Arrival and International Welcome
Review the sections below for more information on arriving and participating in International Welcome:
All new Fall 2023 international students need to arrive to CBU on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. We have optional shuttles from LAX to CBU scheduled for that day, and if you would like a ride from LAX to CBU please fill out the form sent to your email (this is only for new international students who will be arriving at CBU for the first time).
The boxes below will explain what you should expect when you arrive.
Upon arrival to the U.S., you will present your passport, visa, I-20 and SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment Receipt to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer at the port of entry.
After reviewing your documents and updating your SEVIS record with the entry information, the CBP officer will stamp your passport notating F-1 D/S, date and location of your arrival in the U.S. While the CBP officer is inspecting your immigration documents, you may be asked some general questions. This is a routine procedure so there is no reason to be nervous! Always answer clearly, honestly and politely.
After clearing customs, you will proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your bags. If your bags are not on the carousel or they are marked in any way, you should inform the airline service kiosk in the baggage claim area. It may be necessary to meet with a U.S. Customs officials (or Agricultural Dept.) if the bags are marked by the airline or the airport. You may be asked about the contents of your bags or asked to open them up for further inspection. If this happens you should follow their instructions and answer their questions honestly and politely.
Check your pre-arrival guide on details on how to travel from the airport to CBU. If you are using CBU's free LAX shuttle service, make sure you have filled out this form, and received confirmation of your shuttle reservation. If you have questions about this contact your International Admissions Counselor.
Once you arrive at CBU you will need to plan on attending the International Check-Fair on Thursday, January 4, 2024 so we can report your arrival to SEVIS. You must attend the International Check-In Fair in order for us to register you in SEVIS as having arrived in the United States.
International Welcome
Spring 2024 | January 3-4, 2024
International Welcome is an exciting opportunity for you as you acclimate to life at CBU and life in America, as well as meet other international students! Everything we do during International Welcome is to help you have the best possible experience as you transition to a new school and country. The following information is a brief overview of different activities that take place during International Welcome, or you can read the full International Welcome schedule here.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
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Check-In Fair |
At the International Check-In Fair you can expect to:
Please note: You must attend the International Check-In Fair in order for us to register you in SEVIS as having arrived in the United States. |
|
Info Sessions |
These sessions are designed to share important information about expectations for international students, as well as introduce you to different resources on campus. During these sessions, which will be led by the International Center, we will talk about:
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Language Testing |
Students who have not provided and official IELTS or TOEFL test score will take a language test upon arrival. |
|
Group Activities |
There are a lot of new students that come for International Welcome, and it can be overwhelming and difficult to connect with people in a large setting. We will offer game nights and meals with the International Center staff to help you meet people and make friends from day one! |
|
New Student Dinner |
The International Center will host a dinner just for you! This is a great chance to meet more people! |
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Course Registration |
Students who have not yet registered for classes will be able to register during International Welcome. |