If possible, we highly recommend that you arrive at least 2 days before orientation. If permanent housing arrangements are not available, you may need to make alternative arrangements for these few days. This early arrival time will be even more essential if you need to take an English Proficiency and Math exam. If your arrival date does not give you sufficient time to take care of the above matters, you should request readmission and a new I-20 for the following semester and then plan to arrive three weeks before that semester begins . Immigration regulations allow entry into the U.S. up to 30 days before the "report by" Date on the I-20, entry after the "report by" date is not permitted.
If your college has assigned you an early orientation date and you are not able to arrive in Minnesota at that time, contact your college to change the date.
Try to arrive at the Minnesota State University, Mankato during business hours: Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. To have less difficulty with transportation and temporary housing, avoid national holidays, which are the first Monday in September (Labor Day), the fourth Thursday and Friday in November (Thanksgiving), December 25-26 (Christmas), January 1 (New Year's Day), the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), and July 4 (U.S. Independence Day).
All financial arrangements are to be made before you arrive at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Minnesota State University, Mankato cannot and does not assume financial responsibility for international students and their families. To be admitted to and attend Minnesota State University, you are responsible for supplying the amount of money you indicated on the financial affidavit you submitted to MSU and You are to have access to the total amount typed on Item #7 of your I-20 (Item #5 on your DS2019) form. On-campus employment is limited and requires a work permit. In addition, students should not expect to be able to finance their studies by working in the U.S. Evidence of financial support was a required part of your application and your visa verifying that you would not have to work to support yourself.
It is unwise to carry large amounts of cash with you. It is recommended that you have immediate access to least $5,000 in Cashier's or Traveler's Checks or Credit card to cover part of your first semester immediate expenses. If you wish to deposit your money in the MSU Business Office, the checks are to be made payable to "Minnesota State University, Mankato." Money on deposit earns simple interest and is refunded when the student terminates enrollment at the University. It is also recommended that you bring $300 to $400 cash in U.S. currency for taxi, phone, and other charges that may occur upon your arrival.
While in the U.S., you are responsible for all financial obligations: rent, telephone bill, credit card expenses, food, shelter, etc., and for all bills owed to Minnesota State University, Mankato. This is a serious matter because a student will not be allowed to continue their studies at our institution until all tuition fees are paid in full.
When you chose to use the Minnesota State University, Mankato I-20 form, you entered into an agreement to abide by all the statements, terms, conditions, and figures that appear on the I-20 form including the clause on Item #9, which states "Mandatory University Health Insurance, $55 Orientation fee, and ESL Placement Test required upon arrival." This means that if you choose to attend Minnesota State University, Mankato, you agree to purchase the State University System-sponsored health insurance upon arrival on campus. In addition, health insurance purchased at another University will not transfer to Minnesota State University, Mankato. Approximate health insurance cost is stated in Item #7 on your I-20 form (stated under Item #1 on your DS-2019 form). This annual premium is due and payable upon your arrival on campus.
When comparable insurance plans are in place for international students who receive full scholarships from the U.S. Government, International Organizations, or foreign embassies, an exception to purchase the mandatory State University System-sponsored health insurance may be granted. If you believe you fall under any one of these categories of Exceptions, you must secure a "Waiver" from the mandatory State University System-sponsored health insuranceby requesting an "International Student Health Insurance Verification Form" from the MSU International Student Office. A waiver must be approved by the Director of the International Student Office and by the MSU Health insurance Advisory Committee. It is your responsibility to request this form. After the MSU Health insurance Advisory Committee approves the "Waiver", the Director of the ISO is the only person in the office who can waive the mandatory health insurance requirement. The Verification form must be returned to the MSU International Student Office a minimum of 60 days prior to the beginning of the semester. If it arrives in less than 60 days, you will be required to purchase the mandatory State University System-sponsored health insurance.
J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents are required to have health insurance which meets the minimum provisions of coverage as outlined by the United States State Department. Your J-1 program will be terminated if you fail to maintain your health insurance. It is your responsibility to obtain appropriate insurance coverage.
It is important to purchase medical insurance to cover you from the day you arrive in the United States. Most health insurance companies will not pay for a medical problem that existed before the health insurance plan was purchased.
You will be required to provide written proof of insurance coverage to International Student Office upon your arrival at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The information must be in English, and must indicate that the insurance meets the minimum State Department requirements for J-1 visitors.
You must pay for your insurance before coverage will begin. You will not be covered by insurance until you complete an insurance application, pay your premium, and have your application accepted by the insurance company.
In choosing an insurance policy, you should consider many factors, not simply the minimum stipulated by the State Department. These considerations include:
The following insurance company has been approved for J-1 Exchange Visitors by the National Association of International Educators. This company is being endorsed by Minnesota State University, Mankato. MEGA Life and Health insurance Company:
Student insurance
P.O. Box 809025
Dallas, Texas 75380-9025
800-767-0700
972-233-8200
customerservice@studentinsurance.net
claims@studentinsurance.net
www.studentresources.net
If you have questions concerning the J-1 insurance regulations, contact International Student Office or use our contact form.
If you have questions about coverage, repayments or anything else regarding Health Insurance, Kathy Grant is your contact in Student Health Services. She is available afternoons in 21 Carkoski Commons, 389-6276 ext. 244.
