Table of Contents

PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST ............................................................................ 6

STEP ONE – GETTING YOUR VISA ............................................................... 8

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT GETTING THE VISA.................................................... 10

STEP TWO–PRE-DEPARTURE .................................................................... 12

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS ................................................................................ 12 BEFORE YOU LEAVE: IMPORTANT ITEMS TO BRING WITH YOU ............................... 13 ENTERING THE US ......................................................................................... 14 ADDITIONAL SITUATIONS AT THE POE............................................................... 16 FROM THE AIRPORT TO TALLAHASSEE & FSU ..................................................... 16

STEP THREE – COMING TO FSU ................................................................ 17

UPON ARRIVAL IN TALLAHASSEE ...................................................................... 17 IMPORTANT NOTES ............................................................................. 18

IN THE COMMUNITY ...................................................................................... 19 HEALTH AND MEDICAL INFORMATION .............................................................. 20

Mandatory health insurance registration hold.................................... 21 Medical History Registration Hold ....................................................... 22

FINANCIAL MATTERS ..................................................................................... 23 Financial Assistance ............................................................................. 23 Financial Needs upon Arrival ............................................................... 24 Tuition .................................................................................................. 25

HOUSING .................................................................................................... 26 University Housing ............................................................................... 26 Private Residence Halls ........................................................................ 27 Off-campus Rental Units ...................................................................... 27 Other off-campus housing tips ............................................................ 28 Southern Scholarship Foundation ........................................................ 28 Hotel Information ................................................................................ 28

CLIMATE AND WARDROBE .............................................................................. 29 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ....................................................... 30 CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION .......................................................................... 30 THE CENTER FOR GLOBAL & MULTICULTURAL ENGAGEMENT LOCATION .................. 31

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Important Dates for Summer 2015

Graduate Students

Online Immigration Session (required)

The Online Immigration Session will become accessible online at: http://cge.fsu.edu/newStudents/prearrivalinfo.html You must pass the quiz before you can register for classes.

International Student Check-in & Orientation (required)

An Orientation session will take place on May 8th and June 26th at Center for Global Engagement. You MUST also check-in at the Center for Global Engagement upon arrival to FSU.

Workshop for International GAs

TBA. Required for all international students with graduate assistantships.

Departmental Orientation

Check with your Academic Department for any Department-specific orientation

Undergraduate Students

Online Immigration Session (required)

The Online Immigration Session will become accessible online at: http://cge.fsu.edu/newStudents/prearrivalinfo.html You must pass the quiz before you can register for classes.

International Student Check-in & Orientation (required)

An Orientation session will take place on May 8th and June 26th at Center for Global Engagement. You MUST also check-in at the Center for Global Engagement upon arrival to FSU.

Freshman & Transfer Student Orientation (required)

Refer to your Orientation Registration Information http://nsfp.fsu.edu/

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WELCOME TO FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

Congratula t ions on your admiss ion to Flor ida S ta te Universi ty (FSU)! We a t the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) are pleased tha t you wi l l soon jo in the univers i ty community . This brochure provides you wi th essent ia l informat ion regarding your arr i va l a t FSU. Please read the informat ion in thi s brochure careful ly and br ing thi s with you as you travel to the US.

Orientations. As a new international student, we offer the following orientations:

Center for Global Engagement Orientation

Graduate students: FSU academic department orientation. Check with your department for details. The Graduate School also offers a general orientation to all graduate students for which you should register in the Fall. See http://www.gradschool.fsu.edu/orientation

Undergraduate students: undergraduate transfers and freshmen must attend an FSU new student orientation. See http://nsfp.fsu.edu/orientation.html for registration.

Attendance at the CGE’s International Student Check-in & Orientation is RECOMMENDED of all new FSU international students. In addition to orientation, you must also “check in” at the Center for Global Engagement as soon as possible after your arrival. Attendance at orientation and completing your check-in will enable your immigration record to be activated in the federal database (called “SEVIS”) and allow you to register for classes. See the Welcome Letter enclosed with this brochure for orientation dates and additional information.

The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) website is an important resource: http://cge.fsu.edu. Note that this brochure is available in Adobe® portable document format (.pdf) on our website.

Center for Global Engagement Home Page

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PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST

The checklist below provides a brief list of important steps to take before and after your arrival in the US and Tallahassee, Florida. You will find more details about the items on this list throughout this brochure.

STEP ONE: GETTING YOUR VISA

Create a folder or envelope for your important documents. Keep it in

a safe location. Review the immigration document(s) enclosed with this brochure

(Form I-20 or DS2019) for mistakes or incorrect information. Pay the required Student and Exchange Visitor Information System

(SEVIS) fee. Schedule a visa appointment with the United States Embassy or

Consulate in your home country. Pay the visa application fee. Make sure your passport is updated and valid for at least 6 months

after your entry into the US.

Get photographs taken for visa application. The photo

requirements are at:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/visaphotoreq/photoexamples/phot

oexamples_5331.html Upon issuance of your visa:

o Verify that all information is correct. o Make sure the visa indicates the correct classification (i.e., F-1 or

J-1).

STEP TWO: PRE-DEPARTURE

Make travel arrangements to Tallahassee after you have obtained your

visa. Plan to arrive no more than one month before the start of classes.

Arrange for housing before you arrive in Tallahassee, if possible. Make temporary housing arrangements, if necessary.

Follow directions below to remove University Health Services registration holds from your student account.

Bring the following with you in your carry-on bag: o Passport with valid US visa o All documents related to your visa application (e.g., I-20, DS-

2019, financial documents, acceptance letters, etc.) o Medical records, including proof of required immunizations and

information regarding any medications you are carrying.

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o Money to cover initial expenses (e.g., health insurance, rent and housing deposits, etc.)

o Address where you will be living immediately upon arrival, not the school or department address

o Marriage certificate for dependent spouse and/or birth certificates for dependent children, with an English translation

STEP THREE: ARRIVING IN TALLAHASSEE

Attend your scheduled International Student Check-in & Orientation

session at the CGE, bringing all required documents: o I-20 or DS-2019 o Your passport with US visa inside o I-94 printout o US address information (temporary or permanent)

Attend all mandatory orientations (graduate academic department or undergraduate orientation).

