International Social & Cultural Programming
Through orientation, cultural and social programs, OIS Programming assists international students, scholars and their dependents in improving the quality of their academic and social lives at the University of Pittsburgh. OIS Programming promotes international goodwill, intercultural networking, learning, and exchange among all members of the Pitt community.
Before Arrival After Arrival OIS Programs
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Programs: Before Arrival
If you are currently preparing to come to the U.S., you find the following information to be useful.
Preparing for Your Visit
Information for Transfer Students: Contact the OIS Advisor assigned to your Department/School to inquire about transfer process.
Obtaining a U.S. Visa
In order to enter the U.S., you must obtain the appropriate entry visa from a U.S. Embassy/Consulate.* A U.S. visa gives you permission to apply for admission in to the United States in a particular status. DO NOT use a tourist visa or the visa waiver program to enter the U.S. if you are not coming here to be a tourist. Obtain a visa for the correct status.
When applying for a visa, you must present your visa document (I-20, DS-2019, H-1B approval notice, etc.), evidence of financial support, and a visa application. The visa fees and application procedures/processing times vary from country to country. Some consulates grant visas on the same day; others take several weeks to process the request. Some consulates require appointments or applications mailed in; others operate on a walk-in basis. You should contact the consulate you will be applying at for details. Most consulates now have Web sites with that information:
- U.S. Embassies/Consulates »
- For information on the cost and duration of visas, consult the Visa Reciprocity Tables »
Students who are coming to the U.S. for the first time to study must use a visa that indicates the school they will be attending. That means that if you obtained an F-1 visa with another school's I-20 but you have decided to attend the University of Pittsburgh, you must go back to the Embassy/Consulate and have the notation on your visa changed to indicate the University of Pittsburgh. (Current students who have attended another school in the US prior to coming to Pitt may use the original visa if it is still valid.)
Consular officers will be interested in the purpose of your visit to the U.S. (what do you intend to do while you are here). They will also look at whether or not you have sufficient financial resources for your stay in the U.S. and your intention to return to your home country at the conclusion of your activity in the U.S. Most students and scholars obtain U.S. visas easily. Unfortunately, a few students and scholars have been denied visas. If you are denied, make sure the consular officer gives you information in writing as to the reason for the denial. Then, please contact the Office of International Services as soon as possible.
Note: Students and scholars from Canada are not required to obtain a visa stamp, however, they must show proof of financial support in addition to their visa document(s) at the port of entry upon arrival to the U.S.
Immunizations
All campuses of the University of Pittsburgh have the following immunization requirements, in accordance with the recommendations of the U.S. Public Health Service. The requirements for all full-time college students born after 1956 are as follows:
- Measles immunizations: two doses
- Mumps immunization: one dose
- Rubella immunization: one dose
Or:
- Two doses of the combined MMR vaccine.
Written proof or a photocopy of the signed record from the physician or clinic, containing the month, day and year of each immunization must be provided. International students are recommended to submit their immunization records to:
University of Pittsburgh
Student Health Service
Medical Arts Building, Suite 500
3708 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
ATTN: Dan Greenwald
There is also a meningitis vaccine requirement for students living in University-owned housing.
As a condition of occupancy in University Housing, Pennsylvania law requires all students living in University Housing to receive a one-time vaccination against meningococcal disease commonly known as meningitis, OR, to sign a waiver that indicates that they are choosing to decline the vaccine. The required form will be sent to incoming students along with the Notice of Assignment. Completion and return of this form is required prior to checking in to University Housing. Students or parents that have questions about the meningitis requirement or need a replacement form should contact Panther Central at 412-648-1100.
It is also recommended that students obtain the Hepatitis B vaccine and be tested for tuberculosis (TB).
Other vaccinations and health requirements may be necessary for those who work in biomedical research laboratories. Ask your lab supervisor about the requirements.
Health Insurance
Many countries provide access to medical care through national health care systems and/or medical insurance is available. In other countries, there is no national medical or health care system and/or medical insurance is not offered. The United States is very different and access to medical care requires some form of medical insurance as the cost of medical care is very expensive. This is not to alarm you, but to assist you in understanding aspects of living in the United States.
If you have been awarded financial aid from a school or department at the University of Pittsburgh and medical insurance is included in the award, that insurance will cover you. All other students must be prepared to have medical insurance. The cost of buying medical insurance is included in the estimated cost of living expenses and therefore constitutes part of the financial support required to issue your visa document. If you do not have medical insurance in your country that will cover medical expenses while in the United States or will not be covered through financial aid from the University of Pittsburgh, you are expected to purchase medical insurance upon arrival.
Information on insurance policies is available from the Office of International Services. The Student Health Service also offers a insurance policy to Pitt students. You can find more information on the Student Health Service Web site. Health plans are also available through HTH Worldwide. HTH has plans specially for International students.
Initial Settling Expenses
You should arrive in Pittsburgh with sufficient money to cover your first month's personal expenses. The amount needed is approximately $1,100. At least $500 of this amount should be in traveler's checks. You will need this money for your first month's rent plus one month's security deposit on a room or apartment, books, and arrival expenses such as a hotel, transportation, food, and other personal needs.
Carrying Money to the U.S.
Updated 7/21/2005
- Traveler's Checks: It is the most secure way of carrying a large sum of money. It is advisable to keep the traveler's check numbers in a separate place in case of loss so that lost checks may be cancelled to prevent misuse.
- Credit Card: Credit cards made in foreign countries are generally accepted in the U.S. though it is not always the case. Be aware of the fee and the amount of money that your credit card plan allows you to make purchases or draw from on a daily or monthly basis.
- Cash Money: We encourage you bring some cash money with you as well for the immediate needs such as transportation and food. Traveler's checks may not be accepted in some small shops.