Before You Arrive

• For information about entry into the United States please review the information for students at the Department of Homeland Security site.
  
  
• Please review immunization and health insurance requirements.  Please click the link for more explanation and forms.             

• Please read through the International Student Pre-arrival Handbook:
  
  
  • Specific Visa Information included in the prearrival materials (pgs 2-4):
    
    
    • How to Obtain a Passport
    • How to Obtain your Visa (Certificate of Eligibility)
    • How to Apply for a Visa
    • The Visa Interview & What to Expect
    • If you Are Denied a Student Visa
    • Do not Enter the U.S. with a Visitor's Visa
    • Do not Lose the I-20 or DS-2019
    • Visa Procedures for Transfer Students
      
      

  • Specific Financial Information included in the prearrival materials (pgs 5&6):

    • Financial Arrangements (what to bring with you)
    • Paying your Tuition and Fees
    • Financial Management in the U.S.
      
      

  • Specific Housing Information included in the prearrival materials (pg. 7)

    • Temporary Housing
    • On-Campus Housing
      
      
  • Specific Planning & Arrival Information included in the prearrival materials (pgs 8-11)
    
    
    • Weather in NY & What to Pack
    • Voltage in the U.S.
    • Arrival at a U.S. Airport/Port of Entry
    • Getting to Purchase

Once You Arrive

• Please complete an International Student Data sheet and submit it to the Office of International Programs and Serivces.
  
  
• Once you arrive, there will also be a two-day International Student Orientation.
  
  
  • Please RSVP on the International Student Orientation Website, prior to your arrival at Purchase College.
    
  • Students for whom English is not their first language are required to take an English proficiency test during their orientation, and may be required to attend an English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
    
  • The International Orientation precedes New Student Orientation, and includes a variety of topics to welcome you to Purchase College.
    
    
    • Please read through the Orientation Guide (pdf) for information about a variety of topics, such as:
      
      
      • Managing your Money (pgs 4-6)
      • Services (pgs 6-8)
      • Health-Related Services (pgs 8&9)
      • Transportation (pgs 9-11)
      • Dining Out / Buying Groceries (pgs 11&12)
      • Shopping (pg 13)
      • Entertainment (pgs 13-15)
      • Religion (pgs 15 &16)

Many of these resources may also be found on, and imbedded in, the Current Students page of our website.