Office of International Student Affairs

North College, Rooms 023, 024
237 High Street
Middletown, CT 06459
oisa@wesleyan.edu

Pre-Arrival/ISO Frequently Asked Questions

International Student Orientation (ISO)

  • Can I please have the 2019 ISO schedule?
    Sunday, August 25: Arrival Day for all new international students
    • We will be at Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford Connecticut to greet you and guide you to Wesleyan! 
    • We can only provide transportation for new international students (no family members please) 
    • Please try to arrange your flights to arrive before 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time 
    • You can take a campus tour in the afternoon if you arrive to campus before dinner time.  

     

    Monday, August 26 and Tuesday, August 27:
    International Student Orientation (ISO)

    You are expected to attend ISO. ISO will include:

    • Orientation to the Wesleyan campus
    • Shopping trips for all of your residential hall needs
    • Opportunities to meet your new classmates
    • Sessions to help you learn what to expect in the U.S. (both inside and outside of the classroom) 
    • Sessions to help you maintain your status as an F-1 student 

     

    Wednesday, August 28 to Sunday, September 1:  
    New Student Orientation for all Wesleyan Students (including international students)

    You are expected to attend this orientation too. It covers different information than the international orientation. 

    • Check in on Wednesday at Usdan to obtain a new student folder, a class t-shirt, and verifying that you are eligible for enrollment
    • Opening a U.S. bank account
    • Meet more of your 2023 classmates!
  • Who should participate in the ISO?
    The following populations are highly encouraged to attend the International Student Orientation (ISO):
    • All first-year undergraduate international students
    • All visiting undergraduate international students
    • All Americans living abroad who will be an undergraduate student at Wesleyan 
    • All international transfer students
    • All self-identifying undergraduate international students 
    The purpose of International Student Orientation is to help you settle in to a new country as well as a new school. We’ll go over information that domestic students don’t need to know or already know such as opening a U.S. bank account and obtaining a U.S. cell phone. We will take you shopping for things you couldn't’t fit in your luggage.
  • What are the costs for ISO?
    There is no cost for attending the International Student Orientation (ISO). 

    The ISO is free because Wesleyan is invested in your transition and well-being. The university wants to make sure that international students are well-served and will be ready to actively participate in the New Student Orientation (which occurs after the ISO) and in campus life.
  • When should I arrive at Wesleyan for the ISO? Can I arrive before the ISO start date?
    You should plan to arrive at Wesleyan on August 25, 2019 between 8 a.m. EDT and midnight EDT. The residential halls are not open until August 25. Therefore, you will have to make other accommodation arrangements if you plan to arrive before August 25.

    If you want to arrive in the United States before August 25, you need to make your own arrangements for hotels and travel. Wesleyan has a webpage with information about area lodging. Due to SEVP regulations, you may not arrive at the U.S. more than 30 days in advance as an F-1 visa holder. Please submit your flight information even if you plan to arrive before August 25. You can submit the information through your WesPortal by completing the ISO Arrival & Registration Form.
  • What should I expect on ISO arrival day (August 25, 2019)?

    You should plan to arrive at Wesleyan on August 25, 2019 between 8 a.m. and midnight. 

    Wesleyan staff and orientation leaders will be at Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford Connecticut on August 25 to pick you up and take you to Wesleyan. Our shuttle transportation for students begins at 9:00 a.m.

    Once you arrive on campus: 
    • Go directly to the ISO headquarters in the Usdan University Center at 45 Wyllys Avenue, Middletown CT 06457
    • The ISO staff will greet you, have dinner available, and help you find your residence hall. 
    • If you arrive after midnight, go to the office of Public Safety (208 High Street, Middletown, Connecticut 06459) to get a key and be escorted to your room. In case of emergency please call 860-685-2345
    • If you arrive before dinner time, you can take an optional Wesleyan campus tour in the afternoon. 

Packing & Travel

  • What should I pack?

