Council Of Graduate Students (CGS) and the Office of Graduate Studies Pre-Departure Webinar July 20 th, 2010

Things to do We strongly encourage you to read the information sheets which came along with your I-20 packet. Re-check all documents as required by the university. Make copies of all important documents such as : – I-20 – Passport – Airline ticket – SEVIS – Medical documents Find fellow Missouri S&T students travelling on the same day through communities on Orkut and Facebook.

Packing your bags Place a copy of your flight ticket in each of your check- in luggage. Label your luggage with your destination address. Tie coloured ribbons to your luggage which help you to spot your luggage at baggage carousels. Carry important documents such that you may produce them easily when asked. (Never put them in your check-in luggage.) Package food items in a secure and sealed manner. (Do not place them in your carry-on luggage.) Do not keep electronic items such as laptop, camera etc in your check-in luggage.

Check for… Check with your airlines to ensure your ticket is confirmed. Know your arrival and departure times at various airports. In most cases you would be required to switch terminals at the airport. Familiarize yourself with the particular airport via maps available on the internet. Check for timings of the pick up shuttle at St.Louis.

What to carry? Currency – Around $300 cash in denominations of 1,10,20 & 100. (Small denominations would be required for trolleys at the airport) – Around $1500 in Travelers cheques – Fees in Demand Draft form. (In case you carry extra it gets reimbursed) Do not keep all the money in the same spot. US Immigration website recommends carrying evidence of financial resources and transcripts. Make note of a few seniors contact numbers.

During the Flight Try to get as much sleep as possible to avoid jet lag. Walk around the aisle every 2 to 3 hrs. You will be given two forms, I-94 and a customs declaration form as your plane approaches USA. Fill them out carefully. The forms are required to be produced at your port of entry i.e. the first place you land in the US.

The I-94 form The Customs declaration form

What if you miss a flight? Do NOT Panic. It is common to miss flights. Go to your airline counter and get rebooked. If at any point you need directions at the airport, ask the security personnel or the airport staff for help.

Once in Rolla Check-in with the International Affairs office with your I-20, passport and I-94. Get your university ID card made. Activate your university address. Open a bank account. Look for housing options. Look for on-campus job opportunities.

Housing While looking for housing options make sure to check the apartment thoroughly. Read your lease carefully and clarify any points you do not understand. Approach us, CGS officers, in case you need help. Rents may vary from $450 to $700 per month. This will be split amongst roommates.

Few more pointers The initial costs will be more because: – Initial rent deposit – Buying a laptop Usual monthly living cost turns out to be approx. $350 per month.

We look forward to seeing you at the Fall Semester Orientation on August 10 th. Feel free to us at : Bon Voyage!