Essential Information For
New International Students
- Fall 2023 -
Welcome To The Graduate Center,
Craig Newmark School of Journalism, and
School of Labor and Urban Studies!
Table of Contents
Immunization Requirements 3
List of Travel Documents 4
Applying for an F-1 or J-1 Visa 5-6
Preparing to Come to the U.S 7
Financial Arrangements 7
Bank Accounts 7
Financial Aid 7
Temporary Housing Options 8-9
Clothing Recommendations 10
Arriving in the U.S. 11
Covid-19 Travel Information 11
Airport Transportation Option 13
Arriving on Campus 14
Check-in 14
Orientation 15
Dates to Remember 16
One Stop 17
Social Security Numbers and ITIN 18
Health and Insurance 19
Cellphone Service 20
Finding Permanent Housing 21-22
Housing Scams 23
Contact Us 24
Immunization Requirements
Proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and a response to
the status of Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination are required of all new
incoming students. You are NOT permitted to register for classes without
proof of immunization.
Download and complete the Student Immunization Record form. For
detailed requirements and submission instructions:
Immunization Requirements | CUNY Graduate Center
3
Office of International Students (OIS)
365 Fifth Avenue, Room 7200
New York, NY. 10016
212-817-7490
intst[email protected]y.edu
List of Travel Documents
Certificate of Eligibility (SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019): This document is issued to newly admitted international students by the Office
of International Students (OIS) at The Graduate Center. International students will use this document to apply for the F-1 or J-
1 Visa at
the U.S. Consulate and to enter the U.S. in either F-1 or J-1 legal status to begin their program of study at The Graduate Center.
Passport: Your passport is issued by your government and is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies your identity
and nationality. A passport may be renewed in your home country or through the Embassy of your country in the United States. Your
Passport must be valid for at least six months after you plan to enter the United States
F-1 or J-1 Visa: You must have a valid F-1 or J-1 student visa in your passport (except citizens of Canada), to enter the United States in
either F-1 or J-1 status to begin a program of study. You may apply for the visa at the U.S. Consulate in your home country.
I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt: After receiving either form I-20 or DS-2019, students must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee online at
https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901
and print the receipt. Students will need to bring this receipt to their visa appointment at the U.S.
Consulate and will need to carry it with them when travelling to the United States. Students should keep this receipt for their records
as they will need it for all future entries.
Please be sure to carry the above documents in your carry-on luggage when you travel. Do not pack them in your checked
baggage.
I-94 Record: The I-94 is the Arrival/Departure Record issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you enter the
United States. It records the date of admission, your legal status in the U.S., and the length of time you are allowed to remain in the
U.S. F-1 and J-1 students will receive either F-1 D/S or J-1 D/S on their I-94 record. https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
https://www.gc.cuny.edu/international-students
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Applying for an F-1 or J-1 Visa
Please review the Department of State website for F -1 and J-1 visa application instructions:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html
You can apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa to travel to the United States at your designated U.S. embassy or consulate. Make sure you bring all
required documents with you.
Steps:
1. Identify the U.S. embassy or consulate that is most convenient for you to visit, go to the website of the embassy or
consulate and follow the instructions on the site. Locate a U.S. Embassy at: https://www.usembassy.gov/
2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee at https://www.fmjfee.com/
3. Obtain acceptable photographs.
4. Complete your on-line DS 160 visa application at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
5. Pay your visa fee.
6. Schedule an appointment for your visa interview.
7. You should make your appointment for your visa interview as soon as possible after receiving your Form I-20 or DS-
2019 form.
8. When you go for your visa appointment, a consular official will electronically scan your fingerprints.
Please note: Canadian citizens are not required to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate. However, they must pay the
SEVIS fee and keep the receipt.
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Applying for an F-1 or J-1 Visa (continued)
You must bring the following original documentation to the visa interview:
• Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 issued by the school where you wish to enroll
• Printed Form DS-160, “Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application,” confirmation page
• Passport valid for at least six months after you plan to enter the United States
• Two-inch by two-inch photo of yourself. Learn more about photo requirements:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
• Receipt for your $160 visa application fee payment
• Receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee payment
• Proof of financial support
• Admission letter
The visa interview is your opportunity to tell the consular officer about your plans while in the United States and what you will do when you
have completed your studies.
You should be prepared to show the following:
• You have received acceptance to an SEVP-certified school. Your Form I-20 or DS-2019 verifies this.
• You have the financial ability to pay for school costs plus living expenses (the amount shown on Form I-20 or DS-2019) and evidence of
support for future years.
