Regional Connection Groups

Core #5: Arrival 101

CORE SESSION 5: Arrival 101

Today’s Flights:

1. Entering the U.S. and the UW
2. HFS Moving in
3. Getting set up (Phone plans, bank accounts, and immunization)
4. Getting involved

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**Check out links in Speaker Notes!

Part 1: Entering the U.S.

Document checklist:

1. I-20 for F-1 students, DS-2019 for J-1 students
2. Valid passport (at least 6 months)
3. Valid F-1 or J-1 Visa (Not for Canadian Citizens)
4. SEVIS I-901 receipt
5. Current class schedule (highly recommended)
6. Supporting financial document (e.g. bank statement or financial letter used for I-20 application)
7. U.S. Customs Declaration Form (Fill it out on the flight or at the customs desk)

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Problems Entering the U.S.? Read this ISS web page on Entering the U.S.

Part 1: Reaching the UW - Transportation

Option 1: Take the Link Light Rail, get off at U District Station

• $3 for ages 19-64; free for under 19�

Option 2: Private rides (Uber, Lyft, taxis)

• $80-$100, free and fast wifi at the airport to request a ride.�

Option 3: Door-to-door shuttle service

• $30-$65, cheaper if you book with others

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Part 1: Reaching the UW

Important tasks checklist!

• Move in to your campus housing
• Go to your assigned move-in location on your MyHFS, if you arrive between 8am-4pm.
• Pick up your Husky Card at the Husky Card Office if you don’t have it yet
• Attend A&O Part 3
• If you will miss A&O part 3, email nstp@uw.edu to schedule a make-up!
• Complete your ISS Immigration Check-in by Sept. 30 (complete after you arrive in the U.S., and as soon as you have a local address and number in the U.S.)

IMPORTANT: Immigration Check-In

The ISS Immigration Check-In can be completed in the MyISSS portal, and is due by the first day of classes (September 30th).

You can learn more on the ISS page, but in short:

1. Download your I-94
2. Update your information on MyUW (local address and phone number)
3. Submit your Immigration Check-In

Part 2: Moving In - 9 Months

For those living in 9-month housing on-campus:

• Move-in dates are between September 22-25,
• Find your move-in appointment in MyHFS portal

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• Follow the move-in instructions by HFS!
• Check out our packing guide on UW CIRCLE!
• If you plan to arrive earlier than September 22 and need housing, consider Early Arrival
• The application deadline is September 1st and there are added costs!

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If you changed your mind about 9-month housing, cancel by September 21st to avoid charges for the entire nine months of housing!

Part 2: Moving In - 12 Months

For those living in 12-month housing on-campus:

• Your earliest move-in date is September 14th
• Your latest move-in time is noon on Thursday, October 1.
• Check-in at your assigned move-in location on MyHFS to pick up your key packets
• Follow the move-in instructions by HFS!
• Check out our packing guide on UW CIRCLE!

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If you changed your mind about 12-month housing, cancel by September 13th to avoid charges for the entire 12 months of housing!

Part 2: Moving In - Arriving late hours

If you arrive after 4pm, West Campus residents go to Lander Desk to check in. North Campus residents go to Oliver Desk to check in.

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If you arrive after 10pm, go to your resident hall (not Lander or Oliver Desk), and call the RA on duty at (206) 543-1000, to let you into your resident hall.

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If you know you are arriving after 10pm and if you can't make a US call yet, please ask someone in your CIRCLE RCG chat, a friend, or a roommate to call it for you when you are at the door of your building.

Part 2: Moving In - send packages

Students living on-campus can have packages delivered to their dorm up to seven days prior to their move-in date.

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You will be notified of package arrivals via UW email or text, and the packages can be picked up at Oliver or Lander Hall, depending on which campus you live on.

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For any housing or dining questions, email hfsinfo@uw.edu!

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Part 3: Getting Set Up

While there are a lot of things you need to get settled into a new country, three main items stand out:

1. Cell phone plan
2. Bank account
3. ISHIP and Immunization

Part 3: Getting Set Up

You will need a U.S. phone number for your ISS Immigration Check-in. Additionally, it’s very useful for communication and setting up other accounts (internet, banking, etc).

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Some popular phone carrier are:

• AT&T
• T-Mobile
• Verizon
• Husky Mobile
• Mint Mobile

Part 3: Getting Set up

There are two main types of plans:

• Pre-paid: you pay for the whole plan up front. It’s cheaper compared to phone plans.
• Family plans: Like a cheap, bulk option. You can make a family plan with friends!

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Some good questions to ask the carrier are:

• Can I pause payments if returning home for the holidays? How long can I pause them?
• Can I keep the same phone number if I change carriers?

Part 3: Getting Set up

Next is a U.S. bank account, namely Checking (no interest, easy to spend from) and Savings (interest, easier to save in) accounts.

