Pre-Arrival Infrmation - International Office

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

Pre-Arrival Information
For F-1 and J-1 Students

IMPORTANT -- PLEASE READ

Welcome! We look forward to meeting you and helping you make your experience at Southern Methodist University (SMU) a success. We are certain that you will find your time with us to be personally, professionally, and academically rewarding. You will find our small classes, our friendly and helpful faculty and staff, and our picturesque campus inspiring in a variety of ways.

This packet contains important and useful information. Please read it carefully.

Section 1: Preparing for Arrival to SMU
Section 2: Financial Information
Section 3: Traveling
Section 4: Arrival at SMU
Section 5: Life at SMU

PREPARING FOR ARRIVAL TO SMU

U.S. IMMIGRATION AND VISA INFORMATION

All international students, except Canadians, must have a valid F-1 or J-1 student U.S. entry visa in order to enter the United States as a student.

American immigration law DOES NOT allow persons with "waiver" or "tourist" B-1 or B-2 visas to register for school.

You should apply for a visa at the U. S. Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside the country of your permanent residence. In addition, you must also pay the new SEVIS fee before going to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Information about the new SEVIS fee may be found by clicking on the following link: http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/index.htm

It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee you will receive a visa. Also, because each student’s personal and academic situation is different, two students applying for the same visa may be asked different questions and may be required to submit different documents. For that reason, these guidelines are general and can be abridged or expanded by consular officers overseas, depending on each student’s situation.

It is very important that your name on your visa matches exactly your name on your passport.

When applying for your student visa at the U.S. Consulate, you must provide:

I-20 if you are applying for an F-1 visa (all four pages) or DS2019 if you are applying for a J-1 visa. Both documents should list any dependents (spouse and/or children) accompanying you.
A completed nonimmigrant visa application (DS156 and DS157 [and possibly DS158] ) for each person applying. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent’s passport. These forms are available at the consular office at no charge.
Passport valid for at least six months after your entry into the United States.
A receipt showing payment of the visa processing fee for each applicant.

International Students must also pay the new SEVIS fee before going to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Information about the new SEVIS fee may be found by clicking on the following link: http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/index.htm

All applicants should be prepared to provide:

Letter of acceptance to SMU.
Transcripts and diplomas from previous educational institutions attended.
Scores from standardized tests required by SMU such as TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.
Proof of financial ability to pay your tuition and living expenses.
Proof of residence abroad to which you will return after completion of studies.

Applicants with dependents must provide proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (marriage and birth certificates).

Canadian citizens, please note that if you are a Canadian citizen entering from Canada, you will not need to visit the U.S. Consulate. Just bring your I-20 or DS2019 with you along with your passport. When you cross the U.S. border, you will be given an I-94 card marked "F-1 D/S". You may be asked to show proof of financial ability.

If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

Be sure to read "10 Tips on Getting a U.S. Visa," which is included in your pre-arrival packet.

For more information, please consult the following web-sites:
Visas
Visa Denials

The information above is subject to change at any time.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND INSURANCE

Information concerning immunizations and insurance requirements is included in your pre-arrival mailing. Please read the packet carefully and follow instructions. These requirements must be met in order to register for classes.

WHAT TO PACK

All immigration documents such as a valid passport, visa, and proof of financial support should be hand carried. Make copies of these documents and keep them in a separate location in case the originals are lost. Other items include:

Post cards of your country and pictures of your home and family.
Travelers checks.
You can bring a small amount of cash or exchange your currency for U. S. dollars.
Clothing. (You may want to include sports clothing. The university will allow you to use their athletic center, including tennis courts and swimming pools.)
Camera .
Eye glasses and eye glass prescription. (Eye glasses in the US often cost $200 to $300, so you may want to bring a spare pair.)
A supply of prescription medicine for any pre-existing conditions in their original containers.
Be sure to pack important documents and one change of clothes in your carry-on luggage in case the luggage you check through the airlines is lost or detained.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

If you or any family members traveling with you need temporary accommodations, a list of hotels close to SMU, rates, and contact information appears at the end of this document.

ITEMS NOT PERMITTED IN UNIVERSITY HALLS OF RESIDENCE

Candles, incense, or any open-flame device.
Alcohol, unless you are 21 or over. (It is against U.S. law for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, have in their possession, or consume any alcoholic beverage.)
Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.
Weapons of any sort.
Fireworks.
Cooking appliances such as a toaster or frying pan.
Microwave or convection oven.
Cinder blocks, bricks, or boards.
Halogen lamps.
Pets.

