DS-160 question for F1 visa - specific travel plans?

[Asasuser 0]

Hi! I have a question regarding DS-160 forms for a student visa: 

I was accepted to study in an american university, starting this fall. I have already purchased roundtrip flight tickets, to move to the U.S. in august, and to return home for Christmas (I plan to re-enter the U.S. after New Year's eve).

In the DS-160 forms when applying for a visa, when it's asked if I have specific travel plans, should I answer 'Yes'?
If I answer 'Yes', I'm asked to give my flight details. If I answer 'No', then I'm asked to give an intended length of stay (the 'intended length of stay' box does not appear if I answer 'Yes').

The flight tickets I have make it seem that I only intend to stay for 6 months in the US, but in reality I intend to stay for the whole duration of my studies (4-5 years), and only make short visits to my home country. If I answer 'No' to the question, then I'm able to state the intended length of stay as 5 years, which is more accurate , but I do have specific plans.

How should I answer this?

[Coco8 1,042]

I think the "specific travel plans" questions is more for visitor visa in which people can say the cities they intend to visit.

 

Yes, you can put "No" and then say you intent to make short trips home, etc. 

 

But I don't think there is a wrong way to answer that question in your case. Even if you say yes, they will realize you just want to visit your family for the winter break.