international student guide

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE
INFORMATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION
WELCOME
Congratulations on being admitted to K-State Polytechnic!
This guide contains information that will be useful as you transition
to life at K-State Polytechnic and in the city of Salina. If you have
questions that are not answered in the guide, please contact the
Academic and Student Services office at 785-826-2674.
We are excited to welcome you to the K-State family and hope your
experiences here are enjoyable and rewarding.
CONTENTS
Before Leaving Home
2
Arriving in Salina
4
Life in Salina
6
BEFORE LEAVING HOME
Helpful Links
VISA
• International student
admissions
Due to the extensive amount of time often required to process visa
applications, it is important to apply for your visa as early as possible.
Each embassy or consular post has its own application procedures, so
you should consult the office where you will be applying for specific
details. All students must complete a visa application in order to
schedule a visa interview.
• F-1 visa
• J-1 visa
• SEVIS I-901 form
Student visa information from the Department of State is available
for those applying for an F-1 visa or a J-1 visa. The Department of
Homeland Security requires the submission of a SEVIS I-901 form and
fee, which must be paid before the Embassy will issue your visa.
PLAN YOUR ARRIVAL
You may be refused entry into the United States if you attempt to arrive
more than 30 days before or anytime after the program start date listed
on your SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 form. Plan your travel so you arrive no later
than the date on your I-20/DS-2019 form and admission letter.
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WHAT TO BRING FROM HOME
•
Carry-on bag with a change of clothes, toothbrush and toothpaste,
any required medication (in its original container) and other items
that you may need during your first few days in the U.S. Important
identification documents (passport, SEVIS Form I-20/DS-2019,
evidence of financial resources, driver’s license, etc.) should be
carried with you on the airplane and NOT stored in your checked
luggage.
•
Pictures of your family, home and country to remind you of home
and to show new friends.
•
It may take a few days to get all of the necessary furniture, so
consider bringing a sleeping bag to use until you are able to fully
furnish your living space.
•
Items from your country that illustrate your culture, such as
musical instruments, picture books, small gifts and traditional
clothing. This is a great way to educate others about your country
and culture. You may want to wear traditional clothing from your
culture during presentations and events.
•
Enough money to live on until you can open a bank account
and arrange for funds to be transferred from your home country.
Remember, you will need funds to pay deposits for living
accommodations, utilities, food and other expenses.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
•
The electricity supply in the U.S. is 120 volts. The shape of
electricity outlets may differ from those in your home country so
consider purchasing electronics and small appliances in the U.S.
•
Check the luggage restrictions for the airline you are flying.
Weight restrictions and fees may vary by airline.
•
You can obtain a booklet on customs regulations at the consulate
or embassy where you acquire your visa. Prohibited items include
some foodstuffs, narcotics, weapons and items for resale.
• U.S. Customs Service
HEALTH INSURANCE
K-State requires that all international students be covered by health
insurance. If insurance is not supplied by a sponsor or agency, it can
be purchased upon arrival. Health insurance should be maintained
during your entire stay at K-State.
• Health insurance
information
3
ARRIVING IN MANHATTAN FOR
ORIENTATION AND SALINA FOR
CLASSES
New Student Orientation
• Manhattan Regional
Airport
Kansas State University consists of two campuses. One located in
Salina, KS, and one located in Manhattan, KS. If you have been admitted
to a degree program on the Polytechnic campus, international and
exchange students first attend the orientation on our Manhattan
campus (located approximately an hour east of our Salina campus)
which is usually held the week prior to the start of classes.
Students will be required to attend the initial days of orientation
on the Manhattan campus and transportation will be provided
from Manhattan to Salina prior to the start of classes. Initial arrival
information to the Manhattan campus can be found below. Students
will receive additional information and details via email from the
K-State Polytechnic Academic and Student Services Office regarding
New Student Orientation and details regarding arrival to Salina upon
completion of orientation.
