Settle Down
Mobile data
Recommended reference:
The two most popular carriers:
AT&T
https://www.att.com/plans/wireless/
Locations:
3217 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
3787 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
3157 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
2275 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Unlimited Premium PL
Unlimited talk, text, & high-speed data that can’t slow down based on how much you use
50.99 - 85.99 / month
(vary with # of lines you get)
Unlimited Extra EL
Unlimited talk, text, data + 75GB of high-speed data
40.99 - 75.99 / month
(vary with # of lines you get)
Unlimited Premium EL
Unlimited talk, text, data, may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy
35.99 - 65.99 / month
(vary with # of lines you get)
T-Mobile
https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans
Locations:
3500 Washtenaw Ave A, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
444 Briarwood Cir F - 123, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
2827 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Essentials Saver
Unlimited talk and text; 50GB of premium data
50 / month for one line
Go5G Next
Unlimited talk and text; Unlimited premium data; Full-flight texting and Wi-Fi with streaming where available; 15GB high-speed data in Canada and Mexico;
Watch & tablet lines now just $5/month3, etc.
100 / month
Go5G Plus
Unlimited talk and text; Unlimited premium data; Full-flight texting and Wi-Fi with streaming where available; 15GB high-speed data in Canada and Mexico, etc.
90 / month
Go5G
Unlimited talk and text; 100GB of premium data
75 / month
Other carrier: Verizon, Mint Mobile (a MVNO), Xfinity, etc.
Tips
Most U.S. mobile carriers offer both prepaid and postpaid plans. Prepaid plans are typically more affordable and provide a variety of options; however, they require upfront payment and may offer fewer benefits. In contrast, postpaid plans often come at a higher cost but include additional perks and greater flexibility.
For AT&T's prepaid offerings, you can explore their plans here: https://www.att.com/prepaid/plans/
T-Mobile's prepaid plans are available at: https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans
For other carriers, please refer to their official websites for the most current information.
Many carriers also provide family plans, allowing 3–5 individuals to share a single plan. This arrangement often reduces the average cost per line compared to individual plans. Specific terms and conditions for family plans vary by carrier, so it's advisable to consult the respective carrier's website for detailed information.
When setting up a new line, it's common to visit a local store. A valid passport is typically required for identification. Be aware that SIM card sizes in the U.S. may differ slightly from those in China, so you might need to have your SIM card adjusted. If you're using an iPhone, you can opt to set up an eSIM at the store for added convenience.
Bank account
A good reference: https://www.dealmoon.com/guide/652191
Big banks: Chase, PNC, Bank of America, Citi, Wells Fargo
Chase and PNC have more and closer locations in Ann Arbor so it is more convenient.
When you open the account, be sure to bring your passport with visa and your I-20. If you want to open a student account, your student ID card may also be needed.
Chase offers special sessions for new coming students every year before the semester begins. Pay attention to email notifications for further information. If you those time don’t fit your schedule, you can schedule an appointment online using the bank website or walk in for the service.
Bank Account types: Savings Account/Checking Account (usually open together)
Both accounts would have a routing number and an account number. These are the numbers that will be put on checks and also what parents would need to transfer money to your account.
Purpose
Daily transactions and bill payments
Saving money over time (usually parents transfer the tuition here)
Interest
Typically low or none
Earns interest to grow savings
Accessibility
High, funds can be accessed anytime
Limited, may have withdrawal restrictions
Tools
Debit card, checks, online bill pay
Mobile app to transfer money to a checking account
Fees
Possible monthly and overdraft fees
Possible fees for excessive withdrawals
Popular student bank accounts
Chase
https://personal.chase.com/personal/checking
Locations:
3500 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
100 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
1501 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
2475 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Eligibility: Students aged 17–24 enrolled in college or vocational/technical school.
After Graduation: $12 monthly fee unless you have $500+ in electronic deposits or maintain a $1,500 average daily balance.
Chase College Checking
$0 until the expected graduation date (up to 5 years).
Access to Chase Mobile® app and online banking.
Zelle® for quick money transfers.
Autosave feature for automatic savings.
Free credit score monitoring via Chase Credit Journey.
Chase Savings
$5, waived if:
Linked to a Chase College Checking℠ account for Overdraft Protection.
Maintain a daily balance of $300 or more.
Set up $25+ in monthly Autosave or other repeating automatic transfers from a Chase checking account.
Account owner is under 18.
Autosave: Automatically transfer funds from checking to savings to build savings effortlessly.
Overdraft Protection: When linked to a Chase checking account, helps prevent overdrafts.
FDIC insured.
PNC
Locations:
2901 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
1107 S University Ave Suite A, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
101 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Account: PNC Virtual Wallet Student ( A bundled account including both checking and saving)
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a college or university.
Monthly Fee: $0 for up to 6 years.
Features:
Three integrated accounts: Spend (checking), Reserve (short-term savings), and Growth (long-term savings).
Overdraft protection with one courtesy refund for the first overdraft.
Low Cash Mode® to manage low balances.
Free incoming domestic or international wire transfer per statement period.
Access to over 60,000 ATMs nationwide.
Bank of America
https://info.bankofamerica.com/en/student-banking/banking-accounts?
Locations:
395 Briarwood Cir, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
2630 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Eligibility: Students under 25 years old.
Advantage SafeBalance Banking
$0 for account owners under 25.
No overdraft fees; transactions exceeding the balance are declined.
Debit card with digital wallet compatibility.
Online and mobile banking with customizable alerts.
Zelle® for sending and receiving money.
Parental controls available for younger account holders.
Advantage Savings
$8, waived if:
Account owner is under 25.
Maintain a minimum daily balance of $500.
Enroll in the Preferred Rewards program.
Keep the Change®: Rounds up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfers the difference to your savings account.
Access to Bank of America Mobile Banking app and online banking.
FDIC insured.
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