International Spotlight Newsletter ISS WEB SERVICES Schedule An Appointment Send An E-mail NEW STUDENTS & SCHOLARS International Admissions Visa Wait Time Arrival to the University Orientation Orientation Schedule International Living Community IMMIGRATION MATTERS Immigration Information Work Authorization Forms GETTING INVOLVED Friendship Family Program International Culture Team Spouse Resources Conversation Club Student Cultural Organizations International Education Week Forms ISS INFORMATION Meet Our Staff Office Hours Goals & Objectives Enrollment By Country Home    Dec, 2006   Jan, 2007   Feb, 2007   March, 2007   April, 2007   May, 2007 August, 2007   September, 2007   October, 2007   November, 2007   December, 2007   January, 2008   February, 2008   March, 2008   April, 2008 May, 2008

READY	SET	GO
THINGS TO DO ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN ADMITTED: Inform the University of your acceptance of admission: In your admissions packet you should have received a yellow response form. Fill it out and return it by post, e-mail, or fax. It can also be submitted online (please use Internet Explorer to access this form). Make arrangements to get a visa: Check the expiration dates on your passport to make sure they are up-to-date. Carefully read your documents to make sure all information is correct. Each country has a different procedure to obtain a visa. Click here for resources about how to apply. Plan your arrival: You should plan on entering the United States no more than 30 days before the start of classes. Check the orientation dates and semester calender to determine your arrival date. We recommend giving yourself enough time to accomplish the following: adjust to the time change, attend intake, settle living arrangements, and attend New International Student Orientation. Try to attend an EducationUSA information session: EducationUSA offers pre-departure orientations that will help you prepare for your time in the United States.  To look for availability in your area click here. Set up your university e-mail account: Click here to set up your UARK account. This account will be used to login to your email, your finances, etc.	THINGS TO DO RIGHT BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: HOW AM I GOING TO GET THERE? Airport Information: The closest airport is Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, its airport code is XNA. Arrival Services: We have arrival pick-up and temporary housing available on a limited basis for Fall and Spring semesters ONLY. WHERE AM I GOING TO STAY? Temporary Housing: TemporaryHousing is available to Fall and Spring arrival students on a limited basis. The cost for Fall 2008 temporary housing was $26USD a night. If you decide to not use temporary housing you are free to make arrangements on your own to stay in a hotel.  Click here for a list of hotels in the area. If you have make a contract with University Housing, you may be able to move directly into your permanent housing. Permanent Housing: On-campus Housing: There are several residence hall options for those wishing to live on campus.  If you are a freshman and under 21 you MUST live on campus.  On campus accommodations are arranged through University Housing. One such housing option is the Holcombe International Living Learning Community (HILLC).  This is a program designed to bring American and International students together and promote cultural understanding. There are also new apartments through the University that are offered for upperclassmen and Graduate Students. For incoming freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences there is a First Year Experience (FYE) option called Global Perspectives at Holcombe (GPH) Off-campus Housing: There are a variety of apartments available in the surrounding area that are near University Transit bus stops.  You can contact apartment complexes on your own, use the Office of Off-Campus Connections, or check out the Off-Campus Housing website to help you locate apartment complexes or roommates. When you sign a contract for an apartment, or anything else, it is a legally inding contract. DO NOT sign a contract or a lease unless you are sure you will live in the apartment. You may want to look at your apartmnt unit before signing the lease/contract as othewise you may have to stay there even if you don't like it. Be wary of very cheap apartments as they may be of poor quality. WHAT AM I GOING TO NEED? What to pack: Click here for suggestions about what to pack. Know baggage limitations: each airline has specific guideline. Ask your travel agent for details.. Weather Personal Expenses to Expect University Expenses to Expect	THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU GET HERE: WHAT SHOULD I CARRY WITH ME? Travel Documents: Passport Visa I-20/DS-2019 U of A Admission Letter Any other Important Document Click here for more information about what to expect at immigration and the port of entry. Contact Numbers WHAT DO I DO ONCE I GET THERE? Make sure you receive a I-94 card from the port of entry on your arrival. Intake: All incoming F-1 and J-1 international students are required by U.S. immigration law to attend an intake session. This is NOT the same as orientation. Click here to learn more about intake. ELPT: If you need to take the English Language Proficiency Test after you arrive, check date and times with testing services. Every new International student to the University is  expected to come to the International Orientation where important information is given regarding your studies here. Registration: You will have to register for classes once you have met with an academic advisor. Click here to learn more about registration. HOW DO I GET AROUND CAMPUS AND FAYETTEVILLE? Getting around campus and Fayetteville. University Transit System Ozark Regional Transit Taxi Services WHY DO I HAVE A HOLD ON MY ACCOUNT? There may be a hold for: Check In/Intake Document Hold: Once you arrive to the University you must bring your documents to the Office of Internatioanl Students and Scholars (ISS) for processing. Required Advising: You MUST meet with an academic advisor before you can register for classes. Check with the health center to make sure you have your appropriate immunizations. You must have health insurance.  If you do not have health insurance provided by the University please follow these instructions to request a waiver. HOW DO I GET A JOB? Before seeking employment check your employment options based on the type of status you have. Current Employment Opportunities  MAKE CONNECTIONS: Cell Phones: Here is a list of Cell Phone Service Provider.  More information will be available at orientation. Sprint AT & T Alltel Verizon Cricket T-Mobile Organizations List of all Student Organizations MORE QUESTIONS? Take a look at other Frequently Asked Questions.

Office of International Students & Scholars (ISS)
104 Holcombe Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Tel: 1-479-575-5003 — Fax: 1-479-575-7084 — E-mail: iss@uark.edu