INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
Common Questions and Answers

• Where Can I Find Guidance & Help Once I Have Arrived At WVU?
  The Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) is specifically set up to serve you as an international student. The staff at OISS can provide advice on visa or immigration matters, employment permission, practical training and related subjects. Additionally, this office cooperates with the Admissions, Housing, and other University offices in helping international students at WVU. OISS is located in the center of the Downtown Campus, in Elizabeth Moore Hall, and the Phone number is (304) 293-3519. You can also reach them by fax (304) 293-7028, or e-mail at oiss@mail.wvu.edu
  
• How Can I Get To Morgantown
  Airline reservations should be made through Cleveland, Ohio, to Morgantown, West Virginia. The Mountain Line Grey Line also serves Morgantown to/from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania..
  
• Can The University Provide Transportation To The Campus?
  The Morgantown airport is approximately 4 miles from the Downtown Campus and it will cost you around $5.00 to take a taxi (plus a small tip of about $1.00 for the driver). The Office of International Students and Scholars can arrange to have someone meet you at the Morgantown airport, or bus station. However, in order for them to make arrangements, you must notify them at least two weeks before your arrival. For more information, contact OISS.
  
• Where Can I Find Temporary Housing?
  If you need temporary housing, you can make reservations for a hotel in the area. Click here for a list of area accommodations. If you can not stay at a hotel and decide you want the Office of International Students & Scholars to help you find temporary housing (for about 2 nights) with another student, please notify the Office at least two weeks prior to your arrival.
  
• Where Should I Report Once I Have Arrived In Morgantown?
  You should come to the Office of International Students & Scholars, located in on the Downtown Campus in Elizabeth Moore Hall, with your passport and other relevant immigration documents. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:15AM to 4:45PM. The office will record necessary immigration information and instruct you on matters of importance.
  
• Am I Required To Have Health Insurance?
  The University Health Service Provides students with general health care. The Health Service fee is approximately $64.00 per semester. This fee does not cover costs for additional specialized care, or hospitalization. All international students at WVU are required to have accident and hospitalization insurance in the event hospitalization or specialized care is needed. If you do not purchase one of the policies available at the Office of International Students & Scholars (with a cost of at least $577.00 per year), you must show proof that you have a comparable insurance plan. The cost of dental care, treatment of pre-existent condition, and routine visual and hearing examinations are not covered by the Health Service fee or the insurance fee. Further information can be obtained at OISS, and the University Health Service.
  
• Do International Students Have An Orientation Program?
  Yes, and the schedule is outlined on the Information Sheet included with your admission letter. This proves to be a very useful program to all new students. The U.S. educational system, immigration rules and regulations, cultural adjