Make Travel plans to allow sufficient time to familiarize yourself with the University. There will be orientation events prior to class date, the Tuberculosis testing requirement is done during orientation if desired, but can also be done at the Health Center. Immunization shots are required. Arriving early is also important in preparation for registration. Attendance at new international student orientation is required.
You should come prepared for changes in the weather: very cold winters, hot summers, and pleasant days in between. Winter temperatures can easily drop to 10°F (-12°C). Summers in Philadelphia can be very humid, with temperatures reaching 100°F (37°C) or higher. Plan to wear warm clothing during the winter months (November-April). An overcoat is a necessity. Clothing for rainy weather is also needed. You may find it helpful to bring national costumes to wear to certain campus events and international celebrations or to speaking engagements around the city, but this is a matter of personal choice.
If you reside outside the United States, take your valid passport, Form I-20, evidence of financial support, and receipt of SEVIS fee payment to the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate to apply for your visa. You also may need to provide proof of ties to your home country, such as job offers, evidence of ownership of a residence or property in your home country, or copies of bank statements from a bank in your home country.
Living expenses include: Tuition, books, fees, meal plan, room and board, health insurance and other miscellaneous expenses.
Before arrival, you may want to exchange money into U.S. dollars to have cash available upon arrival. Traveler’s checks may be helpful, too, but not all stores and restaurants accept them. Make an attempt to bring cash for denominations of less than $100.00.
La Salle has both graduate and undergraduate housing. We are unable to reserve off-campus housing on your behalf. It is recommended that you bring an extra copy of your evidence of financial support to La Salle University as it may be required for certain housing options. La Salle cannot accommodate family-style housing requests. More information can be provided upon request.
The U.S. does not have a socialized health care system, so La Salle University requires students to have health insurance coverage in case medical issues arise during your stay here. This coverage may be purchased here or your home country as long as it is translated in English. Proof of coverage is required every semester to register for classes.
Prepare proof of immunizations. We strongly suggest that all required vaccinations are completed before arrival to the United States. All undergraduate and all on-campus graduate students must complete the Health History form. If you will not live on-campus and are a graduate student, you do not need to complete the health history form. All international students who have lived in a high-risk country for tuberculosis (TB) in the last five years whether graduate or undergraduate must receive tuberculosis (TB) testing. A tuberculosis (TB) test must be issued within the United States. This will be done at orientation. Students will be suspended from classes if they fail to comply with this requirement.
A ride can be provided only if you arrive at the Philadelphia International Airport and will reside on campus. If your flight plans land you in an airport other than Philadelphia’s, we will make our best effort to coordinate your safe arrival to La Salle, but cannot guarantee this. Contact Alisa Macksey (macksey@lasalle.edu or +1-215-951-1079) regarding transportation questions.
Parents and families are welcome to attend. ISO is mandatory for all new F-1 and J-1 visa holders.