Welcome to NC STATE
OIS Staff
http://internationalservices.ncsu.edu
ois@ncsu.edu
facebook.com/NCSUOIS
@NCSU_OIS
youtube.com/user/OISatNCSU
JUNE
CHECKLIST
Celebrate your admission to
NC State University!
Pay the Student Exchange and
Visitor Information System
(SEVIS) fee, obtain your visa
stamp, & make sure all of your
travel documents are in order.
(Pages 3 - 4)
Access your NC State email
account and contact your Small
Pack Leaders!
Submit your immunization
records to the university within
30 days of acceptance. (Pg. 5)
Contact your academic advisor
and register for classes. (Pg. 6)
Find a place to live, either on
campus or off campus. (Pg. 7 - 8)
Add your local address to SEVIS
(even if temporary). (Pg. 4)
Mark your calendar for
mandatory OIS Orientation on
Wednesday, August 10th.
When booking your airline tickets,
please plan carefully! Make sure you
have made housing arrangements for
your first night in Raleigh and the
following days, especially if you are
arriving prior to the move in date for
your housing. (Pg. 8)
Immigration Information
Steps to Apply
for your Visa
Immigration Information
Add your Local Raleigh SEVIS Address in the MyPack Portal (Student Information System)
As soon as you know your local Raleigh address, even if it is temporary, please update your address in the
MyPack Portal. This is an immigration requirement. All students in F-1 and J-1 status must add their local
SEVIS address information every semester in MyPack. Additionally, all students in F-1 status are required to
update this information or will be considered legally out of status. Please visit the OIS website to learn more
about the local address requirements for maintaining your immigration status.
In case of a health or safety emergency, OIS may need to contact your family back home. For this reason, it is
extremely important that you provide the name and current contact information for at least one family member.
This information will ONLY be used in the case of a serious health or safety emergency. As regulated by federal
privacy laws (FERPA) that protect students' personal information, the emergency contact you provide will NEVER
be contacted by OIS or NC State in regards to your academic standing (grades), student conduct, immigration or
legal status. Please add your Emergency Contact information in MyPack Portal by clicking on Main Menu>
Student Self Service> Campus Personal Information> Emergency Contacts.
Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens are not required to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa; they will be required to pay the SEVIS fee before
requesting admission to the U.S. Please note that this fee cannot be paid at the Port of Entry. At the Port of Entry,
Canadian citizens must present their I-20 or DS-2019 with the proof of SEVIS fee payment.
If you are currently in F-1 or J-1 status at another US institution, you must take the following actions upon arrival
at NC State to complete the SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 transfer-in process:
1. Report to OIS for check-in on Friday, August 12 at 12:30 p.m. This check-in session will be held specifically
for transfer students only. Bring your current NC State I-20 or DS-2019 Form, your prior schools I-20 or DS-2019
Form, your passport with visa stamp, and your 1-94 printout.
2. Update NC States MyPack Portal with your local Raleigh address and emergency contact information. Please
log in with your Unity ID and password.
Within 10 days of the start of the semester OIS will confirm your full-time enrollment and register your SEVIS
record. You must be enrolled full-time in order for OIS to complete this process. Within 30 days of the start of the
semester OIS will create a Transfer Complete I-20 or DS-2019 and notify you by e-mail when it's ready to be
picked up.
Change of Status
If you are already in the U.S. in another nonimmigrant status and if you intend to apply for a change of status to
F-1 or J-1, please contact us as soon as possible at (919) 515-2961 or ois@ncsu.edu. It can take four to six
months for a change of visa status to be processed by USCIS. You will have no employment authorization while
you are waiting and may or may not be eligible to enroll in classes.
Immunizations
NC State requires students to complete their
immunization requirements before arriving on campus.
Upon admission to the university, all students have
30 days to submit copies of their immunization
records, complete the Health History form, and the
Tuberculosis Questionnaire online via HealthWeb*
Academics
Course Registration
As a new graduate degree student cleared for admission for the Fall 2016
semester, you will need to complete the following checklist to register for
classes. The final deadline for Fall 2016 course registration is August
23rd. However, it is in a students best interest to register as early as
possible to secure a seat in your preferred classes. Classes begin on
Wednesday, August 17th.
