备充分。
1. Accept Your Offer and Pay the Deposit | 接受录取并缴纳押金
Once you receive your admission letter, carefully review the acceptance deadline. Most U.S. universities require a non-refundable enrollment deposit to secure your place. Pay this promptly to avoid losing your spot, and keep the confirmation receipt for your records.
收到录取通知书后，请仔细查看接受录取的截止日期。大多数美国大学会要求缴纳一笔不可退还的入学押金来保留你的名额。请及时缴纳以免失去录取资格，并保存好确认收据以备后续使用。
After confirming your enrollment, you will typically gain access to your university email and student portal. Activate these accounts immediately. They will be used for housing applications, immunization forms, and course registration.
确认入学后，你通常会获得学校邮箱和学生门户网站的访问权限。请立即激活这些账户，它们将用于申请宿舍、提交免疫表格以及进行课程注册。
2. Obtain Your Student Visa and Pay the SEVIS Fee | 办理学生签证并缴纳SEVIS费
Your university will issue the I-20 form after you submit proof of financial support. Check all details on the I-20 for accuracy. Then, pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online and print the receipt. This fee is mandatory before you can schedule a visa interview.
在你提交资金证明后，大学会签发I-20表格。请仔细核对I-20上的所有信息是否准确。随后，在线缴纳I-901 SEVIS费并打印收据。这必须在预约签证面谈之前完成。
Complete the DS-160 non-immigrant visa application form carefully. Upload a compliant passport-style photo. Pay the visa application fee and schedule your interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as early as possible, since wait times vary greatly.
认真填写DS-160非移民签证申请表，上传符合要求的证件照。缴纳签证申请费，并尽早预约就近的美国使领馆面谈时间，因为各地等待时间差异很大。
For the F-1 visa interview, prepare to explain your study plans, ties to your home country, and funding sources clearly. Bring your I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS payment receipt, passport, financial documents, and acceptance letter.
在F-1签证面谈中，请准备好清晰地说明你的学习计划、与祖国的联系以及资金来源。务必携带I-20、DS-160确认页、SEVIS缴费收据、护照、资金证明和录取通知书。
3. Arrange Your Finances and Banking | 安排财务与银行业务
Open a U.S. bank account soon after arrival, but do some groundwork beforehand. Research major banks that have branches near your campus and offer student-friendly accounts with low fees. Many international students find it useful to carry a small amount of U.S. dollars in cash for initial expenses.
抵达后尽快开设美国银行账户，但提前要做好功课。研究校园附近有哪些大型银行提供费用低廉的学生账户。许多国际生发现携带少量美元现金用于初期开销很有帮助。
Inform your home bank of your travel dates to prevent your cards from being blocked. Consider getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Understand the currency exchange rate and set a realistic monthly budget for housing, food, transport, and textbooks.
通知你国内的银行你的出行日期，以免银行卡被冻结。考虑办理一张免外币交易费的信用卡。了解汇率，并为住宿、饮食、交通和教材制定一个切实的月度预算。
4. Secure Housing and Meal Plans | 确定住宿与餐饮计划
If you intend to live on campus, submit your housing application before the priority deadline. Research dormitory options, room types, and community features. Most universities require you to choose a meal plan when you apply for housing.
如果你打算住校内，请在优先截止日期前提交住宿申请。研究宿舍选择、房间类型和社区特色。大多数大学在申请住宿时要求你选择一份膳食计划。
For off-campus housing, use university-approved listing services and never wire money before seeing a property. Read the lease agreement carefully, paying attention to utilities, maintenance responsibilities, and cancellation policies.
对于校外住宿，请使用大学认证的房源平台，切勿在未实地看房前汇款。仔细阅读租赁合同，特别留意水电杂费、维修责任和退租条款。
5. Complete Health Requirements and Get Insurance | 完成健康要求并购买保险
Most U.S. colleges mandate specific immunizations and a tuberculosis screening. Download the health forms from your student portal, have your doctor complete them, and upload them before the deadline. Failure to comply may block your class registration.
大多数美国高校强制要求接种特定疫苗并进行结核病筛查。从学生门户下载健康表格，让医生填写，并在截止日期前上传。未遵守可能影响你的课程注册。
Health insurance is compulsory. Your university will offer a student health plan, but you may be able to waive it if you purchase an equivalent plan that meets the school’s requirements. Compare coverage, deductibles, and network providers carefully.
医疗保险是强制性的。学校会提供学生健康计划，但你也可以购买符合学校要求的等效保险来申请豁免。仔细比较保障范围、免赔额和网络内医疗服务提供者。
6. Plan Your Travel and Book Flights | 规划行程并预订机票
Book your flight only after your visa is approved, unless the fare is fully refundable. Aim to arrive in the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20, as earlier entry is not allowed under F-1 regulations.
仅在签证获批后再预订机票，除非票价可全额退款。根据F-1规定，你最早只能在I-20上列出的项目开始日期前30天内入境，切勿提前抵达。
Choose a flight that lands during daytime hours if possible, and consider booking a shuttle or airport pickup service organized by your university’s international student office. Share your itinerary with family and your university contact.