• You are prepared for the academic program in which you plan to enroll.
• Your stay in the United States is temporary (i.e., you are not permanently immigrating).
• The interviewing official may be interested in how you intend to use the education you receive in the United States when you return
home.
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Preparing to Come to the U.S.
(financial arrangements)
Financial Arrangements: New York City is one of the most expensive areas in the United States. We recommend that you bring
additional funds to cover your initial expenses such as transportation, meals, lodging, textbooks, supplies, and cell phone costs. You
may also need funds for initial rent and security deposits. The amount suggested is $5,000. Since it is not advisable to carry large
amounts of money, we suggest that you first consult with your local bank about the best way to safeguard your money. Since it is
quite common to use credit and debit cards for transactions, you may be able to use your current cards. A great option for travel is to
bring most of this money in the form of prepaid travel cards. Simply load the card with funds, then use it as a credit or debit card.
Foreign currency can also be exchanged immediately at any of the New York City area airports and at most large banks, although it
may be best to exchange money in your home country. Finally, traveler’s checks are not as common, and many businesses and banks
no longer accept them, but they are still issued by companies such as American Express.
Bank Accounts: We recommend you open a bank account as soon as you arrive. Using an international bank will facilitate wiring
money from your home country. Service charges and interest rates vary. Foreign checks may require 4 - 6 weeks before funds become
available at a U.S. bank. Two pieces of identification are generally required to open an account.
Financial Aid: Students receiving scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, or tuition aid from the University will need to obtain a
social security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before the first payment check can be issued. You
should complete the check-in process with the Office of International Students (OIS); register for classes; obtain the required on-
campus employment letter; and come to our office to obtain a social security eligibility letter as soon as possible. When you receive
your social security card or ITIN, please take it to the financial aid office immediately. If you experience a delay in receiving the SSN or
ITIN which causes you financial hardship, please speak with a financial aid counselor.
You will need to make plans to have sufficient funds available to you to cover your expenses until you receive your first check.
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Preparing to Come to the U.S.
(housing options)
Temporary Housing Options: You can stay temporarily at the following locations while you are looking for permanent accommodations in
New York City.
1. International Student Center: A youth hostel in Manhattan, open to international students between the ages of 18 and 35, located on
the Upper West Side in Manhattan. The International Student Center is housed in a historical brownstone building in a residential
neighborhood, near to Central Park. They are ½ block away from the local "C" and "B" subway trains, two blocks away from the "1"
subway train, and easily accessible by bus and taxi too. For information: http://www.nystudentcenter.org/AboutUs.html
2. 92Y Residence: 92Y Residence is by application only and is available to students, interns and/or fully employed young men and women
for periods of 30 days or longer at attractive monthly rates. At 92Y Residence, you get a clean, quiet and secure home atop one of New
York City’s most exciting cultural hubs. With convenient features like large closets and multiple common areas in which to meet friends,
study and relax, a room at 92Y places you steps away from Central Park and Museum Mile, close to convenient public transit options
and in a neighborhood with wonderful restaurants, bars and shopping. For information: https://www.92ny.org/residence
3. International House: International House has eleven (11) furnished guest rooms/suites which are available for short-term stays (20 days
or less). They welcome International House alumni, guests of current residents as well as individuals and groups. Guests of
International House are welcome and encouraged to use the facilities and services at International House during their stay. These
facilities and services include a cafeteria-style dining room, 24-hour security, laundry room, coin-operated copy machine, weekly social
and cultural activities, a pub with dancing, vending machines and an indoor basketball court. For information: http://www.ihouse-
nyc.org/
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Preparing to Come to the U.S.
(housing options)
4. YMCA New York City Hostels: The YMCA makes the world’s most exciting city available to all. With 6 convenient locations throughout
NYC, they offer free WIFI, comfortable guest rooms, fitness centers, pools, and other enjoyable amenities.
https://www.ymcanyc.org/association/guest-rooms
5. Hostel International New York City: Located on Manhattan’s famous Upper West Side, HI NYC is 2 blocks from Central Park and just
minutes by subway from everything you want to see and do in the city. They are a short walk from Columbia University, St. John the
Divine, and the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem. HI USA is newly renovated with comfortable beds, free WiFi (recently upgraded) and
the largest private green space in New York. They offer free events and programs to help connect you to the well-known and the lesser-
known corners of New York, while meeting like-minded travelers from across the country and around the world. http://hinewyork.org/
6. The Leo House: Centrally located near main attractions and steps away from the 23rd Street station. Easily navigate NYC while enjoying
your stay at The Leo House. Daily housekeeping keeps your rooms clean and comfortable. Complementary breakfast is served Monday
through Saturday to keep guests happy and well-fed. https://leohousenyc.com/
7. Hotel Alexander: Located in the heart of Manhattan's Upper West Side, Hotel Alexander offers students housing with no brokers fees,
no security deposits, no phone bills or utility bills. There is no need for your own furniture or linens, making your move-in hassle
free. The Hotel Alexander is an off-campus housing alternative, available for a few weeks, a whole semester or even the whole year.
