International Pre-Arrival Guide

Pre-Arrival Guide for International Students

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Pre-Arrival Guide 3/21/12 12:32 PM Page 1

Contents

Welcome to Yale! ....................1Before you leave ....................2

Immigration and Visas ..............3Booking Your Flight ..................4Insurance ................................5Health Services ........................5Departure Checklist ..................6What to Pack ............................6Accommodations ......................7Computers and Facilities ............8Meals ....................................9Money and Finances ................10

Arriving in the U.S ..............11Hotels ........................................12Immigration................................12Form I-94 ..................................12Getting to New Haven ................13Transportation ............................13

When You Arrive ................14Registration ..............................15The Office of InternationalStudents and Scholars (OISS) ..15Security and Emergency ............16Health Services ......................16

Contacts..............................17


Welcome to Yale!

Congratulations on your acceptance to study at Yale this summer.We look forward to welcoming you to New Haven and our

campus, and have compiled this guide to assist you in preparing for yoursummer experience. Please take the time to read the entire guide, and besure to bring it with you when you travel to the U.S. If you have furtherquestions or concerns, please contact the staff listed on page 17 and wewill be pleased to help you. Wishing you safe travels, and we lookforward to seeing you at Yale very soon!

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Before you leave

Whether or not this is your first stay in the U.S., youcertainly have a lot of things on your mind as you try to get

organized. It is a very busy and exciting time as you say your goodbyesto your friends and family and, in the midst of it, you don’t want toforget anything important. To help soothe your pre-departure worries,we have put together some traveling information and considerations thatyou may find useful. If you need more information or have anyquestions that are not covered here, please contact us.

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Immigration and VisasOnce you have been admitted to your summerprogram, you should begin work on obtainingyour visa document, your U.S. embassy visastamp, and getting your travel plans to theU.S. confirmed.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or a U.S.permanent resident, you will need to obtainF-1 student status to study in this full-timeprogram.

You must apply for your visa well in advanceof your arrival, as it can, in some instancestake several weeks, and occasionally longer, toobtain the student visa.

To apply for a U.S. visa, you will need topresent the following documents at theU.S. embassy or consulate nearest to you:

n Your Form I-20

n The SEVIS Fee receipt

n A copy of your financial supportdocuments, i.e. evidence that you havesufficient funds to meet the expenses ofstudying at Yale, e.g. bank statement.

In addition, the application for a U.S.visa requires you to present:

n A valid passport

n Passport-size photographs

n Completed visa applications forms (Visaapplication forms are available onindividual consular Web sites.)

An application fee and an interview will alsobe required.

Note: If the U.S. Consulate has any questionsregarding your studies at Yale, please contactOISS.

Find out more:http://www.yale.edu/oiss/immigration/common/f1students/index.html

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Booking Your FlightWhen shopping around for the best price fora round-trip flight to the U.S., you shouldkeep in mind that there are several airportsconvenient to New Haven and Yale:

Transportation options from these airports toYale and New Haven is available on theUniversity’s “Getting to Yale” Web site:http://www.yale.edu/transportationoptions/alternatives/airports.html

Don’t forget to confirm your flight 72 hoursin advance of your departure, and arrive at theairport early!

Airport/City Code Miles from YaleJohn F. Kennedy/New York, New York JFK 80 milesLaGuardia/New York, New York LAG 73 milesNewark/Newark, New Jersey EWR 93 milesBradley/Windsor Locks, CT BDL 52 milesTweed/New Haven, CT HVN 5 milesLogan/Boston, MA BOS 140 milesTheodore Green/Warwick, RI PVD 96 miles

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InsuranceStudents living on campus who are not U.S.citizens or permanent residents will needhospitalization insurance coverage through aU.S. carrier. Yale Summer Session willarrange this coverage for you, and thecorresponding fee will be placed on yourUniversity bill. Please see the Tuition & Feesportion of your program’s web site to viewthe amount of this fee.

