Shipping of Items

Shipping is expensive.  Airfreight arrives from most parts of the world in 2 to 3 weeks, and surface shipping takes from 2 to 4 months.  Parcels that are shipped can be cleared through customs at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.  Customs officials suggest that you should bring two sets of keys if you ship belongings in a suitcase or trunk.  You may not legally bring any plants or specified foods into the United States.  In many cases, it is illegal to bring most fresh food items into the country.  These food items will be confiscated, and you will be charged a fine as penalty for the offense.  You should avoid packing with materials that are considered agricultural (such as straw).

It is less expensive and more convenient to mail personal belongings valued at less than $250.  If you are shipping items c/o (in care of) the International Office, please notify the office in advance and state the size, quantity and approximate arrival date of the shipment.  The International Office does not actually have a storage facility so only small packages can be accepted.  Packages should be sent to:

 Your name
 c/o International Student Office
 University of Dallas
 1845 E. Northgate Drive
 Irving, Texas 75062-4736
 U.S.A.

Flight and Arrival in the United States

If you are not able to fly directly into Dallas, plan at least 2 - 3 hours between connecting flights in order to clear Immigration and Customs inspection at your first US Port of Entry.

Documents you should carry on your person:

• Passport with F-1 visa
• Your I-20 (this may have been placed in a sealed envelope at the consulate or embassy when you got your visa) If you are a Canadian citizen and do not have a visa stamp, you must have your SEVIS fee receipt with your I-20
• Evidence of financial resources
• Some document, form or other paper with my name - Marilyn White - and contact information - phone #, email and university address

During your flight to the US, you will complete the I-94, Arrival/Departure Form.  These are distributed by your flight attendant on the plane before you land.  Click here for information on completing the I-94.  The I-94 is an extremely important document (despite its rather unassuming appearance).  It is crucial that you complete it correctly.  The form asks for your address in the US.  If you have not already made arrangements as to where you will live, use the University address on this form.

At the immigration inspection booth, give the officer your passport, your I-20 and the I-94.  If there is any question about your documents, you might be referred to secondary inspection. Don’t be overly concerned.  Referral to secondary inspection is completely routine to keep the inspection process moving.  The Departure portion of the I-94 (the bottom part of the form)will be stapled into your passport.  The officer will stamp the entry date and visa status (F-1) on the I-20, I-94 and passport and return them to you.  Keep these documents in a safe place and bring them to orientation at the university.

Occasionally, the customs and immigration officers may seem to be not very polite; they are required by law to use caution with matters relating to immigration.  Even if the process seems long and exhausting, it is important to remain friendly, polite, patient and completely honest. 

When you leave the immigration inspection area, you should have in your possession:

 • Your passport
 • I-94 Departure record (this will now be stapled in your passport)
 • Your I-20  
 • Any documents or letters relating to financial support, scholarships, prescription medications, etc. presented to the immigration officials.  (You may want to have extra copies in case the officials need to keep the copy you present.)

At the customs clearance point, you will be asked to declare the amount of money and the value of items that you are bringing into the country.  You will receive a declaration form before the airplane lands.  You may be required to pay taxes on money exceeding $10,000 or on goods valued in excess of $250.  It is most important to be truthful concerning customs regulations.  Certain items are prohibited or restricted.  Click here to access the Customs and Border Protection website for information on restricted items.  Please note inparticular the section on medications.


Transportation from the Port of Entry to the University of Dallas

From Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is about 10 miles from the University of Dallas campus.  Arriving at an unfamilar aiport or city can be very confusing. If you would like someone to meet you, the International Student Office will try to arrange for a current student from your part of the world to meet you at the airport. Please notify us at least 2 weeks in advance of your travel date and provide the name of the airline, date and time of arrival, and flight number. Also please advise if you have a direct flight from overseas to Dallas or if you have a connecting flight from another US city as this will significantly affect the time it will take for you to get your luggage and be ready to leave.

