International Students

Arrival Checklist (CONSTANT UPDATING TO THIS INFORMATION)

Welcome to Western Carolina University!

In your first few days at Western, there are many things you need to prepare to insure that you are properly housed, registered for the appropriate classes, have paid your bill, can access the library, etc. Below are the things you need to do and know about at WCU. There is no specific order to these tasks. Do try to accomplish them within the first 2 weeks.

You can also find helpful information in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs (also online) and WCU booklet, Information for International Students. Also consult the WCU Student Handbook.

Appropriate Attire

Although, Cullowhee is located in the Great Smoky Mountains, the region fully enjoys all fours seasons - spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Therefore, you need to be sure to bring appropriate clothing to suit the weather conditions. Spring and summer alter between warm and sunny to cool and rainy. With the changing of the leaves in autumn comes the cooler temperatures. By Winter, which lasts usually from late November until early March, you will need to have a heavy coat to endure a few weeks when there may be periods of below freezing temperatures.

Also, remember that casual dress is common place at WCU. Students attend class in whatever they decide. Therefore, it is not necessary to bring "professional" attire to attend classes. Just remember casual!!

Check into Student Housing

Housing should have sent you your room assignment prior to your arrival. Most rooms are double occupancy. Make sure you know the name of the residence hall and your assigned room number when you arrive on campus.

If you do not have bedding, ask your head resident for a complete linen pack (that includes sheets, blanket and a pillow). You can use this for a few days, free of charge. You need to get to a store to purchase sheets and pillowcase for a “Twin” bed. You may need a 'Standard' pillow, a blanket and a spread or comforter.

Each room has two Internet portals, at no additional cost.

Laundromats are in each residence hall and are coin operated.

A head resident is assigned to each residence hall to assist residents and plan programs.

Off-Campus Housing

If you would like to live off campus, the best time to search for an apartment is after you arrive at WCU. The Department of Residential Living on campus (227-7303), located on the ground floor of Scott Residence Hall, has an advertisement board on which available apartments are advertised.

Generally, the rent of an apartment starts at about $300 per month, which may or may not include electricity and water. You will pay extra for telephone and Internet connections. If you wish, you might be able to arrange to live together with others, so that you will be able to split the cost.

Be aware that little or no public transportation is available and you will have to arrange private means of transportation (car or bicycle) if you choose to live off campus. Very few off-campus facilities are within walking distance.

Phone Service

Local calls are free of charge. This means you can call from your residence room to everywhere on campus (227 extension).

To dial on campus, use only the last 4 digits. You can also call free of charge some local areas with these first three digits: Cullowhee (293), Sylva (586 & 631), and Cashiers (743).

To call off-campus, dial “9" and the 7-digit number.

PUBLIC Courtesy Phones: There are a number of these across campus in certain buildings (Forsyth, Coulter, Library) that allow you to dial locally, free of charge. Dial “9" first and then the 7-digit phone number.

LONG DISTANCE within the U.S.: If you wish, you can sign up on-line through the WCU website to get a BTI Long Distance Card at 9 cents a minute, plus a connection fee. Dial 9 + 1 + area code + 7-digit number. At the WCU Bookstore, the Explorer Calling Card is sold, which does not charge a connection fee.

OVERSEAS: Purchase either the Explorer, BTI Long Distance, or other Calling Card. Follow directions on the card. Normally you need to dial 011+country code+city code + telephone number. On the Explorer

Card, calls to Europe cost about 9 cents per minute.

Attend International Student Orientation

The International Student Advisor arranges the International Student Orientation at the beginning of each semester. This session introduces students to important people and services at Western Carolina University. It is also a good way to meet other international students.

Visit International Student Advisor

The International Student Advisor, Beth Walden, has her office in Belk 183. Contact INFO

Visit the Office of International Programs and Services

If you are an exchange or degree seeking student, check in with Kevin Childers, SEVIS & Exchange Student Coordinator, (828) 227-7494; (828) 227-3455; . He is your contact person for questions concerning your F-1 or J-1 visa requirements. Another contact is Dr. Lois Petrovich-Mwaniki, Director of International Programs: (828) 227-7494; (828) 227-3433 or at home, (828) 586-0048.

GETTING YOUR CAT CARD

This is your campus identification (ID) card. If you live on campus, it enables you to eat in the cafeterias on campus, including food services in the University Center (UC), take books out of the library, use the gym (Reid), and get in all the athletic events. You pay a reduced fee for some concerts and plays, and student concerts are usually for free.

