Center for International Studies

Welcome to WFU

If you are visiting this page, it most likely means that you have been accepted as an international student at Wake Forest University. First of all, let me congratulate you on your decision to attend WFU. I trust that you will find WFU to be a very welcoming place, and I do sincerely hope that your transition to life in the U.S. will be as smooth and painless as possible. To assist you with the transition process, the WFU Center for International Studies (CIS) has provided you with what we hope will be a comprehensive Web page in terms of useful and timely information for the international student.

If you have further questions about your nonimmigrant status, visa issues, housing, etc., please do not hesitate to contact a member of the WFU Center for Int'l Studies staff. I look forward to meeting you when you arrive on campus, and I hope that the time that you spend at Wake Forest will be both enjoyable and academically profitable.

Kent Greer

Center for International Studies Staff

Kent Greer: Assistant Director, International Student & Scholar Services
e-mail: greerrk@wfu.edu
Tel: (336) 758-6033
Mobile: (336) 391-3755

Samuel R. Edwards: International Studies Advisor
e-mail: edwardsr@wfu.edu
Tel: (336) 758-4978

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Visa Issues

Arriving in the U.S. and North Carolina

Housing Information for Graduate Students

Checking in with the Center for International Studies

Getting Settled In (shopping, banking, postal services, etc.)

Health Insurance

Social Security Number and N.C. Driver's License

Registering for Classes

Schedules for Orientation Sessions and Classes

Useful Links

I. Obtaining a Nonimmigrant Visa Abroad at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate

Most international students who study at WFU in a full-time academic program do so with an F-1 visa. If you will be coming to study in the U.S. for only one semester as part of an exchange program, you will be issued a document that allows you to obtain a J-1 visa.

*Note* Citizens of Canada are not required to obtain a visa in order to enter the U.S. as an F-1/J-1 student. This rule, however, does not apply to landed immigrants of Canada.

Obtaining an F-1 Visa: A step-by-step process

1) Once you are accepted to the university and have proven that you have the necessary financial means available to you to fund your studies for the first full academic year, you will be issued Form I-20. This form will allow you to apply for an F-1 student visa at the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

2) After you receive Form I-20, you will need to pay a fee that is referred to as the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee is used to pay administrative costs associated with the SEVIS computer system. This fee can be paid in a variety of ways, including online using a major credit card. Detailed information on the fee and the various payment methods can be found at:

SEVIS Fee Information Page

3) Once you have paid the fee, you are now ready to schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. For students from some countries, an appointment can be scheduled online. Others will need to do so by telephone. Before going for your visa interview, you should be aware of all documentation that is required by the embassy/consulate that you will be visiting. Procedures and practices vary from country to country, so make sure that you check the embassy's/consulate's Web site prior to your visit.

Keep in mind that you can apply for the visa as soon as you receive your I-20 and pay the I-901 fee. You are advised to apply as early as possible so as to avoid any delays caused by a large number of students applying at once, background checks, etc.

*Note* F-1 students may now obtain their visa stamp up to 120 days prior to the program start date.

4) Once you have obtained your F-1 visa, you are ready to travel to the U.S. You may make an initial entry to the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date listed on your I-20. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE U.S. MORE THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS DATE.

If you have special needs that necessitate an early entry, please inform us as soon as possible to see if it is possible to accommodate your request.

II. Requesting a Change of Nonimmigrant Status within the U.S.

If you are currently residing in the U.S. in another nonimmigrant status and you wish to change your status to the F-1 category, you will need to apply for the change through the USCIS Service Center with jurisdiction over your current place of residence. Detailed instructions on how to apply for a change of status can be found on the following page:

Change of Status Information Page

If you are currently residing in the U.S. in F-2, B-1, or B-2 status, you are not allowed to attend classes as a regular, degree-seeking student until a change of status has been approved by the USCIS. The WFU Center for International studies will assist you with your application for a change of status.

III. Visa Troubles/Denials

If you are denied a visa from a U.S. Embassy/Consulate, you should contact the CIS immediately. Please keep in mind that the CIS can only provide limited assistance on such matters, but we will attempt to do everything possible to make sure that you obtain your student visa in a timely manner.

IV. Informative Web Sites

The following Department of State Web sites contain useful information as it pertains to obtaining a nonimmigrant student visa and traveling to the U.S.:

Studying in the U.S.
Student Visas

I. Initial Port of Entry

When you arrive at your initial port of entry to the U.S., you should have the following documents with you:

• Form I-20 issued by WFU
• Passport that is valid for AT LEAST six months into the future
• F-1 visa stamp/sticker in your passport
• I-94 card that you received on the airplane

If you do not have the F-1 visa stamp in your passport, the likelihood that you will be denied entry to the U.S. is very high. If you do not have your I-20 with you when you arrive at a U.S. port of entry, you will most likely be admitted into the country, given a certain form (I-515) and told to send in all necessary documentation to an office in Washington D.C.

