Dear new UMaine student,

The Office of International Programs (OIP)

extends a warm welcome to you, and looks
forward to your arrival.

We are very happy that you decided to

join our diverse university. Approximately
450 students of the University of Maine’s
more than 11,000 students come from
abroad, representing 80 different nations.
International students play an active role in
both the intellectual and the cultural life of
our campus.

OIP is here to help you prepare for your

arrival at UMaine, and navigate life on
campus.

This brochure is designed to help you prepare

for your move to Maine. Read it carefully and
if you have any questions, do not hesitate to
contact our office.

Best regards,
Office of International Programs staff

2 | umaine.edu/international
Pre-Arrival to-do list Before You Leave
Information for the following steps is available online
(umaine.edu/international/admitted) unless otherwise stated: Visa Process
o Confirm your enrollment online. o Pay the SEVIS fee. Print and save a copy of the receipt and
o Activate your online accounts. take it to your visa interview appointment. Canadian citizens
must pay the SEVIS fee prior to entering the U.S. and should
o Apply for on-campus housing after you confirm your carry the receipt with them.
enrollment. On-campus housing cannot be guaranteed if you
apply after May 1. o Once you receive your letter of admission with I-20 or
DS-2019 form, you need to obtain your visa at the U.S.
o Read this pre-arrival packet. Embassy or consulate. Make sure the name on the I-20/
o Pay the SEVIS fee (fmjfee.com). DS-2019 form matches the name on your passport.
o Apply for your F-1 or J-1 (exchange students) visa at the o Canadian citizens do not need a visa but they will need
nearest U.S. consulate or embassy. A visa is not necessary for to show the following four documents at the border: a
Canadian citizens. valid passport; I-20/DS-2019 form; a copy of the SEVIS fee
payment receipt; and proof of financial support.
o Submit your Immunization records. For more information,
visit studentrecords.umaine.edu/home/records/ o You must provide proof of financial support for your studies
immunizations-information. Submit your records to: or program and living costs at the visa interview and at a
Immunization Records U.S. Port of Entry.
Shared Processing Center o When you make your initial entrance in the U.S., your visa
PO Box 412 stamp and I-20/DS-2019 form must be for UMaine. Transfer
Bangor, ME 04402-0412 – USA students may enter with the visa stamp for the previous school.
o Submit your arrival information through the online arrival
form even if you do not need a pick up.
Travel Plans
o Make arrangements to stay at a local hotel if you will arrive
After securing a visa, make travel plans. You may arrive in the U.S.
before the arrival date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 or
up to 30 days before the date shown on your I-20/DS-2019 form;
after 6 p.m. on the designated arrival date.
however, you should not arrive later than the date listed. Please
o Check your bill in MaineStreet and pay online or at the note, you cannot move into your residence hall until the start date
Bursar’s Office in Alumni Hall by the due date to avoid listed on your I-20. Submit your arrival details to OIP at umaine.edu/
late fees. international/admitted.
o Complete the Anticipated Resource link and Financial
Responsibility Statement in your portal. Luggage
Do not send luggage in advance of your arrival. The university does
Post-Arrival to-do list not have adequate storage. Place tags or labels on all suitcases
and hand luggage, with your name and OIP address: 300 Stodder
Information for the following steps is available online Hall, Orono, ME 04469; phone: 207.581.3437. Include a copy of the
(umaine.edu/international/admitted) unless otherwise stated: address inside each suitcase in case the tag is lost or destroyed. If
a piece of luggage is lost, immediately file a claim at the airport.
o Check in at the Office of International Programs (OIP). This is
Temporary loss of luggage is common, especially when making
required by law. Check-in is 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays
connecting flights in a short period of time. It is recommended to
if you arrive before the designated arrival day. Refer to the
have enough clothing and personal items packed in carry-on
Orientation schedule for check-in time during Orientation.
luggage to last for two to three days.
o Attend Orientation. A detailed schedule can be found online.
o Apply for your MaineCard at the Student Service Center in Travel documents
the Memorial Union.
o Your passport must be valid for at least six months, with the
o Take your immunization records to Student Records, Wingate appropriate visa.
Hall, if not already submitted.
o You must carry your original I-20/DS-2019 form issued by
o Check your bill in MaineStreet and pay online or at the UMaine.
Bursar’s Office in Alumni Hall by the due date to avoid o Border control agents will stamp your passport with the
late fees, if the bill is not already paid. date of entry and immigration status: F-1 or J-1. They will
o Submit the Health Insurance Waiver Request if you have also create your electronic I-94 admission document. Be
an alternative insurance plan and do not want the UMaine sure to access your I-94 as soon as possible after your arrival
insurance. If you do not request a waiver by the deadline, (cbp.gov/I94).
you will be charged for the International Student Health o While traveling, carry all important documents, money and
Insurance plan. bank drafts with you. Guard them carefully. Do not place
them in your suitcase.
o Print your class schedule and purchase your textbooks at
University Bookstore. o Carry emergency contact numbers. Umaine Police: 207.581.4040

