CProf:
Good day nairalanders,
I need your advice and help on what to do because I am totally confused.
I am 23, holds a Bsc from a Nigerian university.
I recently got into a masters program in the US with full tuition waiver and a generous monthly stipend that would cater for my living expenses. I already have my particulars to apply for my F1 student visa but I'm scared because of the uncertainty that lies ahead; also the exchange rate is not helping matters
I am sure I would get the visa but as I'm talking, I only have 100k left on me because I spent a lot during the application processes.
I can huzzle and get my flight fee because I still have 2 months to resumption.
Now, my headache is that I would still need up to $2000(roughly #700,000) to survive for the first month, pay health insurance and other small fees before I start receiving my monthly stipend of $1500.
School resumes August 14, what should I do?
Tried taking up loan from the bank but didn't work out.
I am confused at the moment.
Should I go ahead and get the flight fee, get to US with almost no amount except God provides an helper?
Or should I just forget about my America dream
I have exhausted all my options, God help me.
Please advice a brother.

N.B
My parents are old pensioners that only God knows when the government would answer them.



I am at a crucial point in my life.
Thanks

why not get your student visa first and postpone ur resumption to when u r ready.... struggle to get sum money and travel wen u r buoyant enough.... don't forget ur america dream bro, dey av bunches of opportunities not available in Nigeria with the high standard of their education

Thanks everybody for the advice.
I've learnt a lot.

I know Dare, he is a great guy.
I am glad you intend posting your transcript once you get your visa.
Your transcript is anticipated and I am sure you will stay afloat the
financial challenges you are facing now. Who is left out sef? Everyone get their own wahala.
From my understanding, your health insurance can be charged later. What you need to really worry about
is rent and utilities.
My advice is that you start preparing for your visa interview and start reaching out to people currently
in your school. Go to the African Students Association, LinkedIn, international student services.
Many will respond. Talk to them about your concerns and they will offer insights on the realities on
ground. As for me, I even emailed my grad coordinator about the financial package I got even
though that may be a little inappropriate. There lies challenges in grad school, one of which will be
financial. You do not want this little one rattle you too much. Good luck.

CProf:

Sir, a friend has been helping me.
I believe you know holudarey01 on that thread.
I've been a guest all these while, he told me to join NL. I would post my transcript when I get my visa

CProf:

Seriously

Yes seriously....

Plus it depends on which City your school is in too

If it's a place where living costs is cheap then you're extra lucky

sirRiddy:
I know Dare, he is a great guy.
I am glad you intend posting your transcript once you get your visa.
Your transcript is anticipated and I am sure you will stay afloat the
financial challenges you are facing now. Who is left out sef? Everyone get their own wahala.
From my understanding, your health insurance can be charged later. What you need to really worry about
is rent and utilities.
My advice is that you start preparing for your visa interview and start reaching out to people currently
in your school. Go to the African Students Association, LinkedIn, international student services.
Many will respond. Talk to them about your concerns and they will offer insights on the realities on
ground. As for me, I even emailed my grad coordinator about the financial package I got even
though that may be a little inappropriate. There lies challenges in grad school, one of which will be
financial. You do not want this little one rattle you too much. Good luck.

Thanks Sir
I would stick to your advice.
God bless you

.

See this big head . My twin brother.
We started this together remember And we're gonna finish it together.
So get yourself together and figure everything out,you'd survive.
I'm sure you've learnt a lot from Nairalanders.
Btw, when do you wanna pay for your MRV

opmoore:
Guy stay back APC Govt just create 500. 000 Teaching Jobs... No need to rush to America. Coz what you dey find go Sokoto dey your Sokoto now.

You see your life u wicked oh. 23k job for this harsh economy, u wan make em leave golden opportunity. Chei

Hope you don't get stranded there sha...

Look up 2 God thats important .. then secondly get the f...k outta this country... if they are willing 2 pay u while u are still in school over there.. imagine the opportunities that lie after... good luck

They've all said enough.

Life here is very easy compared to what people think.