FLYING TO MANHATTAN REGIONAL AIRPORT (MHK)
TAXI SERVICES
• Bell Taxi (785) 537-2080
• Wildcat Taxi (785)-477-8808
The Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK), conveniently located seven
miles from the K-State campus, offers flight options coming from Dallas
International Airport (DFW) or Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD). If you are
able to arrange your international flight to bring you through Dallas or
Chicago, then you can fly directly into Manhattan.
A free shuttle will provide transportation from the Manhattan Regional
Airport to the K-State campus for international students arriving on
specific dates.
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If you will not arrive during the times the K-State shuttle is offered, you
can call a taxi. Ask the taxi driver to take you to Moore Hall. There are
phones available in the airport to call a taxi. If you need assistance
making the call, ask an airport staff member for help.
FLYING TO KANSAS CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MCI)
The Kansas City International Airport is approximately 130 miles (208
km) from Manhattan. You can connect to MCI from your U.S. port-ofentry. Once you arrive in Kansas City, you can take a shuttle bus to
Manhattan at your own expense.
SHUTTLE SERVICES
• KCI Roadrunner Express, Inc. (800) 747-2524
This shuttle service will deliver you to any location in Manhattan.
The shuttle runs on a set schedule, so reservations should be made
in advance. Make online reservations before you arrive or call
when you arrive in the U.S. to make a reservation.
• KCI Roadrunner Express
online reservations
• Five Guys Shuttle (913) 748-5423
This shuttle-van will pick you up from MCI at anytime. Just make
your reservation before you arrive at MCI and the shuttle will pick
you up when your flight arrives.
• Five Guys Shuttle
online reservations
ARRIVING IN SALINA
The Polytechnic campus in Salina is approximately 60 miles (97 km)
from Manhattan.
SHUTTLE SERVICES
• K-State Polytechnic (785) 826-2674 | [email protected]
After orientation is finished on the Manhattan campus, the
Polytechnic campus in Salina offers a shuttle service free of charge
for international students to travel from Manhattan to Salina.
Make your accommodations with the Polytechnic Academic and
Student Services office.
• Call/email for
Salina Shuttle
Accommodations
After being admitted, international students will receive additional
arrival orientation and enrollment information via email from the
K-State Polytechnic Academic and Student Services office.
5
LIFE IN SALINA
ABOUT SALINA
The City of Salina is the seventh-largest city in Kansas with a population
of nearly 50,000. It is situated at the intersection of Interstate Highways
70 and 135, centered in one of the largest wheat producing areas of the
world.
Kansas has a typical continental climate with rather large changes
in temperatures between winter (January) and summer (July) and
between daytime and nighttime. There are four distinct seasons of
approximate equal length. Weather in the spring and fall is moderate
and comfortable. In winter, typical daily temperatures range from 4 F
(-15 C) to 51 F (11 C). Typical summer temperatures are from 61 F (16 C)
to 99 F (37 C).
6
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING ON THE SALINA CAMPUS
There are two suite-style residence halls on-campus housing. Both
halls are modern residence halls that offer comfortable living and a
friendly atmosphere. Each wing is staffed with a Resident Assistant
(RA) to help each resident adjust to campus life, provide security, and
lend a helping hand. Schilling Hall lobby offers an information desk
for phone directory assistance, vacuums, and other items available to
check out. The desk can be reached at 785-819-7248, and is open from
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each hall offers Ethernet connections, extended basic
cable service, state of the art computer labs, and friendly courteous
staff. The Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) is an on-call professional,
live on staff member.
• Residence halls
• To reserve housing, visit http://polytechnic.k-state.edu/
residencelife/contract.html. The costs for residence halls includes
up to three meals per day.
OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
Several apartments and houses off-campus are also available for rent.
Costs are moderate to expensive depending on individual choices.
TRANSPORTATION
CityGo
CityGo® is a fixed-route transit service provided by the City of Salina
and the Kansas Department of Transportation that is operated and
managed by the Salina-based OCCK Inc. It serves more than 65
percent of the city with safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation.
• CityGo routes and
schedule
TAXIS
There are many taxi services in Salina that transport throughout the
city.
