ARRIVAL INFORMATION FOR NEW UG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | FALL 2019

IMPORTANT DATES:

When should I arrive in Philadelphia?

• We advise you to arrive on August 19th if you are living off-campus or August 20th if you are living on-campus. On these two days, we will have student leaders stationed at the Philadelphia International Airport to help assist you. We will also provide transportation from the airport to main campus between 8am and 8pm on these two days (August 19th and 20th).
• If you are living off-campus, please check with your individual building or landlord to confirm your move-in date.

How do I get to campus from the airport?

• On August 19th and 20th, the Office of International Affairs will provide transportation for new students from the Philadelphia International Airport to residence halls and adjacent properties on Temple’s main campus. If you would like to take advantage of our transportation service, please email us your flight details by July 31st (name, flight number, time of arrival, airline, and terminal). If for some reason you cannot arrive on August 19th or 20th, please explore other options in advance and let us know if you need help.
• You may also take a taxi or request an Uber/Lyft on your phone. The cost is approximately $25-30. 15% - 20% tip is recommended.
• Note: If you arrive in JFK International Airport (JFK) or Newark Airport (EWR), we advise that you organize a ride in advance and consider taking a bus or train to arrive in Philadelphia.

What sessions do I have to attend?

• First, all new students must complete the “Next Steps” process online via  TU Portal in order to register for Orientation after paying your enrollment deposit. It is critical that you complete these steps (New Student Questionnaire, Temple Preview, Owl Card Photo, Math and English Placement Tests) as soon as possible so that you can properly register for your Orientation session.
• All new students MUST register for and attend orientation/advising.
• Transfer students must attend advising with their school/college from 1-5pm on Tuesday, August 20th. Course selection will take place during this advising session with an academic advisor. You will be notified of the location via email in advance.
• New (Freshman) students must attend a two-day “New Student Orientation” on Wednesday & Thursday, August 21th and 22nd. Course selection will take place in the afternoon with an academic advisor. You will be notified of the location a few days prior.

How do I report my arrival to Temple University?

• You will check in here and upload the following: passport, I-20, I-94, entry visa (unless visa exempt), and SEVIS payment receipt.

Where do I eat during arrival and orientation?

• Meals are your own responsibility upon arrival. However, there will be a few meals provided during Orientation as well as light refreshments during some events. You will receive a detailed schedule of Welcome Week activities and off-campus trips prior to your arrival to Temple to help you plan for your meals.
• You will find many grocery stores near Temple’s campus and throughout Philadelphia. If you have questions about where to buy food, please email us or ask your international leader.

How much cash should I bring?

• For the first few days, you will need enough cash for your meals and  expenses like getting a mobile phone and transportation around the city. We advise bringing at least $200-300 cash. Our student leaders will help you set up a local bank account, if desired.

How will I connect with other students in America?

• You will be paired with a student leader who will assist you. Your leader will reach out to you via email and WeChat in December.
• You are advised to participate in our Peer2Peer Mentoring Program for new students. Click here to sign up for Peer2Peer!
• We will share important updates and opportunities with you via your Temple email, so please check regularly for updates.

Contact information for International Student Affairs:

Leah Hetzell, Director of ISA, and Marena Ariffin, Assistant Director of ISA, are here to help you with your arrival. For any questions before you arrive, email our office at Intl@temple.edu.

After arrival, if you have a situation that requires immediate help, please call our office at +1-215-204-9562. Please leave a detailed message if you are calling after business hours. If you are experiencing an emergency, call Temple University’s Campus Safety at +1-215-204-1234. You may also contact Leah on WeChat: LH052811. If you must arrive late for any reason, contact our office for assistance.