International Student Pre-Arrival Guide

Welcome!

Welcome to Union County College!

We are excited to welcome you to Union County College! Moving to a new country is both exciting and
daunting! This guide is here to support you as you make your transition to living in the United States
and start your learning journey at Union County College!

Please carefully review this Pre-Arrival Guide. The Guide consists of the following sections:
Your Support Team — Review your key points of contact and support network
throughout your time in the program.

Visa Interview Process — Learn about what you need to do before arriving.
Pre-Arrival Checklist — Learn about what you need to do before arriving.
Travel Document Checklist — Learn about the documents you need to bring with
you when entering the United States.

Housing and Airport Transportation — Learn about the different housing and
airport transportation options and make your selections.

Placement Test Preparation — Learn about the placement tests you will be required
to take when you arrive on campus, how to prepare for them, and understand how the test
results impact your successful start to the program.

Registering for Classes — Learn about how to register for your classes.
Money & Banking — Learn about setting up a bank account in the United States.
Health Insurance — Learn about health insurance in the United States.
Living at Union — Get to know your new community, including information about
grocery stores, tourist attractions, and more!

If you have any questions during this process,

please reach out to your Admissions Officer.
We look forward to meeting you in person!

Nick Geremia Courteney Palis

Advisor Advisor
Union County College Union County College

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 2 Union County College

Your Support Team

Your support team is a group of people devoted Community College International

to your success at Union County College. Office
Advisor The international office on campus provides
full support or all international students.
Your Admissions Officer will introduce you to
The office can assist you with the following:
this person by email and will ask that you two
have an introductory meeting via Skype prior to • Tuition payments
your arrival on campus. • Visa questions
Your Advisor will help you achieve your • Mental health concerns
academic and transfer goals and will provide
• Your Community College online account
support on any specific questions and/or
concerns you may have. • Travel assistance
Your Advisor will also help you prepare for the Peer Mentor
placement test you will have to pass in order to
start earning college credits for your classes at All international students will be paired with
Union County College. another current student in the program who
has been enrolled for at least one term.

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 3 Union County College

Visa Interview Process

In order to study in the United States, all non-US citizens will need to apply for an F-1 student visa
at a US embassy or consulate abroad. The F-1 visa will allow you to enter the United States and
begin your studies at Union County College. After you receive your Form I-20 from your school,
make sure you do the following:

£ Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee

£ Schedule a visa appointment at the closest US Embassy or Consulate

£ P rior to the visa appointment schedule a video call with your Admissions Officer
to prepare you for the visa interview.

£ Before the visa appointment

Follow the instructions on the embassy’s website to schedule your visa appointment.
Make sure you bring all of the documents the embassy or consulate requires.

Important Note: Not all visas are granted to students that apply
for one. It is important for you to understand why a visa might
denied. Here are the possible reasons.

If you have any questions, please email the admissions

department at admissions@americanhonors.org

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 4 Union County College

Pre-Arrival Checklist

9 Things You Must Do Before Arriving in the United States

Use this checklist to track what you need to submit and pack before your departure.

£ Apply for your F-1 Visa at a US embassy or consulate

(see p. 4 for details)

£  Meet with your Success Coach via Skype or WeChat

Your Admissions Officer will introduce you to your Advisor by email.

£  Select your housing option

£ Book your flight and send your flight

details to your Admissions Officer
Remember you must arrive in the United States
prior to the start date on your Form I-20.

£  Select your airport transportation

£  Prepare your travel documents

£  Purchase your health insurance

£  Prepare for your placement tests

This will help ensure you can start earning college credits
towards graduation at the Community College.

£  Register for orientation via Eventbrite

Your Admissions Officer will send you this invitation via email.

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 5 Union County College

Travel Checklist

Please use this checklist to ensure you have all of the documents you need
for your studies in the United States.

ts You W ill N ee d to Show the Border Officer:

Documen
£ Form I-20
F-1 Student Visa Stamp
£P  assport with Your Approved
 etter of Admission
£L an Honors)
your specific program (Americ
from Union County College and

£ SEVIS fee payment receipt

£ Proof of Funding rt of entry (e.g. airport).
the border officer at the US po
Financial statement to show to

Documents You Should Bring with You to the United States:

£ High School and/or College Transcript from previous schools translated into English
£ TOEFL or IELTS scores
 S Cash for Arrival (recommended amount of $350)
£U
£ Traveler’s Checks and/or Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard)
Learn about setting up a US bank account.
£ Photocopy of your passport and Form I-20
£C
 opy of your immunization records (TB, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, and
Hepatitis B). Speak to your Admissions Officer for details.
£ Proof of international driver’s license
£E
 nglish translations of marriage and birth certificates of any dependents.
£ Any medications you are taking in their original package with the prescription
translated into English
£ Marriage license (if applicable)

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 6 Union County College

Housing Options

We are excited to have you join our program! Your next step is to secure your housing
accommodations prior to arrival. Please follow the steps below to secure your prefered housing option.

