Pre-Arrival Information
Orientation
Fall 2006 Orientation Schedule
Visa Information
Visa Application Information
Transfer Students from another U.S. Institution
If you previously attended another institution in the U.S. and your F-1 or J-1 visa is still valid, you do not need to obtain a new visa to attend KU, provided that you have already attended the school named on your visa when you initially entered the U.S., and you are using the I-20 issued to you by KU when you reenter.
Please contact the Office of International Education (OIE) for a Transfer Eligibility Form.
Office of International Education
Emporia State University
1200 Commercial, ESU Box 4041
Emporia, KS 66801-5087, U.S.A.
Email: oisa@emporia.edu
Telephone: (620) 341-5374
Fax: (620) 341-5918
Port of Entry
When you enter the U.S., you will need to present your passport, visa, and I-20 (if F-1) or DS-2019 (if J-1). You will be issued a small card that is called an I-94. The officer at the port of entry will probably staple this card into your passport. This card is very important, as it is your proof of legal entry; do not lose it. You may be asked to go to another line where you will have your documents examined and be asked some questions. You might also be finger printed and photographed. This is called "secondary inspection" and it is required for most students when they enter the U.S. for the first time. Therefore, please allow at least 2-3 hours for your connecting flight(s).
Report Date
Entry to the U.S. is limited to thirty (30) days before the report date (listed on the I-20 and/or the DS-2019).
You must report to the Office of International Education (OIE) within fifteen (15) days of your report date. Students MUST check-in. OIE must report students who do not check-in to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Upon completing the mandatory check-in process, students will be allowed to enroll in ESU courses. If a student completes the mandatory check-in process, but DOES NOT enroll, OIE is required to report the student to USCIS (formerly INS).
Each type of immigration status has its own set of unique rules and regulations. It is the responsibility of every person to know and understand their legal obligations for their own status. Most students are in either F-1 or J-1 status. Although many other status categories do allow individuals to be a student, there may be limits or restrictions, and what applies to one type of status may not apply to others. If you have any questions about your status and what you are legally allowed to do as a student, you should contact an advisor in the OIE Office. The consequences of violating status can be very severe.
Arrival Information
Getting to Emporia from the Airport at Kansas City or Wichita
If you wish to have airport pick up service, we have contracted with a shuttle service to provide transportation to Emporia State University. The cost for pickup service is: $150.00 for one or two persons; 3 or more persons - $50.00 each. It will take approximately two hours to get to Emporia from either airport.
You will need to contact the shuttle service at the website www.kctg.com to confirm your travel arrangements. If you need to call to change your arrangements, the number is 1-816-243-5000.
Let Us Know Your Travel Arrangements
Fill out the International Student Travel and Housing Card and either fax it or mail it back to us.
Money Issues
DO NOT underestimate the amount of money needed. DO NOT carry a large amount of cash. Bring your money in the form of traveler's checks or obtain a bankcard to withdraw cash from an automatic teller machine (ATM). You may also choose to have your money electronically wired to a local bank in the United States after your arrival. Therefore, you should bring enough money to cover your first month's expenses and your first semester's tuition, books, insurance, and the expenses of setting up your housing arrangements.
International Student Policy Related to Installment Plans
Due to new Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) regulations, the following policies have been adopted immediately:
New international students attending Emporia State University must pay tuition and fees in full the first semester of attendance. The installment plan is not an option. The student may go on a five-day deferment but cannot have an extended deferment. The student is not eligible to meet with the Deferment Committee.
Hamburger, coke and fries (fast food) $3.50-$5.00 |
A loaf of white/wheat bread $1.50-$3.00 |
A can of Coke $0.65-$1.00 |
32-load laundry detergent $4.99-$7.00 |
A can of soup $0.75-$1.50 |
Toothpaste $1.00-$2.25 |
1 gallon of milk $2.50-$3.50 |
Housing Options
On-Campus Housing
ESU Department of Residential Life
308 South Morse Hall - Campus Box 4009
1200 Commercial Street, Emporia,
KS 66801-5087
Tel. (620) 341-5264 Fax. (620) 341-6228
E-Mail: reslife@emporia.edu
Off-Campus Housing
Off-campus housing information is available in the office of Residential Life, 323 South Morse Hall. Information about off-campus housing can also be obtained from newspapers and from other students. The Emporia Gazette (local daily newspaper) will have off-campus housing listings in the classified advertisement section.
