U.S. visa, SEVIS, and state documents
SSN/ITIN basics, tax forms (W-2, 1098-T, 1040), federal vs state filing, and deadlines.
USA · Student guide
California: guide to studying and living in the USA
Student survival guide for California: documents, housing, daily costs, healthcare, student work rules, and personal finance.
Updated on 20 May 2026
State income tax
≤ 13.3%
State return due if you have income, on top of federal
Cost of living
151.7
Index · 2 of 50 — above average
1BR rent · Los Angeles
~$2,800 /mo
Compare with dorm and roommates
Public transit
Strong
Solid metro/bus network in big cities
The 6 guides
Everything about California, in 6 guides
One guide for each concrete need, from visas to housing: start with the one you need now.
How to find housing and sign a lease
Local rental market, lease clauses, deposits, tenant rights, and where to search.
Cost of living and monthly budget
Bank accounts, student-friendly banks, budgeting apps, and tax basics.
Healthcare and health insurance
Insurance, pharmacies, primary care, urgent care vs ER, and campus options.
First days: State ID, phone, and transport
Transit and student passes, groceries, bills, and a strict student budget.
Student work: federal and local rules
On-campus jobs, CPT/OPT for international students, and hour limits.
Start here
What to do first for California
Resolve the decisions that can block your move before comparing cities or reading every detail.
Check your U.S. visa and state documents Start with eligibility, deadlines, and official procedures for your situation. Check the lease and upfront housing costs Understand deposits, guarantees, contracts, and student housing before paying. Arrange healthcare before arrival Confirm insurance, enrollment rules, and where to get help once you arrive.
Your checklist
Before departure and after arrival in California
Use this as an order of work, then open the linked guide before acting on a legal or financial requirement.
- Activate university insurance or Marketplace by campus deadline
- SIM/eSIM and US address for bank (Chase/BofA/Wells often near campus)
- Book DMV appointment within 10 days if you will be driving (CA requires local license)
- Map of safe neighborhoods + bus/BART lines to campus
- Open a student-friendly account and ask for a debit card without credit history
- Download earthquake app (MyShake) and check housing evacuation plan
Plan your money
California: cost of living, rent, and monthly budget
Start with housing, food, transport, healthcare, and setup costs. Treat estimates as planning ranges and verify local prices before committing.
Cities and neighborhoods
Where to live in California: student cities and costs
Neighborhoods, rent, universities, transport and safety: everything you need to choose where to move.
Los Angeles
- from 950 USDroom/month
- 5universities
World capital of entertainment and second city in the United States, Los Angeles is an immense and widespread metropolis, made up of very different neighborhoods, among hills, beaches and an almost perpetual sun. It is home to leading universities (UCLA, USC), the film and TV industry, the “Silicon Beach” tech scene and an extraordinary multicultural culture. The downside is the high cost of living and, above all, the dependence on the car: despite an expanding subway network, LA remains a city designed for cars, with notoriously heavy traffic. Rents are expensive (cheaper than New York and San Francisco) and the market is competitive.
Open city guideSan Francisco (Bay Area)- from 1,300 USDroom/month
- 5universities
The heart of the Bay Area and the technology capital of the world, San Francisco combines hills, fog and iconic views with an unparalleled density of companies, startups and talent. In the region there are some of the best universities in the world (Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCSF) and the headquarters of tech giants, between the city, the East Bay and Silicon Valley. The downside is the cost of living, among the highest on the planet: rents are extreme and the market is very tough. The city is compact and (downtown) walkable, with Muni and BART connecting the region, but petty crime (especially car thefts) is a real problem. Tech salaries are very high and partially offset the costs.
Open city guideLocal context
California: what really changes
Use the destination-specific notes to understand trade-offs, common mistakes, and local differences.
Overview
What changes in this state
Ideal if…
- Tech, film, design, biotech and high-end UC/CSU campuses
- Those with a strong purse or family that covers part of the rent
- Students who accept roommates and neighborhoods that are a little off-center
- Those who want a mild coastal climate and outdoor life
Harder if…
- Tight budget without guaranteed campus housing
- You expect “cheap” rent near the top campus with no roommates
- You don't want to run car + insurance + petrol in suburban area
- Look for light winters everywhere (mountains and north are cold)
Mistakes to avoid
- Sign leases “remotely” without video tours or without understanding if it is rent-controlled
- Underestimating deposit + first month + utilities (often 3× the monthly rent)
- Driving without a valid CA license or auto insurance
- Skip state tax filing (FTB) if you work part-time on-campus
Verification
Official sources and last update
Legal and administrative details are kept in the relevant guide so they are not copied out of context.
Where to verify the information
Federal sources are separated from state sources inside each guide. Always verify the current rule before submitting an application, signing a lease, or paying a fee.
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