Study Group Student

Welcome!

Please read and apply this information carefully as it will also answer many of your questions.

Orientation:

A special international student orientation (Transitions) has been developed to address some of the information and opportunities that you need to know as well as to enable you to transition here at JMU. International students must attend Transitions. It will address your major questions, comments and concerns such as: classroom issues, safety, transportation and resources for internationals. A campus tour, shopping trips, opening a bank account, as well as obtaining your new JMU card (JAC Card) are part of the agenda. You will also make new friends, and get answers to your questions.

 

Flight & Arrival Information:

You should fly into Dulles International Airport (IAD). Be sure to send your itinerary to your Study Group contact person as soon as possible

Arrangements have been made for you to stay and be picked up from Doubletree- Hotel Sterling (10 minutes from Dulles Airport). There is a free shuttle to the hotel from the airport terminals.

 

Health Center Record:

Before you leave you must complete have your doctor complete and sign an immunization form. We will collect the form during the international student orientation. Should you require some vaccinations, note that you can get vaccinations at the Student Health Center by making an appointment and paying a small fee; however, you are urged to make sure that all of your vaccination requirements, check-up and your doctor or health practitioner's signature are taken care before you arrive to JMU. If the health center does not have your completed record, a hold will be placed on your record which means you can not be registered for classes or make any changes to your schedule.

 

Don't Forget!

Bring your completed and signed immunization form. Without it you will be unable to attend classes. In the winter we have snow and ice. You will want a warm coat to wear as you walk between classes on campus. The normal winter temperature is in the range of 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit (around 0 degrees Celsius) although, it can get as cold as 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit (around -15 degrees Celsius).

Bring a few items that remind you of home (pictures, crafts, clothing, sports equipment, etc.) and to share with other students, including traditional clothes. You will have several opportunities throughout the year to showcase your culture and country.

 

Advice!

Allow plenty of time to say good-bye and plan how to keep in touch. You will be extremely busy during your first weeks and months, so it is important that you explain to your family and friends that long periods between communications should not alarm them. It will all be part of this new adventure.

Organize your passport and all of your visa documents and supporting documents in one place on your person, not in your checked luggage so that they are easy to find and manage. Make sure that you have your: (a) valid passport with proper, currently valid stamp; (b) form I-20 or DS-2019; (c) evidence of funding as appropriate to the visa classification and your intended activities in the U.S.; (d) contact information for the International Student and Scholar Services; (e) your SEVIS receipt.

 

Whom should I contact?

If there is any confusion upon your arrival, call the Study Group emergency phone number: +1 (877) 394-6406