" STUDY DESTINATIONS - US - Students

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Nearly 600,000 students from all over the world studied in the United States last year at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. It goes without saying that America offers very high quality post-secondary education. There are more than 4,000 public and private colleges, universities, and community colleges in the United States, including over 600 public four-year colleges and universities and over 1,650 private four-year colleges and universities. These traditional institutions enroll nearly 15 million students. In addition, over 6,000 non-collegiate post-secondary institutions offer specialized vocational and technical training.

Political System
The United States is the longest-surviving constitutional republic with the oldest written constitution in the world. Its government operates as a representative democracy through a congressional system under a set of powers specified by its Constitution. There are three levels of government: federal, state, and local. Officials at all three levels are either elected by voters in a secret ballot or appointed by other elected officials.

Technology
The United States is an influential country in scientific and technological research and the production of innovative technological products. During World War II, the U.S. was the first to develop the atomic bomb, ushering in the atomic age. During the beginning of the Cold War, the U.S. began successes in space science and technology, leading to a space race, which led to rapid advances in rocketry, weaponry, material science, computers, and many other areas, culminating in the first visit of a man to the moon, when Neil Armstrong stepped off of Apollo 11 in July 1969.

In the sciences, the United States has a large share of Nobel Prizes, especially in the fields of physiology and medicine. The National Institutes of Health, a focal point for biomedical research in the United States, has contributed to the completion of the Human Genome Project. The main governmental organization for aviation and space research is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Major corporations, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, also play an important role.

Economy
The U.S. has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $46,000 (2007). In this market-oriented economy, private individuals and business firms make most of the decisions, and the federal and state governments buy needed goods and services predominantly in the private marketplace. U.S. business firms enjoy greater flexibility than their counterparts in Western Europe and Japan in decisions to expand capital plant, to lay off surplus workers, and to develop new products. At the same time, they face higher barriers to enter their rivals' home markets than foreign firms face entering U.S. markets. The merchandise trade deficit reached a record $847 billion in 2007. Long-term problems include inadequate investment in economic infrastructure, rapidly rising medical and pension costs of an aging population, sizable trade and budget deficits, and stagnation of family income in the lower economic groups. Together, these problems caused a marked reduction in the value and status of the dollar worldwide in 2007.

Health
The U.S. spends more on health care per capita than any other nation in the world. Yet, according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not have a universal health care system. United States health care is provided by a diverse array of individuals and legal entities. Individuals are offered inpatient and outpatient services by commercial, charitable, or governmental entities. The health care system is not fully publicly funded but contains a mix of public and private funding. A new poll released by the American Cancer Society and Trust for America's Health (TFAH) found that Americans ranked the flu epidemic, cancer and obesity as their leading health concerns. Life expectancy is relatively high (78 years) and infant mortality is high.

Society and Culture There are many stories, positive and negative, about American people and many have preconceived ideas from films and television programs that they have seen. It's extremely difficult to categorize and describe 'American culture'. American society is extremely diverse and complex and should not be reduced to stereotypes. Important differences exist between geographical regions, between rural and urban areas, and between social classes. In addition, the presence of millions of immigrants who came to the United States from all corners of the world with their own culture and values adds even more variety and flavor to American life.

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How to Select the Best Colleges and Universities for You

With over 4,100 colleges and universities to choose from in the U.S., the task of selecting where to apply for your degree can be daunting. There are several factors that need to be considered carefully before choosing to which universities to apply. We recommend developing a list of criteria you want to use to evaluate and sort through all of the options.