If you prefer to arrange your own transportation, the following services are available:

• City Shuttle LLC, SuperShuttle and Go Yellow Checker Shuttle are 3 companies that offered "shared ride" services at DFW.  (Shared ride means the vehicle will pick up several passengers.)  At the free courtesy phone hear Baggage Claim, you can contact a shared ride company.  The agent will tell you what the van looks like and exactly where to go to wait for your ride.  The cost is determined by zip codes.  The cost to the university campus (zip code 75062) is $20 - $25.  It is appropriate to tip the driver if he handles your luggage - about $1.00 per bag.

• Taxis can take you directly from the airport terminal to you hotel accommodations.  The cost will be about $30 - $40.

If you need a temporary place to stay, the university has made arrangements for special discounts at area hotels that are relatively close to the university. See Area Hotels with Special UD Rates Or you can access one of the many commercial sites that list hotels and motels: www.Hotels.com, www.orbitz.com, www.Expedia.com, www.onlinehotels.com.

It is best to make arrangements prior to your arrival to guarantee that you have reserved accommodations when you arrive. If you expect to arrive after 6:00 p.m., the hotel may require a credit card number or advance payment in order to guarantee your reservation.
 

On-Campus Housing: Undergraduate students under 21 years old are required to live on-campus (unless married or living with parents). They are assigned on-campus housing first. There is no married housing on campus. On-campus housing follows the undergraduate academic calendar. Therefore halls are closed for 4 days during Thanksgiving in November, about 4 weeks from mid-December to mid-January (the Christmas break) and for 1 week during spring break in March. While the Housing office will try to accommodate those who must remain on campus during Thanksgiving and Spring break, affected students may be asked to move to a different hall during those times. No one is permitted to stay during the Christmas break. The cafeteria is generally closed during these holidays.

UD Residential Housing for Graduate Students (at Tower Village):  The University of Dallas Housing Office has several "furnished" apartments located in the Tower Village apartment complex for graduate students.  These units can be rented by academic terms rather then the typical 6 - 12 month lease required by most apartment complexes.  Go to http://www.udallas.edu/universitylife/studentlife/housing/towervillage for details.  Contracts are managed through the UD Housing office located in Haggar University Center.  Please note that students choosing this options should plan on having an additional $1200 to $1500 for their first term expenses.

If you want to live on campus or in the Housing for Graduate Students (at Tower Village), contact: Housing Office, University of Dallas, phone: (972) 721-5323; fax: (972) 721-5291; email: bboop@udallas.edu.

Off-Campus Housing: If you choose to make your own housing arrangements, you can still do so at Tower Village or any other apartment complex by completing the regular leasing application. (Please note that unless specifially stated, most apartments are not furnished except for basic kitchen appliances.) Tower Village Apartments is the only apartment complex within walking distance of campus (located just across the street from the main campus). To make your own arrangements, you can contact Tower Village direct at 972-438-2515 or email tower@towervillageapts.com

There are many apartment complexes within 5 miles of the campus.  In your I-20 packet, you will be provided a list of apartment complexes that current students have recommended or go to www.aptpages.com or www.apartmentwiz.com or MyNewPlace Apartments for Rent or www.MyCheapApartments.com or www.ApartmentList.com.  However, since there is minimal public transportation in Irving at the present time, those who live farther from campus usually find it necessary to purchase a car.  If you do not plan to purchase a car, or at least not right away, Tower Village, either through the Housing office or on your own, is your best options.

If you wish help finding an apartment, we recommend a free apartment locating service. J.Ellis Apartment Locators in Irving has been very helpful to students. See www.jellisaptloc.com or you can call 972-518-8000. A flyer will be enclosed with your I-20.

If you wish to find a roommate, contact the International Office, mjwhite@udallas.edu or iso@udallas.edu to get your name and contact information on our roommate list or post a message on facebook http://www.facebook.com/groups/66309150199

Students can generally lease an apartment quite quickly by verifying finances and status using bank statements from home, passports and I-20's. Most complexes can provide you a rental application for non-U.S. citizens that will not require you to have a Social Security Number (SSN). If you are asked for your SSN, explain that you are not able to get one yet and ask if they have another process by which you can rent. The International Office is happy to assist by providing copies of documents or certifications of enrollment. Be sure to ask about student discounts. Apartments generally require a 6-month or 1-year lease. Read your lease carefully before signing.

