Fall 2023 Exchange Guidebook

INCOMING EXCHANGE STUDENT GUIDE BOOK

FALL 2023

WELCOME

Congratulations on your acceptance to Washington University in St. Louis as an exchange student! We are confident you will have a productive and enjoyable semester or year in St. Louis. Adjusting to a new culture while beginning a demanding academic program of study can be very challenging. We encourage you to read this entire guidebook as it is intended to provide you with important and practical information you need to prepare for your time at WashU. Additionally, please read all emails sent to you from WashU so you don’t miss any important information or deadlines.

Here are the main offices and contacts available to support you:

1.Academic Divisions: Each academic division has an exchange adviser to support you during your time at WashU.

• College of Arts & Sciences: Amy Suelzer, Ph.D.

acsuelze@wustl.edu

• McKelvey School of Engineering: Melanie Osborn

osborn@wustl.edu

• Olin Business School: Ryan Kearney

kearneyr@wustl.edu

2. Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS): OISS is available to support you with immigration advising, academics, and support as you get to know Washington University, St. Louis, and the United States.

oiss@wustl.edu

3. Student Transitions & Family Programs hosts Bear Beginnings: Transfer & Exchange Fall Welcome and Winter Welcome, orientation programs when you arrive on campus, and is available for support related to your transition.

transitions@wustl.edu

IMPORTANT DATES

Fall 2023 Exchange Student Arrival

BearBeginnings:Transfer&Exchange

FallWelcome

First Day of Classes

Labor Day (no classes)

Fall Break (no classes)

Thanksgiving Break (no classes)

LastDayofClasses

ReadingWeekandExamsBegin

August 23

August 23 – 26

August 28

September 4

October 7 – 10

November 22 – 26

December 8

December 11 – 20

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no classes)

FirstDayofClasses

Spring Break (no classes)

Last Day of Classes

Reading Week and Exams Begin

January 15

January 16

March 10 – 16

April 26

April 29 – May 8

VISA AND IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS

We encourage you to begin researching the process to apply for your visa as soon as possible. Below is a brief overview of the process and documents you will need to travel to the U.S.

1. As an exchange student at WashU, you will need to apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa at the nearest U.S. consulate in your home country.

•It is your responsibility to gather information about the process for seeking a student visa in your home country and to schedule the appointment to obtain the visa.

Helpful Links:

• WashU Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS): Information from WashU about applying for a visa.

• U.S. Department of State: Information regarding visa categories, application process, and timelines.

• U.S. Embassy: Links to all U.S. consulates with specific information for each country.

2. Obtain your DS-2019 from WashU, which is required to apply for your J-1 entry visa.

•OISS will prepare this document and send it to your home school’s exchange program.

•Typically, this takes 4-6 weeks after you are notified of your acceptance.

3. You must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before your visa interview.

4. Obtain your J-1 Visa from the consulate in your home country.

5. Carry all of these documents with you personally while traveling to the U.S: Do not pack these in your luggage! You will need to use them before retrieving your luggage.

•Valid passport (including attached envelope of immigration documents provided by Embassy or Consulate) with J-1 entry visa stamp.

•Your DS-2019.

• Receipt Notice or Internet Receipt verifying you already paid the I-901 SEVIS fee.

•Evidence of financial resources.

• Name and contact information for WashU Overseas Programs.

HOUSING

Where you will live while studying at WashU is an important decision. Residential Life (ResLife) offers a variety of housing options for exchange students. Below are the most chosen options.

• Traditional Residential College communities located on the South 40. Mostly single and double rooms.

• Residential Communities on campus on the Northside in the following residence halls: Village, Village East, and Millbrook Apartments.

• Residential Communities in off-campus apartments located in the Lofts, Washington Avenue, Greenway, and Rosedale apartments.

Toviewmoreinformationabouthousing,visittheResidentialLifewebsite.

ApplyingforResidentialLifeHousing

Exchangestudentscanaccessthe2023-2024HousingApplicationbyloggingintoWebSTAC. Onceinyouraccount,locatetheHousingtab,selectApplications,thenclickonthedrop downmenuandclickontheFallandSpringApplication.Itwillbenecessarytocomplete allsectionsoftheapplication.ThefinalstepistoSubmittheApplication.Thiswillresultin changingyourapplicationstatustocomplete.

