Use this list to check that you have taken
care of all essential arrangements before
you depart for the U.S.
Once letters of acceptance or rejection
arrive, decide which university to attend,
notify the admissions office of your
decision, and complete and return any
forms they require. Notify other universities
that offer you admission that you will
not be attending. Return any official
forms that you will not use.
If you are being sponsored by an organization,
notify that organization of your plans.
Stay in contact with your sponsoring
organization, which can help you with
predeparture arrangements.
Contact the nearest EducationUSA advising
center for predeparture information
and advice.
Upon receipt of your I-20 or DS-2019
form, pay the SEVIS fee and then apply
to your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
for a visa. Do this well in advance
of your departure date. Application
forms are available online.
Obtain passports for yourself
and any family members who will accompany
you. If you already have passports,
check that they are valid for at least
six months after your planned U.S.
entry date.
Obtain certified copies of your secondary
and postsecondary transcripts and gather
any supporting details you may need
to transfer course work (descriptions
of courses, textbooks used, and so forth).
Obtain English translated true copies
of documents as appropriate.
Organize finances: get information
on how to transfer funds to a U.S.
bank and make sure you have funds
for travel and arrival expenses. Buy
traveler's checks to cover costs during
your first month in the United States
as well as U.S. currency for initial
arrival expenses if possible. Consider
obtaining a credit card that will
work in the U.S., if possible.
Consider appointments with your
physician, dentist, and eye care professional
(care is likely to be much more expensive
in the U.S.) Check on any immunizations
required for U.S. entry or by your
university and obtain these. Obtain
copies of important medical records,
X-rays, and prescriptions. Have prescriptions
written in English in generic terms.
Bring at least a month’s supply
of your prescription medicines.
Request information about health insurance
from your university. Obtain suitable
insurance for yourself and any family
members traveling with you or make plans
to do this immediately upon arrival
at the university. Obtain travel insurance
that will cover any delays or cancellation
or travel plans as well as accidents
or health problems while you are traveling
or soon after arrival. Consider baggage
insurance if you expect to bring expensive
or fragile items with you.
Make travel arrangements. It is
advisable to arrive on campus a few
days to one week before orientation
and registration begin. Find out when
your university’s student orientation
programs are before finalizing travel
plans. Contact the International Student
Office (or similar office) at your
university with details of your arrival
plans.
Find out how to travel to your
university from your U.S. point of
entry; get information on best travel
methods and estimated costs from your
university’s International Student
Office.
Finalize arrangements for housing
with your university. Inquire about
temporary housing, hotel, motel, or
other arrangements that need to be made
if arriving early or during the weekend.
Pack. Check that your luggage
meets airline weight and size requirements
and does not include any items prohibited
by airline security or by U.S. customs
authorities.
Reconfirm flight reservations seventy-two
hours before your scheduled departure.