Most apartments are unfurnished except for stove and refrigerator. The leasing office can give you information on renting furniture. Used furniture can be purchased from departing students, local residents, etc. 

As mentioned previously on this site, the International Office offers a provisions trip for new studnets to the local Wal-Mart Super Center.  Click here for flyer.
 

Cell phones 

Cellular telephones and handheld devices are the best communication medium for most students. Many wireless networks in the US, are now equipped with GSM technology allowing international travelers with compatible devices to communicate with US networks. GSM telephones are classified as dual-band, tri-band, and quad-band. Tri- and quad-band are recommended to provide the best service in the USA.

Before traveling to the USA, check with your service provider about coverage. It may be that the “smart card” (also known as a SIM card) in your existing cellular telephone simply needs to be replaced with one that is compatible.  Purchase your SIM card before you depart from your home country. You might, also ask about USA roaming rates as the charges could be very high! 

Prepaid cellular phones are another very convenient way for foreign visitors to stay connected. These “pay-as-you-go” telephones are now available at many phone stores, drug stores, department stores, and shopping-mall kiosks. The prices of the phones are as low as $29.99, but you must prepay the per-minute calling charges. You can easily purchase additional minutes by using your bank credit card at any later time. If you shop around, you can find some of these phones with very competitive international calling rates.

Telephone calling cards can be used for long-distance or international calls from any telephone. They typically require you to call a toll-free number (800 or 888) to access the provider’s network. You can purchase calling cards on the Internet or from many retailers throughout the USA including most department stores, gas stations, pharmacies, supermarkets, discount stores and shopping-mall kiosks. Rates can vary from 5 cents a minute to 35 cents a minute for domestic calls. International rates can be as low as 20 cents, but can also be as high as $8 per minute. It pays to shop around for the best rates.

The International Office has an initial free phone card for you!  When you get in, come by the office to pick up your card to make that first important phone call home for no charge.
 

Bank Accounts

One of the first things you will want to do when you arrive is open a bank account to safeguard your money and free you from carrying a lot of cash. U.S. banks are completely safe and your money is insured. The banks in Irving closest to the university are:

Chase Bank - 460 E John Carpenter Frwy (Hwy 114), Irving, TX 75062  near the intersection of Hwy 114 and Rochelle Boulevard

Bank of America - Two locations, one at Highway 114 and O'Connor Rd. and a second at 1625 West Airport Freeway

Wells Fargo Bank - Two locations, one at 900 West Airport Freeway and a second at 3535 North Beltline Road

When opening a bank account, you may be asked if you have a Social Security Number. While you may eventually get an SSN, explain to the bank officer that you are an F-1 student from outside the U.S. and that you are not eligible to get an SSN yet. The bank officer will then provide you the appropriate documents to open an account as a foreign national. 


Social Security Numbers

If you have F-1 status, you are eligible to work on campus and eventually off campus. When employed you are required to have a Social Security Number. However, under current regulations, you must actually have a job offer in order to apply for a Social Security Number. Since you will not initially have a job offer, you will not be able to get a Social Security number immediately.
You do not need a Social Security Number to open a bank account or rent an apartment. However, the lack of an SSN may cause other problems as you arrange for services. Explain to any company asking for a SSN that you are not permitted to get one and inquire if they have an alternative method to provide you the service you want.

If you get a job offer (initially you are eligible only for on-campus jobs), you will need a letter verifying your job offer and a letter from the International Office verifying your F-1 status. With these letters, your I-20 and passport with I-94, you'll be able to apply for a Social Security Card. The International Office will give you additional details.

Many international students mistakenly assume that once they arrive in the United States they will be able to "work their way through school." This is not possible. Under no circumstances are F-1 students allowed to work off campus during their first academic year in the United States, and only under specific circumstances are they allowed to work off campus after one year.

