New International Graduate Students

To do prior to arriving on campus:

• As soon as you receive your admission letter, make sure you complete the I-20 Request Form and submit it in your Application Status page with the required financial documentation.
• As soon as you receive your I-20 or DS-2019 form, start the visa application process following the directions included with the I-20/DS-2019 form.
• Set up your WPI computer account using the PIN you received from the Registrar’s Office. You should receive an email with the information on how to set up your WPI account. Once you receive that pin e-mail you will be able to register for classes.
• Take 5 minutes to view the video Overview of the US Health Care System for International Students.
• Make an appointment with a medical provider well before coming to campus to complete the WPI Immunization Form & Tuberculosis Risk Screening Form. These need to be in English or translated and transcribed by a medical professional. Once you receive your WPI email and password, you will be able to submit documentation through WPI Health Services Health Portal. You should start submitting your health forms as soon as possible (even if they are incomplete). If we are missing a required piece, you have time to make arrangements prior to arriving on campus.

Please monitor your WPI email. This is where we will notify you if you are missing required documentation.

• If you have any disabilities and are seeking accommodations, fill out an application with the Office of Disability Services.
• Learn more about LGBT+ Support available on campus. 
• Participate in one of the webinars offered by the International House in late November for new international graduate students. You will receive an email with times and dates.
• Incoming Graduate Students can contact the Residential Services Office to see if there are any on-campus housing spaces available for January, as there are a very limited amount of openings.They may start searching for off-campus housing prior to arriving in Worcester if interested. If you have any questions regarding local Worcester area housing options, please contact the Residential Services Office.

To do during arrival/Orientation period:

• Attend International Graduate Student Orientation on Tuesday, January 8th, 2019 from 1pm to 5pm and receive your international orientation packet. Please bring your passport to this session.
• Sign up for the English proficiency test (PDF) or the SPEAK (PDF) test depending on your program of study during International Graduate Student Orientation.
• Sign up for the WPI Student Health and Accident Insurance. If you choose an alternative plan, make sure you understand what is covered.
• Get your WPI ID card. You must have an ID to check in at orientation.
• Attend Graduate Student Orientation on Monday, January 7, 2019.
• Open a bank account. See page 31-33 in the International Student Handbook (PDF).
• Check in with your department. Make sure you have been assigned an academic advisor in your department.
• TAs & RAs
  • Apply for a Social Security Number (PDF) (SSN).
  • TAs need to attend TA training.
• Off-campus housing
  • Secure housing and sign lease (PDF).
  • Arrange for utilities (cable/internet, electricity, heat and water) to be connected.
• Register your vehicle with Campus Police and obtain a parking permit.
• Submit your final transcript to the Graduate Admissions Office. This can be done in person once you arrive on campus. Your institution can also send the official transcript electronically (grad@wpi.edu) or by mail to the Office of Graduate Admissions, 100 Institute Road, Worcester MA 01609.  

To do during the initial weeks of the semester:

• Meet with your advisor.
  • Finalize your Course Schedule before the add/drop deadline.
  • Develop your Plan of Study and get it approved by your advisor.
• Make sure you have settled your bill with the Bursar’s Office.
• Health & Wellness Services
  • Pay the WPI Student Health Fee if you wish to receive healthcare on campus (optional and different from required health insurance) at the Bursar’s Office and bring a copy of the record to WPI Health Services at 32 Hackfeld Road.
  • If you do not pay the Student Health Fee:
    • Take the time to research where the nearest walk in clinic is. Plan ahead so you know where to go when you are feeling ill.
  • Obtain a copy of your health insurance card and keep it with you at all times.
    • Print your WPI Student Health Insurance card by logging on here.
• Register with the Career Development Center (CDC).