You will be admitted into the country as an F-1 student. Your I-20 form and I-94 card will both be stamped by the immigration official to reflect your student status.

II. Delays

Please keep in mind that you are making an entry to the U.S. at a very busy time of the year in terms of processing for customs and immigration. There is always a very good chance that you will be delayed and will not be able to make your connecting flight.

III. Arriving in Greensboro

Most international students who attend WFU end up flying into the Piedmont Triad International Airport, which is located in Greensboro, NC (Piedmont Triad Int'l Airport).

It is a very small airport, and you will probably find it very convenient in terms of retrieving your luggage and finding your way around.

IV. Transportation to Winston-Salem

The airport is located approximately 30 minutes from the WFU campus. You have several options in terms of transportation from the airport:

PART Shuttle

If you arrive between the hours of 6:00am and 6:00pm, you have the option of taking the PART shuttle to the Winston-Salem downtown bus terminal. You will need to take a taxi from the terminal to the WFU campus or your place of residence. This is a public shuttle service, and the cost of a one-way ticket to Winston-Salem is only $2.00. The shuttle stop is located outside of the Northwest/Continental baggage claim area on the ground floor of the terminal. You will be transported to the PART central hub, where you will transfer to a shuttle that will take you to Winston-Salem. The last bus from the central hub departs at 6:30pm.

Airport Taxi and Shuttle Service

There is also a regular shuttle/taxi service that operates on the ground floor of the terminal. Tickets can be purchased for the shuttle at the kiosk that is located approximately in the middle of the terminal. A one-way fare to the WFU campus ranges from $40 to $50, depending on the type of transportation and number of riders.

V. Hotels

PTI Airport/Greensboro

If you will be arriving late in the evening, you may want to spend the night in the Greensboro area. There are several hotels located near the PTI Airport. Most of these hotels provide shuttle service to and from the airport.

Greensboro Marriott Airport (costly)
1 Marriott Drive , Greensboro, NC
(336) 852-6450
(located across the street from the airport terminal)

Best Western Deep River (average)
800 National Service Road , Greensboro, NC
(336) 454-0333

Comfort Suites (average)
(336) 882-6666
7619 Thorndike Road , Greensboro, NC

Super 8 Motel (economy)
(336) 855-8888
2108 W. Meadowview Road, Greensboro, NC

Motel 6 (economy)
(336) 668-2085
605 South Regional Road, Greensboro, NC

Days Inn (best price)
336-668-0476
501 Regional Road So., Greensboro, NC,
(Most popular airport hotel among WFU int'l students)

Winston-Salem Hotels

Crossland Hotel (economy)
(336) 759-7780
7910 North Point Boulevard
(Most popular among WFU int'l students; within walking distance of the WFU campus)

Super 8 Motel (economy)
(336) 714-8888
200 Mercantile Rd. At Hwy 52 N. and University Parkway

Quality Inn (economy)
(336) 767-9009
5719 University Parkway

Sundance Plaza Hotel and Suites (average)
1-800-346-8357
3050 University Parkway
(within walking distance of WFU campus)

Courtyard by Marriott (average)
336-727-1277
3111 University Parkway
(within walking distance of WFU campus; nicest hotel in the WFU vicinity)

I. WFU Center for International Studies Office

One of the first things that you should do after you arrive on campus is to check in with the CIS. When you come to the office, please bring the following documents with you so that photocopies can be made for your student file:

• Passport
• I-20 form
• I-94 card
• Proof of current medical insurance

The CIS office serves as a virtual clearing house for information about the WFU campus, the city of Winston-Salem, housing opportunities, shopping, etc. Feel free to take advantage of the expertise of all those who work in the office.

The office is located in Carswell Hall, Room 027. This is building #18 on the Reynolda Campus map.

Reynolda Campus Map for Int'l Students

I. Finding Suitable Housing (Graduate Students)

Only a limited number of undergraduate students at WFU live off campus, and this means that there is never a shortage of available housing in the area. The only problem is that many of the local apartment complexes are not located within walking distance of campus. We have attempted to provide you with a comprehensive list of area apartment complexes where international students currently live or have lived in the past. Most undergraduate international students live in on-campus dorms.

