INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE

WELCOME TO MSU Greetings from the International Institute

Dear MSU Student,

Congratulations on making the decision to join our Mississippi State University family! Although our campus and student population are large, the University would not be complete without our many international students and the unique perspectives, culture, and intellect that they bring.

We hope that when you arrive on campus, you will find our landscape as beautiful and the attitudes of our faculty and staff team as hospitable as the students who have come before you. Each year, hundreds of new international students join us from close to 100 different countries as they pursue academic interests at MSU. These students have enjoyed the challenging academics, world-class research facilities, and comprehensive student services that we know you will also appreciate during your program.

The International Services Office (ISO) is available to assist you with your unique international student needs throughout the entirety of your program. We offer immigration advising and document assistance for any questions related to your visa and federal immigration compliance, as well as a number of services including orientation sessions, workshops, shuttles during university breaks, and tax compliance assistance. Our staff is welcoming and eager to provide you with the resources you need to be successful in your endeavors at MSU.

Please look through this guide as your prepare for your arrival at MSU. You will find information about getting to campus, finding housing, obtaining your visa, understanding health and immunization requirements and more. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with these requirements and read through the information thoroughly as your first days upon arrival will be very busy.

We are eagerly awaiting your arrival on campus, and are thrilled that you will soon be joining us at MSU. See you soon!

Lauren WrightDirectorInternational Services Office116 Allen HallMississippi State, MS 39762662-325-8929

Lauren WrightDirector(662)325-3741wright@international.msstate.edu

Kendrick JohnsonInternational Student Advisor(662)325-3875kjohnson@international.msstate.edu

IMPORTANT CAMPUS PHONE NUMBERSAcademic Advising Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-4052

Admissions & Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-2224

Assessment & Testing Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-6610

Center for Student Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-2930

Dean of Students Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-3611

Dining Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-7120

English as a Second Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-2648

Graduate Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-7400

Holmes Cultural Diversity Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-2033

Honor Code Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-9151

Housing & Residence Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-3555

Information Technology Services (ITS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-9311

International Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-8929

Longest Student Health Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-2431

Sanderson Center/Recreational Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-7529

Student Counseling Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-2091

Student Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-3335

University Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-2121

Writing Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662-325-1045

Marenda BanksImmigration Specialist(662)325-0788mbanks@international.msstate.edu

Cassy McInnisImmigration Advisor(662)325-1562cmcinnis@international.msstate.edu

SCOTTFIELD

BANDCHORAL

REHEARSAL FIELD

AMPHITHEATER

CONSTRUCTION

FRATERNITYROW

SORORITYROW

LandscapeArchitecture

Ballew

Bedenbaugh

ROBERT LOUIS JONES CR

NORTH FARM

Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems

nSPARC

McKay

Institute for Clean Energy Technology

Mississippi Technology Center Multi-Tenant Building

Industry Partners Building

II-VI Inc. and Business Incubator Building

Tennessee Valley Authority Service Center

Bryan

Chadwick LakeWalking Track

Templeton Athletic Academic Center

Holliman

Softball Facility

Spencer

SealFootballComplex

Palmeiro Center

Polk-DeMent Stadium

Child Development Center

Humphrey Coliseum

MizePavillion

Evans

Howell

GilesHunter Henry Center

Bost

Cullis Wade Depot

McArthur

Memorial

Butler (Guest)