Step 1: Choose a Housing Provider

There are two housing options available close to Union County College.

• Furnished Apartments
• Homestay: All students under 17 years old must select the Homestay option

Apartments: The Crossings At Union Township (Students must be 17 years or older.)

Estimated Cost One Bedroom Two Bedroom

per Month
($USD) Furnished: $1,795 Furnished: $2,135
Unfurnished: $1,520 Unfurnished: $1,825

Cooking Facility yes

Distance to Public Transportation: Bus stop is 1.29 km walk

Campus (time to campus is 36 minutes)

Housing • Lease term: The lease terms above apply to one year
Instructions leases. If students want, they may do a 6-month lease,
but this will add $100/month for each month of the
lease.
 ayment: The credit check is waived if all lease
• P
balance due is prepaid before move-in date.

Payments and deposits will vary based on which of the above options
you pursue. You will not be required to submit any payment information
until your booking is confirmed.

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 7 Union County College

Housing Options

Homestays: Live with an American family and enjoy a fully-furnished private or shared room
with up to two meals a day and transportation options to campus.

Estimated Cost
$4,180 Breakfast only (7 days) $4,496
one Semester
($USD) (no meals) Breakfast & Dinner (7 days) $5,580

Fees ($USD) $8,360 Breakfast only (7 days) $8,992

(no meals) Breakfast & Dinner (7 days) $11,160

Distance to Will vary by host family. Travel time will be between

Campus 25- 35 minutes to and from campus.
•S
 ome families will agree to drive students to school
for extra fee of $35 to $50 per week depending on
distance from school. It depends on host family
schedule.
• A bus pass can also be included in the fee so that the
parents prepay this and the student isn't left without
transportation. Bus pass is $60 per month.

Housing • Submit housing application to your Admissions Officer.

Instructions  ayment: All payments are expected to be submitted
• P
in full prior to arrival. Payment plans are available upon
request.

Living with Roommates

One of the richest and most unique characteristics of the
United States is the vast array of religious, cultural, and
racial diversity amongst its people. This is the case
in all aspects of American life, including on college
campuses. As a college student in the United States, it
is very common to share an apartment or dorm room
with students from different backgrounds that you
might only get to meet on move-in day. Learning and
living with people from a different religious, cultural and/
or racial background is seen in the United States as an
opportunity to learn about someone else’s culture and
grow as an inclusive leader.

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 8 Union County College

Airport Pick Up Services

Recommended Airport: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), located only 20km
from campus, offers nonstop flights to destinations around the world, including many areas
of Europe, Asia, Central and South America.

Recommended Arrival Days/Times: We recommend that you arrive at Union

between January 5th-10th, 2018. Suggested arrival times are between 8 am and 6 pm (EST).
If you arrive outside of these times, make sure you contact your housing provider to arrange
your move-in procedure.

Airport Pick Up

Estimated $51 - $137*

Cost ($USD) Prices are estimates and will increase with tax

Instructions for filling out the Go Shuttle Request Form (included)

Step 1 Choose the “GO Shuttle”

service you want

Step 2 Submit Service Selection and Payment Info to your Admissions Officer
We will make arrangements with “GO Shuttle” on your behalf once you send the information requested
below to your Admissions Officer.
Provide this information to your Admissions Officer in one of the following ways:
• S
 canned copy of hand-written completed application
• T
 yped directly in the body of the email
• D
 ictated via phone call

*If you arrive in an “off peak” time (before 6 am or after 9 pm), you may be charged an additional amount.

