When are you leaving?

[wishthebest]

I apologize in advance if this is a repeated question.

 

It seems that I will move to a new continent to live for five or so years. I know where I will end up starts the fall semester on 22 August and as an international student, they say I will have to be there at least 30 days before the semester starts. Just wondering when everyone who is moving leaves where you are to settle in the new location. I know I will have to do lots of stuff such as housing, license, car, bank, furniture etc. Will 30 days do, or are you leaving say, 2 months in advance? Is there anything else I have to arrange once I get there?

 

Thanks for the reply in advance.

[Citizen of Night Vale]

I think your decision depends on how comfortable you would like to be when you move. Would you be okay with spending a lot of your time in the few weeks before you start your program setting up your new life? Or would you rather take your time doing it? If you're not moving with a lot, 30 days seems like a sufficient amount of time to set yourself up.  

[DrZoidberg]

I know for the J-1, you can maximum enter the US 30 days before the start date of your course/work, and I am fairly certain it is the same for the F-1. This means you cannot legally enter the US on your visa until 30 days before you start in August. Be sure to check up on the specific rules of your visa before planning and buying your flights.

[tamaki]

As an international student I can confirm you can only enter the US 30 days  before your program starts. So no you can't move in two months beforehand.

I moved here for my undergrad 5 days before my program started and was fine. Bank account took me 30 min to open, and you should be fine with the rest.

[Need Coffee in an IV]

Well my timeline will be different since I'm not an international student but my boyfriend and I are planning on arriving in June. My school starts in August, I think? Still waiting for official details but we like to take our time.