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Finalize housing, utilities, budget, and healthcare basics.
Finalize longer-term housing (or commit to a timeline)
Time to move beyond temporary housing. U.S. leases are serious legal contracts. Landlords often use the '40x Rule'—you need to earn 40x the monthly rent annually. Show your Job Offer Letter or I-20 as proof. Before you move in, record a high-definition video of every room to document existing damage. This protects your security deposit.
Set up utilities (internet, electricity) + renter's insurance
Your apartment is empty and dark. You need to set up utilities (electricity, internet) in your name. Expect to pay a $100-250 deposit as a new customer. Look for 'New Customer' deals from Xfinity or Spectrum for internet. Get renter's insurance through Lemonade ($15-23/month)—most landlords require it, and it protects everything you own.
Build a bare-bones budget for 60 days (rent, food, transit, phone)
Your first month is expensive—deposits, furniture, unexpected costs. It's time to build a budget. Spend only 30% of your money on rent. Shop at ALDI, Walmart, or Lidl for groceries—you can eat well for $300-380/month. Buy staples: rice, beans, eggs, frozen vegetables. They're cheap, healthy, and last forever.
Learn healthcare basics: urgent care vs ER
Healthcare in America can destroy you financially if you don't know the rules. Urgent care is for fevers, coughs, small cuts ($150-250). The ER is ONLY for life-threatening emergencies ($1,500-3,000+). Right now, open your map app and save the nearest urgent care and 24-hour pharmacy. You'll thank yourself later.