DRESS

Most students advise against bringing too many heavy winter clothes. A few sweaters and a medium-weight coat will be adequate in the winter. All buildings have heating and air conditioning.

Dress in the classroom is very casual. Most students wear casual slacks, jeans, shorts, tennis shoes, or sandals while on campus. The air conditioning inside buildings can be very cold. Many students like a light jacket or sweater for wearing inside air-conditioned buildings.

FINANCIAL QUESTIONS

PREPARING FOR TUITION AND FEE PAYMENT

You may pay for your tuition and fees by a variety of methods:

Credit cards. SMU accepts Master Card, Discover, and American Express. There is service fee of approximately 2.3% (subject to change). You need to contact your credit card company before you leave home to make arrangements for a transaction of this size to be processed.
Travelers checks. Please obtain the checks in denominations of $1,000 in order to make your payment in the Bursar's (Cashier's) Office more efficient. (Using travelers checks for other purposes would require much smaller denominations.)
Wire transfers to the SMU Bursar's Office. Bank wiring instructions are as follows:
Name of Bank: Bank of America
Bank Address: 901 Main Street, Dallas, Texas 75202
Account Name: Southern Methodist University Concentration Account
Chips Code: 0959
Swift Code: BOFAUS3N
ABA #: 0260-0959-3
Acct. # : 125-480-2071
Student name as spelled on passport
Student SMU identification number (if you have it)
Amount wired

Always keep a record of the date that you wired the money. This is very important! You will be asked the date by the cashier at SMU in order to properly apply the funds to your account.

Assistantship: If the University is paying you for an assistantship, you will not receive your first payment until the end of the first month. You will continue to be paid on a monthly basis at the end of each month.

Scholarship: If you are on a scholarship, the funds will be applied to your student account toward your tuition and fee costs. We advise you to consult your department for details, especially if you will be receiving a scholarship.

CURRENCY

It is wise to carry travelers checks instead of cash. Travelers checks can be replaced if they are lost or stolen. They can be used upon arrival for food, ground transportation, hotels, etc. There are several good banks near the University, so it will be easy to open an account immediately upon your arrival.

Purchases made in the United States have sales tax added to the marked purchase price. In Dallas, this tax is 8.25 percent of the purchase price. For example, if you purchase an item or a meal that costs $10.83 cents in taxes will be added to the cost.

TRAVELING

LESSENING JET LAG

As soon as you begin your flight, try to adapt your body schedule to the time in Dallas. Try to sleep or stay awake on the flight at appropriate times to coincide with Dallas time. As soon as you arrive, try to get on a sleep schedule appropriate to the time in our area. Dallas is in the Central Time Zone.

Drink plenty of water while traveling. It is suggested that you drink 8 oz. of water every hour while traveling. Avoid alcohol or caffeine the day before and during travel, as these dehydrate the body and affect ability to control sleeping patterns. Get up and walk around when the seat belt sign is off and while in airports for layovers to get your blood circulating. During the daytime, get outside in the sunlight whenever possible at airport layovers and the first few days of your arrival in order to help your body clock adjust.

TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES

Just before landing, flight attendants will hand you an I-94 and customs forms that you must complete. If you are entering the United States by ground transportation you will receive the I-94 and customs forms at the U.S. border. The immigration officer at the port of entry will ask to see them.

Make sure that the name you use on the I-94 is identical to your name as it appears in your passport.

At your port of entry, immigration check and customs clearance can take an hour or more. If you have a connecting flight to DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) International Airport from another U.S. airport, you need to allow time for this customs and immigration clearance in your flight schedule.

The United States has four time zones. Please check the time at each connecting airport to prevent missing your connecting flight.

Immigration officials may ask for your letter of acceptance to SMU, I-94 (given to you on the airplane before landing or at the U.S. border), I-20 or DS2019, valid passport, visa, and possibly proof of financial ability. Keep these items easily accessible as you travel.

At U.S. Customs, as a non-U.S. resident, you will be required to declare money if you bring in more than $10,000 or the foreign equivalent. You will not have to pay tax on the $10,000 or more, but you will need to declare it on the customs form and at U.S. Customs. Each person is allowed to bring in personal items and other goods duty free, unless it is a gift or other item that will be left in the United States. If it is a gift or other item that will be left in the United States after you finish your studies or program, it will be subject to duty taxes. For goods that are subject to duty taxes, U.S. Customs allows goods valued up to $200 to be duty free. Any goods that are personal items and/or valued at less than $200 will not be subject to duty taxes. Please check the Web at www.customs.gov as duty tax rates and rules are subject to change.

