Before anything about visas or immigration — talk to ISSS first.

This guide is warm, been-there advice from students who've walked the same path. It is not legal or immigration advice. For anything touching your visa, I-20, work authorization, or status, the Office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is your official source — and they're genuinely kind. Call (512) 245-7966 or drop by JCK, 3rd floor.

Part one

Still in Nepal

• Passport, I-20, SEVIS receipt, admit letter — carry-on, not checked
• A few home spices & snacks — everything else you can find here or in Austin
• Light layers for a Texas summer, one real jacket for surprisingly cold lecture halls
• A debit/credit card that works internationally for your first week or two

• Bedding, pillows, hangers — bulky and cheap at Walmart/Target
• Rice cooker & kitchen basics — easier once you know your kitchen setup
• SIM card / phone plan — pick this up in your first few days
• Winter coat — only needed for a few weeks a year, not worth the luggage space

A realistic first-semester budget (rough numbers)

Every year is a little different, so treat this as a starting point, not gospel — ask current members for up-to-date numbers when you land. Roughly: shared housing runs $500–800/month, groceries & eating out $200–350/month, a phone plan $15–30/month, and one-time move-in costs can be $500–1,000. International student health insurance is billed by ISSS each semester — budget for it separately.

Message NSA →

Part two

On campus

On August 26, 2026, catastrophic flash floods hit the Nepal–Tibet border region. As of September 2, the death toll has passed 1,100, with roughly 4,500 people still missing across Nepal and China. Many of us have family, friends, or hometowns directly affected. If you're able to help, even a small amount goes a long way — you can donate straight to Nepal's official Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF) below.

© 2026 Nepalese Student Association · Texas State University