there is a prepartion that may be very helpful, but not mentioned in most experienced people. Have an interest or hobby, for example, dance. In my case, I dance salsa and belly dance pretty well, once I get here, I made several really close friend that share the same interest, Flamingo is popular here too. And if you can speak spanish, french or italian maybe even better, because they are going to have launuage club something. These are all good chances to know people at the beginning of the terms :-), and in a very informal ways :-)...especially...you are a girl...a lot of guys will come to approach you, whether you are married or not, it is always good to have someone to approach you, right? in that case, you get involved to north American life quicker than via formal, traditional way