A lot of the fees you will be paying will go into your student account. Hence you will be allowed time to make these payments. While some school have deadlines for you to make the requirement payment (which will be after a month or two into the semester) some will only restrict you from making registrating classes in a new semester. If the latter is the case, that means you will have a whole semester to sort yourself out.

Bro, I spend only about $120 on food monthly. My rent is $345 monthly including utilities. $30 for phone bills and maybe $100 for miscellaneous. So you see that you can save big with your $1,500 monthly stipend.

Just come here, you will survive like others - the big picture is what matters. Before you know it you will fit into the system.

Once you get your Social Security Number, you can get a credit card of upto $1,500 to $2,000 to ease some financial burden, if you wish o. But Abeg only buy what you need.

The most important thing now is to get your Visa. Worse case scenario you will differ your admission to Spring then Save up more for tickets and accommodation. Trust me, with a visa, you will see someone to even loan you some small money in Naija and you can pay the person $200 monthly for maybe 3 months.

Good luck

CProf:
Good day nairalanders,
I need your advice and help on what to do because I am totally confused.
I am 23, holds a Bsc from a Nigerian university.
I recently got into a masters program in the US with full tuition waiver and a generous monthly stipend that would cater for my living expenses. I already have my particulars to apply for my F1 student visa but I'm scared because of the uncertainty that lies ahead; also the exchange rate is not helping matters
I am sure I would get the visa but as I'm talking, I only have 100k left on me because I spent a lot during the application processes.
I can huzzle and get my flight fee because I still have 2 months to resumption.
Now, my headache is that I would still need up to $2000(roughly #700,000) to survive for the first month, pay health insurance and other small fees before I start receiving my monthly stipend of $1500.
School resumes August 14, what should I do?
Tried taking up loan from the bank but didn't work out.
I am confused at the moment.
Should I go ahead and get the flight fee, get to US with almost no amount except God provides an helper?
Or should I just forget about my America dream
I have exhausted all my options, God help me.
Please advice a brother.

N.B
My parents are old pensioners that only God knows when the government would answer them.



I am at a crucial point in my life.
Thanks

Please how did you get admission with stipend?

CProf:
Good day nairalanders,
I need your advice and help on what to do because I am totally confused.
I am 23, holds a Bsc from a Nigerian university.
I recently got into a masters program in the US with full tuition waiver and a generous monthly stipend that would cater for my living expenses. I already have my particulars to apply for my F1 student visa but I'm scared because of the uncertainty that lies ahead; also the exchange rate is not helping matters
I am sure I would get the visa but as I'm talking, I only have 100k left on me because I spent a lot during the application processes.
I can huzzle and get my flight fee because I still have 2 months to resumption.
Now, my headache is that I would still need up to $2000(roughly #700,000) to survive for the first month, pay health insurance and other small fees before I start receiving my monthly stipend of $1500.
School resumes August 14, what should I do?
Tried taking up loan from the bank but didn't work out.
I am confused at the moment.
Should I go ahead and get the flight fee, get to US with almost no amount except God provides an helper?
Or should I just forget about my America dream
I have exhausted all my options, God help me.
Please advice a brother.

N.B
My parents are old pensioners that only God knows when the government would answer them.



I am at a crucial point in my life.
Thanks

I think this is opportunity is too good for u to pass up because of funds....since you don't have to worry about tuition and u also get to receive monthly stipends then u should take it...U didn't say anything about accommodation though, cos that could be a problem if you're not staying on campus....transportation too...depending on the city u're going to...if u can get all those sorted, you'll be fine.....Bear in mind that they'll also let you stay for a year or two after your studies...during that time,u can get ur papers and stay permanently. Just hustle what u need now...u'll be ok

Canada bam too. I leave for America before I jet out to Canada. .. My Bro pls follow this guy advice and the sky will be your starting point... Best of Luck. ..

Addicted2Women:


Financial aid are given to students whose parents are average or below average financial status.

