If you want to study full-time in the United States, you will usually need a student visa. For those intending to study in the United States, there are two nonimmigrant visa classifications. These visas are generally referred to as F and M visas.

During their time abroad, international students have the option of living on or off campus.

Each option has advantages and disadvantages. Most institutions advise students to stay on campus for at least the first semester in order to develop new acquaintances and avoid adjustment concerns.

However, living off campus may be less expensive or more convenient for a college student. Or maybe you’ve already lived in the dorms and want to obtain your own place.

You may enter the F-1 or M-1 visa categories if you meet the following requirements:

• You must be enrolled in an “academic” educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program
• Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
• You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
• You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
• You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
• You must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up.

The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students.

F-1 students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year but they can live off campus, although they are permitted to accept on-campus employment under certain circumstances and limits. F-1 students may work off-campus in three ways after their first school year:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)

F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus in exceptional circumstances such as extreme economic difficulty or special student assistance. M-1 students are only permitted to participate in practical training after they have completed their studies.

For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training employment must be connected to their field of study and must be approved by the Designated School Official (the person authorized to administer the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)) and USCIS prior to beginning any work.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you intend to live off campus.

Utilities and Rent

When you live off campus, you will need to pay for bills independently, unlike when you reside in the dorms. You’ll need to sign up for Internet, power, water, and, in certain circumstances, gas for heating.

Before you choose your lodging, inquire with the agent or building management about the utilities you will be required to pay for. Find out how you’ll need to pay your rent because some require a cheque while others accept a bank transfer.

Read Also: How to Get an F1 Visa Easily

When renting an apartment or a house, you must also sign a lease agreement. Read the fine print attentively and make a mental note of the move-in dates, deposits, clauses, and other pertinent information.

Safety

When you decide to live off campus, this should be at the top of your priority list. Living in the dorms is normally safer because security measures are already in place, but staying off campus may not be as safe.

Conduct research on the area you intend to live in to learn about crime statistics and the frequency of robberies. Purchase additional locks, such as padlocks, for increased security, and never share your keys or access cards with anybody.

Ascertain that your new residence is in a good location and that you will not have to go in the dark or through a risky area on your approach to class. It’s also a good idea to get renter’s insurance so you’re covered if anything goes wrong or if your things get stolen.

Convenience

Make this a consideration when looking for off-campus housing to make your student life easier. Check to see if there is public transportation nearby so you can travel to supermarkets, malls, banks, and other places you’ll need to visit. It would be preferable if you could find a place that is within walking distance of a food store or supermarket so that you can always pop out quickly to acquire what you need.

Of course, find a location that is either close to campus or near a bus/train station that can reliably get you to class. If you drive, make certain that your new apartment or house has accessible parking. Also, check with your agent or landlord if there are laundry facilities in the building or nearby.

Furniture

Before purchasing furniture for your new house, conduct research on what to get and where to purchase it to avoid exceeding your budget. It’s pointless to spend money on brand new pricey furnishings if you’re just going to be there for a few years.

For less expensive furniture in decent condition, look on Craigslist, Facebook groups, garage sales, or discount retailers. Shop during the sales season to save money on appliances, kitchenware, and other necessities. You can also rent furniture or appliances for less money, so look for rental agencies in your region.