Register your local address with your embassy or consulate, in the case of an emergency.

Register for classes online during your Open Enrollment Dates to avoid extra fees.

Locate and print off a copy of your electronic I-94 Arrival/Departure card from www.cbp.gov/I94 for your records.

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STEP ONE – Getting your Visa

Note: Students already in F-1 or J-1 visa status and transferring from another US educational institution to Florida State University do NOT need to obtain a new visa.

Verify the information on the Certificate of Eligibility for

Nonimmigrant Visa (either the I-20 Form for F-1 visa applicants and their dependents applying for the F-2 visa or the DS-2019 Form for J-1 visa applicants and their dependents applying for the J-2 visa). It is very important that all of your personal information listed on the I-20 or DS-2019 matches the personal information on your passport and on your dependents’ passports. If any personal information, particularly your name, on your I-20 or DS-2019 is incorrect and/or does not match the information on your passport, email CGE-NewStudents@admin.fsu.edu as soon as possible. Then, fax a copy of the passport identification page with an explanation of the correction needed to 850.644.9951. We will send you a corrected I-20 or DS-2019 form as soon as possible. After you verify the information is correct, keep all documents in a safe place. Take note of your SEVIS ID number, which is located on the top, right side of your I-20/DS-2019 and begins with the letter N. If you lose your I-20/DS-2019 before your visa appointment, contact the Center for Global Engagement immediately to make arrangements for a replacement.

Pay the SEVIS fee (I-901 fee). At least three days before your visa interview, you must make the required Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee payment at www.fmjfee.com. At this site, you will submit the I-901 form electronically and can pay with a credit or debit card. Print the receipt generated after your online payment and bring it with you to your visa appointment. Note: F-2 and J-2 dependents are not required to pay this fee.

Visit http://travel.state.gov for specific information and advice on applying for a visa. This site also contains information on wait times for appointments and visa processing. Please note that these are only estimates. It is not advisable to make travel arrangements until you receive your visa from the consulate.

Make a visa appointment with the embassy or consulate responsible for issuing nonimmigrant visas for your area of your home country as soon as you receive your I-20 or DS-2019 form. Visa applications may be accepted by the consulate at any time, and may be issued up to 90 days before your program start date. Note that some US embassies require applicants to call a phone number to schedule the appointment and there is a fee for the call. Federal policy requires all applicants for initial visas to the US to have a personal interview with a consular officer. Certain categories of applicants must undergo a security clearance. Most security clearances take

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approximately 90 days to complete, but can take longer. These may be held due to the commonness of your name, any changes to the spelling or order of your name on previous visas or passports, your academic major, and/or your country of origin or nationality. There is currently no method for expediting security clearances. If you are selected for security clearance, the consulate may tell you that your application requires additional administrative processing and will give you an estimate of how long you may expect to wait. If given any questionnaires or additional forms to complete, return these to the embassy or consulate as soon as possible.

Visa application fees. Pay the visa application fee and any applicable reciprocity fee for yourself (and each dependent) by the method indicated by the consulate with jurisdiction for your area. US embassies and consular offices have websites with this information.

Your visa appointment. Bring the following documents with you to your visa appointment at a US Embassy or Consular Office:

o A completed visa application DS-160, which can be found at http://travel.state.gov. An incomplete application will result in rejection and delay. Answer all questions truthfully and accurately.

o Photographs (requirements are at: http://travel.state.gov/visa

o Appropriate visa fee and, if applicable, reciprocity fee, or receipt for payment of these.

o Receipt for payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee required for F-1/J-1 applicants (www.fmjfee.com).

o A valid passport (must be valid at least 6 months from your date of entry to the US).

o Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status Form I-20 or (J-1) DS-2019. Bring the original copy, signed by the Designated School Official (DSO) or (Alternate) Responsible Officer (ARO/RO) and by you.

o Proof of funding as stated on your I-20 or DS-2019 form (funding shown in the Certificate of Financial Responsibility submitted with your application to the university, or, in some cases, the offer letter provided by your FSU department).

o Evidence of ties to your home country which demonstrates your intent to return home (e.g., assured employment, ownership of property, etc.).

o Dependent information. If your spouse and/or children are accompanying you, you will need a SEVIS form I-20 or DS-2019 for each dependent, evidence of their relationship to you, and evidence of sufficient financial resources to support them as well as to fund your studies. Please note that other relatives (e.g., parents and siblings) do not qualify for the F-2 or J-2 visa.

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Prepare for the personal interview. Most interviews take less than 5 minutes, so be prepared and organized:

o Answer all questions truthfully. Permanent resident relatives and previous arrest records will not necessarily lead to a denial, but misrepresentation of any facts can lead to a permanent bar from the U.S.

o Dress professionally.

o Bring translated copies of your academic records and be prepared to talk about your academic plans and aspirations in detail.

o Be prepared to speak about your future career goals and how a US degree is important in meeting those career and personal goals. Keep in mind that these should be consistent with ties to your home country and with your intent to return home.

o Be knowledgeable about Florida State University, about your academic department, and about your chosen field of study.

o Have all documents in order and well organized. You have a very short time to make the best possible impression on the consular officer.

o Before you leave the interview, make sure that you receive all of your original academic and funding documents back from the consular officer.

Upon issuance of your visa, make sure that you have received the correct visa type and that the notation, if any, on the visa indicates the correct institution: “Florida State University.” Be sure that you receive your I-20 or DS-2019 form back from the consulate.

Important Notes about Getting the Visa

Program start date. Take note of the program start date indicated on

your Form I-20 (item #5: “Expected to report to the school no later than [date]”) or Form DS-2019 (item # 3: “Form covers period from: [date]”). If you cannot schedule an interview with a consular officer until after the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019, or have other difficulties in obtaining your visa, please contact the Student Services Coordinator at the Center for Global Engagement at CGE-NewStudents@admin.fsu.edu or 850-645-1424 as soon as possible. You may need to have a new I-20 or DS-2019 issued and, possibly, defer beginning your program of study until the following semester, depending on the circumstances.

