ARRIVAL INFORMATION FOR NEW UG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS | january 2019

IMPORTANT DATES:

When should I arrive in Philadelphia?

• We advise you to arrive on the morning of January 10th. We will provide transportation from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Temple University between 8am-8pm on January 10th. Send your flight details (name, flight #, airline, arrival time) to intl@temple.edu! .
• 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 January 10th, 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 December 21st (name, flight number, time of arrival, airline, terminal).
• If you are NOT arriving on January 10th, 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. 10% - 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 Thursday, January 10th. Course selection will take place during this advising session with an academic advisor. You will be notified of the location a few days prior. 
• New (Freshman) students must attend “New Student Orientation” on Friday, January 11th from 8am-5:30pm. 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, except for the following times: on January 11th lunch will be provided for Freshman during Orientation and dinner provided for all new international students at our Sports Night program.
• 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.