Florist

Perrycafeteria

Williams

Lloyd-Ricks-Watson

Dorman

University Greenhouses

Agricultural & Biological Engineering McCarthy Gym

Center for Humanities

Writing Center

Hull

Briscoe

Freeman Stafford

MooreButler

Ruby Griffis

Hurst

Critz

Sessums

HilbunMagruderGeorge

Lee

YMCA

Colvard Union

McCoolCarpenter

McCain Walker

CobbRoberts

Academic Computer Laboratory

Middleton

Patterson

Steam Plant

HerbertBowen

Simrall

Stennis

Longest StudentHealth Center

IndustrialEducation

Petroleum Products

Box

Music Building A

President’s Home

Edwards Building

Early Childhood Institute

Music Building B

Choral Building

Center for Educational Partnerships

Hill

NewellGrissom

MississippiSeed

Association

Band/Choral Rehearsal Hall

McCarty

Pace

Academic Advising Center

RC

P&R

FacilitiesUse

ResearchLab A

ResearchLab B

RecPlexIntramural Soccer Fields

ScalesMorgan

Freeman

Maintenance

Transportation

Cobb

University Water Tower

Campus Landscape

Campus Landscape

Thompson

Herzer

ClayLyle

ForestProducts

FranklinCenter

TimTek Building

Gast

Power Plant

Wise Center

Ammerman

TVA

Etheredge

MitchellLibrary

Allen

McComas

Rice

Moseley

Magnolia

Oak

Cresswell

HathornCenter for America’s Veterans

Swalm

Hand Lab

Montgomery

Harned

McKee

North

Garner

Sanderson Center

Shira

High Performance Computing Collaboratory

Aiken Preschool

Visual Arts Center

Visual Arts Center 2

Stennis Institute Annex

M Club

Academic Advising Center .......................... J6

Agricultural & Biological Engineering .........I5

Aiken Preschool ..................................................E3

Allen Hall ................................................................. I6

Ammerman Food Processing ........................ I4

Amphitheater ......................................................H4

Ballew Hall ..............................................................I4

Band Choral Rehearsal Field .........................K7

Band/Choral Rehearsal Hall...........................K7

Bedenbaugh Animal Science ......................... I4

Bost Extension Center ...................................G4

Bowen Hall ............................................................. I8

Box Building .........................................................J8

Briscoe Hall ..........................................................G6

Bryan Athletic Building ...................................D6

Butler Computer Science Building ............G7

Butler Guest House ..........................................H6

Campus Landscape...........................................K5

Carpenter Hall ........................................................I7

Center for Advanced

Vehicular Systems(CAVS) ..............................A5

Center for America’s Veterans......................J6

Center for Educational Partnerships .......... J7

Center for Humanities ....................................... I6

Chadwick Lake ...................................................D7

Chapel of Memories and

George Perry Carillon Tower ........................H6

Child Development Center ............................E3

Choral Building ....................................................J7

Clay Lyle Entemology Building ......................I2

Cobb Curation Lab ............................................L5

Cobb Institute of Archaeology ....................H8

Colvard Student Union ...................................H7

Creswell Hall .........................................................J6

Critz Hall ................................................................G8

Cullis Wade Depot ............................................H4

Davis Wade Stadium ........................................H5

Dorman Hall ..........................................................H5

Dudy Noble Baseball Field ...........................E5

Early Childhood Institute ................................K8

Eckie’s Pond .........................................................J8

Edwards Building ................................................ I9

Etheredge Hall .......................................................I7

Evans Hall .............................................................G6

Facilities Use .........................................................K6

University Florist ................................................H6

Forest Products Lab ..........................................J1

Franklin Center for Furniture

Manufacturing and Management ................. J1

Freeman Hall .......................................................G6

Garner Hall ...........................................................G6

Gast Boll Weevil Lab ...........................................I2

George Hall ..........................................................H7

Giles Hall ...............................................................G5

Griffis Hall ..............................................................F8

Hand Chemical Lab .............................................I7

Harned Hall ...........................................................H7

Hathorn Hall ..........................................................J6

Herbert Hall ........................................................... I8

Herzer Food Science .......................................H4

High Performance

Computing Collaboratory .............................A6

Hilbun Hall ............................................................H8

Hill Poultry Science Building ........................H4

Holliman ................................................................D6

Howell .....................................................................F5

Hull Hall ..................................................................H6

Humphrey Coliseum .........................................F5

Hunter Henry Center........................................G4

Hurst Hall ..............................................................G8

Industrial Education Building ......................... I8

Industry Partners Buildings ............................B7

Institute for Clean Energy Technology .....B5

Landscape Architecture ................................... I4

Lee Hall ...................................................................H7

LLoyd-Ricks-Watson Building .....................H6

Longest Student Health Center .....................I7

M-Club.....................................................................H5

