NEXT STEPS
Congratulations on your acceptance into the University of South Carolina s International Accelerator Program (IAP)! We are excited to welcome you to Columbia and the university s beautiful campus. Now that you have accepted the offer, it is time to prepare for your arrival. MOVE-IN: Visit uofsc.org/welcome to find out your move-in date and begin your preparations. Download your immunization and housing forms, book your airport pickup and find out what you can look forward to during orientation. You must arrive on or before your official move-in date and need to confirm your free airport transport at least two weeks prior to arrival. If you arrive before your scheduled move-in date, you must arrange private accommodations at a local hotel.
1. GET YOUR VISA Plan to present the following documentation during your visa interview: Current, valid passport Please check the expiration date on your passport. If your passport will expire less than six months from your planned arrival in the United States, is damaged, or does not have a page for a visa, get a new passport before your interview. One photograph Bring a 2-inch square (51mm x 51mm) color photograph, less than six months old, with a white background and a full front view of your head and shoulders. Please use clear tape to affix your photo on the front cover of your passport. DS-160 (application for non-immigrant visa) application form confirmation page Visit ceac.state.gov/genniv for information and instructions. Original bank receipt for visa application fee Please attach the application fee receipt to the bottom of the DS-160 form confirmation page. Any previously expired passports Bring all passports containing all previous U.S. visas, even if expired. SEVIS form I-20 Bring a properly completed form. It must be signed by both the Designated School Official (DSO) and the applicant. The name on the form must exactly match the name in your passport. Visit www. ice.gov/sevis/students for more information. SEVIS 1-901 fee receipt Visit www.fmjfee.com/i901fee for more information and check the instructions at the top of this page. Proof of finances Provide proof that you can support yourself financially during your entire stay in the U.S. without working. Bring a bank statement and/or letter of support from your sponsor proving that you have the funds that are shown on your form I-20. Official transcripts for returning students If you have previously studied in the U.S., please bring past official transcripts. Be prepared to speak about the following during your visa interview: Academic study plan Provide detailed information about your study. You may be asked why you chose the university, program, and/or major. You may also be asked about your career goals after college. Ties to home country Prove that you have economic, social, family, or other leadership commitments that will help demonstrate your intent to return to your home country after your studies in the U.S. Other helpful immigration websites: www.ice.gov/sevis/students travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/study-exchange/student.html www.ice.gov/sevis/i901
2. BOOK YOUR FLIGHT Book your flight to Columbia, South Carolina! You can fly into Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) or Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CTL). Please note that free airport pickup will only be available if you fly into Columbia Metropolitan Airport. If you choose to fly into Charlotte, you will need to arrange your own transportation to campus. Visit www.uofsc.org/flight before you leave to reserve your free airport pickup. If you do not submit your flight arrival details at least two weeks prior to arrival, we cannot guarantee airport pickup. A friendly greeter will meet you at the airport and bring you to the University of South Carolina campus.
3. GET PACKED WHAT TO BRING Pack these items in your carry-on luggage: Immigration Documents Passport Visa I-20 Letter of acceptance SEVIS I-901 fee receipt Original Documents Academic transcripts sealed in an envelope and certified Academic certificates English proficiency test scores for TOEFL, IELTS, or other Bank statement Residence Address Remember to pack your housing confirmation letter so your address is easily accessible when you arrive. Health Forms Bring your completed immunization forms. Download these forms from: uofsc.org/welcome Cash $250-$500 cash in low denominations or on a pre-paid VISA card. Clothing Temperatures in South Carolina are warm in August the average temperature for the month is 90 F (32 C)! Dress warmly for the airplane, but bring clothes for walking in hot weather. December and January are typically the coldest months of the year in South Carolina. At that time, average high temperatures are around 60 F (16 C), so it is important to pack a mixture of warm and cold weather apparel. Dressing in layers is the best strategy for staying comfortable. Electrical Adapter U.S. plugs are 120 V with a frequency of 60 Hz. Prescription Medication Keep medication in original pharmacy packaging in case you are asked questions at customs. Be prepared to present the prescription from your doctor to immigration upon request. Emergency Information Store this in your wallet or purse at all times. Please carry your personal emergency contact information and also the emergency phone numbers located on the back of this brochure. Laptop & Charger A laptop is not required, but you can purchase one once you arrive to campus. Wireless internet service is available on campus. Personal Items All carry-on liquids and gels must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less by volume, stored in one 1 quartsized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag (http://www. tsa.gov/traveler-information/ 3-1-1-carry-ons). You should pack all other liquids and gels in your checked luggage. Do not bring any sharp objects, such as scissors or a penknife, as these will be confiscated by TSA airport security. Do not bring any food or beverage items. You will be able to purchase food and beverages once you pass through security and customs at the airport.
4. ARRIVE! AIRPORT PICKUP As part of our concierge services, we will provide you with a free airport transfer from Columbia Metropolitan Airport to your residence hall at the USC campus. Please know that this is a busy airport. Your driver will be holding a sign that reads University of South Carolina. If you do not see your greeter after 15 minutes, please follow these directions: Find the nearest public pay phone or use your cell phone. Dial the toll-free International Accelerator Program Help Line at: 1-800-955-1308 Once an operator answers, please say, Hello, I m a USC International Accelerator student and I can t find my driver. My name is (say your full name slowly) from (home country name). I am waiting in Terminal (letter or number) and wearing (color and description of clothes). The friendly operator will help find your greeter/driver promptly. WHERE TO GO Upon arrival, reception details and the orientation schedule will be provided in your welcome packet. Your residence hall assignment will be included in your acceptance letter. ARRIVING EARLY? Here are some local hotels where you can reserve a room until the official campus move-in date: Columbia Marriott 1200 Hampton St. 803-771-7000 or 800-228-9290 (toll-free) Courtyard Marriott at USC 630 Assembly St. 803-799-7800 Hampton Inn & Suites 822 Gervais St. 803-231-2000 Hilton 924 Senate St. 803-744-7800 Inn at USC Wyndham Garden Columbia 1619 Pendleton St. 803-779-7779 Sheraton Downtown Columbia Hotel 1400 Main St. 803-988-1400 Staybridge Suites 1913 Huger St. 803-451-5900 SpringHill Suites by Marriott 511 Lady St. 803-978-2333
5. WELCOME TO CAMPUS WHEN YOU ARRIVE If you arrive before your move-in day, you will need to arrange accommodation at a local hotel. Many students will arrive around that time, so please book your accommodation early. The day after your move-in day, Orientation Week begins. All Orientation Week activities are mandatory. To view our activities for the week, visit: www.uofsc.org/welcome IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS International Accelerator Program Help Line 803-250-6037 Police 803-777-4215 Emergency Only In case of an emergency, you should call 911. This can be dialed from your personal cell phone, or you can find the nearest pay phone and the phone call will be free.
University of South Carolina International Accelerator Program 1705 College Street, 7th Floor Columbia, SC 29208 U.S.A. + 1 888-872-7750 + 1 803-250-6037 sc.edu/iap iapadmissions@sc.edu @USC_IAP /USCIAP @USC_IAP