Congratulations on your admission to Northern State University. You have made some very important decisions already, but there are still many things to do before you leave home. Your first months in the United States will be much more satisfying if you plan ahead. If you have not already done so, visit the U.S. educational advising center in your city, country, or region. Most advising centers offer helpful predeparture orientations for new international students. They are typically more accessible than the U.S. consulate.

You will need a student visa to enter the United States to study. Apply for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, using the form I-20  that Northern State University sends you for this purpose.

You will need various documents to support your visa application. Prepare carefully for your visit to the U.S. embassy or consulate. Read all documents carefully, so that you know exactly what you are agreeing to when you enter the United States on a student visa.

Visa procedures vary slightly from one consulate or embassy to another. Before you apply for your visa, check with the office where you plan to apply to determine exactly what supporting documentation is required. Several standard items are required for the application:

• A current, valid passport (not required of Canadians)
• An I-20 form for the F visa
• Evidence of financial support for the period of time and amount indicated on the I-20 
• Proof that you have a permanent residence outside the United States
• One or more passport-type photographs
• A nonimmigrant visa application
• Additional application materials may be requested by the visa officer to prove your eligibility for a student visa. These may include: evidence of English proficiency, school records to verify academic preparation, and additional evidence of strong ties to your home country or of your ability to support yourself while in the United States. An application fee or a short interview may be required.

The consular officer will place a visa in your passport. If you receive a multiple-entry visa, you may use it to reenter the United States up to the date of its expiration as long as you have a valid I-20 . If you encounter any problems obtaining your visa, contact the ISA.

The "Report Date"

You are expected to arrive at Northern State no later than the "report date" indicated on your I-20. Northern State University offer important orientation activities before the academic term begins. (See Chapter 4.) U.S. consulates and embassies will usually issue the F-1 visa as much as 90 days before the report date. If you must arrive later than your report date, contact the ISA.

Documents to bring to the United States

Bring with you to the United States any important documents that relate to your academic, medical, and legal history:

• Official transcripts from secondary schools, colleges, or universities
• Medical and dental records, including certificates of immunizations and vaccinations (especially important for young children)
• Information about medical conditions or treatments, prescriptions for medication (including the generic and brand names) and eyeglasses
• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificates for children
• Your countries driver's license or International driver's license

Obtain English translations of these documents and have the translations certified by a U.S. educational advising center or a U.S. consulate or embassy. Retain photocopies of all original documents for your records.

Medical Insurance

U.S. law requires all F1 student-visa holders to have insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment. Northern State University requires all international students to purchase the insurance provided by the Board of Regents.  This insurance policy is required no matter what type of insurance you have in your home country.  All international students MUST purchase this health insurance. 

English Language Instruction

If you are not a native speaker of English, you had to demonstrate your English proficiency before you were admitted to Northern State University. Good English-language skills will play a vital role in your academic and social success. Even after you've been admitted, you will find that Northern is very interested in how well you can speak, read, and write English.

You may need additional English-language instruction once you are enrolled. Conditional or provisional admission may be offered to foreign students whose academic or professional qualifications are very good but whose English needs additional improvement. If you have been given a conditional or provisional admission, you may be required to complete English-language courses or to submit additional scores on standardized language-proficiency tests before you are allowed to enroll in certain courses in your field of study. You will probably be required to satisfy this condition during your first or second term. To determine the conditions of your admission, carefully read the letter you received from the admissions office.

You will be required to take an English-language "placement" test after your arrival on campus. Based on the results of these tests, you may be required to enroll in a course in English as a second language (ESL) as well as in regular courses in your field of study. In some instances, you may have to enroll in and successfully complete ESL courses before beginning any courses in your field of study. It is very important that you read and understand the documents in your admission packet to determine whether you will be required to enroll in ESL courses.

What to bring and how to get it here

Aberdeen South Dakota has extremes in its climate ranging from the high 90's (F) in the summer to -20 degrees (F) in the winter. To keep travel simple, bring as little as possible. You are less likely to lose luggage if you follow the baggage limitations of the international airlines. You may find, however, that bringing certain items from home will help you to feel more comfortable in your new surroundings. Some students like to bring items to share as gifts with new friends and acquaintances who may never travel. Such gifts need not be expensive -- indeed, they should not be; their purpose is to tell others something about your home country.

If you wish to ship some of your belongings in advance, ship them to Northern State University in care of Residence Life. You can obtain information about freight and shipping services through local travel agents. Insure any valuable items that you ship overseas.

Money

Bring with you enough money to cover the expenses of your first month, which is likely to be one of the most expensive periods of your stay. Before the term begins you will pay for local transportation, possibly several nights of lodging off campus and meals. Once on campus, your expenses will include:

• Tuition and fees for the first term
• Orientation charges
• Books and supplies
• Housing deposits or rent
• Health-insurance premiums
• Clothing appropriate for South Dakota
• Household items

Do not carry a large sum of cash. Travelers checks are a safer way to carry money.

Traveling Tips

Arrange for your flight as soon as you know your report date. The Admissions Office will give you recommendations on hot to schedule your flight. You will need to fly into Aberdeen on a Northwest Airlines shuttle. Northwest Airlines is currently the only commercial airline serving Aberdeen. Once at the airport you can catch a taxi to the university. When you arrive on campus, contact the ISA located in Lincoln Hall Room 106. If at all possible let the ISA know well in advance the date and time you will arriving on campus.

You can expect to experience fatigue and other physical symptoms due to long-distance travel and time changes. Be well rested at the start of your trip and take care of details in advance. Eat lightly and drink plenty of water the day before you travel.

Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing several layers of clothing that can be removed or added as needed. Keep your passport, travel documents, and money with you at all times. Keep important papers in your carry-on luggage, with photocopies in your other baggage. Label your baggage inside and out with your name and both your home and U.S. addresses and telephone numbers. Use the address and phone number of Residence Life, if necessary. To prevent inconvenience in the case of lost luggage, keep in your carry-on luggage all of the items you would need for one night's emergency stay in a hotel.

Toward the end of your flight, the airline personnel will give you several forms to complete for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and U.S. Customs. It is forbidden to bring certain items into the United States (for example, fruits, vegetables, drugs, firearms). You will be asked to report the value of the things you are bringing into the United States. Simply follow the directions on the forms. If necessary, ask the flight attendant for clarifications.

Present your passport, visa, I-20 form, and evidence of financial support to the U.S. immigration officer at the airport. After questioning you about your plans in the United States, the immigration officer will decide how long you will be allowed to stay. After this, you will be directed to the Customs Service for inspection of your baggage.

Welcome to the United States!