Following's a list of common criteria:
* degrees offered
* majors/minors
* location (rural or urban setting, climate, proximity to an airport)
* size of the student population (from small at 1,000 to large at 35,000+)
* public vs. private
* cost (tuition, room and board, etc.)
* financial assistance packages and employment options for international students
* campus resources (labs, libraries, computer access, etc.)
* graduation rate/time
* placement success/internship and co-op programs
* accreditation status
* class size
* faculty reputation
* faculty contact/classes taught by full-time qualified faculty
* quality/reputation/ranking
* degree of pressure to excel
* safety (campus, community)
* student body (thnic and racial diversity, international representation, gender, etc.)
* social life (Greek organizations, clubs, sports, school spirit, etc.)
* religious affiliation
* housing options (dorms, apartments, off-campus options)

Admissions Requirements

After you've considered these above criteria, it's time to look at your list and then choose the institutions where you can have realistic entry expectations based on student profiles available for admitted candidates. It's always a good idea to apply to at least three institutions: one "reach" school, where you may not exactly fit the admissions qualifications but you would love to attend; one school where you would like to go and feel that you have a good chance of admission; and one "safety" school, where you meet or exceed the admissions requirements and can count on receiving an acceptance.
Keep in mind that each college or university has its own requirements for admission, and this can vary institution-to-institution, as well as department-to-department within the same institution. In addition, do note that the college admission review process in the U.S. is much more holistic than in other countries. (For example, a student with a poor undergraduate record but significant professional or research experience is often considered a good addition to an academic cohort in some fields.)

Of course, admissions committees are looking for hard-working, intelligent students but other qualifications are also important, such as geographic diversity, professional and/or research experience, foreign language proficiency, leadership skills, commitment to one's community or social service, etc. While colleges may list required minimum GPAs and test scores, this is often more flexible than it appears, especially if the student has other qualifications that differentiate him/her from other applicants.

Do a self-assessment or set up an appointment with a Bharatstudent study abroad counselor to discuss the following requirements and how to put together the best application that will highlight your special talents and skills, and your personality.

Standardized Tests
Be sure to check the schools admissions requirements and if available, a profile of the typical candidate that is offered admission. Often this information is available on the school's websi

Most schools will require that you take either the TEST OF ENGLISH AS FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL )or the IELTS to access your level of written, reading comprehension and listening skills in English. Some schools will list a required minimum score, and others will leave this more open. At the undergraduate level most schools require a minimum TOEFL score of 550/213/80 or an IELTS score of at least 6; at the graduate level, these score requirements are usually a bit higher. Keep in mind that TOEFL/IELTS score requirements can vary department to department; in programs that demand more writing skills, the minimum scores will likely be higher.

Undergraduate programs may also require the SAT and graduate programs may require the GRE or for MBA admission, the GMAT.

Grades / Academic Records
Some programs will have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement for admission. As the Indian grading system is quite different than the U.S. grading system, it's best not to try to convert your grades from India, but instead to include your academic records and if possible, an explanation from your secondary school or university about the grading system. Most institutions are familiar with the Indian system and understand that there is no direct equivalency.

A note on the 3 year Indian degree for graduate-level admissions
More and more graduate level programs are considering accepting the Indian three year degree, due to changes that have come about due to the Bologna Process. Even if it is not posted on the school's website, it's always a good idea to ask as some schools will admit students on a probationary status for their first term.

Professional Experience
Certain graduate level programs, mostly in Business. Management or other professional fields, like to see evidence of professional work experience in a field related to the field of study. Check the program's website to see about these requirements.

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Visa Application Process

One of the most crucial aspects of preparing to study abroad is the process of obtaining a student visa. You will need to be sure to have a complete application and all of the required supporting documentation, and will need to present your case confidently and effectively in your interview. Your Bharatstudent study abroad counselor can help guide you through this complicated process.

Types of Student and Exchange Visitor Visas

Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world come to the United States each year to study and improve their skills. Diverse programs hosted by a wide variety of institutions provide learning opportunities as multifaceted as America itself. There are different types of student visa for different types of study:

Academic studies (F visa): This visa is for individuals who wish to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. college or university. In order to apply for an F-1 visa, an applicant must have received a Form I-20 from a U.S. institution.

Exchange Visitor (J visa): Some academic activities may fall under the J visa Exchange Visitor category. Examples include exchange scholars, post-doctoral researchers, recipients of short-term academic research fellowships, and medical residents. In order to apply for a J-1 visa, an applicant must have received a Form DS-2019 from the sponsoring organization or institution.