Canadian citizens. If you are a citizen of Canada, you do not need a visa to enter the United States. However, you still need to present a SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 form and a valid passport at the US Immigration border crossing or Port of Entry. You must also present proof of payment of the SEVIS fee (I-901) paid at least three days before arriving at the Port of Entry. If entering at a land border crossing (not at an airport port

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of entry), you will receive a paper I-94 card marked F-1 or J-1, and ‘D/S’ upon entry. As of May 2013, the I-94 process at US international airports has become automated. Individuals may check their electronic I-94 record online and print it off at www.cbp.gov/I94. In either case, do not enter in a status other than F-1 or J-1.

FSU Westcott Building

FSU University Center

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STEP TWO–Pre-Departure

Your visa will allow you to travel to the US, where you will present your immigration documents to an immigration officer. This person will decide whether or not to grant you entry to the US in F-1 or J-1 visa status. If you are properly prepared for entry, this should not be a problem. Keep your passport with applicable visa, signed I-20 or DS-2019 form, proof of funding, and translated academic records in a secure place in your carry-on luggage. Do not put them in your checked luggage or entrust them to anyone else. If you do, and your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at the Port of Entry (POE). As a result, you may not be able to enter the United States.

You can enter the US up to 30 days prior to the program start date on the I-20 or DS-2019. You may be refused entry into the United States if you attempt to arrive more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 form.

We recommend that you plan to arrive in Tallahassee early (but no more than 30 days before classes begin) to give you time to adjust to your new home and take care of orientations, housing, insurance, and registration. Keep in mind that university offices are generally open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. and are closed on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).

Travel Arrangements

To avoid unnecessary expense and difficulties, do not make unchangeable travel arrangements until you have received your visa from the US consulate. There may be unanticipated delays in the processing of your documents.

Schedule your flight to allow at least 4 hours between your arrival at the initial Port of Entry into the US and your connecting flight to Tallahassee. You will need sufficient time to pass through immigration and customs inspection and to change currency, if needed. If you need to exchange money, you should do so at your first POE because there are no currency exchange facilities in the Tallahassee airport. Also note, when making travel plans and when transiting through airports, that the US has four different time zones: Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern. Tallahassee, Florida is in the Eastern Time Zone. Most states (except Arizona and Hawaii) also observe Daylight Saving time (see http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/for more information). For a list of US airports, see: www.airports.com.

Housing. If you have already been assigned university housing, remember that most residence halls are not open between semesters. For residence hall opening dates, refer to: www.housing.fsu.edu.

Temporary Accommodations & Hotel Reservations. Make arrangements for a hotel or temporary housing before you arrive. The

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university does not have emergency or temporary facilities available. A list of hotels near FSU is included in this brochure on page 29.

Before You Leave: Important Items to Bring With You

This brochure!

Your medical records, an English translation, and a list of any medications you are taking and/or carrying with you. Certain medications, including vitamins, may be confiscated if you do not have proper documentation. (See Prohibited Items section in “Important Notes” below).

Proof of immunizations. Completed Health History form; see the section on Health and Medical Information in this brochure.

Travel insurance. Since University coverage does not take effect until a

few days before the start of the semester, we recommend that you

purchase travel insurance until your University policy becomes effective.

For exact coverage dates of the University plan, please see the insurance

policy booklet on the University Health Services website:

http://www.studentinsurance.fsu.edu. Travel insurance will not meet the

university requirements for insurance coverage required in order to

enroll in classes.

Money. During the first few weeks, you will have many expenses, particularly if you live off-campus and need to pay deposits and fees and purchase furnishings.

o It is recommended to bring a debit or credit card that can be used in the US.

o It is a good idea to bring some cash in small bills (no more than $300 in $20, $10, and $5 bills.)

o Traveler’s checks in US dollars are also recommended in case of emergency or a lost credit card.

o Be sure to keep the receipts in a separate, safe location.

o Make sure you have money available to you in the US to pay tuition on time.

FSU accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, and American Express cards for tuition payments. Tuition will be due within two weeks after classes start. See the section on Financial Matters for additional money information.

Appropriate clothing. For more information, see the section on Climate and Wardrobe.

US residential address (even if temporary). While traveling to the US, you will be required report an US residential address to US immigration at the Port of Entry. If you are temporarily staying at a hotel or with a friend

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until you are able to make your own housing arrangements, be sure you have the address of your hotel or friend available to you.

Important Notes Prohibited Items. The US Customs and Border Protection website has

information about the items you can bring with you to the US and which items are prohibited (see www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/kbyg/). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lists additional items that are prohibited on airline flights for security reasons (see http://www.tsa.gov/). Also, check with your airline before you leave for the latest information about prohibited items for travel to the US.

Place all valuables in carry-on bags. If you choose to lock your luggage, you must use TSA-approved locks only, as TSA screeners will then have tools to open and re-lock your luggage, avoiding damage should physical inspection be required. See the following websites for more information: www.travelsentry.org and www.safeskieslocks.com. If you do not have TSA-approved locks, the TSA screeners will break your locks to open your luggage for inspection, and your luggage will not be locked for the remainder of the trip. Carry all immigration documents, marriage and birth certificates, academic records, and medical records in your carry-on.

Entering the US

At the US Port of Entry (POE). The Port of Entry is the international airport or land border crossing where you first enter the United States. You will pass through an immigration and customs checkpoint. You will be asked to present the following:

o Valid passport with valid F-1 or J-1 visa (visa not required for Canadian citizens)

o Original, signed I-20 or DS-2019

o I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (if crossing a land border only)

o SEVIS I-901 fee receipt

o Funding information (to support the amount documented on your I-20 or DS-2019 form)

o Customs Declaration form

I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. An automated form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record was implemented at air and sea ports beginning in May 2013. Please note that the automation only affects air and sea arrivals, a paper Form I-94 is still issued at the land border ports of entry.