Maddux Track .....................................................D5

Magnolia Hall ........................................................K6

Magruder Hall ......................................................H7

Maintenance .........................................................K2

McArthur Hall ......................................................G5

McCain Hall ...........................................................H7

McCarty Building ................................................J4

McCarthy Gym ..................................................... I6

McComas Hall ......................................................J6

McCool Hall ............................................................ I6

McKay Food Research

and Enology Lab ...............................................A7

McKee Hall ...........................................................H8

Memorial Hall .......................................................F6

Mississippi Seed Association .......................... I4

Mitchell Memorial Library .................................I7

Middleton Hall/Air Force

and Army ROTC .................................................H8

Mize Pavillion........................................................F5

Montgomery Hall ................................................ I6

Moore Hall ............................................................G6

Morgan Freeman .................................................K1

Moseley ..................................................................J6

Music Building A .................................................J8

Music Building B ................................................. J7

Newell Grissom Building ................................H4

North Hall..............................................................G8

Oak Hall ..................................................................K6

Philosphy&Religion ...........................................J6

Pace Laboratory Building ...............................J4

Palmeiro Center ..................................................E5

Patterson Engineering Building ..................H8

Perry Cafeteria ...................................................H6

Petroleum Products Lab .................................J8

Pitts Tennis Centre ............................................D6

Polk-DeMent Stadium ......................................E5

POWE......................................................................B6

Power Plant .............................................................I2

President’s Home ...............................................J8

RC .............................................................................J5

Research Lab A ...................................................K5

Research Lab B ...................................................K5

Rice Hall ..................................................................J6

Roberts ..................................................................H8

Ruby Hall ...............................................................G7

Sanderson Recreation Center.......................F6

Scales Building .....................................................K1

Scott Field .............................................................H5

Seal Football Complex....................................D4

Sessums Hall........................................................H8

Shira Field House ...............................................E6

Simrall Electrical and

Computer Engineering ......................................I7

Soccer Field ..........................................................F4

Softball Facility...................................................D5

Softball Field .......................................................D6

Spencer Stadium ...............................................D5

Social Science Research Center .................B6

Stafford Hall .........................................................G6

Steam Plant ........................................................... I8

Stennis Institute ...................................................I7

Stennis Institute Annex ...................................G3

Swalm Chemical Engineering .........................I7

T K Martin Center ................................................I7

Templeton Athletic Academic Center ......E6

Thompson Hall ..................................................... I4

TimTek Building ................................................... J1

Transportation Services ...................................K2

TVA Solar Power................................................ I4

University Greenhouses.....................................I5

University Water Tower ...................................L5

Veterans Memorial Rose Garden .................B9

Visual Arts Center ..............................................F3

Visual Arts Center 2 .........................................G3

Walker Hall ..............................................................I7

Williams/ Police ................................................H6

Wise Center .........................................................L3

YMCA Building ....................................................H7

THAD COCHRAN RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY, AND

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARK

SOFTBALLFIELD

PITTSTENNISCENTRE

MADDUXTRACK

CHADWICK LAKE

VETERANS MEMORIAL

ROSE GARDEN

HIGHWAYPATROLSTATION

DUDY NOBLEBASEBALL

FIELD

SOCCERFIELD

AIKENVILLAGE

DAVIS WADESTADIUM

TENNIS COURTS

DRILLFIELD

ECKIE’S POND

CHAPEL OF MEMORIES AND GEORGE PERRYCARILLON TOWER

BELL ISLAND

INTRAMURAL SOCCER FIELD

RECPLEX INTRAMURAL

BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL

HWY 182

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BLV

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RESEARCH BLVD

MISSISSIPPI BLVD

HWY 182

HWY 82

HWY 182

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GEORGE PERRY BLVD

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BARR AVE

UNIVERSITY DR

BULLY BLVD

BLACKJACK RD

OKTOC RD

BLACKJACK RDLOCKSLEY WAY

BULLY BLVD

COLLEGE VIEW DR

STONE BLVD

RUSSELL ST

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LAKEVIEW DR

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

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ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATION BUILDINGS