3 | umaine.edu/international
 Once on Campus o During your travels, it is not wise to carry large amounts of
cash. It is recommended that you carry only $200–$300 to
cover your travel expenses.
Office of International Programs o If you have an assistantship, be aware that you will receive
As soon as you arrive, visit the Office of International Programs (OIP). your first paycheck on Sept. 30 for fall arrival; Jan. 31 for spring
OIP staff will provide information on Orientation sessions and the arrival. The January paycheck will be smaller than normal,
date of your mandatory immigration check-in. because it will include payment only for days worked in January.

Orientation Working in the U.S.

All students are required to attend the New International Student Federal law regulates working in the U.S. Foreign students are not
Orientation, which provides essential details about the university, allowed to work off-campus except with special permission. Most
immigration rules, how to register for classes, social activities and students are not eligible for off-campus work authorization until
recreational services. they have completed two semesters. Other regulations apply, so
seek advice from OIP if considering an off-campus internship or
practical training experience. Student employment on campus is
Registration allowed without permission from the U.S. immigration service;
During Orientation, students who have not already registered however, it is limited to 20 hours per week during the academic
for classes will have time to register. You will need to connect to year. You can work full time during summer and winter breaks. J-1
MaineStreet (umaine.edu/portal), which allows you to select classes, students need a letter from an OIP advisor before beginning work.
register and check your account. Some students may need to meet Visit OIP for further information and advising.
with an academic advisor or staff member before being able to
register for classes in MaineStreet.
Health and Insurance
Academic Books
All course textbooks can be purchased on campus at University Immunizations
Bookstore. Maine law requires proof of immunization against certain diseases
for all students. Refer to the immunization requirements flier
Special notice included with your admission documents for specific requirements
(https://studentrecords.umaine.edu/home/records/immunizations-
The University of Maine campus has been a smoke-free, tobacco-free information/). Immunizations must be verified on a validated
campus since 2011. Smoking and use of tobacco products are not record or on medical history record by a physician or health agency,
permitted anywhere on campus grounds. Areas near campus that translated into English, showing the exact dates immunizations
permit smoking will be clearly designated. People who currently use were given. These records should be submitted prior to your arrival
tobacco products will be offered a variety of support services. to avoid enrollment delays. We recommend you keep a copy of your
immunizations records. If you have additional questions regarding the
immunization requirements, contact the Office of Student Records,
Finance and Work 207.581.4005; um.immunizations@maine.edu.

Finance and Banking Health care and health Insurance

o Your I-20/DS-2019 form will list the estimated amount of Cutler Health Center provides general medical services for all enrolled
funding required for your studies or research at UMaine. students. UMaine requires all international students to enroll in the
International Student/Scholar Health Plan or to enroll in a comparable
o The amount listed for undergraduate students is for two private insurance plan. If you decide to enroll in an alternate
academic semesters and does not include summer months. insurance plan, it must cover these minimum requirements:
o Tuition and fee estimates are based on six credits at the o Medical benefit of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
graduate level or 15 credits at the undergraduate level each
semester. Tuition and fees are subject to modification at any o $50,000 to cover expenses associated with medical
time by the University of Maine System Board of Trustees. evacuation
These levels establish the minimum full-time requirement to o $25,000 for the repatriation of remains
remain in legal status.
o Deductible cannot exceed $500 per accident or illness
o The University of Maine bills students on a semester basis. Your
UMaine bill is due by Aug. 15 for the fall semester and Jan. 5 for Most U.S. health insurance policies do not cover 100 percent of
the spring semester. Arrange payment by the deadline to avoid medical expenses incurred by illness or accident. For example,
late fees. You can view your most up-to-date bill in MaineStreet. with the university’s health policy — which is typical for U.S.
You may choose to pay prior to your arrival by wire transfer or medical insurance — you must pay all of the first $250 deductible
with a credit card. Local banks often require a waiting period of of medical bills per semester; the insurance then pays 80 percent
up to two weeks to honor international bank drafts or out-of-state of the remaining amount. Thus, you must still pay 20 percent of
checks. For a list of payment options, visit umaine.edu/bursar. all costs, in addition to the first $250. Covered medical expenses