Locating Housing after Arrival

Since there is not a shortage of available housing, many international students wait until after they arrive in Winston-Salem to make a housing commitment. This allows them the opportunity to find housing that is suitable for their personal wants and needs. If you will be using this method to find housing, you will probably need to plan for a 2-3 day stay in a local hotel. This will give you enough time to look at and compare several different properties, as well as give the complex time to prepare and clean the apartment prior to your scheduled move-in date.

I have attempted to put together a list of local properties where WFU international students and other friends either currently live or have lived in the past. I have also included several properties with with which I have a certain degree of familiarity. This list is by no means comprehensive in terms of all available rental housing in the immediate Winston-Salem area, but I hopet that it will provide you with an idea of the prevailing housing situation. Please keep in mind that the rental rates listed may have changed in the past couple of months. All of the properties listed on the page are located in areas of the city that are considered to be safe by local standards.

Off Campus Housing Page

Important Housing Tips

Please keep the following tips in mind when looking for an apartment and and/or signing a lease:

1. Once you sign a contract and take possession of the apartment, you are bound by the rules of that contract. A contract is a legally binding agreement between you and the owner/management. After signing a contract and taking possession of an apartment, you will most likely have to pay a heavy fine and forfeit your deposit if you decide that you want to move prior to the end date listed on the contract.
2. Most apartment contracts are for a 12-month period. There are one or two complexes located near the WFU campus that will allow you to sign a 5-6 month contract.
3. Most apartment complexes require that you pay a deposit. The amount of the deposit is often equal to one month's rent.
4. The vast majority of apartments in Winston-Salem are unfurnished. You will be responsible for furnishing your apartment. Most students do this by purchasing used or cheap furniture at local stores and thrift shops.
5. The amount of rent you pay is usually a good reflection on the overall quality of an apartment. If the rent is cheap, the apartment may not offer some of the amenities that are found in the more expensive complexes.
6. Your personal safety should be your highest ranked priority in looking for an apartment. If you have doubts about the overall safety of a certain property, please consult with the WFU Center for Int'l Studies prior to signing a contract.
7. If you damage the apartment or leave it in a dirty state when you move out, you will be charged a repair/cleaning fee.
8. You should not hesitate to call the management if you have a problem with your apartment, such as noisy neighbors, leaky faucet, etc.
9. When you look at an apartment, make sure that you ask the management about any rent specials that they might have. Many local complexes run specials around the time that the WFU students come back to campus. Even if they don't have any advertised specials, many times they will give you some type of discount if you ask.
10. Most apartments charge extra rent and/or deposit money for pets.

Please keep in mind that the staff members of the CIS are familiar with many of the apartment complexes in Winston-Salem, and we are more than happy to provide you with guidance and opinions as they pertain to individual properties.

II. Utilities

Most apartment complexes will have a list of contact numbers for all utility services such as electricity, phone, cable TV, etc. Please keep in mind that you will probably have to pay a deposit in order to connect most utility services. Although you may be asked to provide a Social Security number, it is not necessary in order to receive service. The only companies that are rather adamant about requiring a Social Security number are the wireless/mobile phone providers.

III. Banking

Fortunately, there is a branch of the Wachovia Bank located on the campus of WFU. They offer special student accounts that do not charge a monthly service fee. Since it is so convenient, almost all international students end up banking with Wachovia. When you open your account, you will apply for an automatic teller machine (ATM)/debit card. This card will arrive at your home residence a few days after you open your account. Although it can be used just like a credit card, keep in mind that it does not carry with it a line of credit. When you establish your account, you will need to have your passport with you. A Social Security number is not necessary in order to open an account with Wachovia. It usually takes about 30 minutes to complete all necessary paper work. As a foreign national, you will be required to complete a special form that provides additional information about funding sources, etc.

Wachovia Bank

IV. Postal Services

There is a full service post office located on the campus of WFU that is operated by a United Parcel Service franchise. In addition to all of the regular mailing services, the UPS Store offers other amenities such as overnight shipping, color copying, packing services and supplies, etc.

IV. Shopping

Unfortunately, there are no major shopping centers located within the immediate vicinity of WFU. There are, however, several shopping venues located within a relatively short distance from the campus. The stores listed here sell everything needed to get you started with life in the U.S. Keep in mind that this is only intended as a starter list to get you through the first couple of days. A more comprehensive list will be provided during the orientation sessions.

Wal-Mart (320 E. Hanes Mill Road)

This is the Wal-Mart located closest to the WFU campus. By car, it is about a ten-minute drive. In addition to Wal-Mart, there are a variety of other stores located in this shopping center. Wal-Mart is the biggest retailer in the U.S., and it sells just about everything that the university student needs to get started in a new residence. On average, Wal-Mart is one of the lowest cost retailers in the country.