WCU prefers that you pay tuition and fees (exchange students are exceptions). However, for international students, this is not always possible. If you need an extension, you will need to inquire about this at ONE STOP office. You can still get your Cat Card to eat in the cafeterias. Yet, you are well advised to bring some extra cash, so that you can buy food before your Cat Card can be fully activated. If you live off-campus, you will not have to buy a meal plan, but you still need your Cat Card.

ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CAN OBTAIN

CAT CARDS DURING ORIENTATION

Paying Your Bill

You need to pay your bill after you have enrolled in classes and selected a meal plan. Pay at the Cashiers Office on the 3rd floor of the Administration (HFR) Building. It is preferable to pay with a cashier's check, money order, traveler’s checks, cash, or a check drawn on a local bank. The Cashier's Office will not allow you to pay with a credit card normally. You can pay with a credit card but you are charged approximately 3%. This means that on a payment of $5100 you will be charged an additional $150-$200.

Meal Plan

There are a number of options to choose from. Some of these meal plans require that you eat a certain number of meals per week in Brown Cafeteria.

Get more information on WCU Dining.

Health Services

If you have not submitted your IMMUNIZATION form in advance of your arrival, you must take this to Health Services in the BIRD Building. You must also show them PROOF OF MEDICAL INSURANCE for the time you will be attending WCU before you can register for classes, or apply for the WCU POLICY

Please note that you must also either waive out or agree to the policy

If you do not have health insurance, you can purchase it through Health Services. Remember that your health fee entitles you to use the Health Services and the free ambulance service any time you need it.

For minor problems, such as flu, colds, etc. you can get a free examination and medication if necessary.

DO NOT go to the hospital for medical care unless referred by Health Services.

Classes and Academics

Undergraduates: Go to the Educational Support Services in Kill ian Annex 237 to be advised.

Graduates: See the advisor given you by the Graduate School when you were admitted. This professor will help you select courses. IF you have a CLASS IN ASHEVILLE, contact Patsy Miller to make an arrangement for a ride: 227-7423 or email: miller@wcu.edu

Exchange Students: The Director of International Programs will enroll you in classes the first semester you are on campus. Once you arrive at WCU, you can make changes through IPS or on your own. Also, make sure you check with your advisor at your home institution.

Drop/Add a course: Once classes have started, if you wish to change your schedule, you must fill out a Drop/Add form that you can get in all academic departments. The professors teaching a) the course you wish to drop and b) the course you wish to add must sign this. The form needs to go to the registrar in HFR Building.

As for reading your schedule, a tip:

M = Monday; T= Tuesday; W= Wednesday; R=Thursday; F=Friday TBA=To Be Announced

Building Codes:

ST=Stillwell
CO=Coulter
FO=Forsyth
BL=Belk
KL=Killian
NS=Natural Science
MO=Moore
RD=Reid Gym
UO=University Outreach Center
UA=University in Asheville

SEE YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR

If you are a degree-seeking student, you need to visit your academic advisor who will assist you in designing your program of study. Consult your acceptance letter or go to the department on campus that is responsible for your program. If you are unsure about this, contact the International Student Advisor in HFR Administration Building or the Exchange Student Advisor in International Programs and Services.

NB: This person is vital to your success at WCU. Always consult your advisor concerning your classes, change of classes, and program. Likewise, if you drop below a full course of study or change program, you must see the SEVIS Coordinator in the Office of International Programs & Services.

Library

Make an appointment to take a tour of Hunter Library. Go to the Reference Desk and request the tour. You will be informed about library holdings and made aware of all of the databases you can use for your research.

Computer Connections

Participate in a JUMP START SESSION concerning computers. Go to the Student Assistance Center in Killian Annex 237 for a schedule of sessions. There is a regulation requiring students to have a computer. It is not a requirement that exchange students have a computer, due to the temporary nature of their study, but many find it more convenient to bring laptops. Computer labs are available.

Social Security Number / NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH 9-Digit BANNER ID

You can receive a 9-digit student identification number from the university when you apply that typically begins with the digits: 920. This is not a legal social security number. You need to remember this number because all offices on campus use it to identify you.

To Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN):

You need a Social Security Number to work on campus. You need to apply, in person, for a Social Security Number with the Social Security Office in Franklin, NC, telephone: 828-369-2684. If you are on a F-1 visa, you will need a letter from your employer on campus stating that you have a job, your I-94, I-20, and your passport.

