International Admissions

International Student and Scholar Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5246 USA
(269) 387-5865

Orientation Information Summer--Printable

International Student Orientation and Registration Program

2014 Summer semester

Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2

Welcome to Western Michigan University!

Thank you for choosing WMU for your academic studies in the United States. Of its approximately 25,000 students, WMU hosts more than 1,800 international students representing 105 countries. WMU is committed to global engagement, and having a robust, diverse international student enrollment is important to the University's success. At the International Student Orientation and Registration Program (orientation) you will meet faculty, staff, and current international students, who will assist you with beginning your studies at WMU and getting settled in Kalamazoo. Currently enrolled WMU student leaders provide guidance and assistance to all participants. We look forward to meeting you at orientation.

Orientation check-in will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 1 at:

WMU's Bernhard Center  map:  https://wmich.edu/studentcenter/tocampus.html

In the East Ballroom  map:  https://wmich.edu/studentcenter/maps.html#

Attendance at orientation is mandatory for all new students; plan to attend all sessions. Students who miss orientation sessions, or who are granted any exemption, will still be considered responsible for the information provided during orientation. Please read all of the following information very carefully.

Cost

All newly enrolled international students will be assessed a mandatory $135 fee for summer orientation services. A free breakfast is provided every morning at orientation. Housing and other meals are not included.

Contact information for International Admissions and Services

The IAS office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Email: oiss-info@wmich.edu
Phone: (269) 387-5865
Fax: (269) 387-5899 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After-hours emergencies only: (269) 203-5482

Orientation registration: www.wmich.edu/internationaladmissions/orientation/register

Start preparing now

  • Obtain your U.S. passport and U.S. visa as soon as possible
  • Make travel arrangements to Kalamazoo
  • Make arrangements for funds to be sent in advance or to be brought with you
  • Make arrangements for a place to stay during orientation (read the information about temporary housing below.)
  • Advise your friends and family of your temporary mailing address
  • Visit the International Admissions Campus Life webpage to learn more about life at WMU: www.wmich.edu/internationaladmissions/handbook/campus

Orientation information

Bring immigration documents:

  • Visa, passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, copy of electronic I-94 arrival/departure record—print from this website: http://www.cbp.gov/I94
  • Paperwork from Western Michigan University
  • Paperwork from your sponsor, if this applies
  • Health insurance policy (not the card)
  • Copy of scholarship letter, if this applies

Orientation schedule:

Orientation registration will be open from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Bernhard Center East Ballroom (see map link near top of page). The opening session will begin promptly at 10 a.m. You will receive a complete schedule of orientation activities at registration. Orientation sessions will include:

  • Academic advising
  • Course registration
  • Grading information
  • Advising on transfer credits
  • U.S. immigration information
  • Medical insurance and health care information
  • Campus tours
  • Shopping trips
  • Social activities with other students

Travel plans

We recommend that new students arrive 1-2 days prior to orientation to rest and adjust to the time change. Plan to fly directly to the Kalamazoo Airport (airport code: AZO). Even though Chicago and Detroit appear to be nearby, both are at least three hours away by car. Transportation from the Kalamazoo Airport will be provided free of charge for three days prior to the start date of orientation and for two days after the start date. Please look for the WMU sign near the transportation desk in the baggage claim area to request transportation.

Temporary housing

Students with a WMU apartment contract: Students need to visit the WMU Apartment office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to receive move-in procedures. Note: Students will not be able to move in earlier than the official move-in date for WMU apartments. Students planning on arriving before the move-in date will need to find a place to stay until the WMU-specified move-in date. WMU Apartments website: www.wmich.edu/housing/options/apartments

Students with a residence hall contract: Students arriving early may move into their residence hall beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at a cost of $21.33 per day, which will be charged through May 4. Students planning to check into the residence hall early must bring bedding (twin-size) and bath towels. WMU's Residence Life staff may be reached during regular business hours at (269) 387-4735 or via email: rl-info@wmich.edu 
WMU residence hall website: www.wmich.edu/housing/options/halls

Note: WMU dining halls and cafeterias will not be open until May 5. Students arriving early should plan to eat at local restaurants from April 30 through May 4.

