Guide
Welcome Guide for New Students by Burkinabe
Students Network (BSN)
U.S. Arrival Basics (At the Airport)
Documents to Keep Handy:
- Passport and student visa (F-1, J-1, etc.)
- I-20 or DS-2019 form
- Admission letter from your university
- Proof of finances and SEVIS payment receipt
Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
All of our publications and online resources are made available free of charge, and we intend to keep it that way. Donations are appreciated.
Transportation:
Most airports have ride-share services (Uber, Lyft), airport shuttles, or taxis. Some universities offer free pick-up. Ask your international office in advance.
Finding Housing
Temporary Stay:
Book a short-term place (hotel, Airbnb, or dorm) for the first few days.
Long-Term Housing:
Look for student apartments, university housing, or shared rentals near campus. Check with your school’s housing office or international student groups.
Phone and Internet
- Buy a U.S. SIM card at the airport or from carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon.
- Prepaid plans are flexible, and this is ideal for new arrivals.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in airports, libraries, and most campuses.
Academic Preparation & Success
Ac non ac hac ullamcorper rhoncus velit maecenas convallis torquent elit accumsan eu est pulvinar pretium congue a vestibulum suspendisse scelerisque condimentum parturient quam.Aliquet faucibus condimentum amet nam a nascetur suspendisse habitant a mollis senectus suscipit a vestibulum primis molestie parturient aptent nisi aenean.
Ac non ac hac ullamcorper rhoncus velit maecenas convallis torquent elit accumsan eu est pulvinar pretium congue a vestibulum suspendisse scelerisque condimentum parturient quam.Aliquet faucibus condimentum amet nam a nascetur suspendisse habitant a mollis senectus suscipit a vestibulum primis molestie parturient aptent nisi aenean.
Ac non ac hac ullamcorper rhoncus velit maecenas convallis torquent elit accumsan eu est pulvinar pretium congue a vestibulum suspendisse scelerisque condimentum parturient quam.Aliquet faucibus condimentum amet nam a nascetur suspendisse habitant a mollis senectus suscipit a vestibulum primis molestie parturient aptent nisi aenean.
Ac non ac hac ullamcorper rhoncus velit maecenas convallis torquent elit accumsan eu est pulvinar pretium congue a vestibulum suspendisse scelerisque condimentum parturient quam.Aliquet faucibus condimentum amet nam a nascetur suspendisse habitant a mollis senectus suscipit a vestibulum primis molestie parturient aptent nisi aenean.
Ac non ac hac ullamcorper rhoncus velit maecenas convallis torquent elit accumsan eu est pulvinar pretium congue a vestibulum suspendisse scelerisque condimentum parturient quam.Aliquet faucibus condimentum amet nam a nascetur suspendisse habitant a mollis senectus suscipit a vestibulum primis molestie parturient aptent nisi aenean.
Ac non ac hac ullamcorper rhoncus velit maecenas convallis torquent elit accumsan eu est pulvinar pretium congue a vestibulum suspendisse scelerisque condimentum parturient quam.Aliquet faucibus condimentum amet nam a nascetur suspendisse habitant a mollis senectus suscipit a vestibulum primis molestie parturient aptent nisi aenean.
Ac non ac hac ullamcorper rhoncus velit maecenas convallis torquent elit accumsan eu est pulvinar pretium congue a vestibulum suspendisse scelerisque condimentum parturient quam.Aliquet faucibus condimentum amet nam a nascetur suspendisse habitant a mollis senectus suscipit a vestibulum primis molestie parturient aptent nisi aenean.
Ac non ac hac ullamcorper rhoncus velit maecenas convallis torquent elit accumsan eu est pulvinar pretium congue a vestibulum suspendisse scelerisque condimentum parturient quam.Aliquet faucibus condimentum amet nam a nascetur suspendisse habitant a mollis senectus suscipit a vestibulum primis molestie parturient aptent nisi aenean.
