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.