If his parents makes below $90,000 every year, then he's qualified for a free hostel and financial aid.
That's not the only money will receive, he can apply for GRANT and they will add extra $3000 to the $1,500 financial aid making all the money total to $4,000

He's not a US citizen or permanent residence, are you saying Nigerians qualify for this benefits too?

MsNas thank you ma.
God bless

Holudarey01:
See this big head . My twin brother.
We started this together remember And we're gonna finish it together.
So get yourself together and figure everything out,you'd survive.
I'm sure you've learnt a lot from Nairalanders.
Btw, when do you wanna pay for your MRV

Guy, thanks for everything.
See you in America

sleek82:
My friend i see only one option here and just one....which is to take your chances, since staying back wont guaranty anything either why not just give going to the states a try... I understand all you said about hustling but you still need to give it a try....lemme share my experience with you, maybe that would motivate you a lil
When i got my PR visa in December 2014...i had all i needed to travel since my brother were willing to support me but i had to think deeply if to get married and file for my wife or just travel and then come back after i have really settled down in Canada( this could take between 1 to 2 years or more) because i can only cater for myself alone....after much thoughts, i decided to face life head-on...i got married (registry) and in 3months got my wife's visa too....usually a single PR( permanent resident) applicant should travel with 11k canadian dollars and two would be about 15k dollars but all i had was just 5k US dollars for the two of us and the money for ticket is still there ooo....just one day i told myself i am leaving naija....i dont care whatever happens at the border( becos not having enough for the two of us is enough reason to send us back to naija) i bought our tickets (looked for the cheapest "maroc airline" and came through one of the tightest security airports in canada (Montreal) but i made sure i got loans from people to put in my naija account and had my ATM card with me just incase they ask at the airport for the remaining money.....i declared the correct amount i had on me (5k US dollars) and they just asked if we had where to stay and we said "yes" and that was it.
Not that everything is now very easy but i can say i save myself a good two years of waste because if i had come here without her, it would have been more time wasting!
So please just give the best try and God will do the rest for you. The main problem is already solved and that is your tuition....please proceed!

Bro, how did you go about the application for the visa then, yourself or with the help of an agent?

Everyone just advising him to grab the chance, please are you sure the school is real, I am wondering why they ask you for $600 when tuition is free, please don't fall in the hand of scammers, anybody can create a website give you admission and tuition free tuition fee to steal away your hard earn cash for insurance fee and little change, they ask for little change so you won't suspect. Please bro think twice not to come back here telling us you was scammed. My own little advice just be careful.

CProf:
Good day nairalanders,
I need your advice and help on what to do because I am totally confused.

Na wa ooo. Naija getting worse and your are there asking questions instead of getting the hell out

Anyway when you get your visa send me a direct mail with proof and then i send you $100 travel money . All the best

CProf:
Good day nairalanders,
I need your advice and help on what to do because I am totally confused.
I am 23, holds a Bsc from a Nigerian university.
I recently got into a masters program in the US with full tuition waiver and a generous monthly stipend that would cater for my living expenses. I already have my particulars to apply for my F1 student visa but I'm scared because of the uncertainty that lies ahead; also the exchange rate is not helping matters
I am sure I would get the visa but as I'm talking, I only have 100k left on me because I spent a lot during the application processes.
I can huzzle and get my flight fee because I still have 2 months to resumption.
Now, my headache is that I would still need up to $2000(roughly #700,000) to survive for the first month, pay health insurance and other small fees before I start receiving my monthly stipend of $1500.
School resumes August 14, what should I do?
Tried taking up loan from the bank but didn't work out.
I am confused at the moment.
Should I go ahead and get the flight fee, get to US with almost no amount except God provides an helper?
Or should I just forget about my America dream
I have exhausted all my options, God help me.
Please advice a brother.

N.B
My parents are old pensioners that only God knows when the government would answer them.



