I was a student too for awhile and i agree with you guys on all the various ways to save as a student. Getting an SSN should be a priority for every student while in sch. even if you are going to get it through a temp job i highly recommend it. One thing i noticed from my Asian friends is that while in sch they try not to live extravagantly and save a lot.

They also help each other by having tutorial sessions for new students and organizing weekly grocery trips for students who don't have cars. In addition, the connect after graduation and network to recommend each other for jobs.

I have noticed that Nigerians/Africans don't do that because they feel that no one helped them when they were new students and i understand with any one that feel the same way too because i went through without much help However, i helped new students who where unfamiliar with the environment as much as i could and i encourage others to do the same regardless.

armyofone:

ummmm, David your 23 dollars for food not working for me at all. wheat bread alone   and i eat one with flax seed too  .

why do you need wheat bread with flax seed?  

ItsModella:

You've said pretty much everything. I school in Ohio and there is nothing like a temporary state ID unless you mean a temporary drivers license. I do not have an Ohio state ID but I have a license. Bear it in mind that when you apply for a license in a state, you'll be asked for proof of residency in that state. In Ohio, I know you can drive with your Nigerian license for at most one year and you must have an Insurance. Depending on where you're from, you might still have to take the written and road tests. I had to even though I had a Nigerian license. T-Mobile is a cheap carrier. There is also Sprint and Cricket

by "temporary" i meant the paper one they give you until you get the plastic ID in the mail in 2 weeks.
U can use your utility bills as proof of residence as long as it shows you have a mailing address in that state.

Seriously Nigerians coming to the U.S to school without extra funds are just putting themselves in a tough predicament. Without a valid S.S.N, this country is rubbish, I'm fortunate cos I came on a green card, even with that it took a long time to get an average job. Who says you can't work and have a high G.P.A, I work and school and My G.P.A is 3.90, it all depends on your level of determination, Nigerians are the smartest people on earth, not always the most intelligent but we do what must be done to survive and excel above the rest, the best advice I can give to someone schooling over here on a student visa is to network as much as possible, be honest, be cheerful and always have an open mind, who knows you might meet a nice chick or guy that falls completely in love with you and GBAM! That's when your luck begins to shine, seriously stay away from crime, be money conscious, don't spend over 50 dollars on food per month, your cell phone bill shouldn't be more than 40 or 50 bucks per month and above all things be known, the more popular you are, the better your chances of survival. Good luck everyone!

Nice thread

I'll suggest regardless of how much money you came here with to always have somebody you could stay with. Your money would soon run out and work is not easy to come by. Students are limited, but with friends or family by your side there's always a way out for you to be more comfortable.

Mix with the right people (most times, off campus) and who knows, you could get connected to the right source and have the last say.

sandysprax:

Abeg how can a Masters degree graduate from London migrate to USA or Canada successfully? They have reversed the Post Study Work rule here in the UK.It means that once u finish ur studies, u are expected to "vacate the premises".Can anyone gimme me useful advice on how i can successfully migrate from here(UK) to either Canada or USA as i will soon round up my studies here.Thanks guyz!

@sandysprax

Go to www.cic.gc.ca

abbey621:

Nigerians are the smartest people on earth, not always the most intelligent but we do what must be done to survive and excel above the rest.

I love this quote.

well for me I learnt through the hard way. I am a college Freshman and have no relatives here in the US apart from the ones at home (Naija). I got a mouth-watering scholarship from my school but did not manage it well. First, I got a single which was $350 above my school's calculated average for housing (didn't know before hand that it was that expensive) and did not complete all the pre-departure medical requirements from home ( I paid dearly for this mistake!). I had to get a loan to pay off the total extra charges that accrued. My scholarship also covers the costs of feeding during the semester, but I work (15-18hrs) every week to raise enough money to cover the cost of books (not covered by the scholarship) and also help my family back home ( I be/was (a)  kpako guy ).
    Now, I have moved to a triple to drastically cut the housing cost. I  just opted out of my school's meal plan (very expensive ) since I can cook. I still use a laptop loaned from my school since I can't buy one yet. No hipster lifestyle for me o, every kobo sorry I mean cents means a lot to me. I basically starved as I didn't plan well for the winter break, but got help from fellow Nigerians   here.  I am doing pretty good now, my semester begins tomorrow and ends in May. I am kinda happy because I will get enough change from the scholarship and do hope to get a laptop from that. I also have to begin saving in prep for summer housing since I can't go home. I just love the fact that I am struggling to survive here on my own. Getting  to this place and managing well has not been easy, but I will say aluta continua!!