Applicationsareforthefullacademicyear.Ifyourprogramonlylaststhefallsemester youwillbereleasedfromthespringportionofthecontractandthecancellationfeewill bewaived.IfyouhavequestionsaboutResidentialLifehousingortheapplication,please contacttheirofficebyemailatreslife@wustl.eduorbyphoneat(314)935–5050.

Non-ResidentialLifeHousing

SomestudentschoosenottoliveinResidentialLifehousing.Belowarethemostcommon non-ResLifehousingoptions:

SubleaseaLeasedApartment

ExchangestudentshavetheoptionofsubleasingaleasedapartmentthroughQuadrangle, acompanyownedbyWashingtonUniversityoranindependentpropertyowner.Tofind apartmentsavailableforsublease,searchthroughtheWashUApartmentReferralService.

TIP!

Some apartments may be completely or partially furnished. Be sure to inquire about furnishing if needed.

LeaseanApartmentthroughQuadrangle

Thisoptionismainlyforgraduatestudents,butundergraduatestudentsmayfind apartmentsthroughtheQuadrangle website.

TIP!

When searching for apartments, be sure to check if the price includes the cost of utilities or not.

AlternativeOptions

Somestudentshavefoundaccommodationsownedbyotherpropertycompaniessuch asParallelPropertiesorlocalpropertyowners.

TIP!

Be sure to ask detailed questions about the conditions, financial obligation, and terms of rental. Selecting housing not run by Residential Life means that WashU can offer no assistance with any issues you may encounter.

HOUSING OPTION CONSIDERATIONS

The three most commonly chosen housing options are living in university housing, subleasing an off-campus apartment, and leasing an apartment through Quadrangle Leasing Company. Each option has advantages, and things to consider before deciding.

UNIVERSITY HOUSING MANAGED BY THE OFFICE OF RESIDENTIAL LIFE ADVANTAGES TO LIVING IN UNIVERSITY HOUSING ARE:

• All-inclusive fee that covers rent, utilities, maintenance, and furniture

• Living on or near campus ensures easy access to student facilities and activities

• Near main transportation routes for the Metro and the campus shuttle

• Housing fees paid through WashU billing service

CONSIDERATIONS FOR LIVING IN UNIVERSITY HOUSING ARE:

• May not be financially feasible based on individual budget

• Residential Life managed housing serves undergraduate students

SUBLEASING A LEASED APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS

ADVANTAGES TO SUBLEASING A LEASED APARTMENT ARE:

• More economical options may be available

• Utilities are already established by leasing tenant

CONSIDERATIONS FOR SUBLEASING A LEASED APARTMENT ARE:

• The apartment may or may not be furnished

• You may be subleasing someone’s room in a shared apartment

• You will want to make sure to discuss compatibility with potential roommates

• You may be responsible for utility payments after leaving the U.S. if living by yourself

LEASING AN APARTMENT THROUGH QUADRANGLE LEASING COMPANY

ADVANTAGES TO LEASING AN APARTMENT ARE:

• Quadrangle apartments are near main transportation routes for the Metro and Campus Shuttles close to main campus

• You will be able to lease an apartment for a shorter term of August to December.

• Tenants/Occupants will be WashU Undergraduate and Graduate students

• Quadrangle leasing company accepts credit cards

CONSIDERATIONS FOR LEASING AN APARTMENT ARE:

• You will need to supply your own furniture for most apartments

• If utilities are not included, you will be responsible for establishing utility service. International students may want to give themselves extra time if considering leasing to set up their utility needs due to international student status

REGISTERING FOR CLASSES

• ViewCourses:YoucanviewCourseListingsonlinebyselectingyoursemesterofstudy andacademicschool.

• CourseCredits:MostWashUcoursesare3credits,withsomeexceptions.Moststudents takebetween12-17coursesasemester.Confirmyouracademicrequirementswithyour homeuniversity.Aminimumof12creditsarerequired.

• CourseLevels:Inmanydisciplines,100-and200-levelcoursestendtobebroadand suitabletostudentswitharangeofexperience,while300-and400-levelclassesassume backgroundinthetopic.Takecourselevels,yourexperience,andrequirementsinto considerationwhensearchingforcourses.

