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: Are there certain emergency numbers I must know? Or facts I should be aware of to deal with an emergency?

Reply 1 from Suba Vasudevan, formerly at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas

The basic emergency numbers you should carry: of at least two Indian seniors in the university you are going to (pre-arrange this with them via email), maybe the president/secretary of the local school Indian association, your school's international services center. And of course 9-1-1 is a handy number to know.

Be aware that dialing 9-1-1 will reach the police instantly and they will know the address you are calling from and it is not a number you dial for anything except an emergency. Also if  you are trying to call Delhi [Images] from the US, for example, the number should be 011-91-11-NUMBER.  But several students have forgotten to dial the 011 and ended up calling the police emergency help line.

The police in the US will respond immediately so this could be of great help in a medical or other emergency.

Reply 2 from Shikha Prashad, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Some universities/colleges will send you a card with their important numbers, but some will have these numbers only on letters that they have sent.
- Carry the numbers of your university/college (especially their office of international programs), the Indian embassy or consulate nearest to the city you will be going to, and any relatives or friends that live nearby. Contact them if there is an emergency.

Reply 3 from Tora Mitra, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts

911 is the emergency number to dial in case of any emergency.

In your wallet keep a list of phone numbers of 1) the person in the international programs office in the school that you are joining 2) the person who is coming to receive you at the airport 3) Somebody in the department that you are going to join.

Reply 4 from Anjali, formerly at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire

One usually has health insurance through the college or university. These plans cover basic health costs, (i.e. doctor's visits) quite well. But if there is a health emergency situation and you have to be rushed to the hospital, these visits are covered, but these plans have a high deductible. So you have to pay about $200 out of pocket for emergency visits.

Reply 5 from Priyanka Gupta, a student in Connecticut

Your college's dean of international students number is the most useful one. A close friend and family friend who lives in the same town or state could be helpful too. And oh AAA as well!

Reply 6 from S, a student in Michigan

9-1-1 use if only if it is really an emergency. A loo that's backed up is not a 9-1-1 emergency.