• Best Cab (785) 827-RIDE
• Sunflower Taxi & Courier Services LLC (785) 827-5522
DRIVING IN KANSAS
If you plan on renting or purchasing a vehicle once you arrive in the
U.S., remember to bring your international driving license with you to
avoid having to complete the entire Kansas driver’s license process.
• Kansas driver’s license
information
If you purchase a vehicle, you are required to pay a license and
registration fee yearly. Kansas state law also requires all drivers to
have automobile insurance.
• Registration and
insurance information
7
FINANCES
It is not common for individuals in the U.S. to carry large amounts of
cash. Most people use a debit card, credit card or check to pay for
items. A debit cards works similarly to a credit card, except funds are
withdrawn directly from your checking or savings account.
Two forms of identification (such as your passport and K-State Student
ID) are required to open a checking or savings account.
There are several banks in Salina, some with multiple branches. You are
not required to use any of the banks listed below. If you are interested
in opening an account at any of these banks, please contact the bank
directly for further information.
BANKS
• Bennington State Bank (785) 827-5522
• Capitol Federal Savings (785) 825-2211
• First Bank Kansas (785) 825-2211
• Simmons First (785) 825-8241
• Sunflower Bank (785)-826-2212
• UMB National Bank of America (785) 826-4000
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SHOPPING
Salina offers several stores to buy food and household items, many of
which can be reached by public transportation.
GROCERY STORES
• Aldi 2660 Planet Ave
Discount grocery store with lower prices on everyday basics. Bring
your own grocery bags to save even more.
• Dillons 1201 W. Crawford, 2350 Planet Ave, 1235 E. Cloud
Wide selection of products. Compared to other grocery stores,
prices are mid-range.
SUPERSTORES
• K-Mart 400 S. Broadway
Wide selection of products, such as home furnishings, electronics,
clothing and personal items. K-Mart also carries limited
of grocery items and has a pharmacy. Smaller and less expensive
than Target.
• Target 2939 Market Pl. Commons Place
Wide selection of products, such as home furnishings, electronics
and clothing and personal items. Target also carries a very limited
amount of grocery items.
• Walmart Supercenter 2900 S. Ninth St
Wide selection of products, such as home furnishings, electronics,
clothing and personal items. Walmart has a full stock of groceries
and a pharmacy.
Shopping Centers
• Central Mall 2259 S. Ninth St
Wide selection of clothing and shoes.
• Downtown Salina
One of a kind shopping and dining and an exciting night life.
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INTERNATIONAL FOOD MARKETS
• Oriental Food Market 1722 S. Ninth St
• Vientiane Oriental Food Market 1811 S. Ninth St
• Chinese Grocery Store 715 North 12th St
• La Jerezanza 1515 W Crawford St #B, 1318 S. Santa Fe
DISCOUNT AND THRIFT STORES
• Dollar Tree 2450 S. Ninth St #308
Wide selection of products, including food, personal and
household items for very low prices.
• Goodwill 2640 Planet Ave.
Sells a variety of used items, such as clothing, furniture and
household items at low prices.
• Salvation Army Thrift Store 157 S. Fifth St.
Similar to Goodwill. Sells a variety of used items at low prices.
CELL PHONES
It is recommended that you get a U.S./local sim card as soon as you
arrive in Salina. There are several cell phone providers in Salina.
• RadioShack 1103 W Crawford, 2259 S. Ninth St
• U.S. Cellular 2851 Market Pl.
• Verizon Wireless 2401 S. Ninth St
MEDICAL CARE
STAT CARE 1001 S. Ohio St
This is a minor emergency and illness clinic that is open after 5 p.m. on
weekends. It offers on-site laboratory & x-ray services. If you show your
K-State Student ID card, you will receive a 10 percent discount off of
your charges.
MEDEXPRESS URGENT CARE CENTER 2770. 9th Street
This is a full-service walk-in center to assist with health care needs.
EMERGENCY SERVICES 400 S. Santa Fe
The Emergency Department at Salina Regional Health Center offers
high-quality medical services by physicians with specialty training in
emergency medicine. The department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. Hospital charges will apply.
In the event of a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911.
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