Checklist for Nigerian Students Planning to Study in the USA 2024

Last updated on May 22nd, 2023

It can be tough to know where to start when you’re planning to study in the USA. There are so many things to think about and organize! That’s why we’ve put together this handy checklist for Nigerian students planning to study in the USA. Just print it out and check off each item as you go.

Are you excited to travel to the USA for studies and looking forward to bidding goodbye to Nigeria? It is not surprising! Studying in the USA is an opportunity to create a promising career path for yourself as a Nigerian student. It is a dream come true for many, including you.

However, as exciting as that could be, planning to leave Nigeria can be confusing. If you have sorted the funding and financial backup issue, you will be faced with the next significant issue, which includes things to travel with.

First, you are not going to pack every item in your house. So, you must know what to pack and how to put them together. You must also understand that as a Nigerian student planning to study in the USA, you will not return until your studies end.

Here, we will help you with a list of essential items to travel with and other valuable information. Let’s go!

Table of Contents

What documents do Nigerian Students Planning to study in the USA Need To Travel With?

The checklist for the necessary documents to travel with can be long, but we can shorten it by listing the essentials. What is more important is to include all your supporting documents, and here they are!

University-specific and Educational Documents

University-core letters like forms, admission, financial aid, etc.
Course outline copies
Original transcripts
I-20
Immunization documents (COVID-19, Tuberculosis, etc.)
SEVIS fee receipt
Original mark sheets
Attested mark sheets
Final year project report
Degree certificate
Standardized exam score sheets, including IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, etc.
Letters of recommendation
Resume

Travel documents

Passport
Passport-sized photos
Photocopy of US student visa
Flight ticket
Room insurance
Accommodation contract
Bank account details
Accommodation contract

Clothing

Not all your clothing will make it to the list as you pack your items. Although the USA is a hub for clothes for all kinds of weather, studying on a budget can be a factor that can make you sort it out in Nigeria. While doing so, keep in mind that the weather conditions of both countries have a long disparity.

In the US, all weather conditions can be extreme, depending on your location. So, you must factor it in a while packing your essential clothing to study in the USA.

In addition, you may need to attend freshers’ parties and college events, which require special clothing. That means, aside from packing your basic clothes, you must add clothes for each occasion you are likely to attend. Here are some of the items to include in the packing list:

T-shirts
Suit
Shirts
Trousers
Jeans
Ties
Shorts
Underwear
Track pants
Traditional dress for festivals

Additional clothing

You will also need some everyday clothing materials to support your stay in the USA. They help make life easier for you, even though some students can overlook some of them. Below are some of them:

Towels
Hand towels
Belts
Shoes
Sunglasses
Socks
Sweatshirts
A light jacket
Handkerchiefs
Bedspreads
Blanket
Pillow covers
A wallet for a passport

Essential Gadgets

It would be best to have electronics to help you maneuver some challenges and carry out some tasks without stress. Even though you will get them in your destination, you need to get them at lower prices in Nigeria if you are on a budget. Here are some of the gadgets you need:

Pen drive
Wristwatch
Laptop and charger
A headphone with a microphone
USB keyboard and mouse
Digital Camera
Phone and charger

Essential Personal Care Products

Your hygiene is vital to maintain good health. As a Nigerian student planning to study in the USA, you need personal care products to look good. Below is a list of the important ones:

Toothpaste and toothbrush
Soap
Good clean combs
Shampoo
Shaving blade (for guys)
Shaving cream
Cold cream
Hair oil
Deodorant
Lip balm
Nail cutter
Cotton bud
Tissues
Sunscreen
Makeup kits
Sanitary towel

Kitchen appliances/utensils

Your accommodation type will determine the kind of kitchen essentials you will need. Nevertheless, many international students in the USA choose to live outside the campus due to the high cost of living and accommodation in some hostels. Again, for the fact that living on campus requires buying food, some students prefer living outside campus so they can cook their food. Hence, the need to carry vital kitchen equipment cannot be overemphasized. Check out the following items you need:

Knives
Plates and spoon
Cups
Vegetable chopping board
Water bottle
Pressure cooker
Pressure pot

Essential Factors to Consider by Nigerian Students Planning to Study in the USA

Studying in the USA can be overwhelming and challenging. Hence, you must put many factors together and make better decisions. Apart from the admission process, it would be best if you put everything in place before leaving Nigeria. Consider the following when planning to study in the USA as a Nigerian student:

Financing, Budget, and Scholarships

It would be best to prepare yourself financially before leaving the shores of Nigeria. As a result, your tuition and other fees must be settled with their proof before you can study in the USA. Therefore, you must factor these costs into your budget so you are not stranded at some point. Therefore, add your expected costs for tuition, accommodation, study materials, visa, flight, and living expenses to your budget.

If the fund with you cannot cover them, you should look for an alternative. Obtaining a scholarship will help to offset the burden. You may also get a part-time job in the USA as a student to help you pay some expenses.

Student Visa

It would be best if you had a visa to travel to the USA. If you are on a short language course, you may require a tourist visa to make it happen. Nevertheless, any study exceeding three months requires a student visa. Ensure to apply for the visa and submit the application at the US embassy in Abuja or the consulate in Lagos. You should also apply for only the most suitable visa because your application will be nullified without it.

The most important of all is to receive your acceptance letter from the US institution you are to study. Then, once you become enrolled and pay your tuition and other fees, the school will provide the supporting documents to apply for a student visa.

Student Accommodation

It would be best if you had comfortable housing to enjoy your study in the USA. Many schools have their hostels where you can comfortably stay. However, for some personal reasons, you may consider renting off-campus housing. You may book a temporary place and start there first. Then, with time, you can get somewhere more comfortable. Check with the school authorities for information regarding obtaining one.

Student insurance

It would be best if you had insurance to study abroad in the USA. Therefore, find out information and obtain it as soon as possible, especially health and travel insurance.

Packing

This is an essential factor you must not overlook. This article is about the items to pack and when to do so.

Traveling to your place of study

After putting everything in place, it remains time to book your flight and bid goodbye to your loved ones. You should book your flight online because it does not require much stress. There are cheaper tickets with several options you must check out before considering them. Also, find out the flight schedule and ensure to be at the airport at least one hour before departure time.

Conclusion

While the above items are the most important, you may have other personal items that will be necessary for your stay. You can add them to the list. Ensure your luggage is not heavy, as there is a standard quantity of luggage you must not exceed. If you exceed that, the airport authorities will have to reduce it, which becomes a wasted effort. If you have a health challenge, you should not forget to put your medications in your bag where they can be accessible. For every item you need to show at the airport, ensure they are handy so you do not have to scatter your packed luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NECO result acceptable in the USA?

NECO result is acceptable in the USA. However, not every school accepts it. Only a few of the colleges and universities in the USA accept NECO results as against the WAEC result.

How long it takes to process a US student visa in Nigeria?

The processing time for the US visa depends on the visa type you are applying for. Typically, it takes from three to five weeks to process a US visa application.

Which course is easy to get a job in the USA?

For Nigerian students, the most in-demand industries in the US are healthcare, technology, and business management.

What are the requirements for a Nigerian to study abroad?

There are a few requirements for Nigerian students who want to study abroad. First, they need to have a valid passport. Second, they need to obtain a student visa from the country they wish to study in. Lastly, they need to meet the academic and financial requirements of the institution they wish to attend. Check out 15 Requirements to Study in the USA as a Nigerian Student.