Departure Checklists

Use these lists to help you remember important matters as you prepare to come to The University of Iowa. Many suggestions will be especially helpful if you are outside the United States and preparing to travel here to study for the first time.

Things to do well in advance of leaving:

• Read the Visa and Immigration Information* for admitted students.
• Contact your Nationality Organization for advice and assistance.
• Arrange for Housing.
• Make your airline reservations based on the reporting date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
• Purchase travel insurance to cover you until August 1 or January 1.
• Arrange for Transportation to Iowa City from the Eastern Iowa Airport.
• Check the Office of International Students and Scholars web page to determine when early check-in sessions begin. Also, once you have made your travel arrangements to Iowa City, let OISS know (using the online RSVP form) if you plan to come to the welcome lunch on the first day of OISS Orientation. Dates for early check-in sessions and the RSVP form will be posted two months before your academic term begins.

Items to carry with you on the airplane:

• Your I-20 or DS-2019
• A valid passport
• A U.S. visa for The University of Iowa
• Your admission letter from The University of Iowa
• Your financial support documentation
• Your airplane ticket(s)
• Cash, traveler's checks, or any international bank card (ATM or debit card); $800-$1,000 in U.S. currency for travel emergencies and settling-in expenses. (Problems with flight connections could make it necessary for you to spend the night in a hotel, which could cost $100 or more. Try to prepare for all contingencies associated with international travel.)
• Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of emergency contacts at home and in the United States
• Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of relatives, friends, your University of Iowa academic department, the OISS (319-335-0335 during business hours and 319-530-2135 after hours), and a representative of your nationality group at the University
• Your marriage license (if applicable)
• Your academic transcript
• Your completed and validated Immunization record
• Documentation of treatment you have received for chronic medical problems
• An English translation of your medical history and documents
• Prescriptions for medications you take and a fresh supply of prescription medicines
• Medical records (including vaccination records) for your accompanying spouse/children (if applicable)

Other items to pack:

• Clothing appropriate for the season of your arrival in Iowa (summer is hot and humid with average high temperatures around 85°F/30°C; winter is cold and dry with average low temperatures around 15°F/-10°C and significant amounts of snow)
• Adapters for electrical appliances (U.S. standard outlets use 110 volts)
• Favorite recipes and items for sharing your culture with others; music, video tapes, postcards, photographs, or traditional dress (if you have room)

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