https://hotel-alexander.newyork-hotel.com/en/
8. International Student Residence: International Student Residence is located in Williamsburg, (Brooklyn) New York. They are one block
from the subway (metro station), two blocks away from the bus terminal, 30 minutes drive to JFK International Airport, 15 minutes from
La Guardia Airport, and a 30-minute subway ride to Time Square in Manhattan. They are surrounded by restaurants, bars, cafes, banks,
supermarkets, laundry facilities, and pharmacies. http://www.internationalstudentresidence.com/
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Preparing to Come to the U.S.
(weather and clothing)
Clothing Recommendations:
New York has a varying climate with four distinct seasons:
Fahrenheit Celsius
Summer (June – September) 60 to 90+ 15.5 to 32+
Fall (September – November) 30 to 80 -1 to 26.5
Winter (November - March) 0 to 60 -18.0 to 15.5
Spring (March - June) 40 to 80 4.5 to 26.5
Temperatures may vary considerably from year to year. During spring, summer and fall, moderate periods of rainfall occur, and snow
falls periodically during the winter months.
Three basic types of clothing are essential in this climate. In winter, heavy jackets or overcoats, warm hats and scarves, and
waterproof overshoes or snow boots are needed. During chilly fall and spring days, heavy sweaters and light jackets are worn
outdoors. Raincoats and umbrellas are also needed, as there is frequent rainfall. In summer, clothing suitable for hot and humid days
will be most comfortable.
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Arriving in the U.S.
At the airport or U.S. port of entry:
Please be sure to carry the following documents in your carry
-on luggage when you
travel. Do not pack them in your checked baggage. You will be required to present them
to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer upon arrival to the U.S.
1. Certificate of Eligibility (SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019).
2. Passport. Your Passport must be valid for at least six months after you plan to enter the United
States
3. F-1 or J-1 Visa: You must have a valid F-1 or J-1 student visa in your passport (except citizens of
Canada), to enter the United States in either F-1 or J-1 status to begin a program of study.
4. I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt
5. Admission Letter to your program of study at the U.S.
6. Proof of Financial Support
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Arriving in the U.S.
(transportation and safety)
Airport Transportation Options:
• From John F. Kennedy International Airport: JFK has many transportation options such as AirTrain, public subways, shared shuttle
rides, buses, taxis, and Uber.
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-ground-transportation.html
• From LaGuardia Airport: LaGuardia Airport is accessible a number of ways including public transit, taxi, cars, Uber and shared
shuttle rides. http://laguardiaairport.com/
• From Newark International Airport (Newark, New Jersey): There are many options to get from Newark International Airport to
New York City. AirTrain Newark provides easy connections to and from NJ TRANSIT, PATH and Amtrak through one gateway: Newark
Liberty International Airport Station. There are numerous public transportation options, buses, taxi, cars, Uber and shared van
shuttle services. http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-ground-transportation.html
Safety Reminders:
1. Do not allow strangers to help you carry your bags. Only uniformed airport personnel should assist you, if you require assistance.
2. Do not carry excess cash. Only carry enough U.S. dollars to get you to your destination, for your overnight accommodations, meals
and other necessities. We suggest bringing ATM or cashpoint cards, and credit cards (for emergencies), if possible.
3. Keep all your travel documents and money with you. Do not put them in your suitcase or other bags that you will not have with you
at all times.
4. Do not leave your luggage or bags unattended.
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Arriving On Campus
As an incoming student, you will be asked to attend meetings by your department and other
offices at CUNY. You will also have to complete a lot of paperwork. While it can get
complicated, we are here to help. The following guide will help you understand the
requirements of the Office of International Students.
International Student Check-In
The Office of International Students (OIS) will hold several Check-in Sessions. These
informative sessions will help you navigate life as an international student in New York. You
must also attend one in order to register for classes.
You will receive an email from the Office of International Students with a link to choose one to
attend.
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New International Student Orientation
Fall 2023
Please join the Office of International Students at our orientation
session for new international students.
We will email you in August with the dates for International Student
Orientation.
This is different from the Check-in Session, and both are mandatory.