    Packing Video

    DOCUMENTS TO CARRY WITH YOU: The items listed below should be carried with you (a spare photocopy packed somewhere else is a good idea, too). If possible, have the documents translated into English. Do not place important documents in bags that you check on the plane. They do get lost occasionally.  

    • Your I-20 and F-1 visa document (with the exception of Canadian)
    • Your valid passport (for at least six months beyond arrival to U.S.)
    • Contact information for Wesleyan University: Carry the name, address, and telephone number of the individual(s) at Wesleyan University to contact in case of a travel delay or an emergency. Include the contact phone number 860-685-2345 to reach the Office of Public Safety at Wesleyan. 
    • Your original supporting financial documents, such as Wesleyan financial award letter, Freeman Asian Scholars award letter, bank statements and Wesleyan letter of admission.
    • The name, address, and telephone number of a contact person at home.
    • Carry the name, address, and telephone number of your country's consulate in the United States or another entity, such as an educational mission or sponsoring agency. 

    Pack in your carry-on luggage:

    • Please look at the carry-on luggage restrictions on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website 
    • Make sure to follow the liquids rule for your carry-on bag 
    • Towels and toothbrush
    • A set of clothing, in case your checked luggage gets lost and does not arrive
    • Medication prescriptions – translated into English
    • A laptop computer (optional). Laptops are not required, but can be useful. There are plenty of computers in the library and also 24 hour computer lab at Exley, if you need a laptop/computer for assignments and such.
    • Phone charger: you may want this at the airport
    • Spare set of prescription eyeglasses (they are expensive to buy in the U.S.)

     

    On the plane:
    Traveling for hours and sometimes for days on an airplane can be exhausting. The following items and suggestions may help you be more comfortable on the trip and recover from jetlag a little easier: 

    • Set your watch or phone to Eastern Daylight Time. It will help you prepare mentally for the new time schedule.
    • Drink water to stay hydrated.
    • If you have a long and/or overnight layover, it might be useful to look into places to stay at the airport.
    • Bring some snacks in case you get hungry between meal service (optional).
    • Ear-plugs, an eye-mask and airplane pillow to help you sleep (optional).

    Once you arrive at Wesleyan, try to sleep and eat at the local times so that your body can begin to adjust to the new time schedule. 

     

    Pack in your checked luggage: 
    Be sure to include your name and your new address on your bags in case they are lost in transit. Also, avoid packing monetarily or personally valuable items in your luggage.  

    • Check weight and size restriction of your luggage for the airline you will be traveling on. If you are traveling in the U.S. after your arrival, please check the domestic travel requirements too (they are often different). 
    • Comfortable walking shoes.
    • One semi-formal outfit for special occasions. During the ISO, there will be one dinner when you’ll be encouraged (optional) to wear traditional clothing from your country.
    • Bring some items that remind you of home and that you can share with your new friends. Here are a few suggestions: 
      • Your favorite recipes (you can make them during the annual PANGEA international food fair)
      • Digital pictures of interesting places from your home (or access to them)
      • Music by your favorite artists (access to them digitally)
      • A few little things you can keep in your room to remind you of home. 
    • Clothing and shoes
      • The weather in Connecticut ranges from very cold in the winter (-10 Celsius, 14 Fahrenheit) to warm, sunny and humid (32 Celsius, 90 Fahrenheit) in the summer. It’s impossible to pack everything you will need. You will have a chance to buy clothes in the U.S.
    • Shoes to wear in the shower (flip flops) (optional)
    • A towel and washcloth (for your first night in the U.S.; you can buy these items in the U.S., too)
    • A set of bed sheets, which will fit the dimensions for extra long twin size bed approximately, 39" x  80" (99.06 cm x 203.2 cm). You can order these online and have them delivered as well.
    • Blankets (will not be provided, but can be bought after you are here)
    • Follow the TSA rule about lithium batteries. Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours may be allowed in carry-on bags with airline approval, but are limited to two spare batteries per passenger. Loose lithium batteries are prohibited in checked bags.

