Pre-Departure

• Office of International Student Affairs
• Transportation and Arrival
• Health Insurance
• Finances & Banking
• Working in the U.S.A.
• Climate and Clothing

Office of International Student Affairs (ISA)

The staff of the Office of International Student Affairs extends a warm welcome to you and looks forward to your arrival.  Please read this information very carefully as you prepare for your trip to Northern Kentucky.  Plan to arrive by the date specified in your letter of acceptance so that we can assist you throughout the orientation and registration process. See you in August!

The Office of International Student Affairs will be hosting an orientation program before classes start that is mandatory for students studying on an F- 1 Visa. We will discuss immigration regulations, what to expect in class, services on campus, and whom to contact if you need help.
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Transportation and Arrival

The nearest airport is the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.  It is located in Northern Kentucky.  Members of the International Student Union may be available to meet you at the airport and drive you to your residence hall.  In order for a student to meet you at the airport, we must receive a letter, FAX, email message, or phone call at least one week prior to your arrival but no later than July 31st.  At that time, we will need your name, arrival date, expected arrival time, airline, flight number, and a statement indicating your wish to be picked up.  There is no charge for this service, but it cannot be guaranteed.  Every effort, however, will be made to accommodate you.  A donation of $10 to the International Student Union is appreciated.  Our fax number is: (859) 572-6178; our e-mail address is: isa@nku.edu.

If we are unable to make arrangements for someone to pick you up, when you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi to your destination by going to the phone desk in the Baggage Claim Area, or by calling 767-3260.  The taxi charge should be around $25.00.  (Confirm this price before you get into the taxi so that the taxi driver does not try to charge you more.)  We have enclosed a map and directions from the airport to the University.  You may need to show this map to the driver, so have it available.  If you will live on campus, tell the driver your destination is the Residence Halls at Northern Kentucky University, 10 Campbell Drive, Highland Heights, KY.  If you need some special help, you may call the International Student Affairs Office at (859) 572-6517 if you arrive during working hours (Monday through Friday) or the Public Safety Office (859) 572-5500 when the ISA Office is closed.  Regardless of your plans, you will need to notify us at some point of your arrival date.
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Health Insurance

Please understand that health care in the United States is largely a private, not a governmental, function.  Therefore, Northern Kentucky University requires all international students and their dependents to have insurance valid in the United States against the high cost of medical (health and accident), repatriation, and emergency medical evaluation.

Students must enroll in a group health insurance plan through Northern Kentucky University.  An exception may be made for students who already have exceptional health coverage and show proof that they are covered by another appropriate plan that includes all of the above.  These students need to submit to this office, in person, evidence of coverage, the dates of coverage, and a description of the benefits provided in English no later than January 11th, 2008.  If students have coverage equal to or superior to the plan Northern Kentucky University offers, they will be given a waiver to present to the Bursar at the time of registration.  Students without a waiver by the deadline above will be assessed the appropriate premium.

It must also be understood that insurance policies in the United States, including the University's policy, do not pay 100% of medical expenses incurred, nor do they pay for the treatment of a condition that existed prior to the insurance coverage.  In these situations, the student is responsible for the cost of medical treatment that is not covered by the insurance plan.

Enclosed is a medical form that you must complete in cooperation with your physician.  Please return the form to the International Student Affairs Office by January 11th, 2008.
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Finances and Banking

Your Form I-20 lists the minimum educational and living expenses you should anticipate for your first year here.  The tuition and fees listed on the I-20 are for two academic semesters.  After registration is complete, all fees for the first semester must be paid at the Bursar's Office.  To be prepared to pay all of those fees, we strongly urge you to bring your money in traveler's checks or in bank drafts (made payable to Northern Kentucky University).  It is unwise to carry more than $150 or $200 in cash.  The staff in the ISA Office will assist you in establishing a bank account after your arrival.
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Working in the U.S.A.

Employment opportunities for international students in the United States are very limited.  It is for this reason that you must come prepared to pay the full cost of your educational and living expenses throughout your stay.

International students who are in good status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration services (CIS) and are in good academic standing are eligible to apply for work on campus.  One requirement to remain in status is to be enrolled full-time every semester.  Although on-campus jobs cannot be guaranteed, they are generally available.  Students do not need permission from the USCIS to work on campus, but paperwork must be filed in the Office of Financial Aid.  Students may work on campus to a maximum of twenty (20) hours per week.  Students who are not enrolled in summer classes may be eligible to work up to thirty-five (35) hours per week during the summer session.  As of July 1, 1997, the minimum wage rate is $5.15 per hour from which taxes will be deducted.

Students on F-1 visas are not permitted to work off-campus during their first year of academic study in the United States.  After the first year, students may be eligible to apply for practical training opportunities related to their major.  Off-campus employment can only be obtained if written permission has been received from the Office of International Student affairs and the CIS in order to keep lawful status.
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Climate and Clothing

Weather conditions of the Northern Kentucky/Great Cincinnati area are characterized by variation and change.  There are four distinct seasons.  In summer, June to early September, the average temperature ranges from 29 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius.  In winter, the average temperature usually ranges from -4 degrees Celsius to -7 degrees Celsius, and snow should be expected.  Spring and fall are characterized by milder weather and frequently, rain in the spring.

Three basic types of clothing are essential in such a climate.  In winter, heavy jackets or overcoats, warm hats and scarves, and waterproof shoes or snow boots are needed.  During chilly autumn and spring days, raincoats or medium weight wool coat or ski jackets are worn outdoors, while sweaters are often worn indoors.  A lightweight jacket is sometimes necessary for cold nights during spring, summer, and fall.  The code of dress on campus is informal; most students wear casual clothing.  However, students are also advised to have clothing appropriate for special social functions that may arise, such as an international festival, when national dress may be of special use.
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