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Arrival Checklist

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Things To Do Before You Arrive

There are many things on your mind as you are preparing to depart your home country for Fontbonne, Saint Louis and the United States.

Please remember to only pack the most important and essential items.

In general, everything you might need, you can purchase once you arrive in the USA OR you can have family ship it to you later at a cheaper cost than paying baggage overage fees at the airport.

Pack for your initial arrival and then plan for later once you are settled in Saint Louis.

Hand Carry the Following Items

  1. Valid Passport
    • Make sure this passport is more than 6 month from expiration
  2. Valid F-1 or F-2 Visa in your passport
    • DO NOT ENTER THE USA on a B1/B2 Visa, you will not be permitted to register for courses if you enter on a B1/B2 Visa
  3. Valid and signed I-20
    • Do not forget to sign your I-20 on Page 1 on the bottom of the document
  4. I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt
  5. Proof of Financial Support
    • Bring the documents you presented to the US Embassy or Consulate when you applied for your F-1 Visa
  6. Admission Letter from Fontbonne University
  7. Official Copies of all your transcripts and diplomas/degrees
  8. Official Copies of your English Language Test Scores (TOEFL / IELTS)
  9. Copies of your immunization / vaccination records in English
  10. Debit or Credit Card
    • Make sure to notify the bank that you will be traveling before you leave your home country to make sure the card will work once you leave your country of origin.
  11. Cash money in case you debit/credit card does not work during your travel
    • Exchange currency before you leave your home country and make sure you have a bit of US currency for small purchases in case your card does not work initially.
  12. Prescription Medication (if needed)
    • If you take a prescription medication, make sure to fill it BEFORE you leave your country as it can sometimes be difficult to get a new prescription filled immediately.
    • Make sure the prescription medicine is in a clearly marked prescription bottle with your name on it.
  13. Contact Information of Fontbonne University
    • Jessica Lynn Hylton, MA
    • Fontbonne University, Assistant Director of International Advising, Designated School Official
    • 6800 Wydown Boulevard Saint Louis, MO 63105
    • Email:  JLHylton@Fontbonne.edu
    • Business Hours:  (+1)-314-889-4655
    • Non-Business Hours:  (+1)-314-889-4596 (Fontbonne Public Safety)

Other Things to Pack

  1. Extra Copies of Paperwork
    • Extra copies of all important paperwork listed above in waterproof envelope/folder
    • Carry this separately in your checked baggage
    • Make sure to also leave a copy of all these items at home with a trusted family member
  2. Enough toiletries and personal hygiene items for a week or two (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, soap, etc).
    • You will be able to buy new items in the United States once you arrive.
    • Do not bring large amounts.  They tend to explode under the flight pressure and ruin other packed items.
  3. Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses (if applicable)
    • You will be able to replace them once you are settled but, in case something happens in your first few weeks in the USA, please have an extra pair available

Things to Consider – Advice from Current International Students

  1. DO NOT over pack.
    • Avoid baggage overage fees by planning to ship clothing later as needed or buying it in the United States after you arrive and acclimate.
    • Check the US TSA Site for what NOT to pack in your carry-on or checked baggage  – What Can I Bring?
    • Check your airline for more information
  2. Do not bring meat or fresh produce in your checked or carry-on baggage
  3. Medical Condition
    • If you have a specific medical condition, bring this information in English from your doctor in your home country so you can easily share this information with your new doctor in the United States
  4. DO NOT bring $10,000 or more in currency or negotiable monetary instruments unless you plan to declare it at CPB on CBP Form 6059-B
  5. International Driving Permit (if applicable)
  6. English translation device or book in case you need to communicate

Contact Us

Questions? Contact the International Affairs office at internationalaffairs@fontbonne.edu.

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