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Welcome to Benedictine University!

Congratulations! You are about to begin your journey in the United States at Benedictine University! With all the changes you face, this time may be both exciting and overwhelming for you and your family. To help make your experience at Benedictine University as enjoyable as possible, we have put together the following information to make your transition to Benedictine University a pleasant one. If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Welcome to the Benedictine family!

 

Obtaining Your Student Visa

  • After you have been admitted, you will receive a welcome packet from Benedictine including visa documents (I-20 or DS-2019) and other information.
  • Schedule your visa interview appointment with your local American embassy.
  • Pay your SEVIS fee and I-20/DS-2019 fee. You may pay your SEVIS fee at www.fmjfee.com.
  • Complete the visa application by following the instruction carefully. Before applying for a visa, you may visit the U.S. Department of State for a complete guide to applying for a U.S. visa.
  • Visit a nearby U.S. Embassy or Consulate - (select China or Vietnam) for a detailed list of what to bring and how to prepare for your visa interview.
  • Prepare for the interview. Questions that you may be asked:
        • Your ties to your home country
        • Your English language skills
        • Your academic background
        • The program at Benedictine University to which you have been admitted
        • Your financial ability
        • General information about Benedictine University
        • For a detailed list of questions, review "How to Prepare for Visa Interview"
          (available in English or Chinese)
  • After you obtain the student visa, you can begin making travel arrangements.

 

When to Travel

  • It is recommended that you arrive at Benedictine University during business hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. During business hours, you will have easy access to all the services Benedictine offers. You will be assisted by our friendly staff when settling in to your new environment.
  • New students should plan to arrive in time to attend the New Student Orientation offered by the International Programs Office. For orientation schedule, please contact the International Programs Office.
  • Immigration regulations allow you to enter the United States no more than 30 days prior to the start date on your F-1 or J-1 documents. To allow ample time to adjust to the new environment, it is recommended that you arrive two weeks before the classes begin. You can take care of your personal matters such as purchasing textbooks, opening a bank account, getting a cell phone, etc., before the beginning of classes.

 

Securing Your Housing

 

Traveling to Benedictine

Book your flight
  • Select the airport according to the campus at which you will study. Please confirm your arrival with the International Programs Office. Please try to schedule your arrival on a weekday rather than weekend. Many services at the University are inaccessible during the weekend.
BU Campus Airport Code Website
Lisle, IL Chicago O'Hare International Airport ORD http://www.chicago-ord.com/
Lisle, IL Chicago Midway International Airport MDW http://www.chicago-mdw.com/
Springfield, IL Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport SPI http://flyspi.com

Schedule an airport pick-up with the International Programs Office
  • The International Programs office can assist you if given advance notice. The University provides a free pickup service for groups of three or more.
  • The individual pickup package is $80 per person. The package includes airport pickup and a complementary shopping trip to the local grocery store or supermarket.
  • Springfield Campus: If you are flying into the Springfield, IL campus, please e-mail the International Programs Office for transportation arrangements.

Take a taxi
  • Airport Pickup at Benedictine University Lisle Campus
    The distance from both O'Hare and Midway airport to the Lisle Campus is around 30 miles. The fee may range from $55-$70, not including a 15 percent gratuity. Rates vary based on travel time. Taxicabs are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the lower level curb front of all terminals. Taxi fare in Chicago starts at $2.25 and increase $.20 for each 1/9th of a mile. You may negotiate a flat fee with the driver from O'Hare or Midway Airport to the University.
  • Airport Pickup at Benedictine University Springfield Branch Campus
    It is about three miles from the Springfield branch campus to the local airport.
    School representatives can easily pickup students - please e-mail the International Programs Office for arrangements. If traveling by taxi, expect to pay $10 plus a 15 percent gratuity.
  • See directions below.

O'Hare Airport to Benedictine University Lisle Campus
Give these directions to the Taxi Driver.

• Take Interstate 294 South to Route 88 West
• Take Exit for Route 53 south
• Route 53 south to Maple Ave
• Left on Maple Avenue - travel 1.5 miles to Benedictine
• Through main entrance travel to the Krasa Center
   (the building next to the football field)

For assistance, please call 630-829-6122
Midway Airport to Benedictine University Lisle Campus
Give these directions to the Taxi Driver.

• Take I-55 south to the I-355 N/NW Suburbs exit
• Take Exit Maple Ave
• Left on Maple Avenue - travel 1.5 miles to Benedictine
• Left on College Road, Benedictine main entrance on the right
• Through main entrance travel to the Krasa Center
   (the building next to the football field)

For assistance, please call 630-829-6122
Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport to Benedictine University Springfield Branch Campus
Give these directions to the taxi driver.

• Take J David Jones Parkway to IL-4/Veterans Parkway. Turn Left
• Turn right on Browning Rd.
• Turn right on N. 5th Street. Benedictine University at Springfield will be on the left

For assistance, please e-mail the International Programs Office or
call (217) 525-1420, ext.239.

 

What to Bring

BE SURE TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAG:
  • Valid passport with U.S. visa
  • I-20 or DS-2019 form
  • Letter of acceptance, financial support (bank statements) and other important documents from Benedictine University
  • Medical records including immunization certificate and other health documents
  • Marriage certificate and/or birth certificates for you or your family (if applicable)
  • Driver's license (if applicable)
  • Money ($20 bills or small change in U.S. dollars) for taxi, tip, food or payphone, etc.
  • University's contact information, address, and information about traveling from airport to the University

*You should plan to keep copies of these important documents with family members back home and also bring copies with you.

 

Medical Insurance and Immunization Information

  • It is advisable to take care of all your medical and dental needs in your home country before you depart for the United States. As an international student, you are required by federal regulations to have medical insurance for the entire period of your stay in the United States. You may purchase international health insurance by visiting our Insurance Requirements.
  • Please print and read the Immunization Requirements, fill out a Health Form, and send the complete form to the International Programs Office.

 

Arrival Information

Meet new friends at the International Student Orientation
  • As an international student, you are required to attend the International Student Orientation hosted by the International Programs Office. This orientation is designed to help new students become familiar with the campus and surrounding areas. We'll talk about everything from getting your student identification card to adjusting to an American classroom. Most of all, we'll make sure you know what to expect as the school year begins. Please e-mail the International Programs Office to confirm your orientation date and time.

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor
  • We encourage that you schedule an appointment with your advisor who will assist you with your academic needs and guide you through class selection. You can discuss your course schedule, academic expectations and learn about additional academic resources and requirements with your academic advisor.

Visit the Asia Institute and join in the Asian Student Association
  • Our close-knit group of Asian students offers mutual support and assists the Asia Institute with social and cultural events.

Register for classes
  • Don't worry, we will help you through the process.

Explore campus and visit the Life at Benedictine section to learn where to eat, shop and study.

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