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International Student Guide

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Pre-Departure Checklist

Before embarking on any journey, making sure you are prepared and have everything you will need is important. A checklist can prevent any missed steps.

Travel Arrangements

You will likely need to make your own travel arrangements to reach your campus. You will need to research your own country's travel services and guidelines to complete your travel plans, but here are a few suggestions.

  • Air: Make sure to arrange for flights or other forms of transportation well in advance of leaving especially if you plan to leave during the summer or holidays. Inquire if it is cheaper to buy roundtrip tickets in advance and pay the surcharge to change your return date or if purchasing an open-ended ticket is more practical for your plans. Remember that most foreign countries require visitors to have a round-trip or return ticket before they are allowed to enter.
  • Car: If traveling by car, inquire if you will need an International Driver's Permit and familiarize yourself with their rules of the road. Check to see if your automobile insurance covers you or a rental car while driving in another country. Be prepared for higher gas prices in other countries.
  • Rail: Traveling to your destination by train may be an enjoyable leisurely way to go.

Packing Tips

  • Find out what the typical weather pattern is in the selected region during this time period.
  • Research how many pieces of luggage can be taken on an international flight and what is the allowed weight limit is for each piece.
  • Make sure the luggage meets all of the safety and customs requirements for international flights.
  • Leave extra room in luggage or bring an empty backpack, which can be used for souvenirs that the student plans to bring home.
  • Always keep valuables such as money, passport and camera equipment in a carry-on bag, which should stay with the student at all times during the flight.
  • Insure the baggage and personal effects for the full period abroad.
  • When traveling with a camera, buy a lead-lined film bag. Contrary to posted airport claims, some X-ray devices ruin film.
  • Most airlines permit only two pieces of luggage and a carry-on. If you have a large amount of baggage, check with the host institution to see if some of it can be shipped in advance or shortly after the student arrives. This tip also applies to the return trip home.
  • Make sure to obtain prescriptions for the duration of your stay in the original labeled containers (as well as syringes for diabetics or other syringe-dependant medications). You may also need a letter from your doctor as well as a copy of the prescriptions. Many international pharmaceuticals are not always marketed under the same name, strength or may not be available at all. Also keep copies of emergency contacts back home in easy reach.
  • Pack extra eyeglasses or contact lenses, and lens solutions.

Housing Arrangements

As dormitories may not be available, you will need to find a place to live for the duration of your studies. You will likely not be familiar with the areas and may need to do some research before and shortly after you arrive to ensure the safety, affordability and accessibility to the campus and community services of the housing you choose.

In advance of your trip or shortly after arrival work your plan:

  • Determine your budget for housing and consumables including toiletries, meals, transportation, and make sure to budget a bit extra for entertainment. It is a good idea to make a weekly budget and then live by it so you don't run out of money.
  • Learn what public transportation is available in your area so that you can more easily inspect the rental properties.
  • Use online publications or search local newspapers for available housing.
  • Ask immigrant-serving organizations in your area for recommendations.
  • Ask friends and family already living in the area for recommendations.
  • Ask about Youth and Student Hostels.
  • A Student Exchange Program may yield a host family.
  • Ask for recommendations from a local church or place of worship.
  • Take notice of "Vacancy" and "For Rent" signs in your area.
  • Check bulletin boards in various grocery stores, laundromats, health clinics and community centers.
  • Decide if you will need a furnished or unfurnished property. You may be able to acquire second-hand furniture upon arrival, but likely you will need a furnished property.
  • Use online maps to identify the locations of the properties and the proximity to the campus and community services.
  • Ask about all fees related to each property you inspect including but not limited to the monthly cost of the rental, deposits, credit check fees, etc.
  • Ask if there are any documents or other requirements to rent the property.
  • Ask if you can pay in advance for the entire duration of your studies. Some may be willing to give a reduced rate for advance payment.
  • Once you agree on a suitable rental, read any contracts or leases carefully before signing. Keep in mind that the duration of your studies may not match the lease period. If so, consider options for a shorter or longer lease period or what fees may be involved if you cancel your lease early.

Communication

  • Email: This will likely be the most popular form of communication during your studies. It is usually free, quick, simple and avoids any time difference issues.
  • Mail: Allow for a couple of weeks for any intercontinental mail exchange. International postage is more expensive than domestic postage; but if you keep it to letters or postcards, it won't cost too much. Mailing packages by surface mail is less expensive than by airmail, but allow plenty of time. Don't forget your address book.
  • Local Telephones: Make sure you inquire with the local operator or residents what it costs to place international calls. Most international calls can be quite expensive, but many major carriers provide inexpensive options for nearly every country. Consider purchasing calling cards to minimize the costs.
  • Mobile Phones: Inquire if your plan has an available international calling package between your host and home countries and ensure that the host country network will support your phone and plan.