During the orientation you will learn about the F and J regulations
and many of the services available to you at the GC.
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Dates to Remember
16
Check-in at the Office of International
Students
Various. Please watch for our email
so that you can pick a date.
First Day of New Student Registration August 15
th
International Student Orientation August 17
th
and August 22nd
First Day of Classes August 25
th
Your department’s orientation Please check with your department for
this date.
One Stop Services
Visit One Stop Services Online. https://www.gc.cuny.edu/student-life/one-stop-services
One Stop Services is designed to assist you with your questions, required paperwork, and
enrollment procedures. For all new students, One Stop is a single location where multiple
university administrative services are available. During One Stop you may obtain your
student ID card, open your library account, find out how to activate your computer account
and email, and ask questions about financial aid, health insurance or bill payment.
Doctoral Student Fellowship Recipients
https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2022-06/Incoming%20International%20.pdf
Please note that recipients of multi-year fellowships (Graduate Center Fellows, CUNY Science Scholars,
Science Fellows, Provost's Enhancement Fellows, Neuroscience Fellows, and Mathematics Fellows) and
all new one-year Graduate Assistant B or Graduate Assistant D fellowship recipients must attend a
Human Resources (HR) Orientation during One Stop. Human Resources will email you with instructions.
All Other Doctoral Students and Master’s Students
If you are a master’s student, or a doctoral student with a Tuition Fellowship only or have funding from
outside of the Graduate Center, you do not need to attend a Human Resources Orientation, but you are
should attend One Stop to take care of other administrative services.
After One Stop Services
, student ID cards may be obtained at the Office of Security and Public Safety
(Room 9124) and GC email accounts are available through IT Services.
https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2022-05/ID%20Card%20Instructions%202022.pdf
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Social Security Numbers and ITINs
1. Social Security Number: Students who will accept any type of on-campus employment, including employment from
fellowships, scholarships, assistantship, or tuition aid, will need a social security number for payroll purposes. To start the
process, make sure you are enrolled full-time, and have completed the check-in procedure with our office. You should
apply as soon as possible as it may take several weeks to receive your social security number.
2. If you are employed by the Graduate Center: Our office will have your on-campus employment letter and social security
eligibility letter. We will provide you instructions on how to complete the Social Security Application. Please note: New
students who have arrived in the United States for the first time should wait 10 days after entry to pick up these letters to
ensure their SEVIS information is active in all government databases.
3. If you are employed by another campus: You will need to request your on-campus employment letter from that campus’
Human Resources department. Please bring the on-campus employment letter to the OIS so that we can prepare a social
security eligibility letter and give you instructions on how to complete the Social Security Application. Please note: New
students who have arrived in the United States for the first time should wait 10 days after entry to pick up these letters to
ensure their SEVIS information is active in all government databases.
4. Individual taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): Students who are not employed and have a non-service financial aid
award are not eligible for a social security number and must apply for an Individual taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Student’s must apply for the ITIN with the assistance of our office. The OIS will
review your ITIN application documents, prepare an ITIN document verification letter, and mail your application to the
IRS on your behalf. Instructions for applying for an ITIN number are available from the Office of International Students.
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Health and Insurance
Immunization Requirements: New York State law requires all students to submit proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps,
and Rubella and a signed Meningococcal Meningitis Response Form to the Wellness Center. Please complete this form
and return it to room 6422 (from 9-2pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays), fax it to 212-817-1602, or email it to
wellnes[email protected].edu
. You will NOT be able to register without proof of immunization. For further information, please
see:
https://www.gc.cuny.edu/student-health-services/immunization-requirements
The OIS recommends F-1 students purchase and maintain health and accident insurance. This is essential due to the high
costs of obtaining medical and hospital care in the United States. For further details:
https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2021-10/F1-Health-Insurance-Information.pdf
J-1 exchange visitors are required per the J-1 regulations to purchase health insurance that meets certain minimum
coverage requirements. You must provide proof of health insurance for the period of their exchange visit to OIS. For
further details:
https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2021-10/J1-Health-Insurance-Information.pdf
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Get Connected – Cellphone Service
20
Cell phone service in the United States is purchased with either a monthly contract or prepaid calling cards.
With a contract you usually purchase a cellphone from the wireless company at a lower price with the promise that you will stay
with their service to a certain period of time, often as long as 2 years. If you wish to withdraw early, you will be required to pay a
high fee for ending the contract early.
For prepaid service, you purchase a phone at full price with the freedom of leaving the service at any time. Instead of receiving
bills, you pay for the service at the beginning of each month. The phones for prepaid services are usually more expensive than
those that come with service contacts.