Student Visa Interview Appointments

All non-immigrant visa applicants are required to go to a U.S. Embassy or Consular office for a visa interview and to present required documentation to demonstrate their economic and social ties in their country of origin. It is the responsibility of the candidate to prove that they can financially support themselves for the period of overseas study and that they have social and economic ties to India that are strong enough to bring them back promptly.

In India, there are offices in Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. (Please note that the process differs somewhat at the US Embassy in Mumbai; please inquire at the office for specific requirements.) It is important make an appointment for a visa interview early, especially in the busy summer months when there can be a long wait for an appointment and/or processing. You can make an appointment and get more information at https://www.vfs-usa.co.in

Required Documents for the Student Visa Application

For Principal Applicant:

1.	Interview Appointment Letter.
2.	Valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your visa interview date.
3	One photograph as per specification.
4	Original signed Forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158. (Please note that a new form, Form DS-160, will eventually replace the above three forms. Please check this before filling out the forms.)
5	Valid Bank Visa fee receipt
6	Original SEVIS generated Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, approved and signed by the University authority.
7	Proof of payment/receipt of SEVIS Fee I-901 payment, if applicable.
8	Evidence of financial resources: proof of liquid assets sufficient to pay for the entire first year of education and living expenses as well as proof of readily available funds to cover the remaining year(s) of studies. If you are being funded by an organization (Indian or American), a letter from the organization explaining what funding will be provided.
9	Original degree certificates along with mark sheets.
10	Original Bachelor degree transcriptts or high school diploma along with mark sheets from previous institutions attended.
11	Relevant test score reports, e.g. TOEFL and SAT, GRE, GMAT or LSAT.
Note: If you plan to engage in technology-related study or research while in the U.S., a set of specific documents should accompany your visa application. Your application also may require additional administrative processing. For more information, please visit https://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/hitechbs.html

For Spouse / Dependent Children:

1.	Valid passport, visa fee receipt issued by HDFC Bank and interview appointment letter.
2.	Original signed Forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158. (Please note that a new form, Form DS-160, will eventually replace the above three forms. Please check this before filling out the forms.)
3	Original Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, approved and signed by the University authority.
4	A copy of the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 of the Principal Applicant.
5	Photocopy of the Principal Applicant's valid visa (if applying separately).
6	Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album.
7	Original Birth certificate (for each child).
8	Additional documentation of financial resources to support the dependants.

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Visa Fees

Prior to confirming a visa interview appointment online, you need to pay the following fees and obtain a Visa Fee Receipt from HDFC Bank. When going to HDFC Bank, please carry with you a photocopy of the 1st page of the your passport.

The fees payable at HDFC Bank per passport are:

1.	Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): US $131 payable in INR equivalent at consular exchange rate. Visa Application Fee at current exchange rate (Rs. 48/-) is Rs. 6,288/-.
2.	Service Charge: Rs.322/- which includes VFS' service charge Rs 310/- & Bank service charge Rs12/- (inclusive of Service Tax @ 12% and Education Cess Tax @ 0.36%)

These fees are payable in cash or by DD/HDFC Bank cheque favouring "HDFC Bank a/c VFS". DDs issued by cooperative banks are not accepted.

Financial Documentation:
Student visa applicants must have evidence of sufficient and readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study (listed on the I-20 or DS-2019 form), and that barring unforeseen circumstances adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study. Documentation must be original.

Evidence of Academic Preparation and English Language Proficiency:
You must have completed a course of study required for enrollment at the level of study contemplated, and present transcriptts of at least two years of academic work completed. External examinations like TOEFL, GRE, SAT and GMAT help to establish your seriousness as a student. In addition, you must demonstrate during the visa interview that you have sufficient English language capability for your intended course of study in the U.S.

