8 Tips for Moving to Another State for Graduate School

Moving to another state for graduate school can immensely benefit your future career, but it comes with its share of worries. Many of the challenges that come with moving are unforeseen, such as the dramatic increase in rent or difficulties in finding a job. This article will take you through 8 tips to make it easier for you.

1.Find an Apartment Prior to Moving

Finding a home can be incredibly tough once you have already moved to another state – especially if you have a tight schedule. If you are attempting to move to graduate school, it is best to find an apartment prior to your arrival. If that is not possible, at least find out where the area’s popular neighborhoods are and then enter your criteria into an apartment search engine like Apartments.com or Rent.com. Ideally, you will also want to contact a local real estate agent and set up a visit, if possible. Some places may only allow this if you contact them directly while in-state. You can find luxury apartments that are just minutes from your school.

2.Relocate With a Friend or Family Member

Moving to another state by yourself can seem quite lonely, but having a friend or family member there will make it easier for you. Before you move, you can visit the area for a long weekend to see if you like it and then get your friend or family member to help you find an apartment. They may also be able to give you advice about things in that area that will make your transition easier. In addition, they can be supportive while you try to figure out how to set up utilities, which many people struggle with when they move.

3.Get Your Finances Right

Moving to another state for graduate school will take a toll on your bank account, but you can make it easier by getting everything set up ahead of time. It is recommended that you put aside $1,000 or more to help offset the costs of moving. You will have to pay for things like your travel expenses and a deposit on your new place. In addition, find out if any existing debt will be transferred to your new address and get in touch with creditors well in advance so that the moving process isn’t delayed due to mail going back and forth.

It is also important to know the difference in taxation with the state you are moving to. It can be difficult to know what changes are being made and how they affect your finances, but it may be worth it to do some research to be prepared. In addition, many states allow for tax breaks for students pursuing certain degrees or professional certifications, so it is best not to ignore this benefit.

4.Pack Intelligently

Packing can be incredibly stressful, and you want to ensure that everything arrives in the same condition it was left in. This is why you should pack items that are sturdy and heavy last so that they remain on the bottom of your boxes. Then checklist the important items like your textbooks, and international school uniforms next. In addition, you should label all of your boxes with the room for which they will be used, and don’t forget to leave extra space for items that won’t fit into your apartment initially. This way, you can store them in a garage or apartment storage unit until you have enough money to buy some furniture.

5.Consider Having Your Stuff Shipped

If you aren’t able to bring everything with you, you will have to make a decision as to which items to leave at home. It is recommended that the first things that you ship are the clothes and toiletries that you will need soon after arriving. Getting everything else is much more difficult and expensive. If there are items that will be difficult to transport, make sure that they arrive at your new place before you do so that they can be placed in your new apartment or a storage unit. As far as shipping goes, it is best to use a service that is trusted so as to have your items arrive when you need them.

6.Assemble Your Banking and Health Account Information

You will want to gather all the information you need to set up financial accounts in your new home before leaving. You can do this by visiting each of your banks and setting up a new account while you are there. If the bank allows it, you can also have it mailed to a different address. In addition, depending on your field, it is best to have an account with a credit card company as well. Make sure that when you sign up for these services, they have all of your correct personal information so that they are ready for when you arrive in the new state.

7.Meet With an Immigration Attorney

If you are from a country outside of the United States, you may need to apply for a work visa. This can be done through a government office or an attorney. The process is dependent on where you are coming from and what type of job and degree you have completed while living in that country.

8.Find Family and Friends in the New State

It is not uncommon for people to move when they are graduate students, so if you have a family or friends’ support system, meeting them in your new home can be helpful. This will make moving into a new state much easier and more enjoyable. In addition, it will give you something to do when you don’t know anyone in your new city, which can happen quite to graduate students.

In conclusion, moving to another state can be a long, exhausting process. However, if you follow the steps in this article, the process can be made much easier. They’ll make it possible for you to move into the next phase of your life with ease while also making sure that you have all of your important things with you.

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Maggie Bloom
Maggie graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in communication and writing. In her spare time, she loves to dance, read, and bake. She also enjoys traveling and scouting out new brunch locations.

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