Be sure to schedule your travel so you can arrive in the US and Worcester before your appointment starts. You might need to search for housing, open a bank account, and apply for a Social Security Number etc.
Upon arrival in Worcester, it is important that you set up an appointment with Tom H Thomsen, the Director of International Faculty and Scholar Services. At this initial meeting, we will go over the various tasks you have to complete to get started at WPI. If required, we will complete the SEVIS registration (J-1 visa holders only).
If for some reason you are not able to arrive at WPI by the start date of your appointment, it is very important that you keep both your department and the Office of International Faculty and Scholar Services informed about your delayed arrival.
I-94 Form. After each entry to the US, you need to go on line and print your Form I-94 which is the document showing your lawful record of admission. For J-1 visa holders, the I-94 will not have a specific date for the duration of admission; instead it will have the notation D/S. D/S stands for duration of status and your admission in that case is valid as long as you maintain the J status and have a valid form DS-2019. For others such as H-1B, B-1, TN, the I-94 will have a specific date listed. To access your I-94 form go to: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
The climate will vary depending on the time of the year you arrive.Summers are often warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F (15°C) to 80° (26°C) in June, July, and August. Spring (April through June) and fall (September through November) are very enjoyable, particularly in the fall when the tree leaves change color. For some, the winter months are more challenging. Worcester will often have snow during the months of December, January, and February with average temperatures between 20°F (-6°C) and 30°F (-1°C). It is best to bring or budget for clothes that will make you most comfortable in these various types of weather. If you are arriving in summer or early fall, you can buy winter clothes when you arrive, but if you are arriving in winter you should make arrangements to have warmer clothes (coat, scarf, hat, gloves, boots, sweaters) for when you arrive.