To get a letter from your employer, you will have to go to the payroll office, HFR 310. If you are on a J-1 visa, you need a letter of approval from Kevin Childers, SEVIS & Exchange Student Coordinator, your I-94, and your passport.

Once you apply in person, you can find out your Social Security Number by calling the office the next day after 9 a.m. You will receive the card within two weeks to a month. You need to have your Social Security Number before Payroll Office can process your paperwork (before you can get paid). Memorize this number and give your new number to the WCU Admissions Office (if you are an undergraduate) or to the Graduate School (if you are a graduate student) and the Cashiers Office. Your Social Security Number will not replace your 920 number.

Working On Campus

As an F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant visa holder, you are not eligible to work off-campus unless it is part of curricular training or optional practical training. For on-campus jobs, check with Career Services in Killian Annex, where there is a list of those departments on campus that need student help. Once you receive the offer of a job, you need to apply for a social security number.

Banking

You can open a bank account with a number of local banks. They can provide you with a debit and visa card. You can order personal checks for about $12. Opening a bank account is free of charge, but you will immediately have to deposit $100, which you cannot withdraw without being charged. Traveler's checks are an easy way to open your account. You can have money wired to your bank account from home at extra cost. You will want to have an account with a local bank to be able to cash/ deposit your checks. The bank limits face-to-face transactions without additional cost at two per month. You might have to use the ATM machines to deposit or withdraw money.

It might be useful to open a bank account with a bank from your country. Many of the bankcards provided by your bank at home will work in the ATM machines in the United States. If you are from Germany, your bankcard from Deutsche Bank will work. If you are from the Netherlands, bankcards from Rabobank, Postbank, and probably also ABN Amro will work. However, you will usually be charged $1.50 per transaction for using a bankcard that is not issued by the bank that owns the ATM machine. Therefore, you would be well advised to take out the maximum amount of money per transaction ($300) every time you use the ATM with a foreign bankcard. The Deutsche Bank has an agreement with the Bank of America, which enables holders of an account with Deutsche Bank to take out money from the Bank of America at no extra charge.

Be aware that many of the following businesses DO NOT accept credit cards for payment: many landlords who own off-campus apartments, phone companies, insurance companies

You will have to write checks to pay your bills. You can also get money orders from the post office at about $0.90 each. These allow you to pay the post office in cash and they will give you a money order for that amount in return, which can be used as a check and is accepted for payment with the businesses listed above.

Learn more about transportation and travel to Western.

Driving In The U.S.

If you purchase a car, you must have a valid driving license from your country or an international driver’s license. You must also purchase car insurance. You can do this with any insurance company, but prices can differ dramatically from one company to another so you need to shop around.

Effective November 2001, all international students have to provide proof of physical address (no PO Box) to the Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

You need to inform yourself about the North Carolina and U.S. driving regulations and laws. You can get a book from the Drivers License Office (DMV) behind the old courthouse in Sylva, 586-5413.

Learn more about North Carolina Driving Laws.

Some of the major rules to follow are:

Drive on the right-hand side of the road!

If a yellow school bus stops (with its stop sign out and lights flashing) on any 2-lane highway or 4-lane (undivided by turn lane or median) highway , you must also stop! That means that if you are following the bus or approaching the bus in the opposite lane, and the bus stops with its stop sign out, you MUST STOP. Always stop if you are behind any school bus with its sign out and lights flashing.

In North Carolina you can turn right on the red light after stopping if there is no traffic approaching, unless posted otherwise.

Seat belt regulation: All persons in the vehicle must use seatbelts.

Alcohol: You are not permitted to have opened alcohol in the vehicle. You can store it, unopened in the trunk (boot) of the vehicle. Each state has fines connected with driving while drunk. Make yourself aware of them.

A “Ped Xing” sign means Pedestrian Crossing (pedestrians may cross at this location you must stop and allow them to cross).

Student Counseling Services

Counseling services are available at the Counseling and Psychological Services Center located on the ground floor of Scott Residence Hall. The Center offers, at no cost, consultation to full-time and most part-time students about personal concerns and/or difficulties they might have adjusting to college life or the American culture, coping with personal loss or various addictions, and other matters. For an appointment and further information contact Dr. John Ritchie, 227-7469.

Host Family

Host families are people from the community around Western Carolina University who volunteer to help you become better acquainted with an American family by including you in some of their family activities, and who help you feel that you have a friend in your new community. Host families will invite you to dinner, parties, shopping, sporting events, etc., once or twice a month.

Contact Beth Walden