In recent years, as an increasing number of Chinese nationals immigrate to pursue the American dream, China has become a major source country for U.S. immigration. After relocating to the United States, the first challenge individuals face is adjusting to a new lifestyle. Cultural differences become critical, encompassing everything from history and political systems to daily living aspects such as food and housing. Immigrating to the U.S. and truly becoming an American immigrant is undoubtedly a challenge. Integrating into American life begins with understanding essentials related to living, eating, and so on. Let me provide you with some small tips and tricks that expats in America should know.
1. Clothing
The continental climate in the United States has significant temperature variations between day and night, especially during the transition from summer to autumn. It is common to be sweating in short-sleeved shirts and shorts during the day, only to experience a sharp drop in temperature after sunset. Therefore, it is advisable to always carry an extra layer when going out to avoid catching a cold. In the winter, even in the famously warm Los Angeles, there are times when heating is necessary. Hence, dressing in layers is the best approach: wear layers that can be removed indoors and added outdoors. It is also wise to prepare one or two sets of formal attire for special events or academic conferences; however, such occasions are rare. Casual dress is generally acceptable for family gatherings unless explicitly stated otherwise. Next, here are some tips for saving money when buying clothes:
1. Direct sales stores are the most economical
Shopping for clothes in the United States has its nuances. Some items may have defects or be factory returns, while others are unsold merchandise sold at discounted prices via direct sales. The prices at these stores are typically about 70% to 50% of standard retail prices or even lower, so careful selection is advised. When shopping, Chinese nationals should consider choosing items in smaller sizes, as many Americans require larger sizes, and the remaining small sizes are perfect for them.
2. Easy and convenient returns
In the United States, if you are not satisfied with your purchase within 14 days from the date of purchase, you can return the item by bringing the receipt and original packaging (taped back together) to the original store (or a company-owned chain) to receive a full refund. Common reasons for returns include "I don’t like it," "It is broken," or "It doesn’t fit." If the price drops within 14 days after your purchase, you can also take your receipt back to the store (or a company-owned chain) to request a refund for the price difference, which is usually accepted since retailers prefer not to have items returned. Sometimes discounted items are limited in quantity, so it is advised to arrive early to have a chance to purchase them. Some friends suggest buying ahead of time within 14 days of anticipated price drops, and if the price indeed lowers, return it for the price difference; if it doesn’t, you can choose either a return or to keep the item at the original price.
3. Stay updated on discounts
In the U.S., discounted items at department stores are significantly cheaper than those at regular prices, particularly limited edition items. Boxing Day (December 26) is the most famous discount day; it is advisable to regularly check advertisements or informally circulate updates regarding discounts around town. Seasonal sales and clearance events typically occur mid-August or after Christmas. Furthermore, promotional discounts may be offered during major holidays. Many local residents enjoy purchasing discounted items. This applies not only to fresh food but also to clothing and household goods, making this a good method to save money. Experts suggest this can save about 25% on household expenses. Promoters or shops may at times offer discount products; typically, customers must fill out discount forms with names, addresses, and refund amounts, along with receipts, and sometimes even cut out product tags or barcodes to mail to designated addresses. Refund checks from manufacturers typically take about 4 to 6 weeks to be received. Additionally, discount coupons can be used, which can be found in weekly newspapers, mail advertisements, magazines, or attached to products for next-time use. Some supermarkets also set up coupon exchange boxes for consumers to trade unwanted coupons freely.
2. Food
American eating habits differ significantly from those of Chinese nationals. American cuisine is generally mild, simple, and quick to prepare, with main courses focused on meat, fish, and poultry. Each meal typically consists of one main dish, and salads and coffee are indispensable, with hot dogs and hamburgers being the two most popular fast food options.
In the United States, aside from universities, public K-12 schools, and large corporate settings, there are typically no dedicated cafeterias. This is due to strict health regulations imposed by various states regarding cafeteria operations; meeting these regulations requires meticulous attention to detail, and inspections can be stringent, exposing significant legal liability. Therefore, even university and corporate cafeterias are often contracted out to specialized food service companies, whose competition results in generally satisfactory food quality in university cafeterias.
University cafeterias are largely similar in offerings and prices. Many newly arrived Chinese students often cook for themselves to save money, but they quickly discover that, considering various factors, this does not always result in substantial savings, especially when factoring in time expenditure.
3. Housing
Americans are generally active, with more than one-fifth moving each year. Local newspapers on Sundays publish comprehensive listings of rental and sale properties, which can be utilized to find housing. In addition to rent, tenants typically also need to cover utility costs, which include gas, electricity, heating, hot water, and minor repairs. Rent is usually paid monthly and typically due on the first day of each month.
During the first year of studying in the U.S., it is advisable to live on campus for several reasons: the environment is often better and safer, and transportation becomes convenient, saving time and travel expenses, especially if one does not yet have a car. However, school dormitories are usually limited in availability, so it is essential to request housing information and application forms from the housing office as soon as enrollment is confirmed after receiving acceptance to university.