Health ServicesYale Health Center provides limitedservices to Summer Session students living oncampus.

Coverage includes use of the Acute Caredepartment and the Inpatient Caredepartment, a fully licensed, 17-bed inpatientunit located on the fourth floor of the YaleHealth Center at 55 Lock Street. The AcuteCare department, open 24 hours a day, islocated on the first floor of the Yale HealthCenter and is staffed by physicians, physicianassociates, and nurse practitioners trained toevaluate and treat most minor, acute medicalproblems as well as minor trauma such asorthopedic injuries and lacerations.

If needed, routine primary care and specialtyservices are available on-site; however, theseservices are not covered, even if referred by aYale Health Center clinician. This coveragedoes not replace hospitalization insurance,which all students must maintain. Amandatory health services fee is charged to allnon-Yale residential students, which isincluded in the total residential program cost.

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What to PackClothing & WeatherJuly and August are generally hot, humidmonths. June is a bit cooler. Although mostof our classrooms are air conditioned, Yale’sresidential colleges are not; therefore, you willwant to bring suitable clothing.

Also plan to include informal or sports clotheswith a sweater or light coat for an occasionalcool evening. Be sure to bring an umbrella orraincoat as well.

Some formal attire for interviews or otherformal occasions may also be helpful. If youhave a distinctive national dress, weencourage you to bring it to wear at one ofour final parties if you would like to do so.

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Departure ChecklistCarry these items with you in yourcarry-on luggage:

n Valid Passport

n Valid U.S. visa stamp

n Certificate of eligibility (I-20)

n Proof of financial support

n Sufficient funds to cover expenses (acredit card and some cash in U.S.dollars)

n Medical records including record ofimmunizations (in English);evidence of adequate insurancecoverage.

n Valid foreign driver’s license andInternational Driver’s Permit and/orcertified English translation. (If youplan to drive.)

n Transportation arrangements fromthe airport to New Haven.

n The street address of where you willbe going in New Haven when youarrive. You may need it to give tothe taxi driver.

n Medications you use regularly

n This guide


AccommodationsStudents residing on campus will be housed infour of Yale’s twelve undergraduate residentialcolleges. Each has its own courtyard, dininghall, common room, library, laundry facility,and computer cluster. Room assignments aremade upon check-in at the residential colleges.

The rooms in Yale’s residential colleges aresimply furnished. Each room contains:

n a twin bed

n mattress

n pillow

n blanket

n bureau

n desk

n chair

n small desk lamp

n waste basket

n recycling bin.

You may also find furniture belonging toprevious and returning occupants, whichmust not be removed or damaged.

Yale rooms are not centrally air-conditionedand portable air conditioners are notpermitted. You may purchase a fan when youarrive in New Haven.

You may bring sports equipment such astennis rackets or golf equipment; radios;cameras, or cassette recorders (computers areavailable in the residential colleges, theComputer Center, and the Yale library). Youmay also wish to bring photos of yourcountry, or musical instruments.

American electrical voltage is 110 volt/60hertz and electrical outlets can have two- orthree-pin plugs, which are probably notcompatible with your home country. Pleasemake sure you bring plug adapters and/orvoltage converters (if necessary) for yourelectronic equipment.

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You should bring:

n sheets (twin extra-long)

n towels


Computers andFacilitiesEmailYale does not provide email accounts tosummer students. You may check your webbased email on any Yale computer. If you donot currently have a web-based email account,you may wish to sign up for free, web-basedemail such as Yahoo or Gmail.

Computing FacilitiesYou can connect to Yale’s network with yourpersonal computer from your dorm roomwith an Ethernet connection or on Yale’swireless network. For a wired connection youmay need to bring an Ethernet cable withyou. You may also purchase one from the Yalebookstore.

There are a number of computing “clusters”that offer Windows and Macintosh computerswith a variety of software and full Internetaccess.