Travelers wanting a hard copy or other evidence of admission can access this information online if they did not receive a hard copy attached to their passport (www.cbp.gov/I94). Individuals can locate their I-94s based on the electronically submitted biographical and arrival data. It is highly recommended that you

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locate your I-94 record soon after arriving in Tallahassee and either save it as a PDF file or print out a hard copy for your records. A copy of the I-94 will often need to be submitted to benefits providers (such as employers) or as evidence of lawful admission to the United States. NOTE: If you purchase a round-trip ticket to the US and do not use the 2nd (return) ticket, your I-94 record may no longer be accessible online.

Residential Address in the US. You will be asked to give a US residential

address at the Port of Entry. You may use your hotel address, or a temporary residential address, if you do not yet have a permanent Tallahassee address. Do not use the address of your academic department or the Center for Global Engagement. Have this information on hand and keep it with your immigration documents, as you will present these to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or immigration officers.

o Remember that you must also report an address to the Center for Global Engagement upon your arrival to complete check-in procedures.

o You are required by federal law to report an address change to the Center for Global Engagement within 10 days of any change of address. To report your change of address, you will use the

university’s student information system at my.fsu.edu.

Customs Declaration Form. You will receive a Customs Declaration

Form, which you must complete and present to the CBP officers, who may ask to inspect your luggage. For more information on required documentation as well as procedures to expect, visit: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/kbyg/.

Questions to Expect. The CBP officer will ask you the reason you wish to enter the United States. You will also be asked to provide information about your final destination (i.e., your school). It is important to tell the CBP officer that you will be a student or exchange visitor. You must also travel with proof of financial resources and your academic records, in case they ask for this documentation.

Fingerprinting. You will be fingerprinted and photographed as part of the USVISIT program. More information about USVISIT is at: www.dhs.gov/us-visit-traveler-information.

Document Inspection. The officers will inspect your documents and note the date of entry, visa status, as well as the ‘D/S’ (duration of status) on your I-20 or DS-2019, and passport. These documents, taken together along with the I-94, constitute proof of your legal status in the United States. Once your customs and immigration inspection is complete, you should receive:

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o Your passport stamped for duration of status ( ‘D/S’) (and notated with F-1 or J-1 visa status.

o Your original I-20 and other documents back. The I-20 may or may not also be stamped upon entry.

If there are any errors in the notations, let the CBP officer know right away. It is much easier to correct the problem at the Port of Entry than it is later.

Additional Situations at the POE

Secondary Inspection. If the CBP officer at the Port of Entry (POE) cannot initially verify your information, or if you do not have all of the required documentation, the officer may direct you to an interview area known as “secondary inspection.” Secondary inspection allows inspectors to conduct additional research to verify information without causing delays for other arriving passengers. If the CBP officer asks to contact the Center for Global Engagement, the main phone line is 850.644.1702. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you are asked to contact the Center for Global Engagement after business hours, call the Center for Global Engagement main line for after-hours emergency instructions.

Form I-515. If the CBP officer believes your immigration documents might not be completely satisfactory, you may receive a form I-515 with an instruction sheet. If you do, come to the Center for Global Engagement as soon as you arrive. Do not send any documents anywhere before consulting with one of our staff members, as the address provided for mailing the I-515 varies. The form I-515 gives you only 30 days to remain in the US legally and provide proof of your visa status, so do not delay.

From the Airport to Tallahassee & FSU

Connection to Tallahassee. Because Tallahassee does not have an international airport, you will need to make a connecting flight from another major city. As previously mentioned, allow at least 3 hours between your first flight into the US and your connection to Tallahassee. The Tallahassee Regional Airport website is: www.talgov.com/airport/ . Red Coach, Greyhound, and GMG Transport offer bus service from Florida cities to Tallahassee.

Currency Exchange. The Tallahassee Airport does not offer any currency exchange. If you need to exchange money, you will need to do so at an international airport.

Taxis at the Tallahassee Airport. A taxi into the city costs about $20 to $30. Some hotels offer free transportation from the airport, which is a 15-minute drive from campus and the downtown area. If you plan to stay at a hotel, ask about an airport shuttle when you make your reservation. Taxis are available at the airport and usually waiting outside for customers (look

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for the “Ground Transportation” sign near the baggage claim area). If you need to call a taxi, here is contact information for some Tallahassee taxi companies.

Automobile Rentals. Vehicle rentals are available at the airport from major companies such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent-A-Car, Enterprise, Hertz and National. You must make reservations in advance to ensure availability of vehicles. Don’t forget to inquire about the age restriction for rentals. You must also have an international driver’s permit as well as a foreign driver’s license, your passport, and a major credit card in your own name. Rental agencies generally require the primary driver to be at least 25 years of age.

STEP THREE – Coming to FSU

Upon Arrival in Tallahassee

New students are required to Check-in at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) before classes begin. At check-in, we will scan your important immigration documents. To complete your required immigration Check-in, you must bring all of the following documents with you to the CGE (and the same documents for dependents, if any):

o Your I-20 or DS-2019

o Passport with valid US visa inside

o I-94 printout

o Your local address and phone number in Tallahassee, even if only temporary (e.g., hotel, friend’s house, etc.)

o Emergency contact information for a relative or friend

Also during check-in, we will give you materials to help you get started in Tallahassee (e.g., maps, bus schedules, campus information). We look forward to meeting you!

A hold is placed that will prevent you from registering for classes until you have completed International Student Check-In & the OIS.

o In addition to the CGE orientation, graduate students have an academic orientation at their graduate department and a Graduate School orientation (http://www.gradschool.fsu.edu/orientation).

o Undergraduates are required to attend a University Orientation for freshmen or transfer students. For information about undergraduate orientation, see http://nsfp.fsu.edu/.

City Taxi 850.562.4222 Yellow Cab 850.580.8080

The information above on taxis and rentals is for your convenience and is not an endorsement of these companies.

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How to get to the Center for Global Engagement. The Center for Global Engagement is located on the FSU campus at 110 S. Woodward Ave. An online campus map is available at www.fsu.edu/Campus/newmap/. Parking around the Center for Global Engagement is very limited. Parking spaces nearby are mostly reserved for Faculty and Staff (parking lots and spaces are marked with red paint) or students with parking decals (parking lots and spaces are marked with white paint). The nearest visitor parking lot is at the University Center (football stadium). You can walk or take a university bus from there. For additional parking information, see: http://transportation.fsu.edu. You will have to park as a visitor until you receive a parking permit as a student.

