Your First Week in the U.S.: Bank Account, SIM Card, SSN and TXST Check-in Checklist

Your first week decides how fast you find your rhythm in America. Here is a proven, ordered checklist for new Texas State University students, distilled from those who came before you.

Day 0 — Landing

1. Austin airport (AUS) is closest to San Marcos (45 min). Keep in your carry-on: passport, visa, I-20, admission letter, proof of funds — immigration officers may ask.
2. Retrieve your electronic I-94 online after entry — essential for SSN and driver's license applications.
3. Get to San Marcos by pre-booked transfer, airport shuttle or a friend. The Vietnam Office can connect you with Vietnamese students at TXST for pickup.

Days 1–2 — Settle in

• Move into your residence hall / apartment; buy basics at Target, Walmart or H-E-B.
• Get a SIM card: budget carriers (Mint, Visible, T-Mobile prepaid…) run ~$25–$40/month, no SSN needed. A U.S. number unlocks most other services.

Days 2–4 — University paperwork

• Check in with ISSS (the international office) — mandatory within days of arrival to activate your SEVIS record.
• Get your Bobcat Card (student ID) — for housing, library, shuttle and meal plan.
• Attend International Student Orientation — visa rules, law, safety, new friends.
• Check your schedule, buy/rent textbooks, locate classrooms on the campus map.

Days 3–7 — Banking and money

• Open a bank account (checking + debit card) at a branch near campus: bring passport, I-20, student ID and your U.S. address. Many banks offer free student accounts and don't require an SSN to open.
• Transfers from home: family can wire via bank (study-abroad remittance) or international transfer services; carry $300–$500 cash for the first days.
• Start building credit history with a secured credit card after a few months — useful when renting next year.

Week 2+ — SSN and driver's license

• SSN is issued only once you have an on-campus job — get the ISSS support letter, then visit the San Marcos Social Security office.
• Texas driver's license (if you plan to drive): written + road test at DPS; bring I-94, I-20 and proof of address.

Don't forget

Call home, install TXState Alert, save 911 and UPD numbers, and join the Vietnamese Student Association meetup. The Vietnam Office sends every TXST student a full PDF checklist before departure — contact us to get it.