Homestay $150 from Newark each way

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 9 Union County College

Placement Tests &
Registering for Classes

Before you can take classes that will count

as college credits towards your degree Preparing for the Placement Test
requirements, you will need to demonstrate We encourage you to take advantage of the
your Math knowledge and English Reading/ Prep Series to help you achieve your highest
Writing abilities by passing placement tests. score possible on college placement exams.
The Prep Series is free and self-paced, so
The test you will take is called ACCUPLACER. there’s no risk and no pressure. You can take
Typically, students take 2 to 2.5 hours to the Math Prep course or the English Prep
complete their ACCUPLACER test. Please course, or both. Enroll in the courses here.
be sure to educate yourself about how the
ACCUPLACER is used by UCC to assess
college readiness in incoming domestic and Signing up for the Placement Test
international students: You will take the placement tests on campus through
the community college testing center. You can find
• ACCUPLACER APP information about the placement test here. Your
• Sample ACCUPLACER Questions advisor is happy to provide you with more information
during your first advising meeting on campus.
Expectations for Taking the Test
If you meet any of these requirements (under After You Take the Test
the question, “Do I Need Course Placement?”), After you take the tests, you should get your results
you may be excused from taking the within the same day if you take the Accuplacer test
placement tests. on campus. For ESL placement tests, the scores
may longer to receive. If a student underperforms
Minimum Scores on placement tests relative to their community
Review the minimum scores you need to college’s standards, then you will be required to
receive in order to enroll in courses that will take developmental coursework before starting
count toward your college degree. their program. If you are worried about taking the
placement tests, please contact your Admission
Officer so you can be enrolled in the Prep Series.

Registering for Classes

After you take your placement tests, you should go to the
American Honors office with your results and your Advisor
will help register you for classes.

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 10 Union County College

Money & Banking

Money
When traveling to the US, it’s important for you to carry
some cash with you so you have enough money to support
yourself upon arrival. We recommend carrying $350 in
cash. In the future, do not carry large sums of cash with
you. This is very unsafe and you risk losing the money.

Banking
We recommend that students over 18 years old open a
bank account with Santander Bank.
Santander Bank
2 Springfield Ave.
Cranford, NJ
(908) 276-1689 | www.santanderbank.com

Instructions for Opening an Account

You will need:
Be Aware of Scams • Passport
In recent years, the number of • School ID or student travel visa (F-1 visa)
scams targeting international Other bank options in Union:
students has increased. Hopefully
this doesn’t happen to you, but if it • TD Bank
does, we want you to be prepared. • Wells Fargo
• Bank of America
If you ever get a call or an email
from someone saying they are from
the US government or if someone
is asking you for money, you should
do the following:

• Contact your Advisor

immediately.

• Do not provide any financial

information to the person
contacting you.

• Report the call or email to the

campus police office.

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 11 Union County College

Tuition & Health Insurance

Paying for Tuition Health Insurance

You will need to pay for your tuition within 24 hours of You will need to enroll in a health
registering for classes. If you register after the payment insurance plan when studying in the
deadline has passed, you have until the end of the United States. Watch this video to learn
business day (5 pm) to pay for classes on the same day about US Health Insurance.
you register for classes. You should only pay for one Your Health Insurance Options:
semester. If you are on a payment plan, you will be asked
to pay your tuition over the semester in installments. • International Student Insurance

There are three ways you can pay your tuition:
1. You will visit the cashier’s office during orientation
so you can understand how to pay for your tuition.
You should plan to pay with a debit or credit card.
2. International wire transfer is also a payment option.
Please see your DSO for information.
3. Students can pay online via their Webservices profile
through the College if payment is made in full.
• If students choose a payment plan, they must
register through the Student Accounts office.
The initial payment must be done in person.

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 12 Union County College

Living in Union

We are excited to welcome you to your new city and provide you with all of the
resources and tips you need to make Union your home away from home.

Important School Websites

Union County College Main Website

Academic Calendar for Union County College

Union International Student Services

Student Life at Union County College

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 13 Union County College

Living in Union

Life at Union County College Student Clubs & Organizations

Located in the New York metropolitan area, the Union County College offers many ways to get
American Honors program at Union County College involved and make new friends. Visit the Student
provides students with a range of opportunities Services Office and join the International Student
given its close proximity to New York and safe, Organization to meet students from around the world.
collegiate suburban setting.
Participate in collegiate athletics such as basketball,
Union County College is an accredited, co- cross-country, or golf, or get involved in Student
educational, two-year college located in Union Government to help advocate for student needs.
County, New Jersey. As the first and oldest of Take your honors academics to the next level by
New Jersey's 2-year colleges, Union County joining Phi Theta Kappa.
College has been serving both career-minded and
transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College Building a Social Network
is accredited by the Middle States Commission on It’s not too early to start thinking about ways you will
Higher Education and offers more than 80 programs get involved and engaged at Union County College.
with degrees in Associate in Arts, Associate in
Science, and Associate in Applied Science degree • AH Activities: American Honors offers monthly
programs, and certificate programs provided by the events that all students are invited to. Activities
Continuing Education program. include movie nights, dinners, outings to local
attractions, workshops on student success, dances,
Mission and more.
Union County College—Transforming
• Union County College Student Life
Our Community One Student at a Time