Open Enrollment Dates. Your academic orientation will provide

information about registration for classes. You can register for classes through my.fsu.edu during your Open Enrollment Dates (also called an “Enrollment Appointment” or “registration window”), which is the period of time (usually several days before the start of the semester) during which you select courses online and complete registration. Make sure to register for a full course load.

o You can find the definition of a “full course of study” for international students at http://cge.fsu.edu (under International students and then F-1 or J-1 Enrollment).

o Specific Enrollment Appointment dates and instructions are at www.registrar.fsu.edu under the “Registration Guide” link.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Set up your FSUID and email account. Before you arrive on campus, you can activate your FSUID and obtain an FSU email account visit: my.fsu.edu and click on Activate your FSUID. This email account is required of all international students and will be our main method of communication with you. Please check this email account at least weekly, if not more often. myFSU will also be where you register for classes, pay tuition, change your address, and more. It is very helpful to become familiar with my.fsu.edu before your arrival.

Social Security number (SSN). If you will be employed at FSU, you must obtain a US social security number. The US government uses this number to identify wage earners for tax purposes. You are only eligible for an SSN if you already have an offer of employment. Please note that you should not apply for a SSN until you have been in the U.S. for at least 10 days. For more information about the SSN, please request the Social Security brochure from the Center for Global Engagement or view our website (http://cge.fsu.edu, under International Students and then F-1 or J-1 Employment). Be sure you get a receipt or letter from Social Security, and

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provide a copy of this letter to your department, to get into payroll for an initial 9-week period.

FSU temporary student ID. The number assigned by FSU to new international students as an ID number is not a valid US SSN. It usually begins with 899 or 999 and was assigned to you when you applied to the university. You should not use this number for employment and never outside of the FSU campus. For example, it cannot be used to open bank accounts, apply for cell phones or credit cards, to set up your utilities, or in a lease agreement. If asked for a Social Security number or ID number, you should say that you do not have one.

Students not receiving income are not eligible for SSN. If you are not receiving any US income, you will not be able to obtain a Social Security number, but you can accomplish most activities, such as opening a bank account, setting up utilities, and getting a phone, without the Social Security number.

IMPORTANT. Students admitted to the US in F or J visa status may not work off-campus for a wage, or engage in business, unless specifically authorized to do so by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an F-1 or J-1 advisor.

In the Community

Utilities. You can initiate new utility service by FAX, sending a copy of your passport information page in place of the SSN and driver’s license information, or you can initiate new utility service in person at the Customer Account Services office on the first floor of the Frenchtown Renaissance Center, 435 North Macomb Street, from 8 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. You will have to pay connection and deposit for water, electricity, and gas (if needed). If you already have a US Social Security number, a valid US driver’s license, and a credit card, and know the address at which you will reside, you can activate your City of Tallahassee utility account before you arrive in Tallahassee and pay a deposit online at: www.talgov.com.

If you will be living off-campus, you may need to have your utilities turned on before you can move in to your apartment. Make sure you plan your arrival accordingly to give you time to initiate utility service. For more information on initiating new utility service, please visit: http://www.talgov.com/you/customer/request/connect.cfm?src=on

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Transportation. You will probably need to use the Tallahassee bus system (Star Metro), particularly during your first days in Tallahassee. FSU students can use the city buses at no charge by showing the FSUCard to the bus driver (but only while FSU classes are in session).

City bus maps and schedules are at: http://talgov.com/starmetro/routes.cfm. If you do not yet have your FSU Card, you will pay $1.25 in exact change as you get on the bus.

NOTE: Buses do not operate from the airport.

The bus system also operates campus shuttles. FSU has several different routes through campus that run from 7am to between 5 pm and 7 pm in ten to twenty minute intervals. There are also 2 night bus services. “Night ‘Nole” provides transport from campus and nearby apartments to nightlife areas in town Tuesday-Saturday from 10:30 pm to 3 am. SAFE Connection provides transport on campus and to nearby on campus locations, everyday from 7 pm to 3 am. For more information, visit http://transportation.fsu.edu/other-services.

Parking. Parking on campus is very limited and you will need a parking decal in order to use the student parking lots. Parking and transportation fees are included in the cost of tuition and there is no charge for parking decals. For more information about how to obtain a parking decal, as well as links to campus parking maps, please visit http://transportation.fsu.edu/.

More Information about Getting Settled. Please visit our online version of 2012-2013 New to FSU Handbook: http://cge.fsu.edu/resources/publications.html

Health and Medical Information

Unlike many countries, the United States does not have a national health care system. Healthcare costs, even for minor illnesses or accidents, can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. In the US, it is customary for individuals to buy

Utilities Office at Frenchtown Renaissance Center, Source: Google maps

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insurance, paying a fee to “insure” oneself against having to spend a great deal of money in the event of illness or accident. Even then, most US insurance plans do not provide 100% coverage for an accident or illness. These plans typically require you to pay both a deductible (an initial amount from the bill) and a percentage of the remaining cost. Some insurance will only pay “usual and customary” charges, so bills which seem excessive to the insurer will not be fully paid.

Mandatory health insurance registration hold

The State of Florida requires all students to have adequate health and accident insurance before registering for courses. You will not be able to register for classes each semester if you do not purchase insurance. The Insurance Office at the University Health Services coordinates all insurance matters for students. For more information about insurance and to view the insurance brochure, please visit the Insurance Office website at: http://studentinsurance.fsu.edu. This website provides information about the university insurance policy benefits, rates, dates of coverage, and enrollment deadlines, as well as contact information for the Insurance Office. In order to remove your registration hold for insurance, follow these steps:

Go to http://studentinsurance.fsu.edu, click on the flashing “Waive/Purchase Insurance” link;

Login with your FSUID and password;

Choose to purchase insurance;

Choose the appropriate period of coverage for your academic program. Government-funded students should purchase the entire year.

