Published November 14, 2024
An NYU International Student Survival Guide
Me with my friends the first weeks after I moved to New York!
Being an NYU international student isn’t just about moving from point A to point B. It’s about immersing yourself in a new culture and an experience no one fully prepares you for. In fall 2022, I moved from Costa Rica to the United States with two red suitcases and a one-way ticket in my pocket. I felt butterflies in my stomach and heartache saying goodbye to people who shaped who I am. I still remember waking up before landing, looking out the window, and seeing New York for the first time. Is this home now?
Everyone knows leaving home requires adapting. Even though the process can be tough, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve created a list of things I wish I had known before coming to the United States as an international student. I hope this advice is helpful. And, I hope you know that as NYU international students, we have a community that’s always there for us.
How do I get a job?
One of my main concerns about coming to New York was money. It’s no secret that New York is one of the world’s most expensive cities. I knew I needed a job ASAP, but I had no idea where or how to get one or when to start looking. To save time, start with the Wasserman Center for Career Development.
As an NYU international student with an F-1 visa, you’re only allowed to work on campus. For example, you can work at the gym, library, or as an Admissions Ambassador (like me!). The only requirements are:
- You are a full-time student in an NYU degree or certificate program for which you were issued an I-20
- You have a valid, unexpired I-20 from NYU
- You have a valid, unexpired passport
- You have an I-94 record indicating you are in F-1 status
After you meet these requirements, you can apply for on-campus jobs as an international student. On-campus jobs might seem limiting, but they have many benefits. For example, your boss understands that you’re a student. If you need to miss a shift to study for an exam, they are supportive. In my experience, working as an ambassador feels more like being in a club than having a job. You meet wonderful people and become part of a caring, empathetic community.
How do I open a bank account?
Now that you know how to apply for a job, it’s important to know where your pay will go. To open a bank account, you need the following documents:
- Proof of Enrollment
- Student visa documents (I-20 form)
- Passport
- Home address
Once you have these documents, go to a trusted bank and ask to open an account. They’ll probably ask if you want a savings or checking account. If you’re looking to save and grow your money, a savings account is a better fit. If you need an account for daily use and expenses, a checking account works best. You can also open both, using one for your semester budget and the other for savings.
A big concern for international students is receiving money from international banks. Many banks have expensive international fees. To avoid these fees, budget with your parents and bring cash from home to deposit into your new account.
What is tipping culture?
Now that we’re on the topic of money, let’s discuss tipping culture in the United States. This can be a bit of a cultural shock for international students. In the United States, tipping is common practice. You give a sum of money to people who perform services, like waitstaff, drivers, or hairdressers. So, in addition to the regular payment for a service, it’s customary to give an extra amount as a tip. This amount is typically 18 to 25 percent of the bill.
Coming from Costa Rica, where tipping isn’t as prevalent, I initially found it strange to tip. However, this practice exists because service fees aren’t usually included in the overall price. Workers in these industries often depend on tips to earn a fair wage. Not every service provider expects a tip. Employees at ice cream or coffee shops, for example, don’t typically rely on tips because they’re not providing a personalized service. However, if someone goes above and beyond to assist you, leaving a tip is always appreciated. Even if you receive poor service from a waiter, tipping is still expected because they don’t receive other service fees.
My number one recommendation for adjusting to this cultural shock? Always carry cash.
Punctuality differences
Now that we’ve covered money, let’s move on to time. There’s a common stereotype about Latin Americans always being late, and while I don’t want to reinforce it, there’s often some truth behind it. Back home, I was used to classes starting 15 minutes late, buses departing a few minutes after the scheduled time, and parties that officially began at 8 p.m. not really kicking off until 9:30 p.m. Being late was the norm—it was an unspoken rule everyone followed.
However, in the United States, I quickly learned that time is taken very seriously. If a meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., it often starts at 6:55 p.m. And when a bus sign says it’s leaving in five minutes, it might already be on its way. Punctuality is highly valued. It’s a way of showing respect for others’ time. Although this adjustment initially frustrated me, it ultimately gave me a new perspective on the importance of valuing both my time and others’ time.
Nowadays, when I meet new NYU international students, especially those from Latin America, they often remark on how early everything seems to start here. I always tell them that events don’t start early—they start on time.
If you’re a new international student struggling with time management, my top recommendation is to start using Google Calendar or any digital calendar. Schedule all your meetings, classes, and activities for the day, and set up reminders so you get a notification before the event begins. Make the calendar your own—personalize it with colors for different categories, like classes, meetings, and work shifts. This can make you more excited about sticking to your schedule. Another helpful tip is to set your clock five minutes ahead, giving yourself a little buffer time if you’re running late.
Remember, it will take some time to adjust to life in New York City as an international student. But you’ve got this!
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