Congratulations on your offer of admission to Penn State! Once you accept the offer of admission, please do the following:
Step 1: Get your visa
To obtain your visa, take care of the following pre-arrival processes.
- Complete the financial guarantee.
- Request an I-20 or DS-2019.
- Pay the SEVIS fee and apply for your student visa.
Step 2: Prepare for International Student Orientation (ISO)
- 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 14 - 15 August and attend the ISO 15 - 18 August.
Step 3: Housing and Transportation
The Pennsylvania State University makes no representations or endorsements for the nearby hotels listed. The Pennsylvania State University has not inspected or investigated these hotels and disclaims any responsibility for the condition of any premises, terms of any associated agreements, or compliance with any applicable laws or regulations.
- 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.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Philadelphia-Great Valley
- Five apartment complexes near Penn State Great Valley campus that are popular with students are:
- The Airdrie at Paoli Station, Paoli, PA
- Arlo Apartments, Malvern, PA
- Frazer Crossing, Malvern, PA
- Paoli Place Apartments, Paoli, PA
- The Royal Worthington, Malvern, 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 Frazer Crossing, Royal Worthington, and the Paoli Train station.
- 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.
Step 4: Complete online document check-in
- 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 [email protected] if you need help.
Step 5: Mandatory health insurance and immunizations
- 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.
Step 6: Prepare for life at your new home
- Find out more about the area:
- Read our guide for international students, the ISO brochure, which is emailed to students after the offer of admission.
Step 7: Attend International Student Orientation
- Schedule your travel plans to ensure you arrive on campus in time for the ISO on 14 - 17 August.
- 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.
Additional Resources and Contact Information
- 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: [email protected] or [email protected].
- Pre-arrival immigration/visa questions: Before You Arrive or [email protected].
- Post-arrival immigration/visa questions: [email protected].
- Questions regarding health insurance and immunizations should be directed to University Health Services.
- Questions about academic records should be directed to the Registrar at [email protected].
- Questions about your classes or overall academic program can be directed to your department:
- Engineering: [email protected].
- Management: [email protected].