Types of off-campus housing
- One Bedroom Apartment-has a separate room for sleeping. Usually accommodates
one to two people.
- Shared Room - an apartment or house is shared with other students.
There may be all male, all female, or male and female sharing the rental
unit. A visit with individuals sharing the unit is important to be sure
that each individual will understand and respect the other. Having roommates
of a different culture is a good experience and one can learn a lot
from the exchange and adjustments to living in a new environment.
- Efficiency Apartment-refers to one large apartment with kitchen. There
is no separate bedroom. Usually Accommodates one or two people.
- Furnished-includes beds and sparse furniture with basic appliances.
- Unfurnished-apartment does not come with basic appliances nor with
furniture. Water heater normally is included.
- Partly-furnished-includes basic appliances (stove, refrigerator and water heater) but no furniture. Some places advertise by putting a sign in front of the apartment/room for rent (i.e. "For Rent" or "Room Available".) You must contact the landlord individually to make arrangements to see the apartment/room and decide whether or not the place is suitable to rent. A deposit is usually required if a commitment is to be made for the apartment/room.
Temporary Housing
If you need to book a hotel for your first few nights in Emporia, some local motels include:
| Best
Western |
Candlewood
Suites |
Days Inn |
| Econo Lodge |
Fairfield Inn |
Holiday Inn Express |
Motel 6 Emporia |
Ramada Inn |
The Best Value Inn |
Health Care & Health Insurance
Mandatory Health Insurance
All International Students are required to have health insurance. You can either purchase the ESU Health Insurance Plan, which is $ 762.50 annually, or provide us with a copy of your own insurance card. Students will not be able to enroll or pay tuition at ESU until this has been done.
The ESU Health Insurance may be purchased in the Office of International Education or you may purchase it online at www.StudentResources.com.
Immunizations
All new students must provide documentation of immunization against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tetanus Booster, and take a tuberculosis (TB) skin test. We recommend that any MMR immunization be given at least two months prior to attending Emporia State University.
A Meningitis vaccination is now recommended by American College Health
Association for first time college students, or persons without spleens.
For more information about International Student Health Care visit www.emporia.edu/shc/international
ESU Student Health Center
On-campus health care services for students are available at the ESU Student Health Center located on the west side of the Memorial Union building. Basic services at the ESU Student Health Center for students are prepaid thru student health fees at time of enrollment, and there may be a charge for other services, but the charges are usually lower than those with other health care providers.
Health Center hours
Fall/Spring Semesters 8:00 am-5:00 pm M-F
Summer 8:00 am-4:00 pm M-Thr
Vacation Periods Closed
Prepare for Weather and What to Bring
Weather: Kansas is located at the center of the U.S. and has four distinct seasons. At the time of your arrival, it will be summer. Summer is June - September, and the temperatures usually range from 32° to 36°C. . It will become warmer in the spring, March - May. The temperatures in the winter are usually between -5° and 0° C. You should plan your wardrobe for changing seasons, but clothes may be purchased upon arrival.
Electrical Devices/Appliances: The electrical current used for small appliances in the U.S. is 100-115 volts, 60 cycles. If you plan to bring appliances, appropriate adapters/transformers may be required.
Temporary Address
If you need to send some of your belongings in advance, you may address them to our office. We will hold mail until you arrive to pick it up. Please address as follows:
Your Name
Emporia State University
Office of International Education
1200 Commercial Street - ESU Box 4041
Emporia, KS 66801-5087
U.S.A.
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Last Updated July 30, 2007