Issuance and Travel Regulations for Recipients of Student Visas
Persons applying for initial-entry on an F visa may be issued these visas up to 120 days before the program start date as listed on their I-20. However, students may not enter the United States more than 30 days in advance of the program start date indicated on the Form I-20. Applicants continuing on a student visa are not subject to this restriction.

These changes apply only to initial-entry students. Continuing students may apply for new F visas at any time, as long as they have maintained legal student status previously and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may also enter the United States at any time before their classes start.

J visas may be processed at any time before the beginning of their programs. However, the visitor may not enter the United States earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date indicated on the Form DS-2019. Applicants continuing on an exchange visitors program are not subject to this restriction

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Documents to be submitted to the university/college you wish to apply to:-

Note this is a general guideline of what is required for most college/university applications. Please check with your BharatStudent counselor for more specific directions.

University/College Application form
In some cases, you may have to submit more than one application form, for example, you may have to submit a general application, as well as a scholarship/assistantship application and a departmental application.
Academic Records/Transcriptts

For Undergraduate programs:
You are required to submit a secondary school report and report cards of your final exams. The report form should be filled out by a school official and should provide your ranking in the class. The school report should talk about your accomplishments and provide a prediction of your chances for success in university-level studies.If possible, ask your school to include a guide to the grading standards used in your educational system and your school. If your school ranks students by their level of academic achievement, make certain that the ranking is included with the other details. Also send the school / junior college leaving certificate as and when it is available. If the transcriptts are in a language other than English, then it must be translated into English only by the issuing authority otherwise it may not be acceptable.
For Graduate Level programs:
Students are required to submit an official transcriptt from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects/credits involved (for each year). Most universities ask for the transcriptt to be sealed in an envelope and signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one copy of the transcriptt.If the transcriptts are in a language other than English, they must be translated into English only by the issuing authority or university.
Statement of Purpose (SOP) - This is usually a one-page statement in which you have the opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee, and tell them about your goals, personally and professionally, and what would make you a valuable addition to their campus community. The statement should contain information about your educational objectives, your career goals, your reasons for wanting to study in the U.S. and in the particular school or college to which you are submitting the application. This is a good time to show evidence of your desire to attend this specific program, and you should take this opportunity to specifically mention what it is about the program (e.g. specific courses, faculty members, opportunities for research) that appeal to you.
Recommendation Letters - At least two and often three recommendation letters from former lecturers/professors who know you and your work. If you are applying to a MBA or Management program, these programs often prefer letters from former supervisors who can speak about your professional accomplishments. These recommendations must be written in English on letterhead paper and must be signed and sealed in an envelope, or sent directly to the school. It's best to prepare your recommenders by giving them some information about the specific programs to which you are applying and your reasons for wanting to attend so that they may write a stronger letter of support.
Bank Statement - A Financial statement or bank statement indicates the availability of funds that you or your sponsor have available to pay for your tuition and living expenses while studying abroad. These funds must be accessible for the purpose of your further education.
An official letter should come from a bank employee on the bank's letterhead with a seal and should clearly indicate the amount of funds available both in your native currency and in U.S. dollars.
To each and every university you apply to, you need to enclose an original bank statement showing adequate funds to cover at least a year's tuition and living expenses. Instead of getting multiple originals, which may not be practically possible, you may get the first statement photocopied (before signatures are made by the banker) and then signed and sealed by the bank manager individually.
Some universities need the financial statement filled in the application itself. If it is indicated as mandatory, you need to get that form appropriately filled by the bank. Ideally, one should indicate availability of funds for the entire duration of the program, but if this is not possible, you should show evidence of funding for at least one year, covering tuition, living expenses and other fees.
Hence, before requesting a statement, it's a good idea to calculate what would be the maximum annual budget from among the universities you wish to apply to, and take the highest amount and arrange for bank statement accordingly. This will eliminate the need to request a new statement for each application.
Affidavit of Support
Some colleges and universities may also require an AOS in addition to the bank statement. An Affidavit of Support (AOS) is a statement to be given by your sponsor (the person who will be financing your education.)
This has to be given on Rs.20/- non-judicial stamp paper, in a prescribed format. Sometimes, the universities have their own forms, and in this case, the form would need to be signed by your sponsor, properly witnessed and attested by a notary public.
To each and every university you apply to, you need to enclose an original AOS. Instead of getting multiple stamp papers and doing the AOS, you may get the first statement photocopied (before signatures are made by the sponsor) and then signed by the sponsor and notarized individually
Application fee
Can be submitted online by credit card, or by bank check in USD $ in the amount required by university.
Standardized Test Score Report(s)
If you have already taken TOEFL/IELTS and/or SAT/GRE/GMAT and are having the scores reported directly to the schools, you may also want to enclose a copy of the score report for quick reference.
Resume
Some programs, for example MBA or Management programs, may also require you to submit a resume or curriculum vitae, to outline your professional experience and skills.
Cover Letter
Although this is not required, this is a good place to include any additional information about your application, for example, when you plan to take the required standardized exams, if you haven't already. This is also a good place to explain any deficiencies in your candidacy-were your grades/test scores reflective of your true abilities? If not, why is this? Also, if you are applying to a college or university that is not familiar with the Indian educational system, this can be a good place to explain the specifics of your undergraduate program and the grading system, which is very different than in the U.S