4 | umaine.edu/international
incurred at Cutler Health Center are not subject to the $250 prior to arrival. Family housing accommodations do not include
deductible. furniture or appliances other than stove and refrigerator. We
recommend that families arrive a few days early and secure a hotel
Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of eye exams, eye glasses
for one or two nights to allow time for furnishing the apartment.
or dental care. It is advisable that you have this work done before
On-campus graduate housing is also available. Most rooms are
leaving home. The student is responsible for payment in any situation
single occupancy, but there are a limited number of double rooms.
where the cost of medical treatment is not covered by the insurance.
Graduate housing is open during breaks. Apply for graduate housing
online (umaine.edu/housing/graduate-housing).

Housing Off-Campus Housing options

Residence Halls Apartments, condominiums and houses are available for rent in
the area surrounding UMaine in Orono and Old Town. Rent for
UMaine requires all first-year undergraduates to live on campus in one student, including utilities, can range from $400–$1,200 per
the university’s residence halls. month. Students planning to live off campus should check the
Exchange and visiting students are encouraged to live on campus. A Commuter and Nontraditional Student Programs website for more
variety of meal plans is available. information (umaine.edu/cntsp). Plan to arrive early to search for
housing. Hotel accommodations will need to be secured until an
You should apply for housing before May 1. On-campus housing apartment is found.
is not guaranteed after this deadline and is assigned on space
available basis. Select continuous housing halls, which do not close
for the winter and spring breaks.
Once you have signed a contract for the academic year (or semester
Transportation and temporary housing
for spring arrivals, exchange and visiting students), you will be
charged a fee if you do not honor your housing contract. Airports
Early move-in to your residence hall room is available during Bangor International Airport serves the University of Maine. OIP will
Orientation. Prior arrangements must be made through OIP. The cost provide free transportation from Bangor International Airport on
is approximately $27 per night. the designated arrival date each semester to students who submit
arrival details online (umaine.edu/international/admitted).
Most students share a double room with another student. Single
rooms may be available for an additional fee. All rooms have closets,
single beds, desks and chairs. You must supply your own bed linens, Temporary Housing
pillow, blanket, bedspread and towels. You don’t need to bring these
If you are living in an on-campus residence hall and plan to arrive
items with you, as you can purchase them on campus (https://umaine.
before it opens, the Office of Residence Life will allow you to move
edu/housing/residence-halls/).
in to attend Orientation. The earliest you can move in is the date
listed on your I-20/DS-2019 form. If you arrive earlier, you will need
Family and Graduate Housing to secure a hotel room. If you prefer to live off campus, you will
need to stay in a hotel until you locate an apartment. Early move-in
Inexpensive family housing is available close to campus for married
is arranged by OIP based on your submitted arrival information.
couples and families (umaine.edu/housing/family-housing).
More information on local hotels can be found online
We recommend that you apply early, as there is often a wait list.
(umaine.edu/international/admitted).
We recommend that married students with a family secure housing

