USA : Student Life & VISA
1. 🛂 U.S. Student Visa (F-1 / J-1 Visa) – Process & Guidelines
Overview: Most international students apply for an F-1 (academic) or J-1 (exchange) visa.
Key Resources:
- U.S. Department of State – Student Visas
- SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Program (ICE)
- U.S. Embassy India – Student Visa Info
- EducationUSA – Step-by-Step Guide
Visa Fee & Processing:
2. 💬 University Student Support & Wellbeing Services
Universities offer support services such as:
- Counseling & mental health
- Academic tutoring & ESL help
- Immigration advising
- Disability accommodations
- Financial hardship support
Examples from Major U.S. Universities:
- Harvard University – Student Support Services
- UCLA – Student Wellbeing Resources
- NYU – Global Services & Support
- University of Michigan – International Center
- Arizona State University – Wellbeing Resources
3. 🌎 International Student Societies & Cultural Groups
These student-led organizations help with cultural exchange, festivals, events, and peer support.
Popular Associations:
- ISA – Indian Student Association (many universities)
- Nepali Student Association – University Chapters
- Bangladeshi Student Associations – Search on Instagram/Facebook
- African Student Association – Example from UIUC
- South Asian Students Alliance – Example from MIT
✨ Tip: Search your university name + “South Asian student group” on Facebook/Instagram.
4. 🤝 Community & Volunteer Support Groups
These organizations provide cultural, emotional, legal, and community assistance.
Student & Diaspora Networks:
- SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together)
- Indians in USA (Facebook group)
- Sewa International USA – Student Volunteers & Support
- African Communities Together
- Nepali Association of North America (NASeA)
Volunteering Platforms:
5. 📱 Useful Apps, Websites & Student Life Tools
Essential Apps for International Students:
- 📱 MySSN – SSN application help
- 📱 USCIS Case Tracker – Track visa/OPT status
- 📱 Google Translate – Multilingual communication
- 🧾 Mint – Budgeting & expenses
- 🍔 Too Good To Go – Save on food waste/cheap meals
- 📚 Grammarly – Writing help
- 🌍 Meetup – Local student and hobby groups
Useful Websites: