Your first week in United States: a city-by-city primer

Your first week in United States is equal parts logistics and discovery. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago all reward the same approach: sort housing and transport first, then let the city teach you its rhythm.

New York — Fast sidewalks, black knitwear, all-weather boots.

Los Angeles — Dry heat, easy layers, shades year-round.

Chicago — Windy winters, transit commutes, real coats.

The States is not one climate — it's four. New York freezes, Los Angeles never quite does, Chicago does both in the same week. Your kit is built to be zipped, layered and rolled, so one carry bag can handle a Hudson winter and a Santa Monica spring.

Wherever you base yourself, arrive with a documents wallet at hand and a power bank charged — the first 48 hours are a lot of queues, keys and maps.