NEXT

STEPS
GUIDE
WELCOME TO UIC GLOBAL!
We look forward to welcoming you to
campus. Please read this guide very
carefully. Visit global.uic.edu/welcome
to access all the forms and information
you need!
 YOU STEP APPLY FOR
FO RE 1 YOUR VISA
BE VE
I
After you receive the electronic copy of your
R
I-20, complete the following steps before
AR
booking your visa appointment:
a. Schedule a free visa information and preparation session
with an Enrollment Advisor. Your regional Enrollment
Advisor is listed at global.uic.edu/welcome.
b. Check that the details on your I-20 are correct (including
your date of birth) and make sure your name is the same as
it appears on your passport.
c. Prepare the documents you will need to bring with you to
the embassy for your visa interview.
After you complete the above steps,
immediately apply for your visa. The visa
application process includes an interview with
the U.S. Embassy, which can sometimes take
several weeks to schedule.
1. Complete your Visa Application at ceac.state.gov/genniv/.
2. Pay your I-901 (SEVIS) fee.
3. Visit usembassy.gov to learn more about scheduling your
visa appointment, what to expect when you arrive, and the
documentation you need to take with you.
4. Notify your Enrollment Advisor of the date and embassy of
your visa appointment.
STUDENT VISA CHECKLIST
Plan to present the following documentation during your visa
interview:
• CURRENT, VALID PASSPORT
Note: Please check the expiration date on your passport. If
your passport will expire less than six (6) months from your
planned arrival to the United States, is damaged, or you do
not have a page for a visa, get a new passport before your
interview.
• ONE PHOTOGRAPH
Supply a two-inch square (51 mm x 51 mm) color
APPLY FOR YOUR VISA photograph, less than six (6) months old, against a white
background, with a full front view of your head and shoulders.
SUBMIT YOUR FLIGHT DETAILS
Please use clear tape to stick your photo on the front cover of
PAY YOUR TUITION AND FEES your passport.
• DS-160 APPLICATION FORM CONFIRMATION PAGE
COMPLETE YOUR REQUIRED FORMS Visit ceac.state.gov/genniv for information and instructions.
GET PACKED
ARRIVE!
• ORIGINAL BANK RECEIPT FOR APPLICATION FEE
Please glue or tape the application fee receipt onto the
bottom of the DS-160 form confirmation page.
• ANY PREVIOUSLY EXPIRED PASSPORTS
Bring all passports containing all previous U.S. visas, even if
expired.
• SEVIS FORM I-20
Bring a properly completed form. It must be signed by both
the Designated School Official (DSO) and the applicant. The
name on the form must match the name in your passport
exactly. Visit ice.gov/sevis/students for more information.
• SEVIS I-901 FEE RECEIPT
Visit fmjfee.com/i901fee for more information.
• PROOF OF FINANCES
Supply proof that you can support yourself during your entire
stay in the United States without working. This is a bank
statement and/or letter of support from your sponsor proving
the funds that are shown on your form I-20.
• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS OF RETURNING STUDENTS
If you have previously studied in the United States, please
bring past official transcripts.
BE PREPARED TO SPEAK ABOUT
THE FOLLOWING DURING YOUR VISA
INTERVIEW:
• ACADEMIC STUDY PLAN
This includes detailed information about your studies. You
may be asked why you chose the university, program, and/or
major. You may also be asked about your career goals
after university (or) your education
• TIES TO HOME COUNTRY
Prove that you have economic, social, family, or other
leadership commitments that will help demonstrate your
intent to return to your home country after your studies in the
United States.
 STEP SUBMIT YOUR
2 FLIGHT DETAILS
When scheduling your travel to Chicago, plan to arrive on or before your scheduled move-in day. Once you
book your flight, visit global.uic.edu/welcome to enter your flight itinerary and confirm your free airport
pickup. You must submit your flight information at least two weeks before you depart. These will help the
campus team prepare for your arrival and make your big day go as smoothly as possible.
A friendly greeter will meet you at the airport and bring you to your housing on the UIC GLOBAL campus.
STEP PAY YOUR TUITION
3 AND FEES
Making your full payment in two weeks before you arrive will help avoid delays with enrollment. Before you
begin, please make sure you have your offer letter with you, as you will need to refer to the information in
the letter.
You may choose between two ways to submit payment for your tuition and fees:
• Flywire by Peer Transfer: Please visit the Flywire portal at global.uic.edu/welcome to complete the
transfer process. Please note that you cannot use a U.S. credit card or U.S. bank account.

• Wire Transfer: Find the wire transfer information on your offer letter. When making the transaction, be
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT sure to include your name and birthday.

TO CHICAGO!
You can fly into O’Hare International Airport.

CHICAGO
NEW YORK CITY
3-hour flight

LOS ANGELES
4-hour flight

HOUSTON
3-hour flight

MIAMI
3.5-hour flight

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 STEP COMPLETE YOUR STEP GET PACKED!
4 REQUIRED FORMS 5
YOU WILL NEED TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING FORMS BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL:
WHAT TO BRING
• Health & Immunization Form: Complete this prior to arrival, as required by law. Visit Pack these items in your carry-on luggage:
global.uic.edu/welcome to access and complete the form.