With enough funds in savings, you may also apply for a Credit Card.

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Some popular banks are:

• Bank of America
• US Bank*
• Chase
• Wells Fargo

*US Bank has a branch on campus in the HUB!

Part 3: Getting Set up

Common things you will need to open a bank account are:

• Valid passport
• Form I-20
• Local U.S. address
• U.S. phone number
• Some money for the minimum opening deposit (amount varies by bank)

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Once you’re set up, you will receive a debit and/or credit card, while also getting access to helpful features like wiring or instant transfer (Zelle)

Part 3: Getting Set Up

Tuition payments:

• The tuition bill can be found on your MyUW portal under “accounts”
• The deadline is always the 3rd Friday of each quarter (October 16th for Fall ‘26)
• Some ways to pay are to:
• Wire the money from abroad to your U.S. bank and then pay it
• Use Flywire to pay it directly from a foreign bank account.
• For any questions, email Student Fiscal Services (SFS) at sfshelp@uw.edu or visit their office in Schmitz Hall Room 129

Housing/Dining fee:

• The housing and dining bill can be found under your MyHFS portal
• You can pay directly with a credit or debit card or Flywire
• The deadline is always the 3rd Friday of each quarter (October 16th for Fall ‘26)
• For any questions, email HFS at hfsinfo@uw.edu or visit the Student Service Desk at Lander or Oliver Hall

Part 3: Getting Set Up - Health Insurance

Enrollment in ISHIP occurs during pre-registration (when you register for courses) and you can opt for either quarterly or annual coverage. We recommend the annual plan if you will be in here over the summer.

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New international students enrolled in autumn classes before Sep 1 will receive an email from LifeWise (ISHIP’s Provider) during the first week of September. This email will include your Insurance ID and a guide to set up your Lifewise account after you arrive in the U.S.. Read the ISHIP New Student Checklist.

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Part 3: Getting Set Up - Health Insurance

Once you arrive in the U.S. and update your local/current address in MyUW, your LifeWise health insurance card will be mailed to that address.

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You pay for ISHIP in your tuition bill, available beginning September 17th, with ISHIP coverage beginning September 1st

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You can learn more about how to set up your LifeWise account through the ISHIP or CIRCLE website. If eligible, you may request to waive ISHIP.

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Part 3: Getting Set Up - Vaccines

You need to fulfill two main immunization requirements at the UW:

1. Measles and Mumps (two doses and 28 days apart)
2. Meningitis ACWY, (if under 22 years old)

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Upload required proof of immunization to the UW through the Med+Proctor portal by October 22nd to avoid a registration hold.

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If you still need vaccines, make an appointment at one of our five Vaccine Clinics for international students from this website: https://www.washington.edu/circle/new-students/transition-to-uw/immunization-requirements/

Part 4: Getting Involved

Every year, the UW hosts Dawg Daze: 10 days of events to welcome new students to the UW! We highly recommend attending as many Dawg Daze events as you can to make the most of this special time.

You can learn more on the Dawg Daze website, but here are some of our recommendations:

Part 4: Getting Involved

A great way to get involved are RSOs! Learn all about the many ways to engage with RSOs through the Student Activities fair:

Part 4: Getting Involved

Last but not least, we have the International Welcome Programs (IWP)! Hosted by CIRCLE, the IWP run from September 21st to October 9th, and feature a number of ways to get set up and involved at the UW.

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You can learn more on our IWP website, but our flagship event is the Post-Arrival Resource Fair

Part 4: Getting Involved

On September 24th, the Post-Arrival Resource Fair will take place in the HUB North Ballroom, and it’s a one-stop-shop for all new student needs, featuring but not limited to:

• Partners like US Bank, Bank of America, and Husky Mobile
• Numerous campus offices like HFS, Study Abroad, ISS, and SafeCampus
• A Husky Health Center Vaccine Clinic
• A special visit from our mascot, Dubs!

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Part 4: Getting Involved

Some other featured IWP events are:

• (9/23) Grad Day
• Welcoming our new int’l grad students with a day of info and fun activities
• (9/26) Husky Football Game and Tailgate Party
• Learn about American Football and enjoy a pre-game tailgate party at the Waterfront! We will then head to the stadium to watch the game!
• (9/28) Undergraduate Day
• Welcoming our Undergraduate students with a day of activities!
• (9/29) IKEA shopping trip

Core Session #5 Takeaways

Thank you for attending our RCG Core Session #5. To wrap up, we covered:

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1. Getting to the UW and moving in
2. Immigration Check-in
3. Setting up your number and bank account
4. Paying your fees
5. Getting involved

Thank you for attending our core sessions!

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Final Tips

This is the first time in your life that you are a college student; making mistakes is natural.

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Seize this opportunity and put yourself out there, because even if you fail you’ll learn so much!

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If you have any questions or issues, email CIRCLE at: uwcircle@uw.edu.