Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
Published July 1, 2019 This content is archived.
It’s that time of year! The Spring semester has ended and it’s officially summer in the northern hemisphere. Students are anxiously awaiting the beginning of Fall classes. As an incoming international student you’re eager to prepare to make the most of your legal education in the United States. Did you know there are important items you can tackle now, before you arrive on campus?
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Listen to Ben. You’ve already done the hard work to get into Law School, but by following this easy checklist, you’ll be ready from Day One in your new program:
Once you receive your I-20 from your new institution, you will schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Your institution will likely offer on-campus housing options. You might also have the option to live off-campus. There are pros and cons to each situation, so weighing your options is important. In general keep in mind the following:
The acceptance packets and e-mails sent by your new program will contain action-items for you to complete. These items are mandatory in order to finalize your admission, and holds may be placed on your student account if you don’t follow the directions. Holds can prevent you from registering for classes, so it is imperative that these action-items are handled properly.
Each institution offers formal orientation scheduling to aid new students in beginning their new programs. These programs are often mandatory and failure to report to orientation could result in rescinded admission. Ensure that you arrange your travel to campus well in advance of the start of orientation.
New international students at UB School of Law participate in several orientation programs, including:
Throughout the application process you have interacted with recruiters and other admission professionals. While they have provided useful information and have been a valuable resource, consider getting to know fellow students prior to arriving on campus. Your new institution might offer opportunities for you to network remotely with your new classmates, or provide the contact information of current students.
Eager to start learning before classes start? Consider planning your summer reading to include recommended reading from your new program.
Are you an admitted international student? Want to know more about the transition to campus? Contact our admissions staff with questions!
Guest blogger Laurel Root is the Manager of Recruitment & International Enrollment Services at UB School of Law.