Planning Your Arrival (Students) — USC OIS

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Before departing for the United States, please carefully review the following checklist to ensure a smooth transition to USC.

• Confirm your acceptance to USC.
• If you have been accepted to multiple institutions, you must contact the school(s) and decline their offer(s). If an institution other than USC issued a Form I-20 or DS-2019, request a cancellation of the form. You are only permitted to possess one Form I-20 or DS-2019 at a time.
• For information about pre-departure events, resources or support available in your region, consult this list of USC international offices.
• If you are being sponsored by an organization (especially as a J-1 student), notify them of your plans and maintain regular communication, as they can assist with pre-departure arrangements.
• Check whether your USC program of study offers a departmental orientation. If so, contact the department to confirm your attendance. You may also inquire whether the department assists with housing, roommates, on-campus employment or assistantships.
• Stay in contact with the person who will pick you up at the airport. Carefully review and confirm the pickup arrangements and exact meeting location at the airport. Always have a backup plan and reconfirm all details at least 48 hours before departure.
• Designate a friend, relative or someone at or near USC as an emergency contact in case of unforeseen issues. This person should have a detailed, up-to-date copy of your travel plans, and both you and someone in your home country should ensure they have this person’s phone numbers (cell, work and home) while you travel.