• Registration:IfyouwantWashUtoregisteryouforclasses,sendyourWashUexchange adviseryourcoursepreferencesbythedeadlinetheygiveyou.Ifyouwanttoregister yourself,youwillregisterforclassesusingWebSTAC.YourWashUexchangeadviserwill provideyouwithspecificinformationaboutregistrationdaysandtimes.

PREPARING TO STUDY AT WASHU

• Setup Your WUSTL Key: The University Registrar will send you the “Getting Started at Washington University” email, with instructions on activating your WUSTL Key. Your WUSTL Key will be your login and password to most university systems.

• WashU Email Account: Once you set up your WUSTL Key, a WashU email will be automatically created for you through Microsoft Office 365. You will be able to log in to this email using your WUSTL Key. For more information about setting up and accessing your email, visit Information Technology’s website. It is very important to regularly check this email for all important university updates.

•WebSTAC: This is WashU’s online student information system. You will use WebSTAC to add and drop classes, check grades, access unofficial transcripts, interact with dining services, and more.

ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION

ARRIVAL

• Youmustarriveby5:00PMCDTonAugust23.Move-inforstudentslivinginResidential LifehousingwillbeonAugust23.On-campushousingwillnotbeavailableforstudents arrivingpriortotheAugust23.Ifyouarriveearly,youwillneedtoarrangehousingata nearbyhotel.

• WestronglyencouragestudentstoflyintoSt.LouisLambertInternationalAirport (STL),whichisonlya15-minutedrivefromcampus.

• TransportationfromtheSt.LouisLambertAirporttoWashingtonUniversity:

•Taxi:Taxisareavailable24hoursaday.ThecosttotraveltoWashUisabout $30-$40,plusa15-20%tip.

•RideSharingApps:TheUberandLyftmobileappsallowyoutorequestaride throughyourphone,providedbydriversusingtheirowncars.Youmust downloadtheappsinadvance.

• MetroLink:TheMetroLinklightrailsystemhastwostationsontheDanforth Campus,aswellastwostationsnearcampus.IfyoutakeMetroLink,besureto checkthemostconvenientstopforyou.Campusmapsareavailable.

FALLWELCOME:AUGUST23-26

• You will participate in Fall Welcome upon arriving. This is a four-day orientation program hosted by Student Transitions & Family Programs.

•What to expect: During Fall Welcome, you will get to know campus, learn about the resources available to support you, socialize with other exchange students, and more! You will receive a schedule for Fall Welcome closer to your arrival.

WASHU RESOURCES

STUDENT ID

You will use your ID to access various buildings, make meal purchases, check out books from the library, and more. You can learn more by visiting the Campus Card Services website. Below are the steps for receiving your Student ID.

1. Submit Photo: You must submit a picture of yourself against a blank background, with no editing or filters. Upload the picture online.

2. If you are living in non-ResLife housing, visit Campus Card Services: You will pick up your ID at Campus Card Services, located in the Women’s Building, Room 002.

3. What to Bring: You will need to know your six-digit student number, and bring a government photo ID, such as a passport, with you to pick up your ID.

4. Get Started: Learn more about your student ID.

DINING

•MealPlan: Youarerequiredtopurchaseamealplan.WashUoffersawidevarietyof diningoptions.VisitDiningServicestolearnaboutmealplanoptions.Pleasenotethat theoff-campusmealplanappliestostudentslivingoff-campusinResidentialLifeornonResidentialLifehousing.IfyouliveinVillageEast,Millbrook,oranapartment,youare eligiblefortheapartmentmealplan.

• Alldiningoptionsoncampusaredecliningbalance,meaningyouwilluseyour mealpointstopayforeachitembythepriceindicated.

• PaperlessBilling:WashUusesapaperlessbillingsystem,soallstatements willbeavailableonWebSTAC.ThesecureeBillingservicewillsendanemailtoyour WashUemailaccountwheneveranewmonthlystatementisready.Studentsare responsibleformakingsuretheiraccountsarepaidinfullbytheduedatetoavoidlate fees.