ARRIVING AT DFW AIRPORT

SMU is located 40 kilometers (25 miles) from DFW International Airport and 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Love Field Airport. We highly advise using the International Friendship Program airport pick-up service, which is run by volunteers.

Airport van shuttle service will cost about $22 for one person and $7 for each additional person in your party. To call the airport shuttle, dial 02 on the free courtesy phone in the baggage claim area. Tell the person where you are (terminal and baggage claim number) and they will give you directions. You may get more information about the shuttle at www.supershuttle.com.

A taxi will cost approximately $40 from DFW. It will cost an additional $2 per person in the taxi. Exit the airport and look for the taxi line. There will be a sign reading "Taxi."

You can also visit the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Web site www.dart.org for fare and schedule information on train service from the airport. A DART shuttle can take you from your arrival terminal to the Trinity Railway Express, which runs from CentrePort to Union Station in downtown Dallas. From Union Station, you can take the DART Red Line (Park Lane) or Blue Line (White Rock) light-rail train to the Mockingbird Lane Station near SMU. The 768 Mustang Express shuttle (weekdays only) and the 21 and 527 DART buses run to the University campus.

ARRIVAL AT SMU

WHEN TO ARRIVE

Your arrival date will be affected by the visa status you receive:

F-1 visa: You must enter the country on or before the date stated under #5 of the Form I-20. You may enter any time within 30 days before this date.

J-1 visa: You must enter the country within 30 days before OR after the start date shown in section #3 of the Form DS2019.

REPORTING TO THE SMU INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

Immediately upon your arrival please report to the SMU International Office during check-in hours. You are required by the U.S. government to provide originals of your documents to the SMU International Office. Students or Scholars who do not check-in with our office will be considered out of status. Please bring with you the following documents:

Passport
F or J Visa
I-20 or DS2019
I-94
All papers you received at the port of entry
Approval Notice of Change of Status (only for students who have changed status within the U.S.)
U.S. Local Address; No P.O. Box is acceptable. (this information is crucial for your registration with the U.S. government)
Emergency Contact Information (Name, email, phone number, full address, and relation to student or scholar)
Dependant information and official documents (if applicable)

Failure to bring these documents will cause the termination of your record in the U.S. Database SEVIS and you will be considered out of status.

If you are here with any dependants, they are also required to check-in at our office.

Our check-in hours are as follows:

Monday through Friday
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

During this visit to the International Office, you will be given introductory material which will help familiarize you with SMU and the area, and provide information about orientation and upcoming events.

You can contact the SMU International Office by telephone or email either before or after you are in the U.S. or just come by the office during check-in hours.

The first official day of classes for the 2005-2006 academic year is
Thursday, August 18, 2005.

The SMU International office may be contacted in the following ways:

Phone:
214-768-4475 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Office closed on major U.S. holidays

Fax:
214-768-1051

E-Mail:
smuint@mail.smu.edu

Mail:
The International Center
Southern Methodist University
6185 Airline Road, Suite 216
Dallas TX 75275-0391
USA

REQUIRED INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION SESSION

All international students new to SMU must attend the International Student Orientation. Please see your pre-arrival packet or this Web site's Calendar section for details on the schedule.

WHAT TO PURCHASE AFTER YOU ARRIVE

Linens and towels.
Blanket and pillows.
Towels.
Assorted dishes, cups, utensils, etc.
All electrical appliances (alarm clock, hair dryer, radio, etc.)
NOTE: The electric current for small appliances in the United States is 110-115 volts, 60 cycles.
Laundry detergent, hygienic and household supplies.
Umbrella or rain coat.

LIFE AT SMU

HOUSING

All first-year undergraduate students are required to live on campus in halls of residence. Graduate students often live off campus.

There is a shortage of housing in the SMU area and it is expensive. If you decide to rent an apartment outside campus, the price will usually begin at about $700 monthly. An initial deposit is required when renting an apartment. This will usually be equal to the monthly fee. The deposit is returned when you move out of the apartment if you do not break the contract and if there is no damage to the apartment.

