PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION

U.S. IMMIGRATION LAWS

Be aware that all international students must follow U.S immigration laws. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Update your home address, campus address, and phone number within 10 days of any change.

· Carry your visa/passport and I-20/DS-2019 when you travel outside the US. Please hand carry these items; do not place them in your luggage, which could get lost or stolen. Please contact Dr. Karen Schedin for an updated travel signature I-20 or DS-2019.

· Maintain full-time status by taking at least 12 credits each semester. You must make satisfactory academic progress as defined by the College in order to remain in the U.S. Should you be placed on academic probation, you must contact Dr. Schedin and Darlene McCoy immediately to discuss the effect on your immigration status. You are governed by the Westminster College Catalog and U.S. Immigration Law.

· International students MUST not engage in drug usage. Should you travel to a state where use of marijuana is legal, please be aware that marijuana usage is not legal for you. It could result in deportation and being barred from the U.S. for life.

· Maintain status even during a national emergency (terrorist attack or natural disaster). Please be sure that the College has your U.S. cell phone number and that you check your phone and your email for important messages. You should also get in the habit of checking the following website: www.studyinthestates.dhs.gov

I-20 OR DS-2019

This form is being issued to you to indicate that you have been accepted as a full-time international student (I-20) or exchange student (DS-2019). This form must be presented in its entirety at the port of entry each time you enter the U.S.

I-94

Upon entry into the U.S., you will receive an Arrival/Departure Record referred to an I-94. Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) automated the form I-94 at ports of entry, so you will not receive a physical copy. Should you need a copy for your records, please request it at www.cbp.gov/I94

Passport

Your passport is an identifying document issued by your government. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months into the future for your entire stay in the U.S.

F-1 OR J-1 VISA

As soon as you receive your I-20 or DS2019, schedule a visa appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Prior to applying for your interview, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Please print a copy of the receipt and keep with your important papers. The fee payment website is www.fmjfee.com. You will need your I-20/DS-2019 when accessing the website.

Immunizations

Westminster College complies with the recommendations set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding immunizations. You will receive medical forms that will let you know what inoculations and information we need from you. You will not be able to register for courses or move in without completing your health forms and obtaining all required immunizations. Your physician will complete the forms. Please contact Melissa Baron, Director of the Wellness Center, with any questions: baronmm@westminster.edu

Health Insurance

All full-time F1 international students must have an approved medical insurance plan. Prices fluctuate according to visa type, home country, and athlete versus non-athlete status. Plans can be purchased via the GBG International Student Insurance Portal. J1 exchange students who plan to be athletes must add insurance for athletes via the portal.

Copies of your medical insurance must be provided to Dr. Schedin and the Wellness Center. NOTE

Westminster College will not be responsible for any copayments, deductibles or other medical expenses incurred that are not covered by your insurance.

Initial Travel Logistics

As you are planning your travels, please keep in mind the following:

· Arrive on campus no earlier than 1 day prior to the start of International Student Orientation, which is Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

· Most students arrive at the Pittsburgh International Airport or Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

· After you book your flight, email your travel itinerary to Candace Okello, associate dean of student affairs, and Darlene McCoy, executive assistant in academic affairs.

· Once your itinerary is received, Student Affairs will arrange airport pick-up logistics.

· Carry this guide, your I-20/DS-2019, visa, passport and any other important papers with you when traveling to Westminster College. Do not place them in your luggage, which could get lost or stolen.

Important Note

If issues arise concerning your arrival date, please contact Ms. Okello as soon as possible.

Recommended Laptops

We recommend these two laptops, based on their compatibility with frequently-used software applications, durability, processing speed, and size/weight. With any model, we strongly recommend a 3-year warranty.

Dell Latitude 5440

· Intel core i7-1370P vPro

· 16 GB RAM | 512 SSD

MACBOOK

· M2 Pro chip

· 16 GB RAM | 512 SSD

If you already have a laptop, we will do our best to help you with basic troubleshooting and maintenance. However, we have found that Chromebooks do not work well for many of our students because we are not a Google campus.

Anti-Virus & Malware Protection: To protect yourself against computer viruses and phishing schemes, it is essential your computer has updated antivirus software and malware protection.

Any anti-virus program will do, but we particularly like Symantec and McAfee. For malware protection, we like Malwarebytes, which is available FOR FREE from www.malwarebytes.com or www.malwarebytes.com/mac if you have a Mac.

ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS & WHAT TO BRING

Each room in Westminster’s residence halls is equipped with a bed, desk, chair, dresser and closet. For international students, the College provides the following items:

· Mini-refrigerator

· Fan

· Bedding (1 set of twin XL sheets, pillowcases, comforter/duvet, blankets, pillows)

· Towels and Washcloths

· Basic Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush)

For other packing suggestions—or for items to consider purchasing after you arrive in the U.S.— visit our What to Bring page

Textbook Purchases

Westminster’s Campus Store sells all textbooks online through our partner, MBS Direct/ BNC. Depending on the course and textbooks required, along with availability, students can choose to purchase new or used textbooks, rent them, or purchase digital versions.

To purchase your textbooks, go to https://bncvirtual. com/westminster.htm. The site lists required texts by course number and you will have the option to have the books shipped directly to the College for pickup. Please note the Campus Store does not sell textbooks in store.