Helpful hints
New Students
- Pre-Arrival Booklet
- SEVIS
-
International Students Handbook
- Adjusting to American culture
- Advisors
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Good housekeeping
- Health care
- Housing, utilities, and furnishings
- Immigration information
- International student clubs and organizations
- Issues related to children
- Legal issues
- Mail and the U.S. Postal Service
- Money and banking
- Opportunities for spouses in the Troy area
- Security / public safety
- Services in the Troy area
- Shopping tips
- Social services
- Transportation
- U.S. telephone system
- Working on- and off-campus
- Visa application information
- Office of Graduate Education (OGE)
- Office of the First-Year Experience (FYE)
Do...
- Seek advice from others who have visited the U.S. recently, or contact international students currently studying at Rensselaer, many of whom express their desire to help you as much as possible.
- Bring a number of small crafts or trinkets from home. These are ideal gifts for future friends.
- Bring some pictures of your home and family. These are a great conversation starter with U.S. students or families.
- Bring music from home and your traditional dress/costume for special events.
- Remember to bring most of your money for initial expenses in the form of traveler's checks.
- Check in with the International Services for Students & Scholars Office (ISSS) upon your arrival.
- Mark all your bags with your name and Rensselaer's address.
Do not...
- Bring electrical appliances. U.S. domestic voltage levels and outlets may not be compatible with those at home.
- Bring food. Most foreign foods are available in specialty stores in this area or New York City. Some foods cannot be brought into the United States legally.
- Bring household items and bed linens, which are easily and inexpensively available in the United States.
Last modified:
May 14,
2008