•ThirdPartyAccess:Ifyouwouldlikesomeoneelsetobeabletovieworpayyourbill,you willneedtogivethemaccessbygoing totheBillingtabofWebSTACandaddinganew contactunder“Payers.”

• EnrollmentDeposit:Allundergraduatestudentsarerequiredtopay anon-refundable enrollmentdeposituponadmissiontoWashingtonUniversity.Theenrollmentdeposit forexchangestudentsis$500.ThisenrollmentdepositcoverscostsforFall/Winter Welcome,thenewstudentorientationprogram,additionalorientationexperiencesfor internationalstudents,andprogrammingofferedforexchangestudentsthroughoutthe semestersuchaslocalexcursionsandholidaycelebrations.Fordetailedinstructions andmoreinformationregardingbilling,visittheFinancialServiceswebsite

HEALTH & WELLNESS

• HealthInsurance:AllexchangestudentsareautomaticallyenrolledintheWashU healthinsuranceplanandbilledforthecostofinsurance.Learnmoreaboutinsurance requirementsbeforearrivingintheU.S.

• StudentHealthFee:YouwillbechargedaStudentHealthFeethatallowsyouaccess tomedicalservicesatHabifHealthandWellnessCenterandMentalHealthServiceson campus.

• MandatoryHealthHistoryFormandImmunizations:Youarerequiredtocomplete severalonlineformsandsubmitamedical/healthhistoryandproofofimmunizations. Additionally,allstudentsarerequiredtocompleteaTBriskscreening;thosewhoare identifiedthroughthisscreeningashavingspentsignificanttimeinacountrywith endemictuberculosiswillberequiredtocompleteaTBtest.Allinformationmustbe uploadedtothestudenthealthportalpriortoarrivaloncampus.Learnmoreabout immunizationrequirements.

HabifHealth&WellnessCenter:Locatedoncampus,Habifoffersarangeofservices includingmedicalvisitsforillness,injury,andcheckups,aswellasmentalhealthservices, wellnesssupport, education,andmore.Ifyouhaveaconditionrequiringspecialized medicalservicesyou willbereferredtoanappropriatecommunityspecialist.Chargesfor serviceswillbebasedontheratesdictatedinthehealthinsurancepolicy.Youcanmake anappointmentthroughyourstudenthealthportalorbycalling314-935-6666.

• MentalHealthServices:MentalHealthServicesprovidesindividual,couplesandgroup counseling,andquickconsultationscalled“Let’sTalk.”Studentscanalsoaccesstools suchasTherapyAssistanceOnlinewhichoffersbriefeducationalvideosrelatedto mentalhealth,wellnessandsubstance-useissues.Crisisservicesarealsoavailable. StudentsareencouragedtodownloadtheTimelyCareapptoaccess24/7mentalhealth supportservices.

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Ifyoureceiveacademicaccommodationsforanylearning,mentalhealth,orphysical disabilitiesfromyourhomeuniversity,besuretotalkwithyouracademiccontactbefore youarrivetoarrangeforaccommodationsatWashU.YoushouldalsocompleteaNew StudentApplicationwithDisabilityResourcesifyourequireaccommodationsdueto anidentifieddisabilityorhavequestionsaboutspecificdisability-relatedconcerns.

GETTING INVOLVED

• WashingtonUniversityhasmorethan450on-campusstudentgroupscateringtoawide rangeofinterestssuchasperformingarts,music,communityaction,sports,student government,sororityandfraternitylife,andmore.Gettinginvolvedisagreatwayto exploreyourinterestsandmakenewfriends.Atthebeginningofeachsemester,thethe governingbodyoncampus,StudentUnion,hostsanactivitiesfairtolearnmoreabout groups/chapterstojoin.

ABOUT ST. LOUIS

• DuringyourtimeatWashU,youwillgettoexploreallthecityofSt.Louishasto offer,suchasparks,museums,diverseneighborhoods,andrestaurants.Youcanvisit theUndergraduateAdmissionswebsitetolearnmoreaboutSt.Louis’culture, transportation,andneighborhoodsnearcampus.

