When my friend first arrived in the U.S., he felt very lost and alone upon getting off the plane. Over time, through constant adaptation, he is now living comfortably in the U.S. He told me that he could summarize his experience in one sentence, and the following is what he shared with me.
1. In many places in the U.S., tipping is required, such as in restaurants or for haircuts, usually accounting for 10%-15% of the cost; for hotels, taxis, etc., only 1-3 dollars is usually needed. Note: American restaurants generally have only one server per table. The person who takes your order initially is the one you should look for if you need anything later, as your tip goes only to them, and other servers are not obligated to assist you.
2. Rebate and cash back are common promotional methods used in the U.S. A rebate means that after buying an item, you fill out an application form, attach the product's barcode (UPC) along with the receipt, and mail it to the manufacturer, who will then mail you a check; cash back means the cash is returned to you directly at the time of checkout. Note: Good frugal habits are the foundation of life as an international student.
3. You will be required to show identification in many situations, especially documents with a photo, such as when opening a bank account, ordering alcohol at a restaurant or bar, making purchases with checks, or picking up packages at the post office. Documents that can be used to prove identity include a driver's license (you can apply at local motor vehicle departments with a passport, birth certificate, and proof of residence), student ID, credit card, etc. Note: A driver's license can be obtained after passing the written test, but it does not allow you to drive; you must pass a separate road test to be eligible to drive.
4. When studying in the U.S., insurance is mandatory; most schools explicitly state that you cannot register without it. The cost of student insurance is approximately 500 to 1,000 USD. For an entire family, it is approximately 2,000 to 3,000 USD. When choosing insurance, pay attention to whether potential illnesses are covered and what the coverage ratio is. U.S. insurance provides partial payment and requires you to exceed a certain amount, known as a deductible. Generally, insurance covers what is "medically necessary." Note: If the school does not require it, dental treatment is not covered by insurance; additionally, for major illnesses, you usually need to purchase your own insurance.
5. American society is now almost entirely a card-based society; do not carry too much cash to avoid danger. Sometimes using a 100-dollar bill in a restaurant can cause inconvenience, so it is better to carry an ATM card and credit card for convenience. Even so, it is helpful to carry some quarters, which can be used for making calls, paying tips, or other coin-operated needs. Note: If you need to withdraw a large amount of cash (over 2,000 USD), you need to make an appointment by phone in advance.
6. All bills should be paid on time. Bills will usually state the payment deadline, and it is best to pay about a week in advance. If you miss the deadline, you may not only face fines but also damage your credit. Note: In the U.S., credit is everything; poor credit makes it difficult to buy a house or car in the future, and can even make it hard to find a job.
7. Americans love pets, especially dogs and cats, but it is best not to tease someone's dog without the owner's permission. When Americans take their dogs for walks in residential areas, they carry tools and bags to clean up after them. Responsible Americans will take their dogs and cats to a veterinarian for spaying or neutering. Note: In the U.S., abusing a dog is equivalent to abusing a person; those who do not like dogs should keep their distance.
8. When someone sneezes, Americans will say "Bless you" in unison, and the person who sneezed will say "Thank you"; avoid burping in public places, and if you accidentally do, you must quickly say "Excuse me." Note: Simple life habits will help you integrate well into American society.
9. In public places in the U.S., such as on buses or subways, do not speak loudly and remember to queue when boarding. Note: International students represent not only themselves but also the cultivation and quality of their country.
10. This month is Halloween, and there is a custom in North America where children go door-to-door knocking; you need to prepare some candy, otherwise your windows might not be safe. Note: This is a North American custom; the police will not intervene, so preparing extra is the best approach.
11. Renting an apartment is crucial in the United States. Renting on campus is more expensive but has a higher safety factor; renting off-campus is relatively freer with more choices, and costs may be relatively cheaper, but you must check clearly whether the rent includes various utilities. Note: When renting off-campus, try to avoid areas with high crime rates; they are relatively cheaper, but the safety factor is truly not high.
12. This month includes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and many other holidays, especially Boxing Day (the discount day), which is a great time for public shopping. Note: Boxing Day is an annual discount day; if you need to buy your favorite products, you need to go queue up early, otherwise the good items will be gone.