Target (5420 University Parkway)

Target is the second largest department store chain in the U.S. It carries a wide assortment of home goods, electronics, and clothing. Unlike Wal-Mart, it does not carry fresh meat, produce and vegetables, and its grocery selection is rather limited. On average, its prices are are little higher than those that you would expect to find at Wal-Mart. This particular store, however, is located much closer to campus.

Food Lion (7760 N. Point Blvd.)

This is the closest grocery store to WFU. It offers a full line of meats, produce, and other assorted grocery items. It is about a 15-minute walk from campus.

Lowes Food (2890 Reynolda Road: Reynolda Manor Shopping Center)

This is another full-service grocery store located close to campus.

As an international student, WFU requires that you carry a health insurance policy that meets or exceeds the following coverage requirements:

• $50,000 per illness or injury
• $7,500 for repatriation of remains
• $10,000 emergency medical evacuation (applies only to J-1 visa holders; required by the Dept. of State)

If you will have coverage from a company in your home country, you will need to bring a copy of the policy so that we can verify that it meets all requirements. If you will not have coverage when you arrive, you have the option of purchasing the insurance plan offered by WFU or purchasing a policy from an outside provider. You must be covered by a health insurance policy within two weeks of the start of classes.

Social Security Number

A nonimmigrant student in F-1 status is not eligible to obtain a Social Security number (SSN) in the U.S. unless they can prove that they are employed or have an offer of employment. This proof is established through a letter from an employer. If you are not employed in the U.S., you do not qualify to receive a SSN. This rule does not apply to those students and scholars who will be entering the U.S. in J-1 or J-2 status.

You will often be asked for a SSN because it has become the de-facto national ID in the U.S., but most international students have found that it is not always necessary.

For those of you who will be employed during your first semester on campus, you will be provided with detailed instructions about applying for your number in your respective international student orientation session. You are not eligible to apply for a number prior to entering the U.S.

More information is available on the following website: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10181.html

North Carolina Driver's License

Many international students find it to be much more convenient to obtain a North Carolina driver's license. A driver's license can stand as your official ID while you are in the U.S.

In order to obtain a N.C. driver's license, you are required to prove that you are residing in the U.S. in a legal nonimmigrant status and that you are a resident of North Carolina.. You will also need to show that you are covered by an automobile insurance policy (liability) when you take the written exam and the road skills test. Detailed instructions about how to apply for the license as well as registering a vehicle will be provided during the orientation sessions. This information can also be found on the North Carlina Department of Motor Vehicle's Web site:

North Carolina DMV

Babcock Graduate School of Business:

Registration for classes will take place during orientation week. If you have questions about classes prior to your arrival, please contact the Registrar for the Babcock School of Management.

Amy Cecil- Records Coordinator

Ronda Hirtzel- Registrar

Babcock Exchange Students

Those exchange students who will be studying in the Babcock for either one or two semesters should contact Ms. Lisa Bryant about all matters pertaining to registration.

Lisa Bryant

School of Law (LLM)

Registration for classes will take place during orientation. Professor Montaquila and her assistants will work with you on a one-to-one basis and provide you with detailed guidance as it pertains to the process.

Graduate School

As a graduate student, you will work directly with an assigned academic advisor within your respective department.

Undergraduate College

If you are in incoming freshman or transfer student, you will be assigned an academic advisor, and registration will take place the week of orientation.

Undergraduate Exchange Students

As an undergraduate exchange student, you are allowed the opportunity to register prior to arriving on campus. In addition, you will also have access to an academic advisor once you arrive in case you need to make changes to your course schedule or have questions about the classes for which you have registered. Detailed information about the registration process for undergraduate exchange students will be provided by the Center for International Studies.
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Please be advised that the Center for International Studies is not able to provide you with information as it pertains to the content of individual classes. You will need to obtain this information from your academic advisor or department.

The following are the start dates for all schools at Wake Forest University:

Babcock Graduate School of Management
(Full Time and Exchange Students)

School of Law (LL.M Program)

Graduate School

Undergraduate College

*As an incoming freshman, you may not be able to attend this all-day session due to a scheduling conflict with the general orientation held by the Undergraduate College. If this is the case, you will ned to attend one of the alternative orientation sessions.

Alternative Orientation Session

Please remember that all international students are required to attend at least one orientation session. These sessions are important in that they provide you with detailed information as it pertains to your particular visa category. If you are unable to attend any of the international student orientations listed above, please let the Center for International Studies know so that alternative arrangements can be made.

Immigration Matters

U.S. Department of State (F-1 & J-1 Students)

Education U.S.A. ( State Department info. for foreign students)

United States Citizenship and Information Services (USCIS)

Information for International Students

Edupass

Internationalstudent.com