I am at a crucial point in my life.
Thanks

Please can you help me out with some information about how to go about getting a scholarship to study in the US. See my thread below. Thanks

https://www.nairaland.com/3157450/application-msc-scholarship-usa

O'boy, forget going to America. That place sucks. I would seriously recommend staying in Nigeria. Way better.

Let us know which state and city you are going may be I can help.

Addicted2Women:
Who told you that you need $2000 to survive for the first month ??
Have you ever heard of Chinese buffet ?? Price rite ??
Wetin you wan chop ??
A loaf of bread is 99 cent

Food is the cheapest thing you can buy in America.

You need no health insurance.

Again, where this country called Nigeria is headed to, you better get the fucck out.

Welcome to the land of opportunities.
Even if you graduate, you will still stay here for a long time before you start thinking of going back

America is the only and best country in the whole wide world, other countries are just local governments

Well said. But then America is not superior to any other country on earth, it's just well an aged and run properly by men and women who put their country and patriotism before personal interests.
Poster, you haven't been well informed. Run your check well.

banmee:
O'boy, forget going to America. That place sucks. I would seriously recommend staying in Nigeria. Way better.

Enemy of progress.

princeonx:

He's not a US citizen or permanent residence, are you saying Nigerians qualify for this benefits too?

Only citizens and PR....not for foreign students

CProf:
Good day nairalanders,
I need your advice and help on what to do because I am totally confused.
I am 23, holds a Bsc from a Nigerian university.
I recently got into a masters program in the US with full tuition waiver and a generous monthly stipend that would cater for my living expenses. I already have my particulars to apply for my F1 student visa but I'm scared because of the uncertainty that lies ahead; also the exchange rate is not helping matters
I am sure I would get the visa but as I'm talking, I only have 100k left on me because I spent a lot during the application processes.
I can huzzle and get my flight fee because I still have 2 months to resumption.
Now, my headache is that I would still need up to $2000(roughly #700,000) to survive for the first month, pay health insurance and other small fees before I start receiving my monthly stipend of $1500.
School resumes August 14, what should I do?
Tried taking up loan from the bank but didn't work out.
I am confused at the moment.
Should I go ahead and get the flight fee, get to US with almost no amount except God provides an helper?
Or should I just forget about my America dream
I have exhausted all my options, God help me.
Please advice a brother.

N.B
My parents are old pensioners that only God knows when the government would answer them.



I am at a crucial point in my life.
Thanks

If you can get to US legally and all you are worried about is your first month, then that is no reason to worry. You have good provision if what stipend you claimed is true. And the possibility to secure a job in USA with a Masters level education is worth more than you can imagine. Salary ranges with a Masters degree can be over N1million a month and easily N2million in other places or with the right position over time.
Do Not Let One Month Define The Rest Of Your Life.

There are americans right now without a penny to their name and other foreigners who arrive with nothing. USA is the easiest place to be broke even if you have no friends or family that can help you. Every city will have charity places that you can search out such as "food banks" and even "homeless shelters" if you really need. Also finding friends and random people to help is not a big problem and the streets are so nice that if you find yourslef having to beg on the streets, you will feel like you are in oppulence compared to hustling publc transport daily on Nigerians roads to and fro a professional job or even compared to attending the finest schools in Nigeria.
You cannot starve to death at all in USA. The very first day any one collapses in the street from hunger weaknesses, ambulance will come to pick them up in airconditined luxury with the best medical equipment. And if you are admited to the hospital and they find it is hunger doing you, you will be fed and even refered for social assistance such as food bank connections. Many people every day are taken like this because of drug and drinkng excesses and rarely hunger.
Test what i am saying and see, you will have to be high on terrible mind bending drugs or lost in the wilderness to die from hunger in USA.
When the weather gets cold, homeless shelters are there and they even go out lookng for homeless people sleeping outside in the extreme cold, to bring them in so they do not die from extreme cold exposure. When the weather is warm, i am telling you, most street areas and under some bridges are cleaner and more well made than the dormitory i stayed in during school in Nigeria at federal government college. Even prisons here fine and clean pass dormitories at any major University in Nigeria. Airconditioning in prison sef, e pass air conditioning in many Nigerian hotels. Come and test it , i no lie

