Five Things to Consider when Moving to College

Change, while often exciting, can be stressful. At American 1, we want to be there to help with your next chapter. It's hard to change the routine of everyday life, especially when it involves moving towns or starting college—even more so when it's both.

• Update your address: If you're moving away, you may need to update your address. Even if your permanent address will be at your parents/guardians’ home, the post office can set up a temporary address so you won’t miss any mail. However, if you move into an apartment, condo, or house, there are many places you'll need to update your address, including the post office and the Secretary of State. Thinking through this upfront will save you time and stress when bills come due, or you get pulled over.
• Change your utility companies: Updating your utilities, including gas, electricity, water, internet, TV services, and trash to start on or near your move-in date will allow for a seamless first few days in your new place.
• Get to know your new town: Stop by your campus activity office or your town's visitors bureau to get acquainted with your new community. Some visitors bureaus even have small gifts for new residents or coupons to motivate you to check out different businesses or restaurants. Many colleges and trade schools also have social events for new students, so be on the lookout for information about any event that interests you.
• Meet your neighbors: While it can be daunting to knock on a neighbor's door, getting to know your neighbors and community can be an excellent way to connect with those around you. Use online community and neighborhood groups on platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor to meet people who want to connect with and learn about their community.
• Find new health professionals: While some health-related services are available via telehealth, others require in-person visits. Finding a new primary care physician, dentist, eye doctor, therapist, etc., can take a lot of effort, so start early to ensure you have time to get referrals and set appointments.
• Find a new financial institution: You have specific needs and want to find a financial partner you can trust. American 1 Credit Union makes this decision easy. For more than 70 years, American 1 has been committed to creating financial wellness in the communities it serves through personal everyday banking.

Plus, we have various remote banking options available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These include:

• Online Banking. View your account balances, transfer money, make loan payments, pay bills, view e-statements, check copies, and more. To learn more, visit our Online Banking page at https://www.american1cu.org/online-banking.
• Mobile App. View your account balances, transfer money, deposit checks, pay bills, make loan payments, set travel dates on your cards, freeze lost or stolen cards, and more – wherever you are, and all from the touch of a button.
• A1 Access. Make balance inquiries, view transaction history, transfer funds, check information, and make loan payments from American 1 accounts.

American 1 has 16 branch locations, more than 50 ATMs, and a 24/7 contact center. And while other financial institutions close early, American 1 is open until 7 pm in some locations throughout the week, opens earlier on Fridays, and has extended hours on Saturdays—all for your convenience. You’re busy, and American 1 is available whenever you need your financial institution with our online options.

With over 61,000 members, American 1 has remained true to its objective since 1950 and continues to create financial wellness in the communities it serves through personal, everyday banking. Become a member of American 1 Credit Union today!

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