I love this tread. As a student and a shopoholic, I've suffered

For groceries, I'll suggest not shopping at Publix, it's overly expensive.

i.e Honey nut cheerios is $5.47 in publix, but $3.28 at Walmart. Price difference like that adds up at the end.

The best thing to do is to look for a local grocery store like "Whole Food" or "Farmer's market" around you. Their products are usually cheaper and fresher.

i.e okara is $5.99 at publix, $1.99 at Farmer's Market.

Dont shop in haste, settle down to check price difference from other local stores.

Some items are cheaper at Wal-Mart but most of their stuff are expensive. how do they get away with their price hike? Psychology. Since people presume Wal-Mart to be cheap, they expect their "low" prices to e what it is; low. NOT!! They're ripping us student off.

@davidylan,

With the way you handled that yesterday issue,  you won many respects, you ain't an opportunist. People like you are the ones to tell me what US is and I'll believe. Concerning SSN, I went to the SS Administration before the starting date on my I-20 begins and was told DHS couldn't verify my status and was asked to come back. I went back last week and I was told they just sent it for verification which will take 30 days. Question is, can I get it before that 30 days?

Paying rent:

I live in one of the most expensive apartments around here. Wrong choice. I was hypnotized by how lovely it was. We often want convenience, but as a student, the best thing to do is to close eyes and deal with some of the craps local apartments give.

1. I use whatever scholarship money and grants to pay for a  semester rent at once.

2. Make use of your school's FREE Student Government legal system. In any case you feel that you're being treated unfairly, they can work things out between you and your tenants.

3. If you cant make payment on time, talk to your tenant. Sometimes they extend your rent if you cn prove that you have aids coming in. Once again, this is the reason why I pay semester rent all in one time so that I dont have to worry about being late, etc etc.

nice thread

When you have to go to Walmart look for the "Great value" Walmart brand.

They are usually cheaper. Then during the holidays like Thanksgiving, you can go to nearby stores that might need an extra hand during the shopping season and work all the Overtime available.

As a student in yankee, this is not the time to form big boy for anything. Grab all the menial jobs you can get and make time to study.

When you get out of school have a job and stabilize you can start the gbogbo bigzz gals/boyz

Rent:

As an international student, Dont stay alone, find someone/people to stay with and split rent/bills.

Forget about how much you love your privacy , Convenience bla bla bla

imperiouxx:

@davidylan,

With the way you handled that yesterday issue,  you won many respects, you ain't an opportunist. People like you are the ones to tell me what US is and I'll believe. Concerning SSN, I went to the SS Administration before the starting date on my I-20 begins and was told DHS couldn't verify my status and was asked to come back. I went back last week and I was told they just sent it for verification which will take 30 days. Question is, can I get it before that 30 days?

Dont be in a hurry, there is nothing the social security office can do until your status as a foreign student is officially verified by the DHS. I'd say wait a month or 2 then go back for it.

Oh and a bit of advice since i learnt this the hard way - If you must own a credit card, please make sure you pay the balance in full at the end of every month. If you dont then be prepared for a hard slog with a poor credit score for years should you default on your payments. If you can stay clear then use a debit card only. Like my uncle will say - never buy food on credit.

You can use your Nigerian driver's license but it depends on your state. All you need to get a state ID is your 1-20,passport&visa with a letter of verification form your school(sure of only Texas). You might want to verify with your DPS on that.

NB-and for we ladies(even guyz) that like to shop, :-) I will recommend Ross/TJMaxx/Marshalls

Great thread!! This is how NL should be: Helping one another, not what I see/read in other threads.

Kudos to OP n all the contributors!!

-Doing assignments/Research and thesis

I'm currently doing one tho, will not expand on that. I'm sure that we have many on higher level who can help with that.  

-Getting a phone line and cheaper plan


So many phone line out there, most do not require contract so its a lot cheaper. Simple Mobile, T-mobile, Metro-PCS, etc. Most of them are around $50/month. I wouldnt suggest getting a "pay by the minute" phones. Lost my phone once, had to get one of those. Your money will disappear like no man's business o

-Getting scholarships

Depends on the school. Each college and department also offers its own scholarships, the state offers their own scholarships too. Try WWW.FASTWEB.COM  many scholarships out there to grab.

Search through your school's engine.