ATHLETIC BUILDINGS

STUDENT RESIDENCES

NON-UNIVERSITY BUILDING

FACULTY HOUSING

SIDEWALKS AND PEDESTRIAN AREAS

PARKING LOT

CONSTRUCTION

FIELDS

UNIVERSITY LANDS

OTHER AREAS

TO DOWNLOAD A FREE CAMPUS TOUR APP,PLEASE SCAN THIS QR CODE

WITH YOUR SMART PHONE.

CLYDE Q SHEELY

Admissions& Scholarship

(undergraduate)

HCDCFood Court

Student Association

International InstituteOffice of the Graduate School

ID Card Office

HousingMain Office

ARRIVAL DATESYou are allowed to enter the US up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. You should consult with your department and the Office of the Graduate School (graduate students only) to determine the dates for any mandatory orientations for new students. You should plan your arrival around these dates and also keep in mind that you will need some time to get settled in Starkville before classes begin. If you will be holding a graduate assistantship, you will need some additional time to complete hiring paperwork before the semester begins so please plan accordingly.

LOGGING IN TO YOUR MYSTATE STUDENT ACCOUNTOnce you have been admitted to MSU, please take a few minutes to log in to your MyState student account. The instructions are below. It is helpful to activate this account before you arrive so that you can access housing, parking, meal plans, and your MSU email account.

1. Go to www.my.msstate.edu to get started

2. Underneath the log in boxes, click the link that says “Trouble Logging In”

3. If you know your NetID, choose “Set your initial NetPassword”. If you do not know your NetID, choose “Lookup NetID” and once you have your NetID, go back to the previous page and select “Set your initial NetPassword”

4. Follow the instructions to set your initial password and finish logging in to the system.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation to Mississippi State University/Starkville, MS The nearest airport to MSU and the city of Starkville is the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, which has the airport code GTR. This airport is located 20 minutes from the MSU campus. For more information about flying to GTR, visit http://www.gtra.com.

Transportation from the Golden Triangle Regional Airport to Mississippi State University is available for all new students at the beginning of each semester by filling out the online form here: www.international.msstate.edu/pickup/. If you wish to be picked up, please fill out the form at least one week prior to your arrival.

In addition to the International Institute’s pickup service for new students, SMART and the Golden Triangle Regional Airport are now offering a route which connects the GTR Airport to the Starkville Community. The GTRA Express will include stops at Hwy 12 West and The Mill, providing direct access from the existing SMART route network. For exact shuttle times, please visit www.smart.msstate.edu/schedule-and-routes/gtr-express/

Transportation in Starkville SMART – Starkville-Mississippi State University Area Rapid Transit 662.325.5204, www.smart.msstate.edu/

Bulldog Shuttle and Cab Co. 662.312.5003, www.bulldogcab.com, Bulldogcab@gmail.com

McClain Taxi Service 662.312.4145, 662.323.9530

HOUSINGThere are two housing options for students to consider: off-campus and on-campus. Freshmen are required to live on campus but upper level undergraduates and graduate students are not required to live on campus and can choose to live off-campus instead.

Off-campus HousingOff-campus housing is not affiliated with MSU, but some of these accommodations are within walking distance of campus. Prices vary according to the proximity to the campus, room quality, and the size of the apartments. Rental rates range from about $275 to more than $500 per month, and off-campus housing may require a deposit of two months’ rent. If students choose to live off campus, they are responsible for making their own arrangements. For more information, an off-campus housing guide is online at http://offcampushousing.msstate.edu.

