This is the first part of our series of FAQs on studying in America.

We asked a selection of students, already in the US, to share the wisdom of their experiences with us. This is what some of them wrote back to say.

Our topic: How much money should I take with me and in what denominations? How much will I need on a monthly basis?

Reply 1 from Anjali, formerly at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire

If possible, a credit card is really handy � either Visa or MasterCard. It's best to carry money in small denominations of 10s and 20s. Higher denominations are fine, but may attract unnecessary attention. It is hard to answer the question of how much money one needs per month. It depends on the location, for one. Most undergraduate students have to sign up for a meal plan and live in dormitories on campus, so room and board is covered. The extra money is just for books (which can be expensive because textbooks can cost anywhere between $30 and $120), clothes, entertainment, travel, etc.

Reply 2 from Abhijit Bhandari, Thunderbird, Garvin School of International Management, Glendale, Arizona

To begin with, take around $500 cash and $1000 as Travellers Cheques. An international credit card (that can be easily obtained in India) is a must. Opening a bank account is easy in America. Once that is done, you can deposit your cheques and cash there.

Reply 3 from Jophy Jose, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York

You should, preferably, have the money for your first semester fees in a cheque format. You should also have some money to help you for the first few months until you get a good job on campus (this may sometimes take 2-3 months). The amount of money required varies, depending on the place you are going to. For instance, you need a lot less in places like Texas and Florida, compared to New York or California. Try carrying around $500-1000$ in cash to ensure you have enough to begin with.

Reply 4 from Priyanka Gupta, a student in Connecticut

The rent varies between $500 and $1500 a month. Living and food expenses are, on average, $125 a week. You should get an American bank account as soon as you get to the US and use the debit card more than cash. Also, you should apply for a credit card and start building your credit history. This always helps when it comes to things like getting a cell phone plan, renting an apartment, etc.

Reply 5 from Kavita Thomas, formerly at Boston Univeristy, Boston, Massachusetts

Assuming you need to set up a bank account, take $500 to begin with. This is essentially for emergencies, until you can set up a proper debit account. This money will be used mainly to buy things for your dormitory room that the college doesn't provide, and will vary depending on the city and college. Denominations of $10s and $20s are okay, because some $50 notes are difficult to get change for in cabs. Shops will be happy to get you change though. Assuming all food is included in your college fees, $300 a month should suffice, not including phone bills, etc.