Government-funded students will also submit a third party billing form and copy of their award letter to University Health Services, in order for an invoice to be sent to their government sponsor. If the sponsor already provides insurance, please have University Health Services review the policy provisions to ensure that it meets or exceeds state requirements. Most U.S. government funded students will have insurance which DOES NOT meet the state requirements.

Graduate Assistants – The University will provide a subsidy toward the cost of your insurance. This subsidy is generated automatically once you have enrolled in the university insurance plan, enrolled in classes, and completed the required Glacier tax deduction profile. An e-mail regarding Glacier will come from support@online-tax.net for you to set up the required profile.

Third Party Bill Payment – Students whose parents will be paying their bills with a credit card should first enroll in the insurance plan and then allow the responsible party access to your financial information and fee payments by following the instructions here - http://sc.my.fsu.edu/Students/How-To/Assign-Delegated-Access-to-a-Third-Party. Government-sponsored

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students may also choose this option, but keep in mind that all payments must be made by the fee payment deadline, unless you have also requested third party billing from both University Health Services and Student Financial Services.

J-2 dependents. The Federal government requires that all J-2 dependents under the J-1 student's program must have insurance coverage as defined by Federal law and described on page 2 of the DS-2019 form. When reviewing coverage options, consider your family’s healthcare needs and whether or not the policy provides routine care for infants and children, coverage for required immunizations, coverage for pregnancy and childbirth, allergy treatments, and coverage for pre-existing conditions (chronic or congenital conditions or conditions which occurred before the policy start date). The university plan covers these when dependent coverage is purchased.

F-2 dependents may also be covered under the university policy, but there is no federal or state law which requires the coverage. Keep in mind, though, that utilization of U.S. government benefits for emergency healthcare (rather than using insurance) may cause visa denials in the future.

Immunizations Registration Hold

All students must meet immunization requirements established by the Florida Board of Education prior to class registration. The mandatory Health compliance forms are used to verify your immunization records. Complete and submit these forms to the University Health Services as soon as possible. The

forms are available at: http://uhs.fsu.edu/forms/forms.html. NOTE:

Student Immunization Record form must be signed by a medical professional and include the medical license number or office stamp. Bring translated medical records with you.

You will not be allowed to register for classes until you have shown proof of valid health insurance (see Mandatory health insurance section) and submitted the Student Health History form to show compliance with required immunizations. If you need immunizations, you can get them at the Student University Health Services for a fee. If you have purchased the insurance policy offered by FSU first, the immunizations are provided at University Health Services at no cost. It is advisable to obtain all required vaccinations before leaving home, though, in order to save time in removing your registration holds and registering for classes.

Be sure to complete the Health History form in its entirety, including the statement regarding obtaining or waiving Hepatitis and Meningitis vaccinations. Incomplete forms will cause your registration hold to remain in place. Note that two MMR vaccinations are required of all university students in the State of Florida. There is no waiver of this requirement. You will be required to get two MMR vaccinations if:

you have not received any MMR shot or,

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if the first vaccination was given before 01/01/1968 and/or before your first birthday (i.e., 12 months after your date of birth).

Note: If you obtain the MMR shots before you leave for the U.S., these two vaccinations must be given to you at least 28 days apart; otherwise, a second vaccination will still be required. You will be required to obtain only the second MMR vaccination if you received only one shot and it was administered after your first birthday (i.e., 12 months from your date of birth), or if your previous MMR vaccinations were not 28 days apart.

For more information on immunization requirements, go to: http://healthcenter.fsu.edu/compliance.html.

Financial Matters

As a condition of receiving your student visa from the US Embassy or Consulate, you had to provide proof of funding for the first year of your academic program, and verify that these funds are available for the duration of your program. Your I-20 or DS-2019 was created based on funding information you provided to meet the financial requirements set forth by the University.

The FSU cost of attendance listed on your I-20/DS-2019 is the minimum amount of money that you should expect to need for your tuition, fees, books, insurance, and living expenses for one year. Depending upon your personal needs and lifestyle, you may require more funds than estimated. Tuition and fees are subject to increase each year up to 15%, further increasing your monetary needs. You should never anticipate needing less than the amount listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 form, even if you live much more economically at home. The normal cost of living in the US may be significantly more than you or your family is accustomed to paying at home. You will also be limited by the type of employment and the amount with which you can supplement your funds. You are restricted to 20 hours per week of on-campus work (if available) during the regular semester, and off-campus work is prohibited without authorization and allowed only in very limited circumstances.

Financial Assistance

Other than graduate and research assistantships that academic departments may grant to some graduate students prior to admission, the university offers little financial assistance to international students. Several financial assistance programs that are available on a competitive basis are listed below and more information is on our website at http://cge.fsu.edu/newstudents/financinged.html.

Undergraduate Tuition Waivers. Undergraduate students with a high GPA are encouraged to apply after their first semester at FSU. The program enables selected students to pay for credit hours at the in-state

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tuition rate for the semester awarded. Students must reapply each semester and selection is highly competitive.

Linkage Institute Waivers. If you are from one of the eligible countries for which a Linkage Institute agreement exists, you are eligible to apply for this waiver program which allows recipients to pay for tuition at the in-state

rate.

Latin American/Caribbean Scholarship. If you are from a Latin American or Caribbean country, you may be eligible for the Latin American/Caribbean (LAC) Scholarship.

An additional resource for funding opportunities in the United States is the Institute of International Education’s website: http://www.fundingusstudy.org/

Financial Needs upon Arrival

Housing deposits, rent, household necessities, tuition, books, and supplies will require major expenditures immediately after your arrival. Even if you are receiving university funding, your payments will not start for approximately one month, while your SSN and paperwork are being processed. We recommend that you have access to at least $6,000 in personal funds to cover initial expenses during your first few months. If you choose to bring a bank draft or a check to deposit to an account at a local bank, please be aware that some banks will take several weeks to process the deposit and the money may not be quickly withdrawn. Wire transfers will incur fees of usually $40-$100 per transfer. If you have a bank account with a debit card or credit account at home, you should be able to withdraw money from an ATM in the U.S. Be sure to check on available ATM locations and on the fees assessed with withdrawals and currency conversion, and know your PIN number.

