Office of International Education

Arrival Checklist

Once you've arrived on campus, use this checklist of things to do in your first few days:

Secure temporary housing

(see "Temporary Housing" in the Settling In Guide)


Report to your academic department

Your department should be able to provide you with information about your email account, office and/or lab space, office telephone, computer facilities, and CMU ID card.


Attend New Scholar Mini-Orientation

The Office of International Education (OIE) located on the 3rd floor of Warner Hall hosts a mini-orientation for new scholars every Thursday from 1 - 2 PM. Call the OIE receptionist at 268-5231 to confirm attendance.


Complete Immigration Check-In

This will be completed during mini-orientation. Bring your passport with visa, DS-2019, and I-94.


Get your ID

Visiting scholars are eligible to apply for an ID at the HUB in the basement of Warner Hall. If you are going to receive a salary from Carnegie Mellon, you are eligible for a staff ID card and a pass to use Pittsburgh Area Transit (the bus system) for free. If you are self-sponsored or receive funds from another organization, you are eligible for a sponsored ID, and you will not have free access to the city bus system.


Locate off-campus housing

CMU's Community Housing Office can provide general tips as well as specific information on available apartment and houses for rent. When you arrive, your department may provide you with a packet of information from the Housing Office. You can also visit the housing web site http://www.housing.cmu.edu/community_housing/. Login: tartan Password: thistle. You can also stop by the office on the first floor of Morewood Gardens E-Tower, tel: (412) 268-2139.


Open a bank account

The following banks are the largest banks in our region. There are also many smaller banks.

PNC Bank
Dollar Bank
National City
Mellon Bank

Take into consideration services and fees associated with checking and savings accounts, interest rates, fees for wiring funds from a foreign bank, ATM machine access, credit and debit card availability, as well as telephone and web banking. You may want to open an account after you find housing so that you can choose a bank located conveniently near to your apartment or house.


Purchase Health Insurance

Purchase for yourself and any dependents, if you do not already have it. Health insurance is a necessity in the US because the cost of routine and emergency health care is extremely expensive. J Visa Holders are required by u.s. federal law to have health insurance. For more information about Carnegie Mellon Health Services or health insurance, visit http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/HealthServices/.


Apply for a Social Security number

Scholars find it convenient to apply for a permanent Social Security Number (SSN) as soon as possible after arriving. You will be asked for the SSN at the bank, by your landlord, CMU payroll office, etc. It's the closest thing that Americans have to a national identification number, although you are not required to have one unless you will be paid in the U.S. Apply at a nearby Social Security Office. You must take your passport, DS-2019, I-94 card (found in your passport).


Go to Carnegie Mellon's Payroll Office

If you will be paid by CMU, visit the CMU Payroll office between 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Take your passport, DS-2019 and I-94 as well as your social security number or card. Unless you claim a tax treaty based on the specific treaty between your home country and the U.S., U.S. federal taxes will be withheld from your paycheck.

Last Updated On: September 5th, 2006