5 | umaine.edu/international
 Life and Climate English Language support
Orono, Old Town and Bangor Intensive English Institute
The University of Maine is located in the town of Orono. Orono’s The Intensive English Institute (IEI) offers listening, speaking,
downtown features several restaurants, breweries, coffee shops and reading and writing courses to all students who need to improve
a pharmacy. Old Town is another small town near campus. The city of their language skills. IEI students are fully integrated in the campus
Bangor is 5 miles/8 kilometers from UMaine. Bangor offers several community through activities and housing. IEI offers intensive English
shopping areas with stores, restaurants and cinemas. classes with native speakers for all levels. Fees for IEI courses are
charged separately from your UMaine tuition.
Weather and Clothes
The climate in the area ranges from an average of 10 degrees
Conversation Partner Program
Fahrenheit/-12 degrees Celsius in the winter to 80 F/26 C degrees The Conversation/Culture Partner Program is a free service that
in the summer. Due to the variable weather conditions, people in matches native speakers of English with English learners on
Maine tend to dress casually and informally for work and school. campus for language support and cultural exchange. Partners meet
approximately once a week and can work on specific assignments
FALL SEMESTER ARRIVAL or talk socially with one another. Conversation partners are screened
In August and early September, the average temperature is typically and participate in special training. More information about the
70 F/25 C, with high temperatures of 88 F/31 C or above. Early program can be found online (umaine.edu/international).
morning and evening temperatures are cooler; a light jacket might
be necessary. In October and November, it will be colder, with
temperatures ranging from 30 F/0 C to 50 F/10 C; heavier jackets, Writing Center
gloves and sweaters will be needed. The Writing Center provides free assistance with academic writing
assignments and much more. The Writing Center is staffed with ESL
SPRING SEMESTER ARRIVAL specialists specifically trained to work with international students.
December, January and February temperatures can be very cold, They provide one-on-one tutoring and a variety of workshops
with snow and ice. Average temperatures are 20 F/-7 C. Since throughout the year. More information about the program can be
UMaine is a pedestrian campus, you should bring a warm winter found online (umaine.edu/wcenter).
coat, boots, gloves, hat and scarf. Public buildings and housing all
have central heating systems. You will be able to buy boots and
other appropriate outerwear during the Orientation shopping trip.
Office of International Programs
LATE SPRING AND SUMMER WEATHER
In March and April, temperatures are similar to those in October
and international campus associations
and November. May and June get increasingly warmer. July and
August are hot, with little rain, and this is when most tourists visit Office of International Programs
Maine. Temperatures range from 75 F/24 C to 90 F/32 C.
The Office of International Programs (OIP) is responsible for the
general welfare of international students at UMaine — from admission
through graduation and practical training. OIP provides support
services, consultation and liaising with other UMaine departments for

6 | umaine.edu/international
both undergraduate and graduate students. The office assists in
the reception and orientation of international students, scholars
and faculty, integration into the university and community,
Essentials to bring
interpretation of immigration regulations and laws, and other n Valid passport with appropriate visa
individual problems that may arise. Important services offered
by OIP include pre-arrival assistance, arrival assistance, general n I-20 or DS-2019
advising and immigration advising.
n Plane ticket
Culturefest and International Dance Festival n Cash for travel
International students and scholars on campus join together for
UMaine’s annual Culturefest and International Dance Festival. During
n Health records
Culturefest, held in the fall, students from each country decorate a n Health insurance records (if applicable)
booth and share traditional music, handicrafts, traditional clothes,
photographs and food. About 1,500 people from the community n Medical prescriptions and medical supplies
attend this event each year. The International Dance Festival is (if applicable)
held each spring. Students of all nationalities perform a variety of
traditional dances at UMaine’s Collins Center for the Arts. To prepare n Contact information for family, doctor and
for these events and other international celebrations, you are school in home country
encouraged to bring a national clothing and other items typical of your
country. n Towel, washcloth
n Sweater, jacket, boots (note: winter clothes
International Student Association are easily found for purchase in Bangor)
The International Student Association (ISA) strives to involve international
and U.S. students in a variety of cross-cultural activities. The purpose of
n Photos of family and friends
the organization is to stimulate awareness of the multicultural nature of n Preferred toiletries
the world through social gatherings and field trips.
n Items representing your culture
MULTICULTURAL STUDENT LIFE center n Traditional clothes (if applicable)
The Multicultural Student Life Center (MSC) provides a gathering
place for multicultural students from the U.S. and abroad. The n Spending money for additional
knowledgeable staff can answer general questions about campus local activities enjoyed by students
life. A list of multicultural student groups housed at MSC can be
found online (umaine.edu/multicultural).

Questions?
International Programs
+207.581.3437 | international@maine.edu
umaine.edu/international

Important Phone Numbers

Office of International Programs +1.207.581.3437
Intensive English Institute +207.581.3821
Office of Student Records +207.581.1290
Residence Life +207.581.4801
Housing +207.581.4580
Cutler Health Center +207.581.4000
Bursar’s Office +207.581.1521
Bangor International Airport +207.992.4600
Campus Police 911 (emergency)
+207.581.4040 (nonemergency)
Taxi +207.947.8294 (Airport River City Taxi)
+207.942.6403 (Dick’s Transportation Services and Logistics)
Uber and Lyft available
7 | umaine.edu/international
 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
+207.581.3437 | umaine.edu/international | international@maine.edu

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender
expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of
Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).