Office of International Education
Undergraduate Students and Exchange Students Living On Campus
Attend International Student Orientation: August 16, 2008.
Complete mandatory immigration check-in. This should be completed during orientation. Please bring your immigration documents (I-20/DS-2019, passport and I-94 card). If you arrive before August 1st or after August 16th, you MUST complete a 1.5 hour mini-orientation in the Office of International Education. Call 412- 268-5231 to sign up.
Immigration check-in must be completed by the end of the first week of classes or you will lose your legal nonimmigrant status in the U.S.!
Complete course registration procedures. This is usually done before you arrive or at First Year Orientation. Check with your academic department.
Get your student ID card at Move In Day on August 15, 2008.
Open a bank account. When you attend international student orientation you will receive detailed information on the many full-service banks close to campus. In the meantime, check out the following web sites:
When considering banking options take into consideration services and fees associated with checking and savings accounts, interest rates, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) access, credit and debit card availability, as well as telephone and web banking.
Purchase health insurance. Health insurance is required by the university and is a necessity in the US because the cost of routine and emergency health care is extremely expensive. For more information about Carnegie Mellon Health Services or health insurance please check with Health Services.
Apply for a Social Security Number (SNN) if you will be employed on campus. A Social Security Number is a type of national identification number that is required for employment in US. You must have an offer of employment to be eligible to apply for an SSN. You must apply in person for a permanent Social Security number at a Social Security Office. Take your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94 card (found in your passport), and confirmation letter from OIEconfirmation letter from OIE. You will also need to provide an address where your new card can be sent. The Social Security Administration recommends that international applicants wait at least 10 (ten) days after arrival in the US before submitting an application for an SSN.
Last Updated On: Feburary 25th, 2008