This is the planning stage. Ticking these off will save you a lot of stress later.
[ ] Book Your Flights: Use student-focused sites like StudentUniverse or check for student discounts on airline websites. Book as early as possible for better prices.
[ ] Document Prep:
[ ] Get your I-20, passport, and US visa ready.
[ ] Keep your NU admission letter and SEVIS fee receipt handy.
[ ] Gather all original academic transcripts and degree certificates.
[ ] Get your medical records and vaccination certificates (especially for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Tetanus, as required by the university).
[ ] Create a "Ready-Access" Folder: Keep physical and digital copies (on Google Drive/Dropbox) of all the above documents. You will need these for immigration at the airport.
[ ] Financial Prep:
[ ] Inform your Indian bank (e.g., HDFC, ICICI) about your international travel to enable your debit/credit cards.
[ ] Arrange for US currency. Carrying around $500 - $700 in cash is generally a good idea for immediate expenses. A Forex card is a great, secure option for larger amounts.
[ ] Connect with the Community: Join official NU Sanskriti and other incoming student WhatsApp groups. This is the best place for real-time updates, finding roommates, and asking questions. Link to our WhatsApp community: ( https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ie8PuEqcRjB3coV2FUJN4j?mode=ac_t)
[ ] Initial Housing Research: Start looking at Boston neighborhoods online. Use the resources in the Housing Section of this guide. Do not sign a lease or pay a deposit without getting it reviewed by NU's Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS)!