International Student Pre-Arrival Information

We’re excited to welcome you to the College of Mount Saint Vincent! Please review this information as you prepare to come to the U.S.

What to Pack
The New York climate is typical of a temperate zone, with marked seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. Because of the range in seasonal temperatures, you will need clothing suitable for both the hot, humid summers and the cold, snowy winters—as well as some transitional clothing for the spring and fall seasons.

Clothes should be chosen for comfort and good wearing qualities. College of Mount Saint Vincent students usually dress quite casually; however, you may want to bring along a business suit or an appropriate dress for formal events.

We encourage you to also bring some sort of rain protection, and in addition to any extra layers of clothing, a heavy overcoat, hat, gloves, and warm boots are recommended for the winter. Since winter clothing is very bulky and will take up space in your luggage, you may want to wait and purchase these items after you arrive in New York.

Additional Items to Bring
You may want to plan to pack extra eye glasses or contact lenses and prescriptions, medications (in clearly labeled containers) and prescriptions, bilingual dictionaries, photos, contact information for friends and family back home and in the U.S., and compact items that will help to personalize your residence hall room and make it feel like home. And don’t worry if you can’t pack everything—there will be a shopping trip during international student orientation and other opportunities to shop throughout the semester.

Your Dorm Room
Residence hall rooms are furnished with a single bed, dresser, a desk with a chair, and closet space. Items you are responsible for providing include bedding (sheets, blankets, and pillows), towels, desk lamp, laundry basket, toiletries/cosmetics, hangers, alarm clock, and electronics. Plus there will be opportunities to shop after you arrive to campus and throughout the semester.

Money
We recommend that any money you bring from any country outside the U.S. be in the form of travelers’ checks, payable in U.S. dollars. You should also carry a small amount of money in U.S. dollars to pay for immediate expenses. Most students open an account in a local bank to handle their money. We will assist you with the banking process upon your arrival.

Medical Records
Be sure to bring copies (translated into English) of your medical records with details of immunizations you have received (including Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) proof of immunity).

Getting to the College
A College representative will meet you at the airport. When you exit the customs area, look for a person in the terminal holding a sign with your name on it. Please send your flight information for your trip to New York to internationaladmissions@mountsaintvincent.edu.

International Student Orientation
Our orientation for international students is designed to make your transition to life at the College as easy as possible. We will provide you with essential information about immigration rules and regulations, academic expectations, health care matters, safety and security, information about the U.S. banking system and other information about College services and procedures. We will also take you around campus, the local neighborhood, and help you navigate NYC, helping you to get acclimated to life at the Mount. Additionally, we will review academic advisement and help you register for courses during the orientation.

Contact
Office of Admission
(718) 405-3267
internationaladmissions@mountsaintvincent.edu