Moving to the US from Bahrain for college
If you are moving to the US from Bahrain, you are not alone. There are plenty of others walking in your shoes. Students from Bahrein are no exception, from other students all over the world. Many have hopes and dreams of moving to the US with the goal of attending a premier college and getting a top-notch education. This experience can be exciting and thrilling while frightening all at the same time. However, this once in a lifetime experience will change you forever for the better. You will go through many challenges and cultural differences that will help you grow. So, before you go any further, here are a few things that you should know before moving to the US.
Your visa and health insurance are your number one priority
Students from Bahrain will need an F1 student visa, valid passport, and I20 form in order to enter the US legitimately and attend a college. In addition to the mentioned paperwork, it would be smart for you to get healthcare insurance before your trip. Health care is extremely expensive in the US and this will be a much better option for you. So, before deciding that professionals can help you pack, and you hire them, take care of this business first. There will be no traveling without the mandatory paperwork.
Your next stop is taking care of transportation and housing
Once you are done with taking care of your paperwork, tackle the issue of housing and transportation. If you are a freshmen Bahrain student moving to the US, it is always smart to spend your first year abroad living in the college dorms. This way you will be living on campus and you will not need to worry about transportation. In the future years, once you have settled in, you will feel more comfortable and you will be able to find more suitable options for you. You will have roommates to bond with and you will have less chance to feel alone and homesick.
Hopefully, your dorm room will have a great view.
Moving to the US will be very difficult if there is a language barrier
Studying in English is a big change from studying in your native Arabic. Of course, you might know English on a decent level, but it is rarely enough. You must do your best to prepare as much as possible. Getting a serious education in a foreign language is not a joke. Therefore, you need to grab the bull by the horns and spend as much time as you can prepping. Are you wondering what should you bring to your dorm? Well, there are a lot of things, but a dictionary should be the first packed thing in your bag.
Culture shocks are normal
Every single international student went through some type of culture shock when moving to the US for college. Coming from Bahrain, which is a tad bit more conservative than the US, it might take you a little time to adjust. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t despair when you do. Remember, many before you have gone through the same thing and they have pushed through. Thus, so will you. Feeling overwhelmed at times is expected and absolutely normal. Surround yourself with a good support system to make these struggling times somewhat easier for you.
Once you have arrived, get a move on
Orientation week will be the first activity that you will attend as a freshmen student. Use it to the fullest! Get to know that campus, check out what the school has to offer and most importantly meet new people. Likewise, look for clubs that you might like to join. On the other hand, you also need to unpack, get familiar with your new surroundings, go shopping and many other things. In the first two weeks, you will have your hands full. It is always a good idea to look at guides when doing something important. Check out this guide to unpacking once you have arrived at college.
During orientation learn to navigate the campus. For example, you should know from the start where is the cafeteria and the library.
Open a bank account and get a US phone
When moving to the US, during the first few days upon arrival you should get a US-based cell phone. It will help you stay in touch with your family and friends in Bahrain. Also, it will help you stay connected to new friends that you will make at your new home. Yet this isn’t the only thing that you should do ASAP. Certainly, you should open a student’s bank account. Sometimes it takes a little time to receive your debit card, so it is good to handle this as soon as you can. Keeping your cash in your dorm room is not the best idea. This way you will have that part taking care of.
Make sure you make a healthy balance
You might think that we are talking about your eating habits. Yet, that wouldn’t be the case. Moving to the US from Bahrain to attend a great college or university is all about having new experiences. College life is supposed to be fun and memorable. However, be cautious. You can easily fall behind with your school work and other obligations. Later on, it will be very hard and sometimes even impossible to catch up. So, be mindful of your obligations but do not forget to have fun.
Hiring professionals to help you move
Airlines usually have very steep prices for additional language. Thus, it is very possible you will not be able to bring everything you like to school. However, there is a solution. You can hire professionals to help you move. They can give you valuable moving advice and they can pack and ship your additional baggage for you. If you are looking for reliable movers, you should contact Four Winds Bahrain.
One of the best things about college is making new friends and meeting new people.
In the end
Moving to the US from Bahrain for college will be one of the most valuable experiences that you will go through. There will be ups and downs! On occasion, you might get homesick or get a bad grade and it will all seem like the end of the world to you. But you will push through and latter on it will all be a distant memory that you successfully overcame. The friends that you will make in college will last you a lifetime. Of course, and so will your memories. Embrace this unique opportunity and remember how lucky you are to have a chance to experience something new and unforgettable.