Verizon International Student Program:
https://www.verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/international-student/
Sprint International Student Program:
https://www.sprint.com/landings/international-student/
CampusSIMs: CampusSIMs provides international students with U.S. SIM cards for their unlocked GSM mobile phones. You can
receive your U.S. phone number prior to your arrival to the U.S. by downloading the campusSIMs app from the App Store or Google
Play Store. https://campussims.com/
Movewise: Movewise provides international students with U.S. SIM cards for their unlocked GSM mobile phones.
https://www.usmobile.com/
Finding Permanent Housing
CUNY student housing & residence life is a growing community for CUNY students. Residential students benefit greatly from living on-campus with
increased opportunities for peer engagement and student involvement.
CUNY STUDENT HOUSING & RESIDENCE LIFE
555 W. 57
th
Street
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 646-664-8800
Email: ResLife@cuny.edu
https://www.cuny.edu/current-students/student-affairs/student-life/housing-residence-life/
Shahreen
Laskar
University Associate Director of Student and Residence Life
Phone: 646-664-8800
Email: Shahreen.Laskar@cuny.edu
Graduate Center Apartments: Located at 165 East 118th Street, the eight-story Graduate Center Apartments complex offers bright, modern, airy, and
affordable housing, as well as providing an easy commute to the Graduate Center for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and members of the faculty.
The complex shares the plaza of CUNY's new East Harlem Campus with Hunter College's School of Social Work. Information about licensing a Graduate
Center Apartment in Manhattan can be found at
https://www.gc.cuny.edu/student-life/living-and-learning-nyc/housing
One To World has a partnership with 4stay, a short and long-term housing site that caters to international students. Learn more about availability at
www.housing.onetoworld.org
.
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Finding Permanent Housing
(continued)
CUNY EHS Off-Campus Housing: In addition to housing that CUNY offers at its campuses, EHS offers safe and convenient
housing services. EHS is a top resource for CUNY students searching for student housing. New and renovated EHS
residences offer cable TV, internet access, new furnishings, phone service, air conditioning, 24/7 security, lounges and
kitchens. Not to mention the exciting student life experience living in New York City. Living within a community of
students from all over the country and the world, you will meet amazing people, as well as have the ability to network. To
explore all the EHS residences available to CUNY students: https://www.studenthousing.org/and/cuny
International House New York: I-House NY offers you a home away from home in New York City, a place where more than
700 graduate students and trainees from over than 100 countries connect, inspire, and collaborate. International House
is comprised of two adjacent buildings known as I-House South and I-House North. Along with the private residential
areas of the House there are many common areas for studying, socializing, eating, dancing, learning about fellow
residents, and getting involved in community life.
http://www.ihouse-nyc.org/
Popular NYC Apartment Locator Sites: These sites allow you to search for “No Fee” apartments. You do not need to pay
an expensive fee to a broker if you find a no fee apartment.
http://streeteasy.com/rentals
https://www.nybits.com/
https://newyork.craigslist.org/
https://www.zumper.com/
https://www.listingsproject.com/
https://www.renthop.com/
https://www.padmapper.com/
Guarantor for renting in the US: International students who plan on staying in a private property in the US will likely need
a guarantor for renting.
https://www.studyinternational.com/news/guarantor-for-renting-students-us/
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Watch Out For Housing Scams
Finding an apartment in New York City can be difficult. As you consider issues like size, cost, and location of the
rental, also consider this: that rental listing could be a scam. Scammers often advertise rentals that don’t exist or
aren’t available to trick people into sending money before they find out the truth.
While searching for your new apartment, please be careful of NYC rental scams:
https://www.brickunderground.com/NYC_real_estate_scams_101
http://streeteasy.com/blog/nyc-rental-scams/
https://www.longisland.com/news/08-21-13/consumer-alert-governor-cuomo-targets-apartment-rental-
scammers.html?print=1&page=1
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0079-rental-listing-scams#report
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/craigslist-rental-scam-apartment-sublet_b_4943972
If you find yourself the target of a rental scam, report it to a local law enforcement agency and to the FTC at
https://www.ftc.gov/complaint. Contact the website where the ad was posted, too.
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Welcome!
24
We are located at 365 Fifth Avenue, Room 7200.
CONTACT US
Email: intst[email protected]uny.edu
Live Chat: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Appointments: Please call or email us to schedule an in-person
appointment or a virtual appointment on Zoom
Drop-in hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Phone: 1-212-817-7490
@GCINTSTU @intstugc
More information: https://www.gc.cuny.edu/international-
students
