You should always inform your international student adviser of your
expected date and time of arrival. Also provide him or her with
other pertinent information, such as the airport at which you will
arrive (or train station or bus terminal), your flight number, name
of airline, and last point of departure. Sometimes the international
student adviser, a representative from the university, or a member
of the community can come to meet you. However, with many
international students arriving at the same time, this might not be
possible. You should avoid arriving at your school during the
evening, on a Saturday or Sunday, or during a U.S. national holiday,
since college or university offices are usually closed at those
times.
The recommended time of arrival will vary from one school to
another, but generally you should arrive several days before the
campus orientation for new international students and registration
for classes. This will give you an opportunity to settle in and to
rest from your trip before participating in required new student
activities. It will also provide time for you to become familiar
with the campus and the community and to make friends before classes
begin.
University residence halls usually do not open until a few days
before registration. Students who arrive early — with reservations
to live in a residence hall — may not be able to move into their
assigned room if campus housing facilities have not yet officially
opened for the semester or academic term. The International Students
Office or campus Housing Office may be able, however, to make other
arrangements for temporary dormitory lodging on a daily basis.
In your correspondence with the international student adviser, ask
about other temporary housing opportunities, such as staying with a
family in the community until you can move into your permanent
housing. If it is possible, this can be an excellent introduction to
life in the United States. |
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