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What wil it cost?

Before you plan to study abroad in the U.S. or Canada, it's important to have an understanding of the costs involved.

Here are the details of specific costs involved:

1. Application costs
Your study abroad plans start with the application process. If you plan to apply to four-five different universities/colleges, you have to consider the costs, including: application fees, international courier charges, documentation fees and miscellaneous expenditures like stationary, copying, etc.

USA : Application fees range between USD $25-$100 per institution, with most fees ranging from USD $50.00-$75.00. Very few colleges will process applications without this fee and it must be paid before you can get a decision on your application.

Like in the US, most Canadian universities do charge an application fee, and they are similar to what is charged in the U.S.

2. Standardized Tests
In most cases, students have to take one or more standardized tests such as TOEFL/GRE/GMAT/SAT/IELTS as a prerequisite for admission. Test registration fees range from USD $165-USD$ 250 each, not including possible extra score reporting fees, if you do not know which schools you plan to send the scores at the time of registration. If you need to send additional score reports after having taken the tests, these fees range from USD $10.00- $28.00 per school. In addition, if you plan to take a test preparation course, you will have to budget for these coaching fees as well.

3. Tuition and fees
Please note that all the costs indicated are approximate and vary depending on the universities and type of programs. Also note that tuition costs can increase from one year to another; the average increase may be around 5-10% per annum.

4. Living Expenses
The cost of food alone can come to an average of USD $300.00 per month. If you include other incidental expenditures like rent, utilities, entertainment, transportation and other expenses, the average could be around USD $800.00-$1,500.00 per month for a single student depending on the location and the style of accommodation. (Some urban areas like Boston, New York City and San Francisco-- are more expensive than others.) If you have a spouse or children, it's recommended to increase this amount by at least USD $500.00 a month for each dependent that accompanies you. (Note: dependents are not authorized to accept employment in the U.S.)

5. Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students who plan to study abroad. Depending upon the company and policy taken, the cost of insurance for a student could be from Rs 30,000-75,000 per year in the U.S

6. Books and supplies
The cost of books and supplies could be anywhere between USD $400.00-$1,200.00 per year, depending upon field of study and the courses chosen. Keep in mind that in some programs, students are required to purchase a laptop computer and also software packages.

7. Other costs
Your student visa application fees (presently approximately Rs 6,400), airfare and other miscellaneous expenses like a security deposit on a room or apartment rental, basic necessities etc. are also to be factored in while calculating the expenditure involved for studying abroad.

Roundtip airfare from India to the U.S. can cost between Rs 35,000-55,000 depending upon the time of year and airline. .