• Climate:St.Louis’sclimateistemperate,meaningtherearefourdistinctseasons and temperaturescanrange,onaverage,from95degreesFahrenheit(35Celsius)in the summerandearlyfallto20degreesF(-6Celsius)fromlatefallthroughwinter. Youwillneedclothingforbothhotandcoldweather.Itispossibleforthetemperature tofallbelowzerointhelaterwintermonths.Warmwinterclothes,includinghats,gloves, andscarves,areessential.St.Louiscanberainyinthespring,soaraincoat,umbrella, andwaterproofshoesarealsoadvised.YoucanpurchaseanynecessaryitemsinSt.Louis.

• Transportation:St.Louishasalimitedmetroandbussystemtogetaroundtown.All WashUstudentsareeligibleforafreeU-Pass,allowingunlimitedridesontheSt.Louis publictransitsystem.YoumustregisterforaU-Pass throughtheParking&Transportation Portal.ViewroutesanddetailsontheMetrowebsite.Togetaroundcampus,youcan ridetheDanforthCirculator,abuswhichrunseverytwentyminutesinalooparound campus.Somestudentsusebicyclestoget around.Youcanrentabikeoncampusor fromabikeshopoffcampus.

PACKINGFORCOLLEGE

Thislistisn’tall-inclusive,butthesearesomeitemsmanystudentsaregladtheybrought. ManyexchangestudentspurchasethemajorityoftheseitemswhentheyarriveinSt.Louis.

YOU SHOULD BRING

Backpack

BluePainter'sTape

Calendar

CellPhoneandCharger

CleaningSupplies

Comforter,Blankets,andPillows

FaceMasks

FirstAidKit

Flashlight

Hangers,ShoeRack,andPlasticHooks

HealthInsuranceInformation

HeavyWinterCoat(andahatandgloves)

ID/Driver’sLicense

Iron/IroningBoard

LaptopComputer

LaundryBagandDetergent

PowerStripsandExtensionCords

PrescriptionMedication(s)

SchoolSupplies

ShampooandBodyWash

Sheets(Twin,ExtraLong)

ShowerShoesandShowerCaddy

Thermometer

Towels

TrashCan

Umbrella

YOU SHOULD NOT BRING

Air-Conditioning Units

Candles

Electric Appliances with Exposed Coils

Gas or Charcoal Grills

Guns/Weapons

Halogen Lamps Hot Plates

than fish)

YOU MAY ALSO CONSIDER

CookingUtensilsCups,PlatesandUtensils

DeskLamp

DishSoap

ExtraShelvingUnits,Crates,PlasticContainers,Under-bedStorage

BinsMicrowave

PortableVacuum

PostageStamps

SmallFan

SmallRefrigerator(nolargerthan4cubicfeet)

Suitand/orSemi-FormalAttireforspecialeventsyoumayattend

Formoresuggestions,reviewthispackinglist

InastandardResidentialLiferoomyouwillfind:

XL Twin bed Desk Chair

Dresser Blinds Recycling Bin

TIPS

Talk with your roommate(s) prior to packing so you can avoid bringing duplicate items

Save the boxes you bring your stuff in for when you have to pack up again

Memorize your room number and campus box number right away

You can do a lot of shopping after you arrive and have seen your room

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE CHECKLIST

Make sure you complete the following before you arrive at WashU!

•BookyourflighttoSt.Louis,arrivingbyAugust23.

•ApplyforJ-1EntryVisa.

•PayI-901SEVISFee.

•Selectamealplanoption.

•PayEnrollmentDeposit.

•ActivateyourWUSTLKey.

•EnrollinDuotwo-factorauthentication.

•ActivateyourWashUemailaccount.

•ReviewandedityourWebSTACUserProfile.

•ConnectwithDisabilityResourcesifyourequireaccommodations.

•CompletetheAcademicIntegritymodule.

•CompletetheTitleIXmodule.

•SendapictureofyourselftoCampusCardServicesforyourstudentID.

•Registerforclassesduringyourassignedregistrationtime.

•CompleteyourHabifHealthandWellnessCenterrequirementsincludinghealth historyandvaccination/immunizationdocumentation.

•TransferyourmedicalrecordsandprescriptionstotheHabifHealth&WellnessCenter andmakearrangementsfortreatment.

•Checkyourhousingassignment.

•SignupforaU-Pass,afreetransitcardforSt.Louispublictransportation.