Here are things you should do before you depart your country:
Read this newsletter thoroughly.
Inform the university that you are accepting admission. If you received more than one acceptance, send letters of regret to the universities you decided not to attend.
Remember that the name of the institution on your visa must match the one on your I-20 or DS-2019. Return any official documents, such as the I-20 form, that you received from the other universities.
Obtain a valid passport for yourself and any accompanying dependents.
Apply for a student visa at the US Consulate or Embassy, if required. Be sure to use the I-20 or DS-2019 of the university that you plan to attend.
Pay the SEVIS fee and obtain a receipt.
Make travel arrangements. Attend a pre-departure orientation, if one is available in your area.
If you are being sponsored by an organization, notify the organization of your plans. Maintain contact with your sponsoring organization. Your sponsor can assist you with many pre-departure arrangements and provide valuable information.
Read the insurance brochure on-line and decide if you want to buy the Emory policy. If not, you must complete the waiver request online not later than July 1, 2008. (Please see section on Expenses and Health Insurance for more information). If you have a J-1 visa, the waiver must also include your dependents, if applicable.
If you do not plan to enroll in the Emory sponsored medical insurance plan, and you plan to wait until your arrival in the United States to obtain some other medical insurance, purchase travel insurance (obtained at most airports) to cover you and any accompanying dependents during your travel and orientation.
Talk to vacationing students or alumni who have studied in the United States.
Buy traveler's checks (recommended amount: between $1,150 and $2,000, depending on if you are living on or off campus) to cover costs on the way to Emory and during your first month in the United States. Keep the receipt separate from the traveler's checks.
You may also need additional money to pay for security deposists, insurance fees, and living expenses. If you are receiving funding through Emory as a grant or stipend, these funds are normally not distributed until the end of September.
Obtain copies of financial documents that show how you will be supported while you are at Emory. You may be asked for these at the US border inspection.
Obtain copies of important medical and dental records, x-rays, and prescriptions written in generic terms for you and any accompanying dependents.
Obtain certificates of immunizations and vaccinations for you and any accompanying dependents.