Students: Approximately 12,000

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 14 Union County College

Living in Union

Climate and Local Weather High (°F) Low (°F) Month High (°C) Low (°C)
The weather in Union can be changeable and 40 26 January 5 -4
unpredictable. Union has four distinct seasons
44 28 February 7 -2
which vary greatly, so it is important to prepare!
We have everything from hot, sunny days to 53 34 March 12 1
rain and snow. Typical year-round weather and
64 44 April 18 7
temperatures are:
74 54 May 23 12
Hottest—June to August: 26⁰-37⁰ C
83 64 June 28 18
●Coldest—November to March: 2-6⁰ C
87 69 July 31 21
What to Wear
85 68 August 30 20
Depending on the weather, the dress is casual.
New Jersey has all types of weather: rain, 78 60 September 26 16
sunshine, and snow, so pack an umbrella, boots,
67 48 October 19 9
a coat and gloves! Some professors will ask
students to dress professionally for presentations 56 39 November 13 4
and special ceremonies.
45 30 December 7 -1

What to Pack
Most items can be purchased upon your arrival. Pack the essential items you need the first few days
of school knowing that you can purchase other items when you arrive on campus. For the first few
days you may need:
R Linens: a few towels and washcloths, bedding, a blanket and a small pillow
R Seasonal clothing
R Personal toiletry items
R Electronic devices (cell phone, laptop, camera, ipad)
R Prescription medications
R A small picture or memento from home to decorate your bedroom

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 15 Union County College

Living in Union

Settling into your new city

• Union County College Cranford Campus Map
• Map of Union County

Public Transportation
NJ Transit bus
• Bus #59 is a direct route to campus.

Taxis
• Cranford Taxi Service
• Springfield Limo and Car Service

Trains
• NJ Transit rail: Train system that goes between towns,
to Newark airport and New York City
• Amtrak Station: Newark Penn Station
1 Raymond Plaza, W & Market Street, Newark, NJ
Other Transportation Options
Travel and Rental Car Agents Uber
• Hertz Rent A Car Download the app on your phone.
2105 US-22, Union, NJ
Lyft
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Download the app on your phone.
1755 Morris Ave, Union, NJ
• Avis Car Rental
275 Rt 22 East, Springfield Township, NJ

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 16 Union County College

Living in Union

FOOD, CELL PHONE, AND MAIL

Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
King Foods Market­—300 South Ave, Garwood, NJ
Shoprite—563 N Ave E, Garwood, NJ
Vine Ripe Markets—430 N Ave E, Westfield, NJ
Restaurants
Vinny’s Pizza & Pasta—28 Eastman St, Cranford, NJ
River & Rail Cantina—230 S Ave E, Cranford, NJ
Sub-Ology—17 N Ave W, Cranford, NJ
Avenue East—16 N Union Ave, Cranford, NJ

Cell Phone Providers

AT&T
Metro PCS
Republic Wireless
Sprint
Verizon Wireless

Mailing and Shipping Options

US Post Office
FedEx

MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY

Doctors, Clinics/Hospitals
Trinitas Regional Medical Center
MedExpress Urgent Care

Pharmacies
Rite Aid Pharmacy
Walmart Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy

Emergency Contact Information

Always dial 911 in case of emergency
Union County College Campus Police
Union County Police
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 17 Union County College

FINAL REM IND ER
Pre-Arrival Checklist

9 Things You Must Do Before Arriving in the United States

Use this checklist to track what you need to submit and pack before your departure.

£ Apply for your F-1 Visa at a US embassy or consulate

(see p. 4 for details)

£  Meet with your Success Coach via Skype or WeChat

Your Admissions Officer will introduce you to your Advisor by email.

£  Select your housing option

£ Book your flight and send your flight details to your Admissions
Officer
Remember you must arrive in the United States prior to the start date on your Form I-20.

£  Select your airport transportation

£  Prepare your travel documents

£  Purchase your health insurance

£  Prepare for your placement tests

This will help ensure you can start earning college credits
towards graduation at the Community College.

£  Register for orientation via Eventbrite

Your Admissions Officer will send you this invitation via email.

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide 18 Union County College