On-campus HousingIf you prefer to live on-campus, please consult the Office of Housing and Residence Life to apply (www.housing.msstate.edu). You will need to be officially admitted to MSU in order to submit your housing application. When you are admitted, you’ll gain access to your MyState account which you will use to apply for your housing. There is a $75 application fee associated with the on-campus housing application.

Residence HallsMississippi State University has 15 campus residence halls. You may visit http://www.housing.msstate.edu/halls to see the different housing options. Each residence hall has certain amenities standard with each building.

Residence Hall Amenities common lobby front desk with 24-hour assistance laundry room kitchen secure access

Room Amenities Provided For Each Resident bed mattress desk and desk chair

dresser closet micro-fridge

wireless Internet cable TV hook-up sink with mirror

Hotels in StarkvilleIf you arrive before accommodations are available, be prepared to stay in a hotel. Students are responsible for their own hotel arrangements. Starkville has various hotels, but the most popular ones for arriving students are the following:

Comfort Inn (walking distance to campus)www.comfortsuites.com 662.324.9595

Hilton Garden Innwww.hilton.com 662.615.9664

VISAS International students must have a valid passport to enter the United States, and students are encouraged to apply for their visa early to provide time for processing.

Visa Process and Entry 1. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee: Nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors are subject to the SEVIS I-901 fee. Without this fee, students are not eligible to apply for a visa. To pay, visit www.fmjfee.com. Please keep a copy of the I-901 receipt for your records.

2. Apply: Visit http://usembassy.state.gov to learn about appointments and instruction for applying for a visa at your U.S. embassy or consulate.

3. Visa Appointment: Follow the instructions given by the embassy website. Some of the required items for an F-1 visa include:

a. A SEVIS generated Form I-20 b. Valid passport c. MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee d. SEVIS I-901 receipt e. Financial evidence/support

4. U.S. Port of Entry: At the U.S. port of entry, students should have all documents ready, including a valid passport, valid U.S. visa, and the form I-20 or DS- 2019. An electronic arrival/departure record is created on entry, and the passport will be stamped with the date of admission, class of admission (e.g. F-1 or J-1), and length or time allowed to stay in the U.S.

Important Reminders: n A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. Customs and Border Protection officials have authority to permit or deny admission.

n If a traveler wants to obtain a paper version of the I-94 after arrival, it is available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

n Students may enter the country up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019 and should report to the International Services Office upon arrival.

n Full information about the process is available online at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students.

Hampton Inn (walking distance to campus) www.hamptoninn.com 662.324.1333

LaQuinta Inn & Suites www.laquintastarkville.com 662.270.4100

FINANCES & BANKING Because you will be traveling abroad, it is a good idea to tell your bank and credit card companies. Also, compare your cards’ interest and exchange rates when used in the U.S. to those of your home country.

The first few weeks on campus are busy, so bring money to cover expenses in case you do not open a bank account immediately. You may bring U.S. cash, credit cards, or a prepaid credit card. If you bring a large amount of money, the safest way is in U.S. dollar traveler’s checks, in bank drafts, or by credit card. Traveler’s checks are not accepted at most stores and restaurants in the United States, but you can cash them at a bank in the U.S. once you have opened a bank account.

Mississippi State University accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, but there is a 2.7% transaction fee for each credit card transaction. Remember that transferring money from your home country into a U.S. bank account will also have transfer fees.

PACKING FOR STARKVILLE Weather and Clothing

Mississippi is known for its mild, yet unpredictable, climate. Starkville’s average yearly temperature is 62° Fahrenheit (17° Celsius), and the temperature averages range from 91º F (33º C) in the summer to 30 ºF (-1º C) in the winter.

