International Student Orientation Answers for newly admitted students related to International Student Orientation and arriving at W&L.
1. How can I get to the university from the airport?
Airport shuttles from Dulles International Airport (IAD) will be provided to transport you to campus. You will receive an email from Hunter Swanson regarding the process and further details. In addition, affordable university shuttle services are provided from Lexington to Roanoke Airport and the Washington, DC area over university breaks and at the end of terms. Many international students utilize the university shuttle services.
2. Where will I live?
All first years will live in one of the two first year residence halls. First-year students should receive information about residence hall assignments from the Office of Residential Life. If you have a roommate, you will be given that person's contact information so that you can introduce yourself this summer. All exchange students will be living in the Global Service House.
3. How do I ship items to my room?
You should receive information about the opportunity to purchase packages of bedding, towels and other personal effects from Residence Hall Linens. In addition, you may also want to ship items such as a laptop or other school supplies. If you want your package to be placed in your room before you arrive, it must arrive at W&L by August 21, 2022.
You will also be able to visit Mail Services to pick-up packages during and after orientation. Check out the location and working time of Mail Services.
To make sure that you receive your package, follow these guidelines:
· Your package must weigh less than 50 pounds.
· Your package must be able to be carried by one person.
· If you need the package to be sent to your room, your package must be clearly labeled like this:
Student Name 'Class Year
Residence Hall and Room Number
Washington and Lee University
204 West Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450-2116If you will pick up the package in mail service, the simplest way for writing the shipping address is:
Student Name
204 West Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450-2116Specific questions regarding package delivery should be directed to Mail Services:
cadkins@wlu.edu or 540-458-8573.
4. What is the meal plan like at Washington and Lee University?
First year students are automatically enrolled in the continuous dining plan and will be billed accordingly. The continuous dining plan allows you to have 24 buffet-style meals per week on campus. Visit Campus Dining Venues and Menus to check out dining venues and menus and meal plan to check out dining restrictions for first-year students. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options are available. Visiting and exchange students will have an option to purchase a meal plan from several options after arrival. If you have special dietary needs (e.g. halal, kosher, etc.), please contact Hunter Swanson.
5. How do I get billed?
Bills for your first semester tuition, room, health insurance, and meal plan costs should be sent to you by email. In August, you will likely be billed for your medical insurance. In September, you will receive a bill for course fees (applies to some classes) and for books if you elected to charge those to your student account. Any financial aid will be credited at that time. Please make sure you have learned how to access the General Payments System, so that you can access your student account, view bills, and make payments. You should receive an email inviting you to create an account in late June. Due to privacy laws in the US, only YOU will have access to your student account information. If your family members will be paying the bills, you will need to grant permission for them to access the system. The Business Office can assist you with billing related questions.
6. What are the required immunizations? Do I need health insurance?
International students starting at W&L in the fall term will be automatically enrolled in the student health insurance plan with coverage that begins August 1. The health insurance plans meets all visa requirements. For further information about the student health insurance plan please visit the Student Health Insurance web site or contact the Student Health Center at studenthealth@wlu.edu.
Please complete the Report of Medical History and the Immunization Record forms and email a scanned copy to studenthealth@wlu.edu by July 31st. Please bring the original forms with you when you come to International Student Orientation.
7. How do I purchase a mobile plan ?
All international students will get a free Mint Mobile SIM card from their Orientation Leader when they arrive at the airport for International Student Orientation. Mint Mobile is a good option for international students as it offers a 15$/month package with unlimited phone calls, texts and 4MB internet. There are also different plans and providers for different needs. Here is a link with a list of cheap phone plans.
8. How do I open a bank account?
During international student orientation, your mentors will take you to Cornerstone Bank or Wells Fargo bank to open a bank account. You will need to bring your passport, I-20 form, and student ID. Make sure to complete your application before leaving and bring at least $50 in cash to make an initial deposit. Cornerstone Bank is a local bank in Rockbridge County and Wells Fargo is an international bank. Make sure to check which one would suit your needs best.
9. Can I ask current students about student life?
Yes, you will be assigned a New International Student Mentor based on similar interests over the summer. Your International Student Mentor can answer questions related to student life and the student experience at W&L and will also help you adjust to campus life during your first term.
10. When do I sign up for classes?
All first-year degree-seeking international students register for courses in June. Exchange students will be registered manually. All international students must maintain full-time enrollment during the fall and winter terms. More information about the registration process for first-year students is provided by the Registrar's office.
11. What general topics will be covered during international student orientation?
The international student orientation program will cover common aspects of academic and student life at W&L. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take care of logistical concerns, such as setting up a mailing address, opening a bank account, and shopping for needed items. You will also meet international orientation leaders, faculty, and staff who you will regularly interact with during your time at W&L. Last but not least, you will also participate in fun activities to help you connect with each other and your orientation leaders!
12. What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, please notify Hunter Swanson. We will make sure you are picked-up at the airport when you are able to arrive and transport you to campus to begin your international student orientation program.
13. What is the weather like in Lexington?
In late August, when you arrrive the weather is quite warm and sunny. You can expect daily high temperatures to average 30 degrees celsius. Please bring warm-weather clothing and an umbrella or rain jacket in case it rains. During winter, the temperature may drop to -3 degrees celcius and go up to 14 degrees celcius. During spring, the temperature may average to 21 degrees celcius.
14. Can I buy personal and school supplies?
You will have the opportunity to shop for personal and school supplies at Walmart the day after you arrive. You will also be able to order items online and have them delivered to the campus Mail Services for pick-up.