Preparing for Your Arrival
Pre-Arrival Steps
Once you have received your I-20 (degree-seekers) or your DS-2019 (UPEP students) please follow these steps to obtain your F-1 or J-1 visa.
When you go to the consulate for your visa interview, please refer to the 10 visa interview tips that we sent you with your admission letter, and please bring: your admission letter, financial documents, your I-20 or DS-2019, a receipt for your I-901 SEVIS Fee and the printed confirmation barcode page from your DS-160 electronic visa application. You will also need to pay the visa processing fee. See your local consulate’s website for additional information.
Arrival Day
Saturday, September 7, 2024.
This is the day you should plan to arrive on campus and can move into your dorm room. If you arrive early you will need to arrange local accommodation until Arrival Day.
On Arrival Day we will provide free transportation from the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport (AZO), the Kalamazoo Transit Center (bus/train station) and local hotels between 8am and 8pm. If you arrive later than that we will help you coordinate transportation to campus.
Make sure you complete the Travel Plans and Arrival form on your My Status Page once your travel plans are finalized.
If you plan to travel to campus on your own on Arrival Day, you will need to check in with the Welcome Team in Dewing Hall to pick up your dorm room key and your orientation folder.
International Student Orientation (Required) Sunday, September 8, 2024 through, Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
Sessions will include information about U.S. culture, academic expectations in the U.S. and at Kalamazoo College, cultural adjustment, health issues specific to international students as well as money and tax issues. F-1 and J-1 students will attend additional sessions explaining visa regulations.
The CIP will send you more information about Orientation and what to do to prepare – including a suggested packing list, the schedule, and more – throughout summer.
New Student Orientation (Required) Wednesday, September 11, 2024 through Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Required for all new students at K!
The rest of the first-year class will move into the residence halls on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 and new student orientation activities will begin that evening.
Summer Common Reading
Four-year degree-seeking students should be receiving information about the Summer Common Reading as well as the book from Student Development Office over the summer. If there is any delay with the mailing of the book, please let us know via email at ISA@kzoo.edu and we will try to have it resent to you.
Host Family Program
The CIP coordinates a Host Family Program to give international students a chance to connect with some local Kalamazoo residents and give them a glimpse of life outside of K’s campus. Unlike most Host Family Programs, K’s program does not involve a homestay and is not required for all students. Many of the host families are staff and faculty that work at Kalamazoo College. Information about how to apply to be part of the Host Family Program and what it entails will be emailed to you later in the summer. If you have questions, you can email the CIP at ISA@kzoo.edu.