We’ve funded 20,000+ educational dreams — act now and fund yours with loans up to US$100,000! We’ve funded 20,000+ educational dreams — act now and fund yours!

International students in the U.S.: What you need to know beyond the classroom

Learn more

The U.S. has long been a top choice for international postgraduates, offering world-class universities and vibrant research opportunities. But life as an international student in the U.S. is about more than just classes and libraries – it’s about building a home, managing your finances and navigating the complex rules of work, housing and daily life.

Whether you’re just arriving or already in the middle of your degree, understanding these pieces will help you make the most of your experience.

Life as an international postgraduate: Beyond tuition and classes

Being an international student is an adventure – one that goes far beyond academics. From finding safe, affordable international student housing to figuring out how to open a U.S. bank account, every detail matters.

  • Housing challenges: In many U.S. cities, rent can eat up half of your budget. Dorms, shared apartments or homestays each have pros and cons – think beyond price to consider commuting, safety and community.
  • Banking and money management: A U.S. bank account isn’t just convenient – it’s often essential for paying rent, setting up utilities and avoiding international transfer fees. Some banks have accounts designed for international students with no minimum balance or special perks.
  • Building community: Finding friends and community can be as important as your coursework. Many universities have vibrant groups for international students, making it easier to share experiences, find housing leads or even borrow a winter coat on your first snowy day.

Understanding these elements helps you stay focused on why you’re really studying abroad in the United States: earning your degree and launching a global career.

International student working behind the counter at a university café, wearing an apron and serving coffee to a fellow student, with posters for international events in the background.

MPOWER Scholarships

International student scholarships are designed with your needs in mind.

Learn-more

Working while studying: Rules and opportunities

As an F-1 visa holder, you’re limited in how much and where you can work, but these jobs can be a critical part of your life in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know:

  • On-campus jobs: Allowed up to 20 hours a week during classes. From library shifts to lab work, these jobs help cover daily costs and build a U.S. work history.
  • Off-campus work: Options like curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT) are only available after you’ve completed a full academic year. These roles connect your studies to professional experience – key for future employment.
  • International student employment isn’t just about money – it’s about making connections and gaining skills that will strengthen your resume no matter where you work next.

For most international postgraduates, these jobs help pay for daily expenses and reduce how much you need to borrow.

Financial health: The backbone of a successful experience

Balancing work, housing and classes is challenging enough. But at the center of it all is your financial health – understanding your funding sources and making them work together:

  • International scholarships and university grants: These don’t need to be repaid and are the best first step for any international student.
  • Student loans for international university students: These are often the core funding source when scholarships and savings fall short.
  • Emergency resources: Some universities offer emergency funds for international students in the U.S. to cover crises like health emergencies or sudden travel needs.
  • Smart banking and budgeting: The right international student banking strategy can save you fees, while clear budgeting can help stretch your loan money further.

These aren’t just technical details – they’re the foundation for staying in status, finishing your degree and building a career that spans countries.

Group of international postgraduates gathered in a common room at night with laptops and paper budgets, discussing monthly expenses and sharing tips on part-time work and visa regulations.

MPOWER Financing’s holistic perspective on funding your experience

MPOWER Financing is here to support you through the full experience of being an international postgraduate – living, working and thriving in a new culture.

MPOWER knows that international postgraduates often lack a U.S. cosigner or credit history. That’s why their private student loans are based on your academic program and your future potential. Their application process is fully digital, so you can apply from anywhere in the world and their loans cover not only tuition but also the living costs that can derail your plans if left uncovered.

But MPOWER goes further. They understand that once you arrive, you’re juggling visas, job searches and cultural adjustments. That’s why they offer practical resources through their Path2Success program – helping you navigate everything from budgeting and credit-building to preparing for OPT and STEM OPT. With MPOWER, funding is more than a loan – it’s a bridge to everything you came to the U.S. to achieve.

MPOWER Financing student loan

A loan based on your future earnings

Apply Now

FAQs

Can international students in the U.S. work off-campus?

Yes, but only under specific conditions. Off-campus work is allowed through CPT or OPT after completing one academic year.

What banking options are available to international students?

Many U.S. banks offer student-friendly accounts with low fees. Look for options with no minimum balance and international wire support.

Are loans the only funding option for international postgraduates?

No – many combine loans with scholarships, on-campus work and family support. Loans often make up the largest share of how international students go about financing education.

How can international students find housing in the U.S.?

Options include campus dorms, shared rentals and university-affiliated housing. Start with your school’s international office for leads.

Does my F-1 visa allow me to work while studying?

Yes – up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year, with more flexibility during breaks or through CPT/OPT programs.


*Rates as low as 9.99% (11.16% APR). This interest rate and APR includes a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

2025 © MPOWER Financing, Public Benefit Corporation NMLS ID #1233542

U.S. office India office
1101 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036 The Cube at Karle Town Center, 9th Floor, 100 Ft, Nada Prabhu Kempe Gowda Main Road, Next to Nagavara, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560045, India

Apply Now