From October to March, expect generally sunny days, but mostly cool temperatures. Occasionally, one might experience four seasons within one day during these months, so always be prepared. Hats, gloves, scarves, and jackets are recommended throughout these months to remain warm and comfortable.

The months of April through September produce mostly sunny days with warm to very hot temperatures. Lightweight clothing is desirable, along with a hat, sunglasses, sandals, and sunscreen.

Items to Consider Packing

. Medicines in original containers (take in carry-on), as well as copies of eyeglass/contact lens prescriptions

. U.S. currency for initial expenses

. Credit card

. International telephone calling card

. International driver’s license

. Original Birth Certificate

. Electrical adaptors/plug converters

. Mobile phone or SIM card (you may prefer to buy a pay-as-you-go cell phone or SIM card here)

. Backpack for carrying class books and small bag for weekend trips

. Emergency contact numbers

. USA guidebook and pocket English dictionary

. One traditional outfit from your home country for cultural activities (if desired)

. Musical instrument, dance clothes, etc. for international cultural activities (if desired)

. Small flag from your home country for international cultural activities (if desired)

HEALTH

Health Insurance at Mississippi State University Mississippi State University requires health insurance for all international students. Proof of insurance must be shown within nine days of the start of classes. Insurance benefits must meet or exceed the student health insurance policy offered by Mississippi State University. Insurance must meet the following criteria:

• No overall maximum dollar limit (per insured person, per policy year)

• Deductible preferred providers: $300 (per insured person, per policy year)

• Deductible out-of-network: $600 (per insured person, per policy year)

• Coinsurance preferred providers: 80% (with some exceptions)

• Coinsurance out-of-network: 60% (with some exceptions)

• Out-of-pocket maximum preferred provider: $6,350 (per insured person, per policy year)

• Out-of-pocket maximum preferred provider: $12,700 (For all insured family members, per policy year)

If a student’s spouse and children come along, health insurance for them also is highly recommended.

MSU Health Insurance Repatriation and medical evacuation coverage is included in the health insurance. MSU’s student health insurance policy does not cover the cost of eye examinations or eyeglasses, and it also does not cover routine dental. Dental is provided only as a result of a major medical incident pending a doctor’s examination and referral. Therefore, it is wise to have eye and dental appointment procedures before leaving home.

Alternate Health Insurance MSU students are automatically charged for health insurance upon registration for classes. If a student has alternate health insurance, the student must submit a copy to Robert Cadenhead in the health center for approval. Repatriation and medical evacuation coverage must be included in the policy.

Medical RequirementsMississippi State University requires proof of immunizations against certain diseases for all students. All international students studying at MSU are required to have the following:

• Proof of adequate health insurance

• A Chest X-ray (some students are exempt, based on country of origin)

• Two (2) MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations

Chest X-raysAll chest X-rays must be taken on campus at the Longest Student Health Center. Students should make appointments at the health center to have the chest x-ray completed. X-rays from other hospitals will not be accepted.

MMR VaccinationsMississippi State University requires completed immunization forms as proof of MMR vaccinations. Measles and rubella in adults are serious and highly contagious illnesses. If unable to provide proof before arriving on campus, students will receive their first MMR vaccination along with their chest X-rays. Students who have had the vaccinations should bring the completed immunization form as proof. The Health Center must validate all vaccinations records. Information about the MMR vaccination is found on the following website: http://www.immunize.org/vis/vis english.asp.

Make a copy of your vaccinations for your personal record and bring it with you.

If you have any more questions about health requirements, please email health@saffairs.msstate.edu.

