ARRIVAL INFORMATION FOR NEW UG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | August 2018

Temple University welcomes our new international students arriving in August 2018. #YouAreWelcomeHere2018!

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Monday, August 20th                                             Arrive in Philadelphia and check into off-campus housing
• Tuesday, August 21st (AM)                                    Arrive in Philadelphia and check into on-campus housing (starting at 8am)
• Tuesday, August 21st (PM)                                    Mandatory transfer student advising
• Wednesday & Thursday, August 22nd & 23rd       Mandatory new student (Freshman) Orientation
• Friday, August 24th                                                Mandatory International Welcome Breakfast & University Convocation
• Monday, August 27th                                             First day of classes

When should I arrive in Philadelphia?

• We advise you to arrive on August 20th if you are living off-campus or August 21st 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 August 20th and 21st.
• If you arrive ahead of time and are living on-campus, we recommend that you stay in a local hotel for a night. Please contact us if you need a recommendation for a hotel. If you arrive ahead of time and are living off-campus, we recommend checking in with your property manager to find out if an early move-in is possible.

How do I get to campus from the airport?

• On August 20th and 21st, 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, terminal).
• You may also take a taxi. The cost is approximately $30. Cash and credit card are accepted. 10% - 20% tip is recommended.
• You may also take an Uber or Lyft. The cost is approximately $20-25. You will need to pay with a credit card through the app.
• Note: If you arrive in JFK International Airport (JFK) or Newark Airport (EWR), you may register for a ride through a service like http://www.davesbestlimoservice.com. The cost is approximately $90 from JFK and $65 from EWR.

What sessions do I have to attend?

• All new students must complete the “Next Steps” process on TU Portal in order to register for Orientation. All new students MUST attend orientation/advising. Please complete these steps as soon as you are able to do so after paying your enrollment deposit. For more details visit the Office of New Student & Family programs website.
• Transfer students must attend advising with their school/college from 1-5pm on Tuesday, August 21st. Course selection will take place during this advising session. Locations will be provided 1-2 days prior.
• New (Freshman) students must attend “New Student Orientation” on Wednesday, August 22nd and Thursday, August 23rd. Course selection will take place on Thursday August 23rd. You must attend Wednesday’s sessions in order to register for classes on Thursday.

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. On a few days, food will be provided: lunch will be provided during New Student Orientation on Thursday, August 23rd, breakfast will be provided on Friday, August 24th, and some night-time activities will supply food as well. You will receive a detailed schedule of Welcome Week activities and off-campus trips prior to your arrival to Temple.
• You will find many grocery stores near Temple’s campus and throughout Philadelphia. Ask your student leader for suggestions!

How much cash should I bring?

• For the first few days, you will need enough cash for your meals and for expenses such as getting a mobile phone and transportation around the city. If you have a credit card, bring a minimum of $150 cash. If you do not have a credit card, bring at least $300 cash. Our student leaders will help you set up a local bank account upon your arrival, if desired.

How will I connect with other students in America?

• You will be paired with a current student leader who will assist you. Your leader will reach out to you via email and WeChat in July. You can ask them any questions you have and they will help you find the resources you need on-campus to get involved.
• You may choose to live in the Global Living Learning Community for freshman students in Morgan Hall South (advance application required) or participate in our Peer2Peer Mentoring Program or our TemPALs program (details provided upon arrival).
• We will share important updates and opportunities with you via email, so please check regularly for updates.

Contact information for International Student Affairs:

Leah Hetzell, Assistant Director of International Student Affairs, is available to help you with your arrival process. For any questions before you arrive, please email the Office of International Affairs at Intl@temple.edu.

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