F-1 students are permitted to work on campus without getting specific permission. Campus employers are the university itself, the bookstore, and the cafeteria.

The International Student Advisor is authorized to grant permission for off-campus employment for F-1 students only in the case of Curricular Practical Training (CPT); the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)is the only authority who can grant off-campus employment for economic hardship or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Unauthorized employment is grounds for immediate deportation from the United States.  Information on employment is available on the International Student Services website http://www.udallas.edu/universitylife/iss/employ and will also be provided at your regulatory orientation.  

Orientation

All F-1 students who are new to the University of Dallas are required to attend a scheduled International Office Orientation covering the legal aspects of their status in the United States. Even if you have already attended another university in the U.S., you are required to attend this orientation. Details on the time and place of your orientation are included in the letter from my office or the acceptance letter from your program which accompanies the I-20. See the Orientation Schedule on this site for specific details for the next academic term.

In addition to dealing with legal matters, additional orientation topics may include cultural adjustments, transportation issues, housing information, information on purchasing and driving a car in Texas, personal safety, the university health insurance policy for International students, having fun in the Metroplex, etc. Additional orientation events may be offered by the particular program you are attending. Look for invitations in your packets, on bulletin boards, on your emails, etc. Take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you to learn about living in the USA. 

Registering for Classes

Each program at the university has its own unique procedures for registering for classes. For new students coming to the university for the first time, the list below should give you are idea where to start:

Constantin College - If registering for the fall term, registration is during New Student Orientation in the fall.
If you are first enrolling in January, go to the registrar's office in the Braniff Building.

Braniff Graduate School - See the Graduate Coordinator in the graduate school office in Carpenter Hall.

Graduate School of Management - Registration instructions are provided with your acceptance letter. Consult with your adviser by email or in person when you arrive. Actual registration is accomplished online.

Pre-MBA Program - Register during Orientation or as instructed in your admissions letter

American Culture

If you are coming to the US for the first time, you may have expectations based on what you have read or seen in films, or heard from others. Many things will be different from what you expect. One person's experiences and perceptions in a country can vary considerably from another's experiences in the same country.

You may find that Americans are poorly informed about your country which may cause them to ask silly questions. However, Americans tend to be very outgoing, generally curious about your home country and easily strike up conversations with strangers. In order to develop contacts with Americans you will probably find that an attitude of self confidence, an outgoing manner and a good sense of humor will be helpful.

Americans have a very direct communication style. Honesty and frankness are more important to Americans than not hurting another's feelings or "saving face." One aspect of this direct communication style is the practice of looking directly at someone when conversing. It is considered a sign of interest and respect. Looking down or at one's hands can be interpreted as a lack of respect or as disinterest.

Americans strive to live up to the statement that "all men are created equal." This ideal results in an expectation of equal treatment. In the U.S. it is extremely important to treat everyone you meet with courtesy and respect regardless of their job or apparent social standing. In like manner you can expect to be treated with courtesy and respect also. In addition, American culture is a highly individualistic culture that values what people "do" over family origins or inherited social class.

Except when involved in formal business environments, most Americans act and dress very informally. Casual, comfortable clothing and an informal manner is the norm. The immediate use of first names when first meeting people is nearly universal. Even at school you will find that students and professors interact with each other on a very casual though not disrespectful manner.

Americans are time-conscious and value punctuality. Time is seen as tangible, manageable and in short supply. Because time is seen to be scarce, many Americans try to arrange their activities to minimize wasted time. Many Americans keep appointment calendars and seem to live according to schedules. When you plan to meet someone or set up an appointment, it is very important to arrive at the scheduled time. Most Americans consider that arriving late for appointments indicates a lack of respect. To International students, American students seem to always be in a hurry. This often makes them appear rude. However, Americans like to think they are generally efficient and that they get many things done by being in a hurry.

Finally, the United States is a highly active society, full of movement and change. It will probably be very different from what you are accustomed to and even to what you expect. We hope you will enjoy the process of learning about and getting to know Americans.