Bank Accounts
To make transactions
easier, open a bank account soon after arriving in the U.S., preferably
at a bank with an international banking department. You will then be
able to wire money from your bank at home directly to your U.S. bank
account in a relatively short period of time. If you plan to wire money
to a U.S. bank prior to establishing an account with that bank, there
may be a service charge. Be sure the transfer includes your full name,
passport number and expected time of arrival. Identification must be
shown to collect money when you arrive. If the bank does not have an
international department, wire transfers can take 4-6 weeks and service
charges can be expensive.
Tuition Payment and Fees
All charges for tuition and fees, residence hall rent, and meal plans
must be forwarded to the Bursar’s Office before the end of formal
registration or your classes will be cancelled. If you have contracted
with the Bursar’s Office for the University’s Tuition Payment Plan,
payments must be current. Payments by check, drafts, or wire transfers
should be made in U.S. currency and drawn on a U.S. bank. If a U.S.
bank account has not been established, the University also accepts
Visa/MasterCard payments as well as Traveler’s Checks. Keep in mind
that it can take 2-4 weeks for bank drafts or checks to clear or for a
wire transfer to be confirmed. Thus, you may wish to separate funds for
University and personal expenses if time is short. Also, students are
responsible for any service charge associated with foreign bank
transactions incurred by the University.
Initial Expenses
In addition to tuition, fees, room and board, students will also have
expenses for books and school supplies. Other expenses might include
bed and bath linens or kitchen items if you have cooking facilities.
Bed and bath linens are not provided in on-campus residence halls. If
you are living off campus, expect to pay security and utility deposits
in addition to the first month’s rent.
