Well for those who come as an alien in US you need alot of things to be done and no one tells you these things for free!!
All these are my personal experiences and i fell into each and every trap listed.
1. Apply your SSN after 2 weeks only. Your name gets into the system only after 2 weeks.
2. Apply for medical insurance as soon as possible(within 30 days). Employer usually covers it but you have to follow up.
3. Take a credit card. In US we need credit! that controls your life in US. But there is a catch to it. Do not apply lots of credit cards. Since each time you apply a credit card it will hit your credit score. Take this very seriously and do some research before applying in stores. Every store will try to sell their cards, but make sure you don't fall in their trap. There is lot of information online that will help you build your credit score.
4. Buy a car as soon as you have money. That will make you mobile and since many places are not well connected to travel by public transport, it might not be that easy. Also one catch, car loans for first buyers are very high due to high interest rate(As of 2011, 7.99% for first time and 2.99 for successive car loans), so don't spend too much money on buying your first car, or even if you do, pay it off fast.
5. Regarding apartments: Before moving into an apartment, it is important to check the crime report of the neighborhood.
check crimemapping.com to know the crime rate. Check the damages before you move into the apartment, because when you leave the apartment, you will be charged for the preexisting damages.
6. Its is very easy to save few bucks in US. If your neighbor bought an iPhone for $200, you can very well get it for $20-$30 less, provided you spend few minutes googling for coupons or online deals. This applies to anything you want to buy. There are always deals around. Also always look out for used stuff from craigslist.com,goodwill stores,salvation army stores or garage sales. Craigslist also has services like workmanship, movers, repairs, room mates.....