TelephonesTelephone service is not provided in theresidential colleges. Students are advised toplease bring a cell phone with them orpurchase one upon arrival in New Haven.

Mail ServiceYale Station is a U.S. Post Office located onthe corner of Elm and High Streets. The full-service customer counter (203-773-3454) isopen Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Students living on campus who wish toreceive mail during their stay should use thefollowing addresses:

NOTE: PLEASE SEND TO THE P.O. BOXFOR QUICKEST DELIVERY. ANYPARCELS OR LETTERS SENT VIA U.S.POSTAL SERVICE TO THE STREETADDRESS (FOR PRIVATE CARRIERSONLY) WILL NOT BE DELIVERED FORAT LEAST 4 TO 6 WEEKS.

Letters & parcels sent via U.S. PostalService or international mail:

Student nameYale Summer SessionP.O. Box 205289New Haven, CT 06520-5289USA

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MealsStudents living on campus are required tohave a full 21-meal per week contract, whichprovides breakfast, lunch (or brunch) anddinner seven days a week.

Students must present ID cards to the DiningHall desk attendant at each meal. A studentwho loses his ID will be issued a temporary 3-day meal card in order to receive meals whilemaking arrangements for the ID to bereplaced.

Special Dietary NeedsYale Dining Services can accommodate a widevariety of special dietary needs. Vegetarianand vegan dining options are available atevery meal. Please contact the DiningServices Office at 203-432-0400 to discuss anyfood allergies or special dietary requirements.

Eating out in New HavenNew Haven has over 120 international andaward-winning restaurants. From historicpizza and hamburger eateries to modern andcutting-edge restaurants, New Haven hassomething for every taste and price range.Enjoy a number of international cuisinesincluding American, Chinese, Cuban,Eritrean, French, Greek, Indian, Irish, Italian,Jamaican, Japanese, Korean, Nuevo Latino,Malaysian, Mexican, Middle Eastern,Spanish, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese.

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Meal HoursMonday – Friday Saturday and SundayBreakfast 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.mLunch 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Brunch 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Dinner 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.


Money and FinancesBilling and Payment TimelinesUniversity bills are sent via U.S. mail tovisiting students at the beginning of eachmonth and are due by the end of that month.

All Summer Session charges must be paid infull two weeks before the start of classes,including tuition, room and board.

A space in campus housing will not be heldfor anyone with unpaid balances.

Students with outstanding financialobligations, whether for Yale Summer Sessionor previous terms at Yale, will not bepermitted to register. Financial aid loanchecks must also be received in the Office ofStudent Financial Services by the deadlinesabove.

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Arriving in the U.S

Welcome to the United States!You are almost here!

Many first-time visitors to the U.S. are slightly concerned about howto go through customs, immigration and find local transportationfrom the airport to New Haven. Everything is new and exciting,

yet the language and systems may also be totally different.

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ImmigrationWhen you arrive in the U.S. you will gothrough immigration inspection. You willneed to present the following items to aCustoms and Border Protection (CBP)official:

n a valid passport

n a visa document (for example an I-20 forF-1 status)

n if you are an F or J visa holder you willneed a receipt from the Student andExchange Visitor Information System(SEVIS) fee

n a valid U.S. visa stamp. (Canadianstudents do not need a visa stamp.However, you will need evidence offunding.)

Form I-94You will have completed an I-94 card whileon the airplane and will present thisdocument, with the others listed above, to theimmigration inspector. The inspector willstamp your I-94 (see sample below) and willreturn the card to you along with yourpassport, and I-20 form. You should keep thiscard securely in your passport during yourstay. This very important document is yourproof of legal entry into the U.S. It willindicate the visa classification you are givenupon entry into the U.S. and the length oftime you are allowed to stay. The expirationdate for persons in F or J status will be notedas “D/S” meaning duration of status.