     

    Here’s a few tips to help you decide what clothing to pack: 

    • The dress at Wesleyan, like most U.S universities, is very casual. Students often wear t-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, and sneakers to class. You do not need to pack formal clothes for everyday use.
    • If you have a good winter coat and snow boots, try to bring them with you. You can carry your coat to avoid excess baggage fees. If you don’t have these, don’t go buy them. You can easily find them in Connecticut and we will plan a shopping trip for you in late October to buy winter clothes.

     

    About household items:

    • You will have an opportunity to buy almost everything you need after you arrive.
    • You may also want to find out what your roommate already has.
    • During New Student Orientation, take advantage of the “Waste Not Tag Sale.” Many household items will be sold for cheaper than you can buy them at a store.  
  • What should I expect when entering the U.S.?

    Entering the U.S. Video 

    When you arrive at a U.S. airport, you will go first to immigration inspection. Make it clear that you are a student on an F-1 visa. 

    • Present your I-20 along with your passport and F-1 visa (Pack these documents in your carry-on bags because you do not pick up your luggage until afterwards.) Please note that Canadian students will not have an F-1 visa. 
    • Upon entry into the United States, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer will produce an electronic version of the I-94 using your official passport and visa. 
    • New border procedures require digital imaging of fingerprints and a photograph, and verification of your record in the SEVIS system (the U.S. government student database).
    • If the immigration inspector cannot immediately find your record, he or she may ask you to go to a second station where the officer has a little more time to find your record. 
      •  Do not panic - this does not mean there is a problem. 
      •  If there is a problem, call the Office of International Student Affairs at 860-685-1096, or the Public Safety Office at Wesleyan at (860-685-2345) and they will contact someone to help you.
  • How do I sign up for the airport pickup?
    Wesleyan staff and orientation leaders will be at Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford Connecticut on August 25, 2019 to pick you up and take you to Wesleyan. Our shuttle transportation for students begins at 9:00 a.m. EDT

    • Airport pick-up is for students only (we are not able transport family members). 
    • Do not bring more than 2 suitcases, a carry-on bag, and a laptop or purse.
    It’s important for the Office of International Student Affairs to know your complete itinerary. Please submit all your flight information by Monday, July 29, 2019 through your WesPortal.
  • Can I travel with my family?

    Of course you can! If you have family members with you:

    • They will need stay off campus. There is no room in your residential hall for them. Here is a link for a list of area hotels. 
    • If you want to travel before the ISO, please remember that you are expected to be at Wesleyan on August 25. 
    • Below are the two programs for international parents and family members: 
      • Parent Information Panel: Monday, August 26, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. 
        This panel provides an opportunity to obtain information and ask questions of critical campus partners. 
      • Welcome Dinner for International Students and Family: Monday, August 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
        Your family is welcome to stay through Monday night, in fact, we have a special event planned for them! Please bring them to dinner with you on Monday night to meet Wesleyan faculty, staff and the President of the University. 
    • Your family may find the following information helpful: 
  • What do I do if my visa, passport or other important documentation are lost during the trip?

    If you lost your documents outside of the United States:

    1. Email the Office of International Student Affairs at oisa@wesleyan.edu and inform them of the problem.
    2. You will be required to return home to obtain replacement documents.

    If lost your documents inside of the United States:

    1. First, you should contact the local police immediately. You will need a police report to present to the consulate to prove that your documents were lost. 
    2. Contact the Office of International Student Affairs at oisa@wesleyan.edu and inform them of the problem and they will tell you what to do based on your individual situation.
  • How do I get to Middletown, CT from New York City, NY?