-Owing a used car (if necessary), Getting a bus pass

EXPENSIVE!!!  And used cars comes with used car PROBLEMS. I suggest not. I've had personal experience. Try getting a bike, then maybe after 2 semesters, you can settle down into your school/program. Think about the car expenses, tag expense, registration expense, monthly car insurance expense etc.

Your school should offer you a student ID. That gets you on any city and campus bus for free. Well, may depend on the school. My school uses the RTS Bus program, which charges a standard bus pass amount on our tuition, allows us to ride any bus for free. Ask your school about that.

As a student, I wouldnt worry much about bus pass.



-Getting a licence


1. Go to your state's DMV (each city should have about 10 or more)
2. Ask for a DMV booklet
3. Study the book, study the questions
4. Make an appointment  for the written exam (not exactly written, multiple choice with both road signs and road rules questions)
5. After passing that exam, make another appointment for the driving exam.

The written exams are usually free. Well, the first ones are, additional tests are $5 each. Driving exams are also free (I think). Driver license are $47 in Florida, might be different in your state.

Hard for some, easy for others.

-Making the right friends.


Subjective. All depends on you and the kind of friends you have in mind. What I will say is that making connections is very important. What I see African students doing is settling down in an African organization, waste of precious time. Branch out. You dont know who you will meet in another organization. Go to social events (not just drinking and clubs o).
Go outside. Siddon somewhere. You dont know what you'll meet I've met the craziest best set of people while just riding my bike or while making a decision at a grocery store. Talk to the next person beside you  


-Getting a job on campus/off campus


This will be hard because a lot of schools are cutting budget, less money less jobs.
Once again, this is why connection is very important.
Apply to anywhere, even the jobs you dont think you'll get.
Search through your school's database.
Do you like that starbucks coffee, look online if there's any job opening position. Do you hate your student government, go on their website and look for an opening. Do you appreciate free computers your school offers, look for job opening at the IT. Even if you assume you'll suck at a position, you get better as you work.

Re: Life In The Usa As A Student.
« #3 on: Yesterday at 06:34:48 PM »

Quote from: uberino on Yesterday at 05:55:23 PM
This is a sub division of the Usa visa enquires page directed to students already in the US.

The Saudi's, Indians, Chinese that are here in the states help out their fellow brothers and sisters from the same country that is why they continually grow.
In unity we STAND, Divided we FALL! Do what you can to help!

Yes o!!!!

i love this Thread i swearigad  

dayokanu:

Rent:

As an international student, Dont stay alone, find someone/people to stay with and split rent/bills.

Forget about how much you love your privacy , Convenience bla bla bla

Sorry o, that's one thing some of us cant compromise on

I'm sure some schools have that student living apartments. i.e 4Bedroom/4Bathroom.

10 ppl in one room is a lil bit too much.

Oh, and for scholarships, I'd recommend becoming an active member of organizations like NSBE, SWE, ASCE, IEEE, etc. These organizations often have scholarships for members. Plus, for NSBE especially, they have a yearly conference where you can attend and meet your fellow 'black' engineers, network and also get potential job/internship offers. Pretty cool.

Keep in mind that a sizable portion of the members of NSBE are Naija people (we're just smart like that) so it's always nice to attend these conferences and meet old friends/make new ones

Sorry my examples are more from an engineering perspective. that's my background so I'm more knowledgeable in this area. I'm sure other professions have their own organizations. The point is to encourage you to be active in those organizations.

Haribo:

Oh, and for scholarships, I'd recommend becoming an active member of organizations like NSBE, SWE, ASCE, IEEE, etc. These organizations often have scholarships for members. Plus, for NSBE especially, they have a yearly conference where you can attend and meet your fellow 'black' engineers, network and also get potential job/internship offers. Pretty cool.

Keep in mind that a sizable portion of the members of NSBE are Naija people (we're just smart like that) so it's always nice to attend these conferences and meet old friends/make new ones

Sorry my examples are more from an engineering perspective. that's my background so I'm more knowledgeable in this area. I'm sure other professions have their own organizations. The point is to encourage you to be active in those organizations.

You're right, every profession has its own organization. And most of them have free money to give away.

I will only tell you few cos America is a different world and you need discipline to excel. You must avoid so many things to cut cost. You plan to get apt and also be ready to work on part time basis.

Get a studio or get a room mate. Also, it depends on the State cos of cost of living.
You must be ready to do your assignment and also reading is your personal problem if you know what you came for.