Hotels Hotels convenient to Yale are:

n The Study at Yale, 1157 Chapel St., 203-503-3900 (www.studyhotels.com)n Courtyard by Marriott, 30 Whalley Ave., 203-777-6221 (www.marriott.com/courtyard)n Omni New Haven, 155 Temple St., 203-772-6664 (www.omnihotels.com)

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When you arrive in the U.S. you willgo through immigration inspection.You will need to present the followingitems to a Customs and BorderProtection (CBP) official:

n a valid passport

n a visa document (for example an I-20for F-1 status)

n if you are an F or J visa holder youwill need a receipt from the Studentand Exchange Visitor InformationSystem (SEVIS) fee

n a valid U.S. visa stamp. (Canadianstudents do not need a visa stamp.However, you will need evidence offunding.)


Getting to New HavenIf you plan to arrive at John F. KennedyInternational (JFK) or LaGuardia Airports(LGA) in New York City (NYC), or NewarkLiberty Airport (EWR) in Newark, NewJersey, the easiest transportation to the YaleUniversity campus is via GO Airport Shuttleor Connecticut Limousine.

TransportationWorldtek Travel Yale Can assist with airline or car rental needs.203-772-0470, Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. EST.

AirportsThere is limited service on US Airwaysdirectly to New Haven via Tweed-New HavenRegional Airport(www.tweednewhavenairport.com);the most common airports used are John F.Kennedy and LaGuardia in New York,Newark International Airport in New Jersey,and Bradley International Airport in WindsorLocks, CT (www.bradleyairport.com).

Airport ShuttlesConnecticut Limousine1-800-472-5466 (472-LIMO)Terminal at Sports Haven, 600 Long WharfDrive. Serves JFK, LaGuardia, Newark andBradley. www.ctlimo.comGo Airport Shuttle1-866-284-3247Door to door service to campus gateServes JFK and LaGuardiawww.2theairport.com.com

BusesGreyhound (www.greyhound.com, 800-231-2222 or 1-214-849-8100 (international) andPeter Pan Bus Lines (www.peterpanbus.com,800-343-9999) service New Haven at UnionStation. Local Bus Service is provided byConnecticut Transit (www.cttransit.com,800-522-8101).

TrainAmtrak daily service from Boston andWashington, D.C. via Penn Station in NewYork (www.amtrak.com, 1-800-USA-RAIL);also services Newark airport. Metro-North

Railroad offers frequent service from GrandCentral Station in New York(www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mnr/index.html).

TaxicabsTaxis meet all trains at Union Station in NewHaven and cost approx. $7 to campus.

Metro Taxi, 203-777-7777;Yellow Cab, 203-666-6666;New Haven Taxicab Co., 203-877-0000;Easy One Taxi, 203-933-3333

Note: Tip for taxi drivers should average 15% ofthe total fare depending on the amount of luggageand additional services.

Yale Shuttle BusEvery weekday, from approximately 7:30 a.m.to 6:00 p.m., two free shuttle buses operateon a designated campus route. Schedules areavailable at 221 Whitney Avenue. There is noshuttle service on the 4th of July. A Yale ID isrequired for free transportation. Completeinformation is available at www.yale.edu/transportationoptions/shuttle/index.html.

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When You Arrive

Welcome to Yale University!

Now that you are here, take a deep breath and get settled. You willneed to check into housing, register with the Office of InternationalStudents and Scholars, and register for your courses.

Then, enjoy exploring our beautiful campus!

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When you arrive in New Haven, you willneed to register for classes and check intohousing. Please refer to your admissionsmaterials for details. Your accommodationswill be assigned to you when you arrive at theHousing Office. Summer assistants andcounselors will be available to help you withcheck-in.

RegistrationAll students must attend registration inperson.

All students must return a completed Consent& Waiver Agreement and Emergency ContactCard to the Summer Session office prior toregistration.

Students living on campus must alsocomplete and return a Health Care/MedicalRelease Form.