Chart of Average Educational Costs in the U.S: (All amounts indicated are in USD $)

USA (PUBLIC)
	TUITION FEES	LIVING EXPENSE
Undergraduate	10,000-30,000 US $/Year	7,200-12,000 US $/Year
Graduate	10,000-30,000 US $/Year	7,200-12,000 US $/Year

USA (PRIVATE)
	TUITION FEES	LIVING EXPENSE
Undergraduate	15,000-45,000 US $/Year	8,000-12,000 US $/Year
Graduate	15,000-45,000 US $/Year	8,000-12,000 US $/Year

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Financial Planning

Students who study abroad often regard it as the experience of a lifetime. It's an exciting time when you can learn almost as much outside the classroom as within it. But it can also be very expensive, and it takes some advance planning. By creating a sensible budget and sticking with it, you can better manage the financial side of studying abroad.

Setting a Budget

We recommend making a budget for your first year to get an idea of approximately how much money you will need to be comfortable. When looking at the overall cost of studying in the United States, it's important to distinguish between fixed costs-fixed tuition and fees to be paid to your university or college and your rent-versus indirect costs, which are mostly living expenses.

Once you have figured out how much tuition and educational fees will cost, it's a smart idea to make an annual budget for your other non-fixed costs, such as for food, entertainment, books and supplies, transportation and other miscellaneous costs. Because there are strict limitations on off-campus employment for international students, when you apply for your student visa, you will need to show proof that you have enough funds to cover all of your cost for the first year of study.

Ways to Reduce Educational/Tuition Costs

Obviously tuition is the most expensive aspect of studying abroad, so if finances are a concern, there are some things to consider before you choose a school or program.

Best Values:
Each year U.S. News and World Report, a magazine, comes up with a list of what are called "Best Values: Great Schools at Great Prices" and the list includes schools that have strong academic reputations and are more affordable. The data also includes tuition costs, and the amount of financial aid and scholarships that are disbursed annually. Check this list to see if any of these schools offer programs in your field of study.

Accelerated Programs:
Completing a four or five year bachelor's degree in three or four years can save you thousands of dollars. Students can accelerate their programs by earning transfer credit or advanced standing for college-level studies completed in the home country (for example through A-levels, International Baccalaureate, advanced placement exams, or courses taken at local accredited post secondary institutions in your country, if accepted by the U.S. institution); taking courses at a nearby community college if tuition is lower and credits are transferable; attending classes during the summer if they are available; or taking one additional course each term.

Two-year and Community Colleges:
Many students, international and American, save thousands of dollars in tuition by attending community colleges for their first two years and then transferring to four-year institution to complete their Bachelor's degree. There are many excellent community colleges and often they have strong transfer programs to competitive colleges and universities.

Non-fixed Costs: What's Included and How to Reduce These Costs

Housing
After you have been admitted to a program, your institution's housing office will contact you with information on the availability of on-campus housing. In many cases, on-campus housing can be less expensive than off-campus housing and provides some benefits-proximity to campus, subsidized services such as computer labs, cafeteria services and lounges with television and/or other entertainment, and also the opportunity to meet many other students, American and international.

Still sometimes on-campus housing is not available or is not desirable and you may prefer to live off-campus. Depending on the type of housing you need and the location of your college or university, the cost of off-campus housing can vary considerably. In general, housing in large urban areas and on the West and East coasts is the most expensive. In addition to rent, you should also budget for furniture and other household essentials because most rentals in the United States are not furnished. In addition to monthly rental fees, in many cases you will need to budget for utility costs that can include gas, electricity, water, garbage services, cable TV and/or Internet services and in some urban areas, parking. These additional fees can add from US$50-US$200 a month to your housing costs.

Saving tips: Consider getting a roommate(s) to split the cost of rent and utilities. Buy your furniture used-look for garage sales and check out campus bulletin boards for sales. Check out Craigslist.org, a web site that provides listings of things for sale by individuals.

