I have been studying in the US for 4 years now, and I've made some mistakes along the way.
So I sat down to reflect on what I wish I knew before coming to the US. With them, I could have gotten the best US opportunities without making many mistakes.
After thinking about it, I wrote out 50 points divided into five parts:
Scholarship
Visa
Mindset
Money
Lifestyle
We have covered Part 1 (Scholarships), Part 2 (Visa approvals), Part 3 (Mindset), and Part 4 (Money).
Today, let's talk about the US lifestyle and culture (the final part of the series):
1: Life in the USA is hard but rewarding
This is not the first point you were expecting to hear, but it's the truth nonetheless.
"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required" - Luke 12:48 (NKJV)
The US will give you more: consistent electricity, a comfortable home, good rewards for labor, a generous salary, and the list goes on. But they will also expect more from you.
Every month, you have to pay your rent and bills. If you fall short, you'll be given a little grace period, then disconnected.
Last year, I bought a used couch from a couple through Facebook Marketplace. When they delivered it to my house, I asked if they were moving or relocating. They said, "No, we were just evicted, so we are moving to a shelter."
How do you deliver what the US expects?
As long as you always do your best in all you do, you'll be fine. The country doesn't give room for laziness.
2: Systemize time for rest and self-care
As you work hard, you should rest hard.
You are not a machine, and you shouldn't treat your body like one. When people realize that what they earn is directly related to how much they can work, they often want to work 80 hours per week. And without proper rest, they find themselves in the hospital, using what they earned to pay for drugs.
That's a big mistake.
You need to have systems in place for your self-care and rest. Take mini-rests every week and at least one major rest every year.
A weekly mini-rest could be going to the gym, running, taking a walk, reading, journaling, or taking naps.
Major rest is taking a proper vacation, such as going on a boat cruise, traveling to another state, or country.
You need to allow your body to recharge so you can work harder.
3: Credit runs the US lifestyle
Credit is how people can afford many good things.
In Nigeria, we primarily use the Debit system; you need to have the money in your account before buying something. Here, they use both debit and credit.
You will be tempted by the credit system here, but you need to control your appetite. I remember having this feeling when I got my first credit card in 2021.
A friend referred me for a Discover credit card, and because she had a good credit score, I was approved for a $2,000 credit line. (Here is my affiliate link to get a $100 and a good credit line when you’re in the US)
I was amazed! I was surprised that I could buy things I could not afford, and you will feel that way too.
Watch many videos on building a high credit score. A high score is an advantage as it will help you get a house, car, phone, and other essential items.
4: Get your temporary driving permit as your ID
Your driving permit can serve as your US ID card.
This is why you should get it immediately you arrive.
Getting a driver's license is based on the state, but in most states, it has two steps:
Pass a written driving test and get a driving permit.
Pass a physical driving road test and get your driver's license.
Even if you can't drive, as soon as you arrive, ask about the ways you can prepare for the written driving test. There are books and apps that can help you based on your State.
With your permit, you didn't need to move everywhere with your passport. Your permit can now serve as your official ID.
5: You will need a car
One downside of US life is the transportation system.
That's one area where other Western countries are miles ahead of the US. If you are living in a major city like New York or Chicago, then this is an exception. Many other states have poor transportation systems.
When I arrived in Bowling Green, the only transport system we had there was the school buses. If you needed to go grocery shopping, you had three options. You either rode your bicycle (if you were shopping lightly), went with the school bus on Fridays, or asked a friend who had a car to give you a ride.
A car here is not a luxury but a necessity.
6: You will feel lonely
It is very helpful to check the number of international students in your school before going.
There are some white-dominated states with very few blacks (even African Americans).
I heard a funny story of an international student who was the first black student in that small city. Anytime he went to buy food and groceries, many people would pause whatever they were doing just to watch him. They haven't seen a black person in real life before, so that was their opportunity to.
I would be so uncomfortable in those shoes.
When you arrive, make friends. You must not only make friends with people from your country. Feel free to mingle with other tribes, too.
Those friends will help you through your lonely days here.
7: Don't be surprised by racism
You will meet kind people, but you may also encounter mean ones.
When I arrived in Bowling Green, I met some of the kindest people I've ever seen. My Thanksgiving and Christmas were filled with so much food and love from friends I met in Church.
I've also met people who weren't comfortable with me and called me one of those racist names you see on TV.
That could happen to anyone; you have to develop a thick skin to cope with it.
8: You can't be fully prepared for the American accent
Even if you watch American movies a lot, you will have your own share.
I have interviewed several international students on my channel, and the major culture shock they had was the accents.
Several of us struggled in our early days of classes, but after a while, we adjusted.
You might have that experience too, but don't get frustrated, we've all been in your shoes before.
Everyone adjusts with time.
9: The tipping culture is unavoidable
There are two things you should factor in whenever you want to buy anything: sales tax and tips.
This usually takes a while to realize.
The sales tax varies by state, with Georgia's rate being 4%. This is the additional tax that is applied to any purchase. The tax is only shown when you are ready to pay.
It took me a while to realize that the cost of bread I see on the shelf is different from the amount I will actually pay for it when checking out.
Tips are another thing that only happens when you have a direct encounter with the seller. For example, eating in a restaurant, getting a haircut, etc.
You also have to factor that into every purchase you make.
10: Prepare to pay for your meal when invited for lunch
A friend of mine at BGSU was invited for lunch with her classmates. She went there with the Nigerian mindset that whoever invites, pays for everyone.
Then she ordered an appetizer, main dish, desserts, drinks, and so on. Having a very wonderful time.
Then the waiter came to ask how they wanted their bill, and the host of the lunch said, "Separate.” That's when it dawned on her that she would have to pay.
Thank God she had her credit card with her. That was her only saving grace.
You will hear, "Do you want to grab lunch with us?" a lot. You always have to check if you have the budget for it before saying “Yes”.
That’s it!
As always, thanks for reading.
Hit reply and let me know what you found most helpful this week—I’d love to hear from you!
See you next Wednesday when we'll wrap up this series by talking about the US lifestyle and culture.
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