Here is a fairly accurate assessment of the money you will need to spend immediately upon arrival:

- Off-campus housing first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and deposit - $1500 (on-campus payments vary)

- Utility deposit - $325.50

- Internet/TV/Phone Deposit - $25-$50

- Food - $300-$500

- Toiletries (soap, shampoo) and cleaning supplies (dish soap, clothing detergent) - $100

- Bed linens, towels, paper supplies (not provided in on- or off-campus housing) - $100-$300

- Pots, pans, dishes, utensils (not provided in on- or off-campus housing) - $100-$300

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- Bed, if living in an unfurnished off-campus unit- $100-$600

- Books and supplies (paper, pens) - $500

- Fees not paid by teaching or research assistantships - $1000

- Initial transportation costs (airport taxi, bus rides before obtaining FSU Card) - $40

Do not bring money in the form of a bank draft or check made payable to Florida State University. If you are sponsored by an outside agency or government, FSU will make arrangements to send a bill to the sponsoring agency based upon your award letter from the sponsoring agency. Be sure that you have an award letter, and that any stipend you receive is sent to you separately (not to FSU). If your tuition and stipend are combined in one check, FSU cannot refund the difference.

Customs declaration for large sums. If you bring more than US$10,000 of currency or in the form of traveler’s checks in currency (US dollars), money orders, bank drafts, etc., you will need to submit a Customs form to report this upon entry into the United States. The form is called the “Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments,” or FinCEN Form 105, and is available from your flight attendant, at the Port of Entry (airport or land border crossing) or online at: www.fincen.gov/forms/fin105_cmir.pdf.

Banking. The FSUCard, which is your student identification card, also offers a banking option through SunTrust Bank; however, you must go to the bank in person to open an account. The SunTrust Bank is located next to the FSUCard center. Some local banks in the area that do not require a US social security number (SSN) to open an account are (in alphabetical order): Bank of America, SunTrust Bank, and Wachovia Bank.

Tuition

Tuition is based on the number of credit hours for which a student enrolls. As an international student, you are considered a non-Florida resident and are assessed out-of-state tuition rates. Tuition rates, information regarding how tuition and fees are paid, and deadlines for payment are at www.sfs.fsu.edu. Tuition and fees can increase by 5-15% from current rates each school year.

If you are a graduate student receiving tuition waivers from your FSU department, you are still responsible for paying fees (e.g., athletic, transportation, and activities fees). The fees portion of your university account usually amounts to $800-1000 each semester. You must pay these fees by the due date for tuition payment each semester.

If an outside agency, scholarship, government office, or private organization is paying any portion of your tuition and fees, you are responsible for submitting an Agency Billing form each semester, along with documentation of your award and a Letter of Authorization, in person, to the Student Financial

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Services office, located at A1500 University Center (www.sfs.fsu.edu). You must submit this form by the due date, which is usually the 3rd day of classes for that semester, in order to avoid a $100 late-payment fee. A detailed award letter from your sponsor, including instructions for billing, a contact name, a billing address, and what specifically will be paid, is required at the time this form is submitted. The Agency Billing Form must be submitted to Student Financial Services each semester in order for the student’s tuition to be billed to a third party.

The university does not send bills to students. You are responsible for knowing and paying by the due date any amount due on your account. A late fee of $100.00 is charged for any amount not paid by the due date to the university. Your entire class schedule is cancelled if: (a) payment is not received; or (b) a payment plan is not instituted; or (c) an Agency Billing form is not submitted by the payment deadline. It is important to note that cancellation of classes will negatively affect immigration status.

You may pay tuition to Student Financial Services by personal check from a US bank, a money order (banks and post offices supply these orders for a specific amount of payment in exchange for cash), or the FSUCard if it is linked to a SunTrust bank account. You may also pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card, but there is a fee for payment with these cards. There is no fee for payment with a SunTrust/FSU ID card. FSU also does not accept checks drawn on a foreign account. If a parent or sponsor is paying for tuition, fees, and insurance, you may grant them third party access to your student account and payment functions through my.fsu.edu Delegated Access.

Housing

The Center for Global Engagement has a Housing Options webpage with a listing of on- and off-campus options and a downloadable comparison chart of apartments that have been recommended by other international students! You can get to the Housing Options page easily form the CGE homepage, or by going to http://cge.fsu.edu/housingOptions.html.

University Housing

Housing costs are not included in the tuition and fees at Florida State University. You can apply for housing online as soon as you are officially admitted to FSU. Housing at university-owned residence halls and apartments fill quickly More information about on-campus housing options is available from the University Housing Office:

University Housing Office 942 Learning Way Tallahassee, FL 32306-4174 Phone: 850.644.2860 Fax: 850.644.7997 www.housing.fsu.edu

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Note: If you contact the Housing office, you will be asked to provide one or more of the identification numbers listed on the Welcome Letter from the Center for Global Engagement (enclosed). Do not use any of these numbers for off-campus housing applications.

Note that the residence halls DO NOT provide linens or paper items. It is advisable to bring a “twin-sized” bed sheet set, a towel set, a small pillow from your flight, and some bathroom tissues for your first night in the residence hall or Alumni Village. Furnished places do NOT normally provide small appliances, TVs, pots, pans, plates, silverware, sheets, towels, pillows, shower curtain, or paper products.

Private Residence Halls

Many students choose to live in a private residence hall near campus. The monthly rental cost may include utilities, phone, basic cable TV service, and meals. Students generally share a bedroom with another student. Contact the hall directly to make your housing arrangements:

Southgate Campus Center (at the south edge of campus) Phone: 850.425.4200; 1-800.444.2414 675 West Jefferson St Tallahassee, FL 32304 www.southgateattallahassee.com/

Off-campus Rental Units

If you are not going to live in on-campus University Housing, you should plan to arrive in Tallahassee early enough to find a place to live (at least two weeks before the start of classes). Apartment rental costs vary depending on the number of bedrooms and location. Be prepared to pay from $500 to $1,000 per month, plus one-time deposits, first and last month’s rent, and various other fees. Utility and telephone costs, which are typically paid separately from rent, can cost as much as $300 per month. Some apartment complexes offer a variety of additional services which may include cable TV, high speed internet, a gym, recreational facilities, and a shuttle service to the university. Apartments also vary in terms of amenities in the unit, such as a microwave, dishwasher, or clothes washer and dryer. Take time to compare several facilities and research the apartments on the internet.