Students without a housing contract will need to stay in a hotel during orientation. WMU provides a daily shuttle service to campus for students from the Holiday Inn West hotel during orientation, which picks up students at the hotel door between 7:30 and 8 a.m.

  • Holiday Inn West—Call to make a reservation at (269) 375-6000 or make a reservation online: www.holidayinn.com. Click on the website’s “sleep” tab, then the “reserve” tab, enter the dates desired, and then click on the “Have a group code?” tab and enter the group code “IAA” to receive a discounted rate.  The hotel is located at 2747 S 11th St., Kalamazoo, Mich.  49009.  

Your temporary mailing address:

First name, family name, c/o orientation
International Admissions and Services
4255 Ellsworth Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008–5246 U.S.A.

Preparing for your stay at WMU

Living arrangements

Apply online for WMU housing: www.wmich.edu/housing

WMU Residence Halls provide safe on-campus housing and opportunities to meet other WMU students. Be sure to indicate your preference on your WMU housing request forms. All questions about residence hall reservations and contracts should be directed to the WMU Residence Life office. 

Residence Life
Western Michigan University
1903 W. Michigan Ave.Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5312
Phone: (269) 387-4735
Fax: (269) 387-4786
Email: rl-info@wmich.edu

WMU Apartments (on campus) are open to incoming transfer/graduate/sophomore-level and above students. 

WMU Apartments
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI  49008-5312
Phone: (269) 387-2175
Fax: (269) 387-4786
Email: ca-info@wmich.edu

Finances

WMU's total cost of attendance per academic semester may be found here: www.wmich.edu/tuition. Do not rely on working in the United States. Like most U.S. schools, WMU has little financial aid for international students. If you have a government scholarship, bring enough for two months to pay rent, food, book, deposits, and warm clothing. If privately sponsored, bring enough for your first semester's tuition, fees, and living expenses. Payment of the full balance on your student account is due on the first day of classes each semester. Carry with you international travelers checks or a bank draft payable to WMU. Tuition and fee rates are reviewed by the University in August each year.

Meals during orientation

During orientation you will be provided with daily breakfast and lunch during your first day at no extra cost. However, you will be responsible for your meals for the rest of the week. Dining halls will open on Monday, May 5.

Transfer credits

If you expect to receive advanced transfer credits, it is helpful to bring extra copies of your transcripts, diplomas or certificates. A syllabus or course description is also helpful and sometimes required.

English requirements

If your admission letter states that you are required to enroll in ENGL 3600 or 3610, your admission counselor will register you for this class prior to the beginning of the semester. This course counts toward the bachelor's degree only and cannot be waived. You must receive a grade of "C" or higher to pass this course.

Health care and medical insurance

WMU requires all international students to have comprehensive medical insurance. Your university account will be automatically charged for WMU insurance unless you submit a copy of your insurance policy that meets WMU's waiver requirements, listed here.
All health care or insurance related inquiries should be directed to the Sindecuse Health Center insurance manager: ca-info@wmich.edu.

Important notice to F-1 and J-1 students

An I-901 fee for F-1 students of $200 and J-1 students of $180 has been implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The fee must be paid and fully processed prior to your visa interview. Please read all immigration documents carefully. By signing your copy of the form I-20 or DS-2019 and accepting your U.S. visa, you agree to all terms and conditions set forth by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Learn more on this website: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.jsp

Note: International students may experience delays at U.S. ports of entry
As of May 2, 2013, due to heightened security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are verifying the status of F-1 and J-1 non immigrants in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System before admission at port of entry. As a result, it has been reported that many students and exchange visitors are referred to secondary inspection, where their SEVIS record will be reviewed. Due to these new entry procedures, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors entering the United States should plan to spend potentially a couple of hours in the secondary inspection process and plan flight connections accordingly.

More information about life at WMU

The International Student Handbook is full of valuable information and is accessible online: www.wmich.edu/internationaladmissions/handbook