Since you may not be able to come to campus before the start of the fall
semester, your advisor will work with you to ensure you can register for courses
prior to your arrival on campus. Each college has a different process for advising
prior to course registration. Your department and/or advisor will inform you of
the policies and procedures for this process when you contact them. Your
advisor will release the advising hold on your account once you finalize a plan,
so you may register for classes.
has been released, you can register through the MyPack Portal using your valid
Unity ID and password. Information on how to determine your login and
password can be found on page on the Office of Information Technology's
website. If you are having difficulty logging in, you can contact the NC State
Help Desk at (919) 515-HELP (4357) or send an email to help@ncsu.edu
Contact your academic advisor if you have questions or concerns about your
class selection. Ask your advisor about what your colleges requirements are
for an in-person meeting once you arrive on campus. Although you will attend
the OIS Orientation, many colleges require you to attend a college-based
meeting to obtain college-specific information.
Additional Resources
Departmental Ambassadors are current international or American graduate
students in your department. If you have a question about your department,
courses, NC State, etc., you can find your Departmental Ambassadors email
address on the OIS website. Please Note: Not every department has a
Departmental Ambassador.
The SPEAK test is for international Teaching Assistants. Departments will
register individual students for this test. Students should contact their
respective departments for their exact time and place of testing.
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On-Campus Housing
NC State University Housing is owned and managed by the university. The
cost of on-campus housing is usually comparable to off-campus housing and
comes with several benefits. NC State offers several apartment-style
buildings on campus which are generally better suited for graduate students
than residence halls, where living space is shared. To explore your oncampus housing options, visit University Housing's website.
Convenience: on-campus housing is steps away from your classrooms,
libraries, labs, dining halls, and the gym. There's no need to drive or ride a
bus to campus! Also, residence halls are equipped with community kitchens,
service desks, laundry facilities, computer labs, and lounges.
Transportation: university housing is located on major city and university
bus routes, making transportation to the areas surrounding campus
convenient for students.
Hassel-Free Living: on-campus housing is all-inclusive, meaning your
electricity, water, cable, and internet services are included in the price of
housing which is paid directly to the university. Most university housing is
also "furnished," meaning you don't have to purchase your own furniture.
Community: living on campus will automatically insert you in a residential
community. University housing staff frequently plan special events to foster a
sense of community and encourage their residents connect with their
neighbors.
Application Required: To live on campus you must apply through MyPack
Portal before the deadline. On-campus housing is assigned on a first-come,
first-served basis so it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible if
you want to live on campus.
If you have been assigned to university housing and have questions about
when you can check into your on-campus housing, check University Housing's
website send them an email at housing@ncsu.edu, or call 919-515-2440.
Off-Campus Housing
To find an apartment before you arrive, it is recommended that you consult with
your Small Pack Leaders, ask people in your department, and students from your
home country, OIS Country Contacts, for advice on apartments. Your Small Pack
Leaders have a comprehensive list of on and off-campus residences and will be
happy to provide that information to you.
Many apartment complexes are close together so you can spend a day
comparing apartments. Off-campus housing options include: (a) rooms in private
residences, (b) apartments which can be rented by oneself or (c) apartments
shared by 2 to 4 students depending on the lease options of the apartment
complex. It is reasonable to expect off-campus housing to cost between $250 to
$800 per month, depending on the number of people sharing the expenses which
include monthly rent and utilities (water, sewer, electricity, gas). A signed lease
(contract) and a security deposit, usually one months rent, is also required for
most off-campus housing. In addition, utility companies may require an advance
deposit to activate their services.
If there is a gap between your arrival date and the start date of your lease or if
you prefer to search for an apartment after you arrive in Raleigh, you can find
temporary accommodation on campus through Guest Housing Services or at a
local hotel.
JULY
CHECKLIST
OIS will scan these documents into your immigration record and
will return them to you after the check-in session. The check-in
session will last approximately 1 hour, so please plan
accordingly. Because check-in is required by law, you
must stay for the entire duration of the session.
