Information for New International Students
Optional Practical Training (OPT) 12-Month Update and 17-Month Application (6/11/08)
EA Ambassador/Assistant Applications Available
International Student Council Nomination Form
UK-Sponsored Education Abroad Programs still taking applications:
--Winter Caribbean Cruise Program
Graduating Students:
Health Insurance Continuation Plan
Health Insurance Waiver Procedure 
Information for New International Students
Welcome to the University of Kentucky ! Once students have been accepted to the University of Kentucky , the UK Office of International Affairs (OIA) offers support related to pre-departure and arrival activities. This Web page provides the essential information for your arrival and orientation in Lexington . Read it carefully in preparation for your trip.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Housing
Undergraduate Students Dates & Deadlines
Transportation from the Airport
Graduate Students Dates & Deadlines
Travel Funds & Paying for Tuition
REMEMBER: International students are required to attend a reporting session at the Office of International Affairs before registering for classes.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Please complete the following steps before coming to the United States :
_ Apply for housing. http://www.uky.edu/Housing/
_ Pay the SEVIS fee. http://www.fmjfee.com
_ Obtain a visa at the U.S. Consulate.
_ Complete the online “Airport Pick Up Request” form (to request to be met at the airport.) ( http://www.uky.edu/IntlAffairs/oiaForms/arrival.htm )
_ Update immunizations. http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/UHS/INternational.htm
_ If you are under 18 years old, have a parent or guardian write a letter giving permission for medical treatment.
_ Purchase travel health insurance to provide coverage through August 26. (Insurance purchased through the university will take effect on August 27.)
Undergraduate Student Dates & Deadlines
The earliest permitted date of arrival in the U.S. is 30 days before the start date on the I-20 or DS -2019. Beginning August 1, campus maps and additional information will be available in the Office of International Affairs on the second floor of Bradley Hall.
Undergraduate students should arrive in Lexington before August 18. The time before classes begin is called Welcome Week. It includes reporting, orientation and a variety of activities designed to help you make the transition to life as a UK student. NOTE: All new students must attend a reporting session in the Office of International Affairs before registering for classes. (See calendar below.)
Reporting: Students must attend a reporting session at the Office of International Affairs prior to registering for classes. Bring your passport, as well as your I-20 or DS-2019 to this session, and an OIA staff member will help you open your file.
Orientation: The International Student Orientation will cover topics vital to your stay in the U.S. , including immigration information, personal safety issues, legal matters and cultural adjustment issues. Undergraduate students will have the opportunity to discuss academic concerns and expectations.
Registering for Classes: New international students must attend the pre-scheduled advising conference to register for classes.
Social Activities: Welcome Week includes various activities to help you meet other international students, U.S. students and community members. These include the International Hospitality Club/Rotary Club Picnic and K Week, a week of special events designed for all incoming University of Kentucky students. Participating in K Week is a great way to meet American students. Click here for more information. ( http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/NewStudentPrograms/ )
Important Dates for Undergraduate Students on the Fall 2008 Schedule:
August 17 International Hospitality Program /Rotary Club Picnic
August 18 Students Should Report to the Office of International Affairs
August 20 English Placement Exam (Transfer Students Only)*
August 20 International Undergraduate Student Orientation
August 22 Advising Conference
August 23 K Week Begins
August 27 First Day of Classes
*Transfer students who have already completed college-level English and are trying to test out of English 104.
Graduate Student Dates & Deadlines
New international graduate students should arrive in time to participate in departmental orientations, teaching assistant orientation (for graduate students with teaching assignments) and the mandatory international student orientation.
The earliest permitted date of arrival in the U.S. is 30 days before the start date on the I-20 or DS -2019. Beginning August 1, campus maps and additional information will be available in the Office of International Affairs on the second floor of Bradley Hall.
The time before classes begin is called Welcome Week. It includes reporting, orientation and a variety of activities designed to help you make the transition to life as a UK student. NOTE: All new students must attend a reporting session in the Office of International Affairs before registering for classes. (See calendar below.)
Reporting: Students must attend a reporting session at the Office of International Affairs prior to registering for classes. Bring your passport, as well as your I-20 or DS-2019 to this session, and an OIA staff member will help you open your file.
Orientation: The International Student Orientation will cover topics vital to your stay in the U.S. , including immigration information, personal safety issues, legal matters and cultural adjustment issues. Graduate students will be introduced to the policies and procedures of the Graduate School .
Registering for Classes: Graduate students will meet with the director of graduate studies (DGS) in their department before registering for classes.
Social Activities: Welcome Week includes various activities to help you meet other international students, U.S. students and community members. These include the International Hospitality Club/Rotary Club Picnic and K Week, a week of special events designed for all incoming University of Kentucky students. Participating in K Week is a great way to meet American students. Click here for more information. ( http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/NewStudentPrograms/ )
Important Dates for Graduate Students on the Fall 2008 Schedule:
August 12-13 International Teaching Assistants (ITA) Must Report to the Office of International Affairs
August 14 International Teaching Assistant Orientation
August 14-15 All other graduate students should report to the Office of International Affairs
August 15 International Teaching Assistant Orientation Language Screening
August 17 International Hospitality Program /Rotary Club Picnic
August 21 International Graduate Student Orientation
August 23 K Week Begins
August 27 First Day of Classes
Housing
Campus Housing: International students are encouraged to live in campus housing for their first year at the university. To live in campus housing, students must complete a housing application. Students are encouraged to apply early.
Undergraduate Application http://www.uky.edu/Housing/undergraduate/index.htm
Graduate Application http://www.uky.edu/Housing/graduate_family/index.htm
Temporary Housing: The university has a limited amount of temporary housing available during the first two weeks of August. Temporary housing should be reserved ahead of time. Request temporary housing on the “Airport Pick-Up Request” form. ( http://www.uky.edu/IntlAffairs/oiaForms/arrival.htm )
The following hotels are near campus:
The University Inn Motel ( http://www.uinn.biz/ )
Phone: 866-881-9676 or 859-278-4530
Holiday Inn Express ( http://www.hiexpress.com/Lexington )
Phone: 859-389-6800
Transportation from the Airport
Community representatives from the International Hospitality Program (IHP) can meet students at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington (Code: LEX) in the baggage claim area. Complete the “Airport Pick Up Request” form ( http://www.uky.edu/IntlAffairs/oiaForms/arrival.htm ) to request to be met by a host.
NOTE: Please only request airport pick up from one party (IHP, student organization, department, family or friend.)
Taxi Service: Taxi service from the airport to UK 's campus costs approximately $20.
Time Zones: There are four time zones in the U.S. The arrival and departure times of flights are given in the local time. While in transit be sure to reset your watch to the local time to avoid missing a connection. Lexington is in the Eastern time zone.
Travel Funds & Paying for Tuition
International students are encouraged to travel with $100 in cash and $1,500 in traveler's checks.
Tuition and fees are due after students register for classes. International health insurance fees will be added to tuition. For information on how to pay tuition and fees, visit Student Billing. http://www.uky.edu/StudentBilling/howto.htm
