International Students: Things to Keep in Mind Before Fall 2021 Semester
Get ready for an amazing college experience, but don’t forget to protect yourself and others!
Renew your passport and apply for a visa on time!
Stay safe by getting vaccinated in your country or once you arrive in the U.S!
Contact your chosen airline to learn about possible entry requirements!
How Should International Students Prepare Before Going to Campus in Fall 2021?
As more colleges continue to reopen and loosen restrictions on campus, one can’t help but feel optimistic about returning to a “normal” college experience.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over. There are some things students, especially international students, should be aware of before moving to campus this fall.
In this post, we’ll discuss everything international students should prepare before their study abroad experience in the U.S. from the right documentation to possible health guidelines imposed by their universities.
Get Your Documents in Order
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused U.S. embassies all around the world to temporarily shut down and stop offering appointments for visa applications.
If you have not done it already, make sure to contact the U.S. consulate in your city to start the F-1 visa application process as soon as possible. In case the U.S. consulates in your country are only renewing visas and not offering appointments to apply for one, contact the Office of International Education at your school to discuss your options.
It is also important to renew your passport on time and bring essential documents with you to campus. Universities often ask to see immunization records, vaccine cards, and you never know if you might need other documents with you such as a birth certificate or foreign ID. Depending on the country you are from, it could also be useful to renew your foreign ID.
Visit the U.S. Before the Semester Starts
If you have the opportunity, it‘s best to visit the state in which you are going to live before move-in day. This will give you the chance to explore the area and buy the necessary items for your dorm room.
However, it is important to note that on the I-20 form that some international students might have, there is an “earliest date of entry” to the United States, so keep this in mind while scheduling your next flight. Arriving early will allow you to fulfill any requirements by your university, such as getting vaccinated. You should also make sure to provide your proof of vaccination by any deadlines that your school might impose. It will most likely be before the start of the Fall 2021 semester.
Many colleges across the country, including the California State University system, are declaring vaccinations mandatory in order to live on campus this fall. Even some Ivy League colleges such as Yale and Cornell have mentioned they will require proof of vaccination in order to attend in-person classes. Here is a complete list of colleges that require full vaccination against COVID-19.
Students who will still be studying remotely won’t likely be required to get vaccinated. In some cases, the university will waive the requirement for students who refuse to get vaccinated due to religious reasons.
Check Government Restrictions by Visiting Your Airline’s Website
Some countries have COVID-19 restrictions in place for international flights. Even though most U.S. airlines only require you to wear face coverings to fly with them, you may be asked to double-mask or even wear a face shield when leaving your country.
Even if you are fully vaccinated, the U.S. government still requires visitors to wear face coverings and provide a negative antigen COVID-19 test. However, each country has different regulations and requirements concerning international travel. While some countries might only need an antigen test done to allow you to fly, other counties require PCR tests taken within 72 hours of the flight. There could also be some complications at the time to schedule your COVID test in your home country, such as scheduling and price differences. It is important to research more on this topic prior to traveling.
Make sure to check out the U.S. Department of State’s website to receive specific information about requirements to travel internationally.
Final Thoughts
Moving away from home for college can be hard and exhausting. By getting ready to leave ahead of time, you can allow yourself to relax this summer knowing that your checklist is complete and you are ready to go!
Remember that health guidelines and restrictions vary for each state and school! You can always rely on your college’s administration to offer you up-to-date information and guide you through the process to settle down in your home away from home.
