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Frequently Asked Questions
Arriving in Syracuse - Spring 08
TRAVEL
The airport in Syracuse is called the Hancock International Airport. This is not a port of entry. If you are flying from outside the USA, you must fly from your original destination to a port of entry in the United States, this could be NYC, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia – any major city. From the port of entry, you will continue on to Syracuse, once you have passed through customs.
If you fly into New York City, do NOT take a taxi into Syracuse from NYC, as this will cost around $400. Once in Syracuse-Hancock International Airport, you will take a taxi to the University which should cost approximately $30.
Here is a link to the airport in Syracuse and Domestic airlines:
http://208.78.153.134/airlines/list/
DATE TO REPORT TO THE UNIVERSTY
What ever date is listed on your I20 to report is the date by which you must report to Syracuse University. Example: if the date listed is January 7th, you must report in no later than 11:59 pm on January 7th. If you do not, this means you will be considered as missing in the USA.
If you arrive in the US prior to the date listed on your I20, and you want to visit family or friends here in the US before reporting to the university, you may, but you must check in on or before that date. Some students report to the university, then go and visit family and then return on the date of orientation.
WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU ARRIVE IN SYRACUSE
Once you have arrived and settled into your apartment or hotel, you MUST check-in at the Slutzker International center. You will receive a list of logistics to take care of, including medical appointments and a list of seminars you will be attending as part of the orientation to the US and Syracuse University. You will also receive a map of the university.
ORIENTATION
The Orientation for the College is scheduled for January 10th, 2008 beginning at 9:00 a.m. At this orientation you will receive information about the college, graduate studies, policies and procedures and internships. This orientation will conclude at 12:30 pm and from there you will each meet with your respective departments for further orientation regarding you particular field of study. This is where you will receive specific information about the courses to register for and advising.
Orientation will be held at the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center on 401 University Avenue.
BOOKS, ADVISORS, AND CONTACTING FACULTY
As you can imagine the faculty are very busy. If they took the time to answer every email they received, they would not have time to do their research or teach. So please, wait until you arrive to meet your professors.
EE students may contact Ms. Brenda Flowers at bflowers@syr.edu to request the spring book list. Other departments DO NOT make this available as the faculty change the course requirements, so please do not send emails requesting such.
HOUSING
Off campus housing: the following two links are great resources for house hunting
http://www.orangehousing.com
http://students.syr.edu/offcampusliving
Temporary accommodations: Please read this link:
http://international.syr.edu/documents/2006temp_housing_sumfall.pdf
Contact the Sheraton Hotel (315) 475-3000 and make arrangements to stay there while you look for a place of your own. Be sure to state that you are an International Student seeking `temporary accommodations during the month of August) (SU students receive a discount here while looking for housing) You should plan on arriving about 2 weeks before classes begin, this will allow you time to get settled in your personal matters before the semester starts.
Many students decide to find a room-mate and share a 2-bedroom apartment (or more) which can help save on living expenses. One bedroom apartments may rent from $350 a month and up, two bedrooms $450 and up, so you can see the value of sharing an apartment. You may also be paying for utilities, on your own you would want to budget between $150-$250 when living off-campus, but again if you are sharing an apartment then this expense is shared also. Most students can survive on a budget of about $400-$500 a month. You might find that "furnished" apartments do not have the best furniture. Furniture is not too difficult to find once you are in Syracuse if you look for "garage sales" or "yard sales," where people sell used furniture, and of course there are many stores. Most apartments will be equipped with a refrigerator and stove. You need to plan on buying a bed first, and then your "personal items," (ie, linens, towels, tioletries). You & your roomate can decide later who will contribute different "shared" items, such as microwaves, tables, dishes etc. You will most likely be required to sign a lease. This is generally a 1-year agreement, and generally requires the first month's rent up-front. This may take a while to negotiate, and is one reason why it is good to arrive 2 weeks beforehand.
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING available, but priority goes to undergraduate students. If you are interested in on campus housing complete the application available on-line at the following url: http://housingmealplans.syr.edu/forms_and_downloads/forms_and_downloads.shtml , as soon as possible. Applications for new graduate students are already being submitted, and space is limited.
ON CAMPUS JOBS
Many students find part time jobs on campus. Information on how to apply for these jobs will be provided to you during the Slutzker International Orientation which will be held on January 11th, you will receive more information about the Slutzker International Orientation once you check in at the University.
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