In addition to the CGE’s Housing Options site, some popular apartment search sites are: www.theapartmentseekers.com, www.rentalguide.net, www.apartments.com, www.ApartmentRatings.com, www.ApartmentGuide.com, and

www.move.com. (Note: We provide these websites as a convenience, not as an endorsement).

Online listing services such as craigslist are prone to fraudulent listings. It is not advisable to make plans via craigslist contacts prior to arriving in Tallahassee. Never send advanced payments or your bank or credit card

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information to unknown persons you have contacted via craigslist or other similar sites.

Other off-campus housing tips

Be informed of the floor plan of your apartment. Many new apartments in Tallahassee rent separately each room of a four-bedroom apartment to different individuals. You then share the living space and kitchen with roommates. You will probably not know these other roommates. This is not an ideal arrangement if you are bringing your family or plan to have family visiting you for an extended time.

Most off-campus housing requires a one-year lease. Read your lease agreement carefully before signing it, and know the location and specifics of the apartment you are renting.

When signing a lease, many apartments require students to provide a financial guarantor. This is often required so that the landlord can ensure that the tenant has the financial resources to pay for his/her rent. If your lease requires this, you can contact the Center for Global Engagement Student Services Coordinator (850-645-1424 or CGE-NewStudents@admin.fsu.edu). The Student Services Coordinator will prepare a letter explaining that you have provided proof of financial resources to the university and the U.S. embassy as a condition of receiving your visa. In addition to this letter, you can provide the landlord with a copy of your financial documents and your I-20/DS-2019 that shows your funding source. Note: If you are receiving a majority of funds from your academic department, you may also have to show your landlord a personal funding source.

Southern Scholarship Foundation

This foundation provides rent-free, cooperative living houses for a limited number of students with excellent academic records and high financial need. Students share all household duties and expenses for food and utilities. For more information and application deadlines, see: www.southernscholarship.org.

Hotel Information

This information is not provided as an endorsement and is solely for the convenience of incoming students. This information is subject to change. For a complete list of hotels and motels, please visit the City of Tallahassee

IMPORTANT! A lease is a binding legal contract and you may be liable for the remaining amount of your lease and/or loss of your deposit if you end your contract early. Short-term leases often also require advance notification of your non-renewal intention.

Also, signing as a Guarantor for someone else’s lease also binds you to the terms of that person’s lease.

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website at www.visittallahassee.com/places-to-stay/. Room costs vary, ranging from $50 to $200 a night (plus tax). Many hotels also have websites where you can book your stay in advance using a credit card.

Some hotel accommodations close to campus are:

Holiday Inn Select 316 West Tennessee St Phone: 850.222.9555 US Toll Free: 888.465.4329 www.holidayinn.com

Days Inn University Center 1350 West Tennessee St Phone: 850.222.3219 www.daysinn.com

Doubletree Hotel 101 South Adams St Phone: 850.224.5000 http://doubletree.hilton.com

University Inn & Suites 691 West Tennessee St Phone: 850.224.8161 www.universityinntallahassee.com

Residence Inn Downtown 600 West Gaines St. Phone: 850.329.9080 US Toll Free: 800.922.3291 www.marriott.com

Aloft Tallahassee Downtown 200 N Monroe St Phone: 850.513.0313 http://www.alofttallahssee.com/

Hotel Duval 415 North Monroe St US Toll Free: 800.814.7000 Phone: 850.224.6000 www.parkplaza.com

Courtyard by Marriott -Capital 1018 Apalachee Pkwy,

Phone: 850.222.8822

http://www.marriott.com

Climate and Wardrobe

Florida is known as the “Sunshine State” for good reason; the weather is often very pleasant compared to other areas of the United States. However, Tallahassee’s location in north Florida means that we do have cold weather. During the months of December through February, temperatures can drop below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit/0 degrees Celsius). During the summer months, especially in July, August, and September, temperatures are usually in the 90s F/ 30s C, and occasionally climb to 100 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius, with very high humidity. Tallahassee also gets substantial amounts of rain. Most buildings and apartments are equipped with central heating and air conditioning. More weather information is at www.cityrating.com/cityweather.asp?city=Tallahassee

Dress on campus is quite casual, with both men and women wearing jeans, slacks, and shorts. In spring, summer, and fall, you will see lots of students wearing sandals or flip-flops to class! More information about the city of Tallahassee is at: www.visittallahassee.com www.talgov.com/ and www.morethanyouthought.com.

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International Student Organizations

There are a number of international student organizations at FSU. Many of these organizations are very active in assisting new international students before and after their arrival at FSU. It may be helpful for you to contact these organizations for advice and assistance before your arrival. For a complete list of student organizations, please visit: http://global.fsu.edu/students/StudentOrganizations.htm.

The Center for Global Engagement sponsors InternatioNOLE. The mission of the InternatioNOLE is to provide a welcoming community for globally-minded students. Learn more on our website under the Intercultural Programs tab.

Child Care and Education

Public school in the US is free from kindergarten through high school (Leon County Schools: www.leon.k12.fl.us). There are a number of private schools in Tallahassee as well. For a list of schools and day-care providers, go to: www.kidsincorporated.org/.

Note: Children who will enroll in school or daycare must show immunization and medical records at the time of registration. You should plan to bring original immunization and medical records with you from home, along with certified English translations, if these documents are not in English. Also, the academic calendar for the school system may not be the same as the university’s academic calendar. The K-12 school year often begins earlier than FSU.

Details on schools, health records for your dependents, English classes, community activities, and more are available in our Family Resource Guide on our website at: www.cge.fsu.edu/publications.html.

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The Center for Global & Multicultural Engagement, “The Globe”

` http://www.fsu.edu/Campus/newmap/