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You should always inform your international
student adviser of your expected date and time of arrival.
Also provide him or her with other pertinent information,
such as the airport at which you will arrive (or train station
or bus terminal), your flight number, name of airline, and
last point of departure. Sometimes the international student
adviser, a representative from the university, or a member
of the community can come to meet you. However, with many
international students arriving at the same time, this might
not be possible. You should avoid arriving at your school
during the evening, on a Saturday or Sunday, or during a U.S.
national holiday, since college or university offices are
usually closed at those times.
The recommended time of arrival will vary from one school
to another, but generally you should arrive several days before
the campus orientation for new international students and
registration for classes. This will give you an opportunity
to settle in and to rest from your trip before participating
in required new student activities. It will also provide time
for you to become familiar with the campus and the community
and to make friends before classes begin.
University residence halls usually do not open until a few
days before registration. Students who arrive early — with
reservations to live in a residence hall — may not be able
to move into their assigned room if campus housing facilities
have not yet officially opened for the semester or academic
term. The International Students Office or campus Housing
Office may be able, however, to make other arrangements for
temporary dormitory lodging on a daily basis.
In your correspondence with the international student adviser,
ask about other temporary housing opportunities, such as staying
with a family in the community until you can move into your
permanent housing. If it is possible, this can be an excellent
introduction to life in the United States.
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