At the time of your check-in, OIS staff will review your rights and
responsibilities as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder. You will also be
provided with materials to help in your initial transition to
Raleigh and NC State. Check-in is done by appointment only, so
you must register for a check-in session.
Clothing
Students in the United States tend to dress informally. Jeans, t-shirts, shorts,
and sweatshirts are all very acceptable to wear around campus and in class. You
may want to bring more formal clothing for special events. A good raincoat or
umbrella is necessary. You will also need a coat for cold weather.
Electrical Items
The U.S. uses 110v electrical current. Many small electrical items like hair dryers
and electric razors are inexpensive in the U.S. and you may wish to purchase
those items when you arrive. If you bring a computer, or other electrical items,
you may buy a simple plug adapter in the U.S.
Medical Items
Make sure that any prescription medications you bring with you are labeled and
are in their original containers. Make sure the name on the containers matches
the name on your passport to avoid any problems when you are entering the U.S.
Please bring a copy of any prescription you will need using the generic name of
the medication in English.
Money
Make sure your ATM card will work in the U.S. before you leave!The Cirrus, Plus,
Mastercard, and Visa systems are the most widely accepted. We recommend you
have access to enough funds to cover immediate expenses like tuition and food.
We recommend you have at least $300 in hard currency in case you need quick
access to cash when you first arrive. You can change your money at a local bank.
There may be a conversion fee at the bank, but it may be less than the fee at the
airport.
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Traveling to
NC State University
Shuttle Information
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AUGUST
CHECKLIST
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OIS Orientation
In addition to the Orientation for international students, OIS organizes supplemental orientation events to help international
students connect with important resources on campus and in the community.
Mini-Sessions
These short conference-style sessions will provide more detailed information about topics including Getting around without a
Car, Practical (Consumer) Matters, University Recreation and Intramural Sports, Student Legal Services, the City of Raleigh,
and more! The schedule and location of the sessions will be posted on the OIS Orientation Schedule website.
Welcome Party!
On Friday, August 19th from 6-9 p.m. all new international students are invited to join their Small Pack Leaders and fellow
international students in the Talley Student Union Ballroom for a night of fun, snacks, and American Line Dancing!
Maintaining Status
Maintain Full-Time Enrollment
F-1 and J-1 students must maintain continuous full-time enrollment during the
fall and spring semesters to maintain their lawful nonimmigrant status. The
minimum requirement for graduate students is 9 credit hours for each semester.
The SEVIS I-20 (for F-1 students) and the SEVIS DS-2019 (for J-1 students)
specify a date by which the program of study will be completed. An extension of
program beyond the date mentioned on the I-20 or DS-2019 Form should be
applied for prior to that expiration date.
Students Responsibilities
Immediately upon arrival, students must physically report to OIS for check-in to
have their SEVIS records registered. Check-in is done by appointment only.
Enroll for and attend classes.
Maintain full-time enrollment and make normal academic progress towards
completion of program.
Do not engage in unauthorized employment.
Keep your passport valid for at least six months into the future at all times
during your study in the U.S.
Report any changes of address in MyPack within 10 days of the change.
File timely requests for extension of stay, change of status, transfer, Optional
Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and other benefits.
Obey all state and federal laws including laws regulating domestic disputes,
child endangerment, sexual assault, driving while under the influence of
alcohol or illegal substances, etc.
Read and obey the NC State University Student Code of Conduct.
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Tuition for new international students can be paid after arrival, but must be paid BEFORE August 22nd
for the Fall 2016 semester. This deadline is an extended deadline set up by the Cashiers Office
specifically meant to accommodate new international students who are at NC State for their first
semester. However, we recommend paying your tuition as early as possible. If you do not pay your
tuition by the deadline, your classes will be canceled!
International students can now pay their tuition via wire transfer! Visit the Cashier's Office website for
more details.
Students are billed for tuition and fees by the Cashiers Office. Please visit their website for information
on payment methods. OIS does not handle student accounts. If you have a question about your
account or payment, please contact the Cashiers Office at studentaccounts@ncsu.edu.
International graduate students may receive aid in the form of teaching assistantships or research
assistantships. Only individual departments may award assistantships. OIS is not involved in the
process of awarding assistantships. For information on assistantships, contact the Director of
Graduate Programs (DGP) for your department.