Some schools require an application fee and a deposit upon application. These fees are usually non-refundable, so it's important to consider thoroughly before applying to school accommodations, as changing your mind would result in forfeiture of both the deposit and application fee. After arriving in the U.S., if one wishes to move into a school dormitory, inquiries should be directed to the housing office to submit the required application.
If one is unable to secure a school dormitory or prefers not to stay in one, off-campus rental options are available. Sources of information for off-campus housing include:
(1) Bulletin boards: Local ad postings near schools or in supermarkets related to available rentals or seeking roommates.
(2) Community newspapers or campus publications with classified ads for rental properties, which usually include contact numbers.
(3) The university housing office may provide services to help rent off-campus properties.
(4) Referrals from acquaintances.
4. Transportation
The modernization of transportation in the United States ranks among the top in the world, with airplanes, trains, and cars being plentiful and convenient. In comparison, public transportation in the U.S. is relatively poor, with daily commuting primarily relying on personal vehicles. Therefore, after arriving in the U.S., Chinese nationals should promptly obtain a driver's license and purchase a car. Of course, public transportation options such as buses, subways, and taxis are still available. If one lives close to the school, riding a bicycle may also be a feasible option. Overall, unless residing in large cities where public transport is well-developed, such as New York City, short-distance travel in America primarily relies on personal cars, and public transportation or bicycles cannot be relied upon.
1. Bus: Most cities in the United States have extensive bus networks, with low fares generally ranging from one to several dollars. Each bus stop has posted routes and schedules. However, compared to buses in China, American buses tend to have fewer passengers and longer intervals between services.
2. Subway: The subway is the most convenient, fastest, and cheapest mode of transport in modern cities. However, not many cities in the U.S. have subways, and even fewer have extensive systems. New York is the city with the most developed subway network, followed by Chicago and Washington, D.C. For newcomers, residing near subway lines can be quite advantageous for school or daily life.
3. Taxi: Taxis are abundant in city centers and near airports; they can be hailed without difficulty. However, in most other areas, taxis must be called by phone. Taxi meters are usually displayed inside the vehicle, with charges typically based on distance; tips range from 10% to 20% of the fare, or are calculated by the number of luggage pieces, typically at a rate of one dollar per bag.
4. School Bus: Some U.S. schools offer free or low-cost bus services within and around their campuses. If living on campus or nearby, students can easily take the school bus to attend classes, making it convenient and cost-effective. School bus routes and schedules can usually be found in libraries, student centers, and international student offices.
5. Bicycle: In the U.S., bicycles tend to be viewed more as fitness tools than as primary means of transport. Nevertheless, for those living on campus or nearby, bikes can serve as a mode of transportation. It is important to note that U.S. schools usually require students riding bicycles to register with campus police to prevent theft, and failure to register may result in fines. In addition, biking in the U.S. can be dangerous, so safety precautions should always be followed.
6. Long-distance transportation typically refers to travel over greater distances. In the United States, the options for long-distance travel are diverse, including personal vehicles, flights, trains, and long-distance buses. Generally, Americans prefer driving or flying for long-distance travel, supplemented by trains and buses for shorter trips. For shorter distances, driving is predominant, with long-distance buses, trains, or flights utilized less frequently. For extensive travels, flying is the primary method, followed by long-distance buses and trains.
7. Air Travel: The main mode of long-distance transport for Americans is air travel. Numerous American airlines offer extensive flight routes at reasonable prices; moreover, the vast geography of the U.S. means that the majority of long-distance trips are by air. The pricing of airline tickets in the U.S. can be quite complex. Generally, booking two weeks in advance yields the best prices, while prices may double within a week and continue to rise as the flight date approaches. To travel by plane, early planning and early booking are essential. Additionally, U.S. airlines frequently offer discounted tickets, sometimes significantly, meaning it is best to seize these opportunities for booking.
8. Automobiles: Most households in the U.S. own cars, and nearly all adults can drive. Everyday commuting happens primarily by car. When embarking on longer trips, most Americans also opt to drive. When traveling by car, one can either use their own vehicle or rent one. Renting a car is relatively straightforward, requiring only a driver's license and a credit card. When driving on trips, two important considerations should be noted: first, prepare a map and clarify the route to save time and minimize unnecessary detours; second, ensure the vehicle is in good condition and equipped with necessary tools for potential minor repairs.
9. Train: Trains are not a primary mode of transportation for Americans. Compared to flights, train fares are not significantly cheaper. While rail service competes with air travel for shorter distances, some routes between major eastern cities, such as Washington, D.C. to New York, and New York to Boston, have developed passenger rail systems, with frequent service and stations conveniently located in city centers. In other regions, train travel in the U.S. is more about tourism than transportation. Train tickets have a long validity period, making train travel an excellent option for leisurely journeys.
10. Long-distance Buses: Like trains, long-distance buses are not a major mode of transport in the U.S. However, they offer extensive coverage and are often much cheaper—often half the cost of train fares. For travel to remote areas, if driving is not an option, long-distance buses become a viable alternative. Bus ticket prices in the U.S. remain relatively stable and can be purchased on a walk-up basis.