尽量选择白天抵达的航班，并考虑预订由学校国际学生办公室组织的接机或班车服务。将你的行程分享给家人和学校联系人。
7. Pack Smart: Essentials, Documents, and Prohibited Items | 巧妙打包：必需品、文件与违禁物品
Pack your important documents in your carry-on bag: passport with visa, I-20, SEVIS receipt, financial proof, acceptance letter, immunization records, and emergency contacts. Never put these in checked luggage.
将重要文件放入随身行李：带有签证的护照、I-20表格、SEVIS缴费收据、资金证明、录取通知书、免疫记录和紧急联系人信息。这些切勿放入托运行李。
Bring a few sets of seasonal clothing, but leave room for purchases in the U.S. Bedding and kitchen items can be bought cheaply after arrival. Prescription medications should be in original containers with a doctor’s note.
携带几套应季衣物，但要留出空间以便在美国购置物品。床上用品和厨房用具抵达后可以低价购买。处方药需放在原装容器中并附医生证明。
Do not pack fresh fruits, meat products, or plant items, as they may violate customs regulations. Check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for carry-on restrictions on liquids and electronics.
不要携带新鲜水果、肉类制品或植物物品，它们可能违反海关规定。查看运输安全管理局（TSA）关于随身行李中液体和电子产品的限制指南。
8. Know What to Expect at the Port of Entry | 了解入境口岸的程序
Upon landing, proceed to the customs and border protection area. Present your passport, visa, and I-20 to the officer. You may be asked to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Answer questions clearly and honestly about your university and major.
着陆后，前往海关与边境保护区域。向官员出示护照、签证和I-20。你可能需要提供指纹和照片。就你的大学和专业等问题给出清晰、诚实的回答。
Your I-20 will be stamped and your I-94 arrival/departure record will be created electronically. Double-check that the admission stamp and I-94 reflect F-1 status and “D/S” (Duration of Status). Keep these records permanently.
你的I-20会被盖章，系统将自动生成I-94入境/离境记录。仔细检查入境章和I-94上是否显示F-1身份和“D/S”（身份持续有效）。永久保留这些记录。
9. Settle into Campus and Attend Orientation | 安顿校园并参加新生培训
Once on campus, check into your housing and explore the area. Locate the dining hall, library, student health center, and international student office. Unpack essentials first and make your room comfortable.
抵达校园后，办理住宿入住并熟悉周边环境。找到食堂、图书馆、学生健康中心和国际学生办公室。先取出必需品进行整理，让房间变得舒适。
Orientation is mandatory and invaluable. You will learn about academic policies, campus safety, cultural adjustment, and immigration rules. Use this time to meet peers, join campus tours, and ask questions.
新生培训是强制参加且价值非凡的活动。你将了解学术政策、校园安全、文化适应和移民规定。借此机会结识同学、参与校园参观并提问。
10. Set Up Communication and Stay Connected | 建立通信并保持联系
Buy a U.S. SIM card or a prepaid plan soon after arrival. Compare major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, or mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that offer cheaper student options. Most plans include data, which is essential for navigation apps and staying in touch.
抵达后尽快购买美国SIM卡或预付费套餐。比较Verizon、T-Mobile、AT&T等主要运营商，或提供更便宜学生套餐的移动虚拟网络运营商（MVNO）。大部分套餐包含数据流量，这对导航软件和保持联系至关重要。
Download useful apps before you leave or as soon as you have Wi-Fi: your university app, Google Maps, Uber or Lyft, banking app, and a messaging tool like WhatsApp. Share your new U.S. phone number with family promptly.
在出发前或连上Wi-Fi后立即下载实用应用：自己大学的官方应用、谷歌地图、Uber或Lyft、银行应用以及WhatsApp等消息工具。及时将新的美国手机号告知家人。
11. Understand Cultural Transition and Academic Expectations | 理解文化过渡与学业要求
Culture shock is normal. You might feel excitement followed by frustration or homesickness. Give yourself time to adjust. Respect differences in classroom etiquette: active participation, critical thinking, and citing sources are key expectations in U.S. higher education.
文化冲击是正常现象。你可能会从兴奋转为挫败或想家。给自己时间去适应。尊重课堂礼仪上的差异：积极参与、批判性思维和注明引用来源是美国高等教育的核心要求。
Build a support network by joining international student clubs, attending events, and visiting faculty during office hours. Do not hesitate to use campus counseling services if you feel overwhelmed.
通过加入国际学生社团、参加活动以及在办公时间拜访教授来建立支持网络。如果感到不堪重负，请不要犹豫使用校园心理咨询服务。
12. Maintain Your Legal Status and Safety | 维护合法身份与安全
To maintain F-1 status, you must enroll full-time each semester, never work off-campus without authorization, and update your address within 10 days of moving. Report any changes to your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately.
为维持F-1身份，你必须每学期全日制注册学习，未经授权不得在校外工作，搬家后10天内更新地址。任何变动应立即向学校的指定校方负责人（DSO）报告。
Prioritize personal safety: program emergency numbers into your phone, know campus blue-light locations, and follow local traffic laws. Always lock your door and do not share personal information with strangers.
将个人安全放在首位：将紧急号码存入手机，了解校园紧急呼叫亭位置，遵守当地交通法规。随时锁好房门，不要向陌生人透露个人信息。
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