Money-How Much Will You Need?
You'll probably want to open a checking account once you're in the United States, but you'll still need plenty of money for your first few weeks on campus, particularly if your country has restrictions on sending money abroad. Traveler's checks are your safest option. Make a list of expenses you'll encounter, and monitor how much you spend.

Opening a Bank Account
Once you're settled on campus, you'll need to set up a bank account with a local bank. Ask an advisor at your college or university to recommend a particular bank that has a reputation for working well with international students. Banks offer a number of services, including debit cards, which allow you to deposit and withdraw funds using an automated teller machine (ATM) and to make purchases.