On-Campus Employment
There are many types of on-campus employment at NC State. Unfortunately, it is competitive, and you
have to contact each department/unit individually after you arrive to learn about their employment
opportunities. You cannot apply to work on campus before you arrive. In the past, international students
have found success looking for employment at the NC State Libraries, University Dining, the Campus
Bookstore, University Recreation, Carmichael Gym (Rec Center), and the Talley Student Union.
Banking
You are strongly encouraged to open a checking account upon arrival in Raleigh. With a checking account,
you will receive a checkbook and usually an ATM card, which allows you to withdraw cash from your
account 24-hours a day. Services and fees vary but most banks in the area offer special Student
Accounts with minimal or very low monthly charges. Be sure to ask about student accounts when you visit
the banks (there are several within walking distance of campus) and have your passport and I-20 or
DS-2019 form with you when you open the account. If you will be bringing a large amount of money with
you at one time, you may also wish to open a savings account. Savings accounts earn interest. Banks also
offer additional services such as loans, credit cards, and safe-deposit boxes at lower cost to students.
Outdoor Adventures
The Outdoor Adventure program includes activities and
instruction within and around Carmichael Complex. The
adventure trip program reaches far beyond the limits of NC
State to give students an opportunity to participate on a variety
of outdoor trips across the state. Some examples of trips include
rock climbing, canoeing, and backpacking.
If you are looking for a mode of transportation, the WolfWheels
bike-rental program through Outdoor Adventures offers a
unique, innovative approach to sustainable transportation at NC
State University. All students with a valid Wolfpack One Card
are able to rent bicycles on a daily, weekend, weekly or
semester long basis.
For more information about University Recreation's Outdoor
Adventures program, visit their website.
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Waiver of NC State
Student Health Insurance
If you do not wish to use the plan administered by Student
Blue, you will need to show that you have another
appropriate insurance policy within 30 days of the start of
classes.
Note: The Student Blue policy does not cover dental care,
however Student Health Services offers a dental discount
program.
You can read more about the Student Blue Health Plan
enrollment and benefits here on the Blue Cross website.
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1st Semester
Checklist
Join a student organization to get
involved on campus and meet other
students.
Attend the Wolfpack Welcome Week
events to meet other students and
learn more about NC State traditions.
Campus Connections
Student Organization Fair
On Tuesday, August 16th from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
the Talley Student Union will host Campus
Connections - a student organization fair where
members of each student organization will host
tables to share information about each of their
organizations. This is a great way to learn more
about the numerous opportunities to meet other
students and get involved at NC State!
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Living in Raleigh
In Raleigh, there is something for everyone! There are world class museums, open-air amphitheaters, music venues,
historic sites, professional theater companies, award-winning restaurants, professional sports, and vibrant festivals. To
learn more about what the Raleigh area has to offer, there are plenty of resources available:
Indy Week - A weekly guide to local art, music, and events
Triangle City Search - Find local restaurants and events // Downtown Raleigh Guide
City of Raleigh Visitor's Guide // The News & Observer - Raleighs Newspaper
Ethnic Restaurants and International Grocery Stores in Raleigh
If you plan to drive in the U.S., you are permitted to drive with a license issued by your home country for up to 60 days after
your arrival date. After 60 days, you will be required by law to have a North Carolina Driver's License if you wish to continue
driving in the U.S. The International Drivers License is not valid in the state of North Carolina, however it may be
a helpful English translation of a license issued from your home country if it's not in English.
Please Note: When driving in the United States, you must have your driver's license with you at all times.
If you plan to purchase a car in the U.S., it is recommended that you bring a certified letter from your car insurance company
confirming your driving record in your home country. Such a letter might reduce high car insurance rates from American
companies. Purchasing car insurance is a law for all North Carolina drivers. For more information about driving in NC, visit the
Division of Motor Vehicles website.
OIS Programs
The Ofce of International Services has several
programs to help international scholars meet
Americans and vice versa. If you are interested in
learning more about American culture or teaching
others about your own culture, you may want to join
these programs. You can nd more information,
including applications, on the OIS Programs' website.
