Many prospective international students have been admitted into schools they want to attend and feel extremely excited at the moment. That is exactly how I felt when I got into my university.

While right now you’re likely sharing your achievement and excitement with your family, the period until your flight to the U.S. will pass in the blink of an eye. Time goes by really fast the summer before you start college , and I am sure that you want to be prepared when you enter the U.S. Here are five ways new international freshmen can prepare before the fall semester starts to start college in the U.S.

1. Practice writing skills: Although many international students are able to get a decent score on the TOEFL exam and the SAT writing section, that does not necessary mean that their writing skills measure up to those of domestic students.

Many international students were taught and use so-called “patterned writing” during tests. Students simply memorize the pattern of a perfect essay and some advanced vocabulary, and then produce a similar essay during the exam.

In college, students probably won’t succeed in writing using that method. Therefore, it is very important to practice writing before coming to the U.S. You will realize how beneficial this tip is when you enter college, since you will write almost every day, no matter which major you choose: for email, Facebook, texting, term papers and more.

Another reason is that universities typically have a writing placement test for ESL students at the beginning of the first quarter or semester to determine which level of writing class they should be taking. If you are well prepared, you could be placed in a more advanced class, which can allow you to focus more on courses related to your major.

[Find out how to improve academic English skills before arriving at a U.S. college.]

2. Get an international credit or debit card in your home country: Many banks in your home country likely offer a special kind of credit or debit card targeted at international students. Often, these cards waive transaction fees from foreign countries.

This can help international students receive funding from family without any additional charges. I also prefer not to carry a large amount of cash on a flight, and having an international card can solve that problem.

[Learn other financial tips for international students.]

3. Watch online lectures in English: If you want to get a taste of how U.S. college professors teach, the best way is to watch some online courses. That allows students to practice listening as well as to get familiar with the lecture pace.

You can also take notes while watching online courses and try to repeat the content of the entire lecture based on your notes. I found this a great way to prepare for real lectures.

4. Arrive several days early: Arriving a few days earlier can help students get used to the local weather. It is very important to make necessary adjustments before school starts. When I first arrived in California, I was not able to handle the strong sunshine and the dry air. The next day, I bought a humidifier and some lotion. I felt much better after that.

Another reason to arrive several days early is that there are some preparations international students must make before school starts. First, students need to choose a mobile phone carrier and then a service plan. It took me almost a whole day to figure out what plan I needed and what kind of service to get.

Also, you need to find transportation to get to class. Finally, you want to make sure that you are familiar with campus, so that you will not get lost on the first day.

[Understand how to make the most of orientation as an international student.]

5. Learn to smile from the bottom of your heart: I found this extremely helpful when I first came to the U.S. As a nonnative speaker, it is hard to avoid nervousness when first communicating in a predominantly English environment. Smiles can convey positive energy, and the power of a smile is greater than language itself.

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5 Ways to Prepare for Freshman Year at a U.S. College originally appeared on usnews.com