Please note:n A student enrolled in more than one

session that has paid all summer tuitionand fees may register only once, at theearliest session attended.

n Students who owe tuition and/or fees forthe second session are required to registeragain at the start of the second session.

n No student may register or check intocampus housing unless tuition and feeshave been paid in advance, including anyoutstanding balances from previousterms.

n Students must notify Yale SummerSession in writing if they cannot attendthe scheduled registration, and a lateregistration fee will apply. Attendance at aclass does not constitute registration orenrollment.

Please see your program’s web site fordetails on specific registration datesand times.

The Office ofInternational Studentsand Scholars (OISS)You are required to check in with OISSwhen you arrive on campus.

The Office of International Students andScholars (OISS) coordinates services andsupport to Yale’s international students,faculty, staff, and their dependents.

OISS staff can provide assistance withimmigration, personal and culturaladjustment, and family and financial matters.In addition, as Yale University’s representativefor immigration concerns, OISS providesinformation and assistance to students, staff,and faculty on how to obtain and maintainlegal status in the United States.

Please visit www.oiss.yale.edu for moreinformation for students and scholars prior toand upon arrival in New Haven.

You are here! Welcome to Yale University!

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Security andEmergencyEMERGENCY: dial 911ROUTINE: 203-432-4400

The Yale Police patrol all campus areas with aprimary concern for the personal safety ofYale students, faculty, and staff. As aprofessional, full-service police department,the YPD deals with the same issues that anymunicipal police department handles.

Yale Security offers rides or escorted walks forstudents at night if they are not comfortablewalking somewhere. This is a free service.

Security Blue Phones Approximately 250 exterior phones arestrategically located throughout the campusand are readily identified at night by bluelights located above or near them. The phonesare equipped with red emergency buttons fordirect connection to the University Police forpolice, fire, or medical emergencies and akeypad for dialing any campus number. Todial a campus number, dial the last 5 digits ofthe phone number. For example, the YaleSummer Session phone number is: 203-432-2430. From any campus phone, dial 2-2430.

Health ServicesYale Health Center Limited health services are available at theYale Health Center for students registered inSummer Session and living on campus.Services include care for minor, unexpectedillness and injury in Student Health or AcuteCare and brief stays in the Inpatient Carefacility. The Acute Care department is open 24hours a day and is located on the first floor ofthe Yale Health Center at 55 Lock Street.

Students with special medical needs areurged to contact Student Health beforearriving on campus. We will assist youin locating the services you need whilein New Haven.

Non-Yale students enrolled in Yale SummerSession and living off-campus may use theAcute Care department or Student Health atthe Yale Health Center on a fee-for-servicebasis for treatment of minor, unexpectedillness or injury. You may be directed to alocal Emergency Department for more seriousproblems.

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Contacts

Yale Summer Session55 Whitney Avenue, 4th FloorNew Haven, CT [email protected]: 203 432-2430

English Language Institute55 Whitney Avenue, 4th FloorNew Haven, CT [email protected]: 203 432-2430

Office of International Studentsand Scholars (OISS)International Center421 Temple StreetNew Haven, CT 06511www.yale.edu/oissPhone: (203) 432-2305

Public SafetyEMERGENCIES: 911Police: 203-432-4400Security: 203-785-5555Security Safe Rides: 203-432-9255;203-432-6330Rose Center, 101 Ashmun Street Substation: 258 Park Street. Yale Health Center55 Lock StreetNew Haven, CT 06511-3603(203) 432-0123http://yalehealth.yale.edu/

Yale Resource Office on DisabilitiesWeb: www.yale.edu/rodE-mail: [email protected]: 203-432-2325Campus Address: 35 Broadway (RearEntrance), Room 222

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YaleSummer Session & Special Programs55 Whitney Avenue, 4th Floor

New Haven, CT 06510

(203)432-2430

summer.yale.edu

[email protected]

experienceYale.


Documents

International Pre-Arrival Guide