INFORMATION FOR NEWLY ADMITTED STUDENTS

Welcome to Washington University, St. Louis and the U.S.A.!

You are an important part of the Washington University community, and we are proud of the diversity that you help us to create. We know that many new students have a number of concerns before their arrival in St. Louis. We hope the information below will make your transition here easier.

If there is other information that you need, write to us at oiss@wustl.edu. If at any time the staff members of the OISS can offer other assistance or information, do not hesitate to contact us.

What You Need to Do Before Coming to the U.S.

• Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCOF)


• Visa/Immigration Procedures


• SEVIS Fee


• Health Information


• Arrival Dates


• Planning your Trip from the St. Louis Airport


• Reporting your Arrival Information/Requesting an Airport Pick-Up


• Transition Housing


• Hotels Near Washington University


• Transfer of Funds and Budgeting


• Payroll Requirements for Recipients of Wash U Funding (Step 1)


• International Student Contact List

Orientation Program Information and Schedules

• Undergraduate Schedules
  • Explore Campus and Community
  • Discover Wash U
  • Alcohol Education


• Graduate Schedules
  • Art and Architecture
  • Arts and Sciences
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Social Work

What You Need to Do in the First Days After Arriving in the U.S.

• Port of Entry Requirements


• Orientation Schedules


• Checking in with the OISS


• Reporting Your Address


• Payroll Requirements for Recipients of Wash U Funding (Step 2)


• English Proficienty Testing


• Student ID Cards


• Public Transportation and the U-Pass


• Dining Options and Grocery Stores


• Campus Maps

Settling In

• Permanent Housing Arrangements


• Banking in St. Louis


• Cell Phones


• Bicycle Shops


• Driving in Missouri


• Safety and Security


• Orientation Newsletter