Final Pre-Departure Checklisto Paid the SEVIS fee

o Obtained Visa

o Checked that the names on passport and I-20 or DS-2019 are the same

o Have passport, immigration documents, and any paperwork that you have received from MSU or a sponsor

o Completed travel arrangements

o Completed housing arrangements

o Included new address inside of luggage

o Written down emergency contact information

o Ensure necessary funds are available for at least one semester’s expenses

o Have immunization records and completed measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) form (if already vaccinated)

o Obtained proof of health insurance in English if not enrolling in MSU’s health insurance plan

o Given contact information for the International Services Office to family and friends in case of emergency:International Services Office116 Allen HallP.O. Box 9742Mississippi State, MS 39762662.325.8929

Travel Hints• Before you leave for the United States, check for all needed documents you might need. Carry your original

documents, and also keep money and emergency contact information with you. Do not place them in checked baggage.

• Along with your original passport and immigration documents, please bring photocopies in case the originals are lost or stolen. You may also leave a set of photocopies with a trusted relative or friend.

• Remember to bring shampoo, soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste for the first few nights. You may not be able to go shopping immediately upon arrival, so bring immediate needs.

• It may be helpful to take a picture of your luggage before you leave and keep it on your phone. If your luggage is lost, this will help the airport identify your bags.

• Put your contact information inside your luggage in case the outer tag is lost or destroyed.

• If a piece of your luggage is lost, file a claim immediately at the airline’s desk at the airport.

• Do not lock your suitcase.

• It is common for international luggage to be delayed by 1-2 days. Please pack a small carry-on bag with your essential medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes.

When You ArriveThe faculty and staff of the International Services Office are committed to taking care of students. We provide a variety of services and cultural opportunities to all students and want to help however we can. Please use the following checklist to help your first few days on campus go smoothly:

o Check in at the International Services Office and attend a mandatory Immigration Orientation*

o Visit the Longest Student Health Center to submit immunization forms and make an appointment for a chest x-ray, if necessary*.

o Visit the Office of Admissions and Scholarships (undergraduate) or the Office of the Graduate School to turn in any final documentation needed*

o Log in to your MyState account and update your local physical address in Starkville.

o Visit your department and meet with an advisor to obtain a Registration Access Code which will allow you to register for classes.

o After course registration, visit the ID Card office in Allen Hall to have your Student ID card made.

*Registration Holds will be placed on your account for these items. A hold is a block on your student record that will prevent you from being able to access various campus facilities and will also prevent course registration. These holds must be cleared prior to the start of the semester so that you can register for the necessary classes.

Reporting to Campus The International Services Office expects you to contact the office upon your arrival. We will want to make copies of your documents and inform you of necessary requirements before class registration will be allowed.

OrientationAll new students are required to attend a mandatory immigration orientation. There will be numerous sessions offered before classes begin but please check the International Institute website for exact dates and locations. A registration hold will be placed on your student account which will prevent class registration until you have attended this orientation.

There will also be an additional International Student Orientation that is not mandatory but is highly encouraged. This orientation will cover various aspects of campus life and living in Starkville. Representatives from local businesses will be present to help answer any questions students might have about getting settled in during the first few weeks.

Fee PaymentTuition and fees are due by the second month after classes start. If payment is not made by this date, students will receive late fees as well as a registration hold until the fees are paid. All the expenses will appear on one bill, payable to Mississippi State University. Checks, credit cards, money orders, and cash are accepted. All credit card transactions are charged a 2.7% transaction fee. These payments can be made online through a student’s MyState account or at Account Services in Garner Hall.

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INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTEInternational Services Office175 Presidents Circle116 Allen Hall P.O. Box 9742Mississippi State, MS 39762Facebook: www.facebook.com/internationalmsstateTwitter: www.twitter.com/msstate

CONTACT US

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUSHolmes Cultural Diversity CenterColvard Student Union Suite 220 www.facebook.com/msuhcdc

MSU Student AssociationColvard Student Union Suite 314www.thestudentassociation.com

Center for Student ActivitiesColvard Student Union Suite 314www.one.msstate.edu

Department of Recreational Sports Sanderson Center www.recsports.msstate.edu

Mississippi State Athletics www.hailstate.com