Pre-Arrival Information

• STUDENT VISA - Make sure that you have sumbitted the I-901 form and have paid the SEVIS fee prior to your visa application appointment.

• AIRLINE TICKETS - Purchase your airline tickets and reconfirm your flight 48-72 hours before departure.

• AIRPORT PICK-UP - Make arrangements through the Office Of International Student Affairs (OISA) if you need car service when you arrive in Chicago.  This service is offered free of charge.  E-mail Gigi Posejpal with the following information: Date and time of arrival, name of airline and flight number, arrival airport, departure city, cell phone number (if available) and final destination (campus housing or private apartment).

• HOUSING -  Make sure that you have made arrangements for housing. For more information on housing visit the Residence Life web page.

• INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION SESSION - E-mail Gigi Posejpal to register for an International Student Orientation. Mandatory for all international students who are new to Columbia College Chicago (this includes students transferring from another U.S. university). Remember that this orientation is different and separate from the orientation you may be required to attend by your academic department.

• HEALTH MATTERS - Hospital and doctor visits are very expensive in the United States. You must have adequate medical health insurance while in the United States. Proof of health insurance coverage is mandatory for F-1 and J-1 students. Brochures and cost information are available through the OISA. Before you leave your country, it is a good idea to take care of your health concerns including updating your immunizations, getting new eye glasses and at least a two month supply of any necessary medications.

• CLOTHES - Make sure that you pack appropriate clothes for Chicago weather. Chicago lies on Lake Michigan in the Midwest of the United States. Chicago's weather is often unpredictable. The average temperature is about 52F (11C). The hottest temperatures occur during July and August and can reach 95F-100F (35C-37C). The coldest days are usually in January when the temperature can drop to -5F (-20C). You may want to allot extra money to purchase winter coats, gloves, and boots while in the U.S.
  

• MONEY - Please do not bring large amounts of cash with you. Purchase traveller's checks in US$ before you leave home to use while waiting to establish an account in Chicago. The OISA will assist you with information about banks in the area and provide a letter of introduction for you to present when opening an account. It is unwise to carry large amounts of cash, so keep most of your money in traveller's checks (or other non-cash forms), until you open a bank account.

• DOCUMENTS - Make sure to put your important documents in your hand luggage, which you may take on the airplane as a carry-on. Do not pack your important documents in your suitcase with your clothes! Examples of documents you should carry with you include the following: your passport; SEVIS DS I-20 (F-1 students) or SEVIS DS - 2019 (J-1 students); traveler's checks; phone numbers of your family and friends in the U.S. and home country; phone number of the Office of International Student Affairs at Columbia College Chicago; health documents; birth and marriage certificates.

If you have any questions about Columbia College and/or the Admissions process please contact an Admissions Counselor at 312-369-7130 or e-mail: intladmissions@colum.edu.