Transportation
Depending on where you decide to live, transportation costs can add up quickly. If you will be using a car while you are in school, you will need to budget for operating expenses such as fuel, parking fees, and routine maintenance that will be incurred commuting to and from school. On some college campuses, parking can cost as much as US$100 a month.

If you are trying to save money, look into public transportation-it is often more economical than having a car, particularly in urban areas, and can be very convenient. Or consider buying a bicycle or scooter (new or used) to get to campus. Walking is free and is good for your health. Finally, you might also want to budget for airfare home during holidays and other academic breaks so that you can visit with your family and friends.

Saving tips: Many universities offer a free or low-cost shuttle bus service both on-campus and for the areas surrounding the school. Take advantage of it when you can. In addition, be sure to check in with your school to see if they offer discounted public transportation passes. If you plan to buy a car, look at purchasing a fuel-efficient used car, and see about the possibility of carpooling (sharing rides) with other students so that you can share the costs.

Health Insurance and Wellness
Most colleges and universities require that their students show proof of health insurance coverage and this can be quite expensive and is something to be sure to include in your budget. Many institutions offer their own health insurance plan for students and their families, which is often subsidized and costs less than it would if you purchased the plan yourself. You should also budget for other health related items: vitamin supplements, over-the-counter medicine when you are ill, and a gym membership, so that you can have a place to exercise and relieve the stress of being a student.

Saving tips: Many colleges and universities have on-campus health clinics, offering health services at a low cost. They may also offer classes in stress reduction or other health-related areas that you can take advantage of. If there is no health clinic on campus, look for urgent care or community clinics off campus that offer lower cost health services. If you need to see a doctor, be sure to see someone who accepts your insurance. If you'd like to join a gym, see if there is one on campus, and/or if any local gyms have student rates available.

Food
If you're an undergraduate, your college or university in most cases will offer what is called a meal plan that will allow you to eat your meals on campus in cafeterias or restaurants for a monthly fee. The food may not be as delicious as home cooking, but such a plan can be very convenient for a busy student, usually offers many choices, and is often a good deal financially. If you have a family and live off-campus, meals may occupy a larger portion of your budget. If money is tight, try to eat as many meals at home as possible, instead of eating in restaurants.

Savings tips: If you live off-campus, try to use generic products instead of name brands; clip coupons; and pack a lunch rather than eating out. Many restaurants in college/ university towns offer discounts to students; always ask when you eat out. If you have the space, plant a vegetable garden and grow your own fruits and vegetables.

Entertainment and Extracurricular Activities
A big part of the experience of living and studying overseas is what you do outside the classroom. Be sure to budget for extracurricular activities such as movies, sporting events, concerts, trips to museums, short trips to visit friends, and other activities.

Renuka Raja Rao (Education Adviser USIEF New Delhi) (22 Points)
Replied 30 December 2009

If you want to learn more about studying in the U.S., please seek guidance from educational advisers at United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) in Chenna i, Delhi , Kolkata and Mumbai and its satellite centers in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. As part of the EducationUSA global network of educational advising centers affiliated with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, these centers have professionally trained advisers who actively promote US higher education and advise students on how best to access higher educational opportunities available in the U.S. EducationUSA centers are best known for providing quality, timely, comprehensive, and unbiased information on admissions procedures of accredited U.S.colleges and universities.

Services available to visitors in the Delhi center:

1.The resource library is open for the public from Monday to Saturday, 9.00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Please note that there are no membership charges during these hours. Access to resources for non-members is limited.
2. Enquiry timings for visitors are from Monday to Saturday (Second & Fourth Saturday only), 9.30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
3. There is an orientation program for visitors at USIEF every Thursday at 2.30 p.m.

4. USIEF memberships provide access to library resources, individual advising sessions on applications and admissions procedures, visa and other select services.

Mail your queries to adviser @ usief.org.in (Delhi office)For further information, please go to: www.educationusa.info/ or www.usief.org.in/

Natasha Fegan (aswe) (22 Points)
Replied 28 May 2019

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