If you will be living in an apartment there are usually additional start up charges for electric and gas service to your apartment. Electric and gas service requires an initial deposit of $90 to $150 when ordering new utility service. If you will be living in the university halls of residence you will not have to pay for electric and gas service. Electric and gas costs are covered in room and board charges. For more information about electric and gas utility service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area you can log onto www.txu.com

The fee for setting up new telephone service will average about $50 to $75. Monthly rates will average about $30 to $50. Long distance charges are additional. For more information about telephone service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you can visit www.swbell.com

There are additional monthly charges for utilities (gas and electricity). Charges vary but will be about $50 to $100 monthly.

MAKING A PHONE CALL IN THE UNITED STATES

Using a pay phone in the United States requires 50 cents in coins. If you call a number which begins in 800, 888, or 877, no money is required. Making long distance phone calls when you first arrive can be done most economically and conveniently by going to a "7-11" convenience store or U.S. post office and purchasing a calling card. These calling cards can also be used for making calls from your telephone in the United States.

WHAT WEATHER SHOULD I EXPECT?

From May to September, temperatures in the Dallas-Fort Worth area usually average between 26.7 C (80 F) and 37.8 C (100 F). From October to April, temperatures may vary from -6.6C (20 F) to 21.1 C (70 F) with an average of about 10 C (50 F).

HOTEL LISTING INFORMATION

If you or any family members traveling with you need temporary accommodations, we have listed hotels in the area that are nearest SMU. Remember to ask for the SMU rate, when applicable, at the time you make your reservations. All rates are subject to change.

Hotels Within Walking Distance of SMU

Radisson Hotel
6060 North Central Expressway
Dallas TX 75206
Tel. 214-750-6060 or 1-800-333-3333
Fax 214-750-5959
*Rate: $84 per night + 15% tax with SMU rate

Hotels Within a Short Drive of SMU
(listed nearest first)

Doubletree Campbell Center
8250 N Central Expressway
Dallas TX 75206
Tel. 214-691-8700 or 1-800-222-8733
Fax 214-706-0187
Internet: www.doubletreehotels.com
*Rate: $95 per night + 15% tax (SMU rate)
$99-149 per night + 15% tax (non-SMU rate)

Northpark Courtyard by Marriott
10325 N Central Expressway
Dallas TX 75231
Tel. 214-739-2500 or 1-800-321-2211
Fax 214-739-6450
Internet: www.marriott.com
*Rate: $89 per night + 15% tax Sunday through Thursday (SMU rate)
$105 per night +15% tax Sunday through Thursday (non-SMU rate)
$79 per night + 15% tax Friday and Saturday for everyone

Embassy Suites Hotel Dallas - Love Field
3880 W. Northwest Highway
Dallas, TX 75220
Tel. 214-357-4500 or 1-800-EMBASSY
Fax 214-357-0683
*Rate: $115 per night + tax (SMU rate) for a standard two-room suite https://secure.hilton.com/en/es/res/choose_dates.jhtml;jsessionid=EAU320KOZETAECSGBIYM22Q?hotel=DALLFES&corporateCode=0560027743&_requestid=23663

Amerisuites
12411 N Central Expressway
Dallas TX 75243
Tel. 972-458-1224 or 1-800-833-1516
Fax 972-458-2887
Internet: www.amerisuites.com
*Rate: $62 per night + 15% tax (SMU rate)
$109 per night + 15% tax per person (non-SMU rate)

Westin Galleria Dallas
13340 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75240
Tel. 972-934-9494 or 1-800-937-8461
Fax 972-851-2869
Internet: www.westin.com
*Rate: $199-279 per night + 15% tax Sunday through Thursday
$129-279 per night + 15% tax Friday and Saturday

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT U.S. MOTELS AND HOTELS

*Hotel rates quoted above are per night and are subject to change. They do not include the 15% tax added to room rate. These rooms and rates are subject to availability.

Please note that some toll-free "800" telephone numbers may not work from certain countries outside the United States. If the toll-free "800" number does not work, use the hotel's Internet address, direct telephone number, and/or fax number to make your reservation and get more information. If you would like information about other hotels and motels or have other questions, please contact the SMU International Office.

WELCOME TO SMU!

Thank you for choosing us. We look forward to meeting you! Have a safe trip.

Pre-Arrival Information For F-1 and J-1 Students

IMPORTANT -- PLEASE READ

ARRIVAL AT SMU

LIFE AT SMU

Pre-Arrival Information
For F-1 and J-1 Students