Pre-Arrival International Student Orientation

Welcome to Elmhurst University!

Pre-Arrival International Student Orientation is the first component of the International Student Orientation program that provides new, incoming international students with information to ease the transition to the university. As an incoming international student, you are responsible for reviewing all of the videos and information on this page.

Pre-Arrival International Student Orientation consists of information and resources you should review online prior to arrival, and is meant to both complement and supplement the On-Campus International Student Orientation that you are required to attend during the week before courses begin.

Pre-Arrival Orientation Videos

The below videos have been recorded by both ISS staff and our on-campus partners and contain helpful information from each responsible office or area. Please watch all videos unless otherwise specified.

Pre-Arrival Web Resources

Please review the following pages as you prepare for your departure and arrival:

• Packing List & Travel Tips
• Getting to Elmhurst University
• On-Campus and Off-Campus Housing
• Cell Phones & SIM Cards
• Opening a Bank Account in the U.S.
• Elmhurst University Virtual Campus Tour

In addition, students can obtain more information on the following by clicking each link:

• Elmhurst University Resources

  • Elmhurst University Student Life Resources
    • Learn about various on-campus resources related to wellness, involvement, outreach, and safety
  • Elmhurst University Academic Centers
    • Learn about various on-campus academic centers that assist with employment, learning, and advising
  • Elmhurst University International Student Services
    • This will be your main F-1 international student page while at Elmhurst University. It contains information that will help you navigate your F-1 status in partnership with your on-campus DSO staff.
  • Elmhurst University Maintaining Status
    • This page offers a brief rundown of the basics to maintaining your F-1 status while at Elmhurst University.
  • Elmhurst University Wellness Center
    • This page provides information on our immunization requirements and the Health and Immunization Form, which includes the TB test requirement for all new international students.

• External Resources

  • Getting to the United States
    • Learn information regarding your trip to the U.S. and what to expect directly from the U.S. government. Study in the States is a free government resource provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is not affiliated with Elmhurst University.
  • Culture Shock: International Students Studying in the USA
    • Learn about culture shock – what it is, how to identify it, and how to cope with and overcome it. Shorelight is a platform that connects international students and universities and is not affiliated with Elmhurst University.
  • A Day in the Life of an International Student
    • Read about two different international student “day in the life” experiences to help prepare you for being on-campus. Shorelight is a platform that connects international students and universities and is not affiliated with Elmhurst University.
  • ACLU Know Your Rights
    • Learn about your Immigrant’s Rights and how to express them.
  • City of Chicago
    • Learn about Chicago, the world class city that’s only a train ride away from Elmhurst University.
  • City of Elmhurst
    • Learn about Elmhurst, the city in which Elmhurst University resides.
  • Metra Commuter Railroad
    • Access information about Metra, the train line that can take you into the city of Chicago, as well as other nearby suburbs. Elmhurst University is near the Union Pacific West Line.
  • Chicago Transit Authority
    • Access information about the CTA, the mass transit system in Chicago.

Much of this information will be reviewed in more depth during the On-Campus International Student Orientation, but by reviewing the information beforehand as well you will have a smoother transition into the U.S and academic life at Elmhurst University upon arrival.

Welcome to your new Bluejay family – we look forward to welcoming you on-campus soon!