• FERPA Disclosure Form: Complete this prior to arrival. Visit global.uic.edu/welcome to access and
IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS
complete the form.
• Passport
• Visa
• I-20
• Letter of Acceptance
• SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt
• Customs Letter and G-28 Document (included in your acceptance packet)

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS
• Academic transcripts, certified and sealed in an envelope
• Academic certificates
• English proficiency test scores
• Bank statement

RESIDENCE ADDRESS
Remember to pack your housing confirmation letter so that your address is easily accessible when you
arrive. You will be notified of your on-campus or off-campus housing assignment before arrival. The
options for UIC GLOBAL students’ residence halls include the following:

Option A: Traditional Double Rooms house two students sharing one bedroom. Students share a
bathroom with same-gender students on the floor.
Option B: Cluster Double Rooms house two students sharing one bedroom. The bedroom is connected
to multiple bedrooms and one bathroom in the cluster. Clusters consist of same-gender students.
Option C: Suite Double Rooms house two students sharing one bedroom. Students share a common
space and one bathroom with 2-6 same-gender students in the suite.
Option D: Cluster Single Rooms house one student. The bedroom is connected to multiple bedrooms
and one bathroom in the cluster. Clusters consist of same-gender students.
Option E: Off-Campus Housing provides students with their own bedrooms and bathrooms.

UICGlobal.org
MONEY AND BANKING
STEP ARRIVE!
6
The amount of money you need to bring will depend on your personal spending habits. We recommend
that you bring $250 - $500 USD in cash, plus a Visa or MasterCard issued from a bank in your home
country that will work in the United States. A pre-paid credit card will work, too.

WHAT TO WEAR
A variety of clothing types should be considered when packing. However, you will have plenty of
opportunities to purchase any additional clothing or supplies once you arrive. Located in the Midwestern
region of the United States, Chicago experiences the very best of each of the four seasons. Chicago is CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION
also known as the Windy City, so temperatures may sometimes feel cooler than they actually are. You must pass through Customs and Border Protection upon arrival to the United States. If you are
deferred at Customs and Border Protection for any reason upon your arrival, please be sure to give the
• Summer (June to September): 58-81°F (14-27°C) August is the rainiest month of the year in Chicago.
officer your Customs Letter and G-28 Document that shows support available. If you are also able to call,
• Autumn (September to December): 23-73°F (-5-23°C) please contact UIC GLOBAL.
• Winter (December to March): 18-43°F (-8-6°C) The annual snowfall is around 36 inches (91 cm)
per year.
• Spring (March to June): 29-75°F (-2-24°C)
AIRPORT PICKUP
As part of our concierge services, we will provide you with a free airport transfer from O’Hare International
Airport to your residence. Your driver will be holding a sign that reads “UIC GLOBAL.”
ELECTRICAL ADAPTER
If you do not see your greeter within 15 minutes of reaching the Ground Transportation area of Arrivals,
U.S. electrical outlets are 120 V with a frequency of 60 Hz.
please follow these directions:

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
Keep medication in its original pharmacy packaging in case you are asked questions at customs. Be
prepared to present prescriptions from your doctor to immigration officials upon request.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Please carry your personal emergency contact information and the phone number (found in your
pre-arrival email from UIC GLOBAL). Store this in your wallet or purse at all times.
• Find the nearest public pay phone or use your cell phone and dial the UIC GLOBAL Help Line found in
your pre-arrival email.
• Once an operator answers, please say “Hello, I’m a UIC GLOBAL student and I can’t find my driver.
My name is [say your full name slowly] from [home country name]. I am waiting in Terminal [letter or
number] in the Ground Transportation area and wearing [color and description of clothes].” The friendly
operator will help find your greeter/driver promptly.
• Once you arrive on campus, you will be escorted to your residence.
• Reception details and the orientation schedule will be included in your welcome packet upon arrival.

LAPTOP AND CHARGER

A laptop is not required, but you can purchase one once you arrive to campus. Wireless internet service is
available on campus.

REMINDER
All carry-on liquids and gels must be 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less by volume in one (1) quart-sized, clear,
plastic, zip-top bag (tsa.gov/travel/securityscreening/liquids-rule).

• DO NOT bring any sharp objects, such as scissors or a penknife, as these will be confiscated by TSA
airport security.
• DO NOT pack any food or beverages. You will be able to purchase these items once you pass through
airport security.

UICGlobal.org
ARRIVING
OME
EARLY?
EC L U S
W AMP
TO C

If you arrive before your move-in day, you will need to arrange accommodations at a local hotel. Consider
staying at one of the following local hotels until the official move-in date. Please note that you will also
need to arrange transportation from your hotel to your residence on move-in day.

Please report to the UIC GLOBAL campus to check in on move-in day at the housing check-in address
listed on the left-hand page.

CHICAGO MARRIOTT AT MEDICAL DISTRICT/ CROWNE PLAZA CHICAGO METRO

UIC DOWNTOWN
625 S Ashland Ave. 733 West Madison
Chicago, IL 60607 Chicago, IL 60661
0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers)
The day after your move-in day, Orientation
Week begins. All Orientation Week activities are
HOTEL CHICAGO ILLINOIS MEDICAL HOLIDAY INN HOTEL & SUITES CHICAGO-
mandatory. To view our activities for the week,
DISTRICT DOWNTOWN
visit global.uic.edu/welcome.
1622 W Jackson Blvd. 506 W Harrison St.
Chicago, IL 60612 Chicago, IL 60607 Start exploring campus and see everything the
1 mile (1.6 kilometers) 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) University of Illinois at Chicago has to offer!
Don’t forget to visit global.uic.edu/welcome
for more helpful tips on arriving to the United
UICGlobal.org States!
1309 S Halsted Street
Suite 248
Chicago, Illinois 60607
+1 844-842-8950
global.uic.edu

/UICnews @UICnews /uicmedia

Global.UIC.edu