New International Students: Before You Arrive

Congratulations on being your offer of admission to Penn State! Once you accept the offer of admission, please do the following:

To obtain your visa, take care of the following pre-arrival processes.

Read the Orientation brochure carefully. It will be emailed to you after you are sent the offer of admission.
All international students must arrive in the United States by August 17–18 and attend the ISO August 19–August 23.
Confirm your attendance at the orientation by filling out the online form.

It is recommended that students make flight arrangements to arrive no later than two days before orientation to adjust and enjoy the orientation activities. Any return flight arrangements should be scheduled after the last date of final exams. Check the Academic Calendar.
Transport to campus from the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Suggested hotels during ISO:
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Philadelphia-Great Valley
  12 E. Swedesford Rd.
  Malvern, PA 19355
  610-296-3500
- Sonesta Suites Hotel Malvern
  20 Morehall Rd.
  Malvern, PA 19355
  610-296-4343
- Refer to the ISO brochure for information on hotel discounts.
Three apartment complexes near Penn State Great Valley campus that are popular with students are:
- The Royal Worthington, Malvern, PA
- Frazer Crossing, Malvern, PA
- Westgate Village Apartments, Frazer, PA
Other students live in areas along the regional rail line (SEPTA) that runs from Center City Philadelphia, along the "Main Line" to Malvern
The campus runs a shuttle to William Henry Apartments and Westgate Village Apartments as well as to the Paoli Trainstation when classes are in session.
You can connect with other students who are looking for a roommate through the online chats we offer periodically for international students, or private LinkedIn or Facebook groups.

Log into iStart to view the Pre-Arrival Checklist and select "Mandatory Document Check-In."
Complete the questions and upload scanned copies of the requested documents.
Make sure to sign your I-20 or DS-2019 before scanning it.
After your arrival in the U.S., obtain your I-94 arrival information online and save it as a PDF document before uploading it to iStart.
Update your local address (where you sleep while you are a student at Penn State) on your student records in LionPATH and iStart.
Email DISSADocCheck@psu.edu if you need help.

Health insurance is mandatory for all students in F-1 and J-1 status, and their accompanying dependents, for the entire period of study at Penn State.
Students are required to purchase the Penn State Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or submit proof of health insurance coverage that meets a set of requirements found on the Penn State Student Affairs website – Health Insurance – International Students.
All incoming graduate students must submit proof of immunizations prior to their arrival on campus.
Review the immunization requirements and how to submit the immunization verification form found on the Penn State Student Affairs website – Immunization Forms and Waivers.

Find out more about the area:
- Philadelphia, PA and surrounding counties
- Things to do near Penn State Great Valley
Read our guide for international students, the ISO brochure, which is emailed to students after the offer of admission.

Schedule your travel plans to ensure you arrive on campus by August 17–18, 2019.
Review the schedule provided to you in your ISO brochure.
Keep your passport, I-20 or DS-2019, money and other valuables with you as you travel.
Familiarize yourself with the U.S. arrival process.
If your airline loses your luggage, complete a lost luggage report at your final airport with the local address where it should be delivered.
You may feel “jet lagged” when you arrive, so plan your arrival to allow time to recover from your jet lag before the orientation begins.

In preparation for travel please review:
- Global Penn State: Before You Arrive.
Questions about International Student Orientation or Student Life at Penn State Great Valley: jek2@psu.edu or lej5034@psu.edu.
Pre-arrival immigration/visa questions: Before You Arrive or international@psu.edu.
Post-arrival immigration/visa questions: DISSA or DISSA-adviser@psu.edu.
Questions regarding health insurance and immunizations should be directed to University Health Services.
Questions about academic records should be directed to the Registrar at gvregist@psu.edu.
Questions about your classes or overall academic program can be directed to your department:
- Engineering: EngHELP@psu.edu.
- Management: managementhelp@psu.edu.