    Flying from NYC (JFK, LGA or EWR) to Hartford (BDL) is expensive and unnecessary. You should consider traveling by car or train. Depending on how many suitcases you have, how many people traveling, what your budget is, you have several options:

    • Download the app for Uber or Lyft. You can use Uber or Lyft to travel directly from Manhattan to Middletown. The cost depends on the time of the day you travel and the type of vehicle you choose. The cheapest option (a regular size car) is between $160-$200 USD. A bigger car (will be able to transport more suitcases than a regular size car) will cost $300-$350 USD. This is the most convenient way to travel door-to-door. 
    • Take a shuttle from JFK or LGA (no shuttle from EWR) to New Haven. The ride-share shuttle charges per person. Once you get to New Haven, take an Uber or Lyft to  Wesleyan University. The cost from New Haven to Middletown is around $40 USD (regular size car) or $75 (SUV/other larger cars). Please note that if you plan to use this option, the shuttle will only pick you up at JFK or LGA airport (both in Queens), not from Manhattan. 
    • Take Metro North (commuter train) from Manhattan (either Grand Central Terminal or Harlem-125 St.) to New Haven.  From New Haven, use Uber or Lyft to get to Wesleyan.
    • Take Amtrak (national railroad services) from Penn Station (station code: NYP) in Manhattan to Meriden, CT (station code: MDN). Once you get to Meriden, Uber or Lyft to Wesleyan. The Uber cost will be around $20 (regular size car) or $30 (SUV or larger cars).

    For travel delays, students should call the ISO office and leave a detailed message at 860-685-1096 or email to oisa@wesleyan.edu.
  • What happens if I arrive late or if I have travel delays?

    For travel delays, students should call the ISO office and leave a detailed message at 860-685-1096 or email to oisa@wesleyan.edu to inform us about your delay.

    If you arrive at Wesleyan University after midnight, go to the Office of Public Safety to get a key and be escorted to your room. Public Safety is located at 208 High Street, Middletown, Connecticut 06459. In case of emergency please call: 860-685-2345.

Academics

  • What should I expect from my academic advisor?

    The relationship between student and faculty advisor is crucial to success at Wesleyan. Students meet with their faculty advisors at least once each term and are encouraged to seek out their advisor as needed to help develop their plans of study. 

    • You will also be assigned a pre-major Faculty Advisor later in the summer, which may be able to answer your questions
    •  Your pre-major faculty advisor will:
      •  Discuss your course choices 
      •  Offer advise on how to fully take advantage of all Wesleyan has to offer
      •  Direct you to resources that will benefit your individual journey
    • For more information about advising go to: 

             Academic Resources

             Pre-Major advising

Communications

  • How do I communicate with friends and family?

    It’s important to stay connected to friends and family members at home and have access to communication with your new friends in Middletown. As a student, you can use Wesleyan’s wifi for free.  Here are options for you to consider: 

    Facetiming with your family: Before you leave, you should experiment with different apps and make sure you and your parents know how to use them.  

    • Sit in different rooms and experiment to see which works and which you like best. 
    • Use the same equipment you’ll both have later -examples include: FaceTime, Skype, Facebook, GoogleHangout, 

    Cell/Mobile phones 

    • Information about cell phones will be discussed during the ISO and orientation leaders will be able to assist.
    • You will be able to find T-Mobile, AT&T, Cricket and Metro PCS (also owned by T-mobile) on Main Street. 
    • Different wireless services will have different ID requirements for getting a cell phone. Some might require Social Security Number (SSN), others will not if you tell them you are an international student. 
    • You can sign up for a plan or get a prepaid phone. A prepaid phone plan will not require SSN.
  • Can I order items online to be delivered to Wesleyan?

    Since luggage has size limitations and your transportation options are limited, online shopping can be very useful. 

    • Some things can be ordered online and delivered to campus in advance. If you order far enough in advance, items will be available for you when you arrive on Sunday (arrival day).
       
      • Delivery will not accepted prior to August 19
      • Send deliveries to yourself at your Wesbox address
         
    • Students are given a 6 month Amazon Prime membership, which offers some shipping for free and arrives in approximately 2 business days.
    • Wesleyan’s campus has Amazon lockers where items can be delivered throughout the year
  • What is my on-campus mailing address?
    To look up your Wes Box number and combination, log into your WesPortal and click on "Enrollment Checklist and Addresses" listed under "My information." Your Wes Box number and combination will be listed in the lower right corner.

Personal Finances and Banking in the U.S.

  • How do I bring/transfer money to the U.S. and how much should I bring?