Ac non ac hac ullamcorper rhoncus velit maecenas convallis torquent elit accumsan eu est pulvinar pretium congue a vestibulum suspendisse scelerisque condimentum parturient quam.Aliquet faucibus condimentum amet nam a nascetur suspendisse habitant a mollis senectus suscipit a vestibulum primis molestie parturient aptent nisi aenean.
Common Student Fees
|
Fee Type |
Description |
Approx. Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition |
Cost per semester or credit hour depending on your program |
$5,000 – $25,000 Per Year |
|
Health Insurance |
Required by most U.S. schools; covers medical emergencies. |
$5,000 – $25,000 Per Year |
|
Student Services Fee |
Supports campus facilities, recreation, and activities. |
$200 – $1,000 Per Year |
|
Technology Fee |
Access to online learning tools, software, Wi-Fi. |
$100 – $500 Per Year |
|
Housing & Meals |
Dorms or off-campus housing and food expenses. |
$6,000 – $12,000 Per Year |
|
Transportation |
Bus pass or campus shuttle. |
$100 – $300 Per Semester |
|
Books & Supplies |
Textbooks, lab materials, stationery |
$500 – $1,500 Per Year |
*More information at this Link — https://www.edupass.org/about-us/cost-of-studying-in-us/
*N.B: Always check your university’s billing statement online and pay through official portals
Appropriate Clothing
(Understanding the Climate)
The U.S. Has Diverse Weather Depending On Where You Study:
1. Northern states (e.g., Minnesota, Michigan):
Very cold winters (as low as -20°C).
Essentials: winter coat, gloves, thermal wear, boots.
2. Southern states (e.g., Texas, Florida):
Hot summers (up to 40°C).
Essentials: light cotton clothes, sandals, sunscreen.
3. Midwestern states (e.g., Nebraska):
Hot summers and cold winters.
Essentials: a balanced wardrobe for all seasons.
Everyday Wear
1. Classes:
Casual (jeans, T-shirts, sneakers).
2. Formal Events / Presentations:
Business casual (dress shirt, slacks, skirt, or blazer).
3. Religious or Cultural Events:
Traditional wear is welcomed and often appreciated!
*N.B: Visit local thrift stores like Goodwill or Plato’s Closet for affordable clothes.
Banking Essentials (Opening a Bank Account)
1. Most banks offer student accounts with no monthly fees. Common choices:
- Wells Fargo
- Chase
- Bank of America
- PNC Bank
- Credit Unions (e.g., Centris, Metro Credit Union)
3. Types of Accounts
- Checking Account: For everyday expenses, debit card linked.
- Savings Account: For storing money and earning small interest.
2. Banking Required Documents
- Passport
- I-20 or DS-2019 form
- Student visa
- Proof of address (lease or school letter)
- University ID or admission letter
4. Money Transfers
- Use Moneygram, Ria, Remitly, Tap tap send, Waricel or Western Union for sending and receiving money internationally.
- For receiving money into your bank account, you will need to provide your routing and account numbers.
N.B: Always activate fraud alerts and mobile banking notifications.
Maintaining Your Student Status
DO
Attend all classes and maintain full-time enrollment.
Update your address within 10 days if you move.
Keep your I-20 form and visa valid.
DON’T
Work off-campus without proper authorization.
Let your I-20 or passport expire.
Ignore communications from your international office.
Filing Taxes In The Status
1. When: Every year between January and April.
2. Where: Use tools like Sprintax, Glacier Tax Prep, or a local IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) center.
3. How: File both federal and state returns even if you had no income (Form 8843 for nonresident students).
Welcome to the United States and to the Burkinabe
Students Network (BSN)!
This is more than a student group. It is a community that celebrates your culture, supports your goals, and helps you thrive academically and personally.
Stay Connected, Stay Curious, And Never Hesitate To Ask For Help.
Together, we rise.
Our Blogs
Need Help With A Class?
Scholarships that help Burkinabé students access global education and build brighter futures.
From Student To Leader
Meet our alumni shaping change across communities through education and leadership.
Building Global Connections
Creating a vibrant network of students, mentors, and partners united by purpose.