On-campus housing is available in the MSU Residence Halls (dormitories). On-Campus housing is limited and it is necessary to make arrangements prior to your arrival in the U.S. with the Office of Residential Life at Minnesota State University, Mankato. A "Residence Hall Application" form is enclosed. You must send your application and a $100.00 deposit check payable to: "Minnesota State University, Mankato." There is no guarantee that a residence hall room will be available. If, for some reason, you decide not to attend MSU, you must request a cancellation of your room in writing as soon as possible in order to have your deposit money refunded. Refer to your Residence Hall Contract for deadline dates for cancellation. There are two Intercultural Floors for U.S. and international students who desire a cross-cultural experience. There are also floors for specific majors for those students who would like to live with someone in the same major. If a room on one of those floors is desired, indicate that preference on your "Residence Hall Application" form. You may also e-mail the Residential Life Office with any questions about the status of your room assignment.
Off-campus housing is available. Prices range from $300.00 to $1000.00 per month; depending on the size of the apartment. This total amount can be shared by the total number of occupants per apartment. Apartments usually have a stove and refrigerator; but other furnishings vary as to the type of apartment. The renter is required to pay utilities, which include heat, water, electricity, telephone, and cable television. Deposits are required. Generally, you will be required to sign a lease. This is a legal document, so please understand what the contract says before signing. Information can be obtained by contacting the Office of Student Leadership Development & Service Learning (SLDSL) on campus:
Office of Student Leadership Development & Service Learning
Minnesota State University, Mankato
173 Centennial Student Union Mankato
MN 56001 USA
Telephone: (507) 389-6076
Fax: (507) 389-5632
In addition to SLDSL, you can search the classifieds in the Free Press.
See article "Before Renting Your First Apartment - Ten Things You Should Know"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/16/AR2007031600953_pf.html attached
Upon arriving at your U.S. Port of Entry, each person is issued an Arrival/Departure Record, I-94 card. This is a small white card, usually stapled inside your passport by the Immigration Officer. It indicates the duration of a person's legal stay in the U.S., the port of entry, the date of entry, and current non-immigrant status. You will surrender your I-94 card upon departure from the U.S. I-94 cards are issued to F-1 and J-1 students and their dependents with a D/S (Duration of Status) notation. This means that you may study as long as you remain in status and not exceed the date of your I-20 (or DS-2019) form.
You may have to go to a different part of the Airport to reach your next flight to Minnesota; or you may have to stay overnight. Use transportation (taxi, bus, limousine service) where the company name is clearly marked on the vehicle. Before taking that transportation, ask the driver to estimate the cost to your destination. Check with the Airport staff or Security if you cannot find transportation services that appear to be legitimate.
Once you have passed the immigration inspection at your U.S. Port of Entry, you will be asked to declare to a U.S. Customs inspector what you have brought into the country. Usually, you will fill out a declaration from on the plane and make a verbal statement to the official, who may or may not inspect your baggage. You may bring in anything for your personal use without paying duty. Quantity limitations are placed on alcoholic beverages (1 liter, if you are over 21 years old); cigarettes (1 carton); cigars (100); smoking tobacco (2 kilograms). A total of $400 worth of gifts may be brought in duty free every six months. Any value over $400 will be assessed duty. Any amount of money may be brought into the U.S. without paying duty; however, you must declare any amount over $10,000. Certain articles may not be brought into the U.S. including meats, vegetables, fruits, plants, drugs without a prescription, articles made from endangered species, pornographic materials, lottery tickets, and switchblade knives. Food items that are canned or otherwise hermetically sealed are acceptable. For more information, contact a U.S. Consulate.
Minnesota State University, Mankato is located in Mankato, Minnesota, which is approximately 84 miles from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. You will need to arrange your own transportation to travel to Mankato from the Minneapolis Airport. There are two convenient ways to travel to Mankato. First, by the Land-To-Air van service. The Land-To-Air counter is located in the lower level of the Minneapolis Airport. You will need to check departure times for Mankato. The cost is approximately $23.00 one way.
Check New Students FAQs for more information.
Try to arrive at Minnesota State University, Mankato during business hours: Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The International Student Office (ISO) telephone number is (507) 389-1281. The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. The major holidays are as follows:
Labor Day (the first Monday in September)
Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday and Friday in November)
Christmas (December 25)
New Year's Day (January 1)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (the third Monday in January)
Memorial Day (the last Monday in May)
U.S. Independence Day (July 4)
Upon your arrival in Mankato, it will be necessary to get to Minnesota State University, Mankato. Please call the ISO for assistance at (507) 389-1281. Take a taxi through the Kato Taxi Cab Company at (507) 388-7433. If during business hours, tell the cab driver to take you to the Centennial Student Union Building at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Cost is approximately $10.00. The International Student Office is located in the Centennial Student Union Building, Room 219-B.
If you arrive in Mankato, after office hours, you will need to check into a hotel for the night. Below is a list of reasonably priced hotels, their locations and telephone number in Mankato. Prices range from $40.00 to $70.00 a night. We recommend you ask the price of the room before making a reservation:
Holiday Inn 101 Main St. 507-345-1234
American Inn 240 Stadium Rd. 507-345-8011
Economy Inn 1255 Range St. 507-388-1644
Comfort Inn 131 Apache Pl. 507-388-5107
Days Inn 1285 Range St. 507-387-3332
Winter months (November through March) can be extremely cold in Minnesota. The temperature can drop to 10 degrees below zero C, with wind chills even lower. Winter clothing (such as wool fabrics) should be included in your wardrobe. Summer months (June through August) can be very hot. The average summer temperature is 36 degrees C, although the humidity can also be very high. Lighter clothing (such as cotton fabrics) is recommended for summer months.