Your worst experence here from being broke for just a month, is nothing compared to working in Nigeria with no guarantee that you will be paid your salary for the next three months and still have to go to work. Any one who can rationalize working in Nigeria with risk of 3 or more months of unpaid salary ,but questions going to USA because of lacking the first Months expenses, is missing the real picture.
There are homeless people who live on the USA streets and they are fatter than the fattest person in Nigeria. They chop well under all conditions. The only USA people that truly look starved and like they are not well cared for are the ones who squander every generosity and good sense on drugs and other serious vice. You will be shocked to see how some oyibo here look devastated like ethiopia famine and BokoHaram attack combined, yet their environment is so pristine and generous. They have abundant supply of drug and loss of control of their will power to overcome. And many die young and suffering. Suffering the excessive abundance disease maligned to bad choices.
Other wise, there is no way at all you will suffer from being broke in USA for only a month. People with homes and good jobs in Nigeria suffer and even die sick from not getting paid salary.
I have witnessed cases in USA where the judge awarded foriegn workers millions of dollars and free permanent residency in USA because their boss did not pay them for many months and threatened to deport them if they complained. The boss lost the business and got jail time and the workers became rich. Even the free money Stipend will be paid faithfully. Salary, stipends or allowances are taken very seriously in USA and can bring expensive legal recourse against the boss owing salary even if it is the government.

Depending on what city you are living, that $1500 can be more than enough or not enough if you have to pay for housing out of it. Some places can have housing as low as $500 a month with all light and satelite TV signal expenses included, while others will cost $1500 monthly to rent even a basic small apartment. Shared housing where you rent a room in a house with other students will always bring cost down lowest ,and if you are in a small town, $1000 a month will cover housing and food. That cost can even be less if you learn where to find food banks giving out free food, even clothing can be found for free at charity places. Also ,other income opportunities are possible if you are in real need.
There are Oyino USA citizens who have only $800 a month with children to feed. They manage by accessing charity for free food and free clothing and other things.

Somewhere in USA tonight, there is a Nigerian (actually many ) sleeping on the street with no home, no money or job. Some are in prison right now sef. And one thing they all have in common from that lowly position, is they fear deportation back to Nigeria more than their lowly circumstances.

I see homeless people on the streets in USA where they are laying/sleeping on the concrete and i look all around them and the place surpasses even the well manicured grounds of sheraton hotel compound. In nigeria, i see people with jobs such as lorry drivers or street hawkers or danfo conductor ,and they sleep on the streets and you cannot find any where as lowly in USA. The homeless people in USA have access to public toilets at many public parks and those toilets surpass anything I had in dormitory life in nigeria where i paid school fees to be. In fact, we had snake infested filthy pit latrines or the bush as the best toilet options.

Dont cheat yourself out of an opportunity so good that you can't imagine how good until you come and see for yourself. I hope the visa and all comes through and you may lose respect for Nigeria's efforts as many Nigerians do when they get accustomed to life in USA. Many Nigerians in USA will refuse to live free of charge in the finest hotel in Nigeria for the rest of their days if they could just stay in USA and be employed under a master degree qualification and earn enough to live and average life in USA and also earn a fair pension after 30 years.

Here is a picture of the worst area to live in in my city right now. And i would live there if my only other option was the finer areas of Lekki in Lagos or finer places of Abuja. Stabilty and functional roads, tap water, electricity and many other public services on top of opportunities.
Look at how people dont use fences and gates to conceal or protect their houses, and this is the high crime are, and still there is less home robbery crimes here than in Nigerian areas with houses fenced in and gated. They park the cars on the streets with no worries.

BTW, this area and that house with the flowers and banner is Muhammad Ali's house where he was raised as a boy when he first took up the art of boxing. It has declined into one of the worst areas in the city and is very cheap to rent there. But the champions house is preserved there and made a monument.

Op think abt d advice u r given n measure ur options