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Campus Activities
We encourage you to take advantage of all the fun activities NC State has to offer. There are many opportunities to
meet other students, attend sporting events, and explore Raleigh. Below are a few ideas to get you started!
Clubs
At NC State there is a club for almost every interest or hobby. There are several animal related clubs, a robotics club, a
sailing club, and more! There are also many international student associations, where you can meet other students from
your country studying at NC State. A list of all student organizations can be found here on the Get Involved! website.
Sporting Events
NC State students are able to get free admission to all university sporting events. Tickets for football and mens
basketball must be reserved using the online student ticketing center. Tickets for all other sporting events are free at
the door with your student ID.
Intramural Sports
If you enjoy playing sports, there are many casual intramural teams you can be a part of. Intramural teams only play
other NC State students, not students from other universities. Students involved in intramural events are there to have
fun and it can be a great way to meet new friends. You can even organize your own group of friends and make a new
team. University Recreation offers intramural sports like Soccer, American Flag Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Ultimate
Frisbee, and Kickball. For more information and to sign up, check out University Recreations website.
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Local Events
& Festivals
Campus Resources
Email and Computer Access
Graduate students will receive their Unity ID with their admission letter. You can
access your NC State email from overseas if you know your Unity ID and
password. Your default password is the last four digits of your Campus ID number
(printed on your Graduate School Admission Letter), plus the four digits of your
birth month and day. For example, if your Campus ID number ends in 1234 and
your birthday is January 31, then your initial password is 12340131.
If you plan to use an email other than the NC State email address, you must
update your address through MyPack Portal under Campus Personal Information."
Once you arrive on campus, you will need your Unity ID and password to log in to
the computers at NC State. If you have problems accessing your email, you may
contact the Office of Information Technology's Help Desk by visiting their website.
The Help Desk can also be reached by phone at (919) 515-4357 or by email at
help@ncsu.edu.
Special Accommodations
If you have any special needs for accommodation in terms of physical access, or
you have a learning disability, or other circumstance or issue that requires our
special attention, please let us know. You may be able to benefit from some of
the campus resources dedicated to helping all students succeed. For further
information please contact an OIS staff member or the Disability Services Office
at NC State.
Speech-to-Speech (STS): This service, provides communication assistants
(CAs) for people with difficulty being understood by the public on the telephone.
The Speech-to-Speech access number for North Carolina is 1-877-735-8261.
Text Access: Text access translates auditory information into text to be read on
a computer or other display device. Visit this website to learn more about Text
Access at NC State.
Assistive Listening Devices: For persons with hearing aids or who have
difficulty hearing, the Disability Services Office can provide assistance for your
use during class. Visit the Disability Services Office's website to learn more about
ALD use on campus: dso.dasa.ncsu.edu
Accessible Classrooms & Buildings On Campus: NC State upholds strict
regulations regarding building and classroom accessibility.
For more information about the Disability Services offered at NC State University,
please visit their website.
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Campus Resources
Campus Safety
The NC State Police Department is responsible for maintaining a safe and pleasant
environment in which to live and learn. Concerned with the protection of life and
property, the Campus Police officers enforce both the laws of the state of North
Carolina and regulations of the university. Emergency blue light telephones have
been placed around campus for your safety. These phones are distinctly marked
with a red phone box attached to a white pole with a blue-lighted bulb on top.
When activated, you will be in immediate voice contact with a Campus Police
Officer. The officer will also receive a digital readout pinpointing your exact
location.
Emergency Number: For emergencies, always dial 911. To reach the Campus
Police directly call (919) 515-3000.
Safety Escort Service: The University Police Department provides a safety escort
service to protect students, faculty and staff on campus between the hours of 10
p.m. and 4 a.m., as long as weather is safe for operation. In the hours prior to 10
p.m., the police department encourages anyone traveling on campus to walk in well
lighted areas with groups of people or to use the Wolfline Bus Service.
To request a Safety Escort, call (919) 515-3000. A security guard will meet you at
your location and will provide a safety escort anywhere on campus including outer
areas such as, but not limited to: the Vet School, the Avent Ferry Complex and
Centennial Campus during the 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. time period.
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