This summer, Panda Mobile joined freshman orientation events across China — from NYU and Columbia on the East Coast to UC Berkeley and UCLA on the West — to help future international students get connected before they fly to the United States. Here is what students asked us most, and how to land with a working U.S. number on day one.
Every summer marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for thousands of students preparing to study in the United States. From visa applications and packing to finding housing and registering for classes, every step brings them closer to a new adventure. Among all the preparations, one important detail is often overlooked — getting connected before arriving in the U.S.
Through these events, we met students and parents face to face, shared practical mobile connectivity tips, and helped students get ready for a smoother transition to studying in the United States.
From the East Coast to the West Coast
Throughout the summer, Panda Mobile joined orientation events for students heading to universities across the United States — including NYU, Columbia, Boston University, Johns Hopkins, the University of Washington, USC, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UIUC, Georgia Tech, the University of Michigan, the University of Chicago, and many more.
At every event, we met students from across China who are about to begin an exciting new chapter overseas. Every conversation gave us a better understanding of their hopes, their worries, and their excitement as they prepare for life in the U.S.
The questions we heard most often
Again and again, students asked us the same practical questions — which plan to choose, whether they can get a U.S. number before they leave, how to get online the moment they land, whether their phone supports eSIM, and whether they can keep their U.S. number when they visit China. Simple questions, but they reflect a real worry almost every international student feels before departure.
For a student arriving in the U.S. for the first time, reliable mobile service means much more than internet access. It is how you contact family, request a ride from the airport, complete school registration, and settle into a new home with confidence. (We have answered each of these questions at the end of this post.)
For many families, the first thing that matters after a long flight is a single message: 报平安 (bào píng’ān) — letting your parents know you have arrived safely. A phone that works the moment you land is what makes that possible.
Helping students start their journey with confidence
At Panda Mobile, we are dedicated to making mobile connectivity simple for international students. Our goal is to help you get a U.S. phone number before departure, schedule activation in advance, and connect as soon as you arrive — without the stress of searching for a carrier store or setting up a plan after landing.
Alongside reliable U.S. mobile service, Panda Mobile offers OnePool™ shared data across the U.S. and China, bilingual customer support, and services designed specifically for international students. We want to support you from the moment you begin preparing for your journey until you settle into life in the United States.
Thank you for stopping by
Thank you to every student and parent who visited the Panda Mobile booth, shared your stories, and spoke with our team. Our orientation tour is still underway, and we look forward to meeting even more future international students in the weeks ahead. Panda Mobile is proud to be part of your study abroad journey — starting before you even board your flight.
Frequently asked questions
Get connected before you fly.
Set up your U.S. number in China, activate the moment you land, and arrive ready to call home, book a ride, and register for class. OnePool keeps you reachable on both sides of the Pacific.
