Life at É«×ۺϾþà University
If you're thinking about becoming a student at É«×ۺϾþà or have been accepted and want more information to better prepare for your arrival, the Office of International Students Programs can help!
The Essentials
- Important documents (Passport, Visa, I-20, Itinerary, Plane tickets, etc.)
- $100 in local currency
- Extra eye glasses/contacts
- Enough prescription drugs for the length of your stay
- Backpack (for day trips and daily use)
- Computer w/charger
- Camera w/cords and charger
- Adapters/converter
Clothing/Shoes (In general pack a week’s worth of clothing)
- Jeans (2-3 pairs)
- Sweaters/Hoodies (2-3)
- T-shirts
- Long sleeve shirts (Make sure they are good for layering)
- Undergarments (two weeks’ worth)
- Pajamas (3Ìýpairs)
- Warm slippers
- Flip flops/sandals for the showers
- Socks (2 weeks’ worth) (you should include a few pairs of wool socks)
- Coat/Jacket (water resistant with zip pockets and removable lining)
- One nice outfit (dress pants/skirt/dress) for special/formal occasions
- Traditional attire
Toiletries (a week’s worth)
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Brush/Comb
- Contact lenses and solution
- Over-the-counter medicines (aspirin, anti-diarrhea, anti-nausea, etc.)
Cell Phones
During International Orientation, a representative from a cellular provider will be on hand to sign up for cell phone service.
Internet and E-mail
Information Technology Services is pleased to announce the availability of wireless internet service in all Residence Halls and all Academic Buildings. ITS is in the process of completing outside wireless access across campus. The wireless card in your laptop will automatically detect the campus wireless networks. When given a list of networks, choose "É«×ۺϾþà Guest" for general access. If you have had your PC configured, your wireless network connection is automatic. When you open your browser for the first time, you will first be asked to register your laptop on our network. This is done by a prompt to enter your É«×ۺϾþà username and password before allowing access to the Internet. For more information, please visit theÌý.
School-year Breaks
Students are allowed to stay on-campus for Fall break, Thanksgiving break, J-term break, Spring break, and Easter break. However, students are required to move out during winter recess (Christmas break - The entire universityÌýwill be closed) by designated date and time to avoid penalties. Students are responsible to find their own housing over the winter break; many of our international students usually go home with their domestic friends to learn more about the American Christmas culture.Ìý
Summer
É«×ۺϾþà UniversityÌýprovides housing for students who are working on-campus or doing an internship for É«×ۺϾþà UniversityÌýcredit.ÌýFor more information about Summer housing, please click .Ìý
Health
É«×ۺϾþà University's Health and Counseling Services, the Engle Center, is located right on campus for students' convenience. Students are also able to scheduleÌýan appointment .Ìý
Please visit the Engle CenterÌý for more information.Ìý
Housing
First-year students primarily will be stayed in Naugle, Bittner, and Witmer Residence Halls as their first-year experience.Ìý
For more details, please visit the webpage.Ìý
Identification (IDs)
É«×ۺϾþà students are provided an ID card that give them access to residence and academic buildings, photocopy/printing privilege, chapel attendance, etc. For more information, please click on the link .Ìý
Money Matters
During the International Orientation Week, International Student Programs will hold one session for banking services. Students will be able to open a checking account with a local financial institution that has an ATM on campus.Ìý
Safety
É«×ۺϾþà University's Department of Safety and Dispatch Services are here to provide a safe and secure environment for all students, staff, facultyÌýand visitors.Ìý
Visit the webpage for more .Ìý
Shopping, Dining and Entertainment
É«×ۺϾþà UniversityÌýis close to several local attractions, restaurants, and shopping venues. Please visit here for more . During holiday breaks, the Office of Student Engagement provides shuttle services and students receive more communication about that as the dates approach.
In orderÌýto assistÌýstudents with their unique adjustment to É«×ۺϾþà University, all incoming international students (F-1 visa holders,Ìýmissionary and third-culturreÌýstudents will be required to take a one credit course called GEST 140 "Adjusting to Life in the U.S.". The course will provide a well-rounded, but general knowledge base about the U.S. American educational system and broader U.S.ÌýAmerican culture, with special attention given to the skills necessary for academic success at É«×ۺϾþà University. Through dialogue, guest speakers, readings and individual reflection, the course will seek to foster an awareness of the diversity in U.S. American society while assisting students through their own unique adjustment.Ìý