A local bank account and U.S. phone number unlock almost everything else — apartments, jobs, paychecks, and bills — so set both up early.
- To open a bank account, most banks ask for your passport, a second form of ID, a U.S. address, and often a Social Security number. If you're not eligible for an SSN, ask about opening an account with an ITIN (a tax ID number you can apply for) — many banks and credit unions accept it.
- Compare monthly maintenance fees, minimum-balance requirements, and ATM access. Banks often waive fees for students or offer low-cost newcomer accounts, so it's worth asking directly.
- For a phone, prepaid plans need no credit check and start the same day — bring an unlocked phone and you can use a U.S. SIM right away. Postpaid (monthly) plans may require a credit history or a refundable deposit.
- Start building U.S. credit early: a secured credit card — one you back with a refundable deposit — is the usual first step. Use it for small purchases, pay the balance in full and on time each month, and a credit history builds over several months. You'll need that history for renting, loans, and better rates on phones and insurance.