    It is not advisable to travel with large amounts of cash. However, you still need to carry some cash on you (U.S. currency) when you leave home. $200-$250 per person will suffice for emergency needs and for shopping during the ISO shopping trip. It is also a good idea to carry a few one-dollar bills, if you want to rent airport carts to carry your luggage. 

    Here are other options for accessing cash once you are here: 

    • Credit card that you can use in the U.S.
    • Debit/ATM (bank card) that you can use at an ATM or bank to withdraw money from your home bank account. Please note that the U.S. bank (and probably your bank) will charge transaction fees. 
    • Buy and bring U.S. traveler's checks. Traveler's checks are advisable because of their security. They can be replaced if they get lost or are stolen.
    • Western Union: If there is a Western Union office in your town, you could consider transferring money from home. With this option, you can arrange with your family to transfer money to you once you arrive in the U.S.
    • Once you have a U.S. bank account, you can also wire money between the banks. Keep in mind that there will be a fee. 
    • It is very important for you to be familiar with your government's regulations for transferring funds to the United States. You should also check with your bank in your country regarding fees charged for transferring funds to the United States.
  • How do I open a U.S. bank account?
    • When selecting a bank account, choose a US based bank account with a debit card and easy access to a bank ATM (to avoid fees). Here are some things to consider:
    •  Before choosing a bank: 
      • Go online and take a look at their terms and conditions for opening a checking account. 
      • Make sure to ask what kind of IDs the bank needs for opening an account. Talk to the banker about being an international student. Some banks will tell you a different set of ID requirements as you likely will not have a social security number (SSN). 
  • How do I pay for tuition and fees?
    Please see Wesleyan Student Accounts page for detailed payment method information. Wesleyan has partnered with Flywire to streamline the process of international payments.  Flywire allows you to pay securely from any country and any bank, generally in your home currency.  By making payment with Flywire you can track your payments from start to finish, save on bank fees and exchange rates in over 48 currencies and contact their multilingual customer support team with any questions
  • What is Middletown Cash?
    Middletown Cash is a prepaid, stored-value account that is part of your WesCard. Parents can put Middletown cash into students’ WesCard and students can pay for various services on and off-campus.

Health & Wellness

  • What health precautions should I take?
    Health care services differ greatly from country to country, so here are a few things to keep in mind about your health needs before arriving at Wesleyan.

    • We advise a complete physician and dental check-up before you leave home
      • Medical and dental care in the U.S are excellent but very expensive.
      • Remember to bring any prescription medication you take with you in their original containers. Prescription medication tends to cost more in the U.S., so bring enough supplies to last you for a while.
        • If possible, have the prescription translated into English. Refilling it will be much easier if you do. Another option is to bring the scientific name of the prescription.
        • You might consider bringing a supply of whatever you typically use for colds or other common conditions.
      • (Optional) Have your doctor write a letter explaining any chronic complaints or medical problems you have, what has been done for you to date, and treatment you may be under. 
      • Dental: While all Wesleyan students are required to have health insurance coverage, it does not cover dental procedures.
      • Eye Care: Students who wear contact lenses should plan to bring a pair of prescription glasses in the event of eye problems.

Get Ready for Wes

  • When will I receive my Wesleyan username and account information?
    Wesleyan credentials were sent out to new incoming students on Thursday, June 6, allowing students access to their Wesleyan email and WesPortal. You should be able to find the link in the Weekly Wesleyan email or by following this link. Make sure to read through every email as it will contain important information and instructions.
  • What should I do during my first week in the U.S.?
    • Make a connection with your class dean
    • Make a connection with the Office of International Student Affairs 
    • Make connection with your Resident Advisor (RA). They can be a great source to find answers for your various questions.
    • Develop a communication plan with home (when to call, try your new phone, etc.)
    • Meet with your academic advisor
    • Develop a routine for your new life (when to sleep, eat, and exercise)
    • Get acquainted with the campus and Main Street (find the library, the gym, and anything else you want to know) 
    • Explore Main Street (new restaurants, the bookstore and other interesting shops)