You  must be careful on how you use your cell fone if you wanna cut cost. Avoid long distant calls if you get one and should be prepaid.

Scholarship depends on the school u intend or you are attending. You should get free bus or also it depends on where you get your apt.,

For getting a car is also a problem cos of the insurance because in America, it better you get an insurance than getting a car without insurance because its a very big problem cos of your new status in the states.

State ids depends on the state. You must have gotten your SS# and then go to any DMV down town or county and apply.  With the ID, you can apply for D/L but must take written and road txt. There are states that issues instant id like in Tennessee.
You should choose your friends since you are an adult.

Pls I am married and intend to further my masters in the US with the aim of bringing my family over after I must ve found my feet.Pls what's ur advice for ♏ε̲̣̣̣̥?Is it worth it?

Don't waste your time trying to toast anyone. Study, study, study like no tomorrow.

don't forget to check the recruitment centers for military, one lovely career here.

SemperFI
God bless our troops.
Marine of One!!
Army of One!!!!

Pls what's ur advice to a married man intending to skool in d US with a view to moving wife n Kid later?Is it worth it?

^^ Honestly I dont think its worth it

Surviving as a single man is difficult enought never mind bringing in your qwife and kids who wont be able to work and you have to fend for within your little means

Pls what's ur advice to a married man intending to skool in d US with a view to moving wife n Kid later?Is it worth it?

Firstly, if you are planning on studying abroad for your masters, you must have at least 3 to 5 million naira to cover your expenses, also right after your masters, you'll be facing deportation, unless an employer chooses to hire you and secure your visa or you meet someone here willing to file for you, all these things must be put into consideration, not mentioning the stress, hard work and luck involved. The truth is if you have 3 to 5 million, the U.K is a much better choice, in fact any European country would be easier and much more cheaper. Now unless you have other means of getting her, which involves a secured visa, I would suggest finding an alternative.

@Kakatazz

It takes a lot to do that in the US . Its better you sit at home and work out things with your family, It's not as rosy in the US as people claim. You are being brainwashed here that it's always easy to make it in the states.

Well, if you got the money to relocate, go ahead.But note, it's not the picture you get back home. There are guys who still come to the US but end up not completing their studies and also get messed up.

Kakatazz:

Pls what's ur advice to a married man intending to skool in d US with a view to moving wife n Kid later?Is it worth it?

abbey621 is right you need to be able to cover your expenses. Except in some rare cases(applies to masters in STEM i.e science,technology,engineering and math) where you could get a scholarship which is only possible if you have very high test scores with a very high GPA

Kakatazz:

Pls what's ur advice to a married man intending to skool in d US with a view to moving wife n Kid later?Is it worth it?

Married men can bring their wives and children to the states as long as the man remain a student. The only downside of it is, when your visa runs out or you finish your study without securing a professional contract from a firm, you and your family would face deportation or removal.

Remember, your wife or kids would have the same visa expire date as yours, but ofcourse your wife would be able to work full time.

And like some have said, if you have your money, you're more than welcome. Your family would not qualify for any benefits or welfarism.

Nice thread !!

gimbus:

You can use your Nigerian driver's license but it depends on your state. All you need to get a state ID is your 1-20,passport&visa with a letter of verification form your school(sure of only Texas). You might want to verify with your DPS on that.

NB-and for we ladies(even guyz) that like to shop, :-) I will recommend Ross/TJMaxx/Marshalls

you can add jcpenney to that list.

Kakatazz:

Pls what's ur advice to a married man intending to skool in d US with a view to moving wife n Kid later?Is it worth it?

Depends on your financial status. but you might want to finish your studies first, get a stable job (which is kindda tricky right now - H1 issues) and be well settled financially before you ask her to come over .

Assuming you even have a 100% schorlarship for your education

How would your wife and family survive when you are not allowed to work and your wife is also unable to work.

You can be drinking Garri morning and night, Would you tell your wife and kids to be doing the same?

If you have the admission get here and start your schooling when its like 6 months to the end of your program, You would have had the experience of what it takes to survive. Then you can make a decision whether you want your wife to come and how she can survive without a job on you solely.

paris10:

Remember, your wife or kids would have the same visa expire date as yours, but ofcourse your wife would be able to work full time.
And like some have said, if you have your money, you're more than welcome. Your family would not qualify for any benefits or welfarism.

Are you sure of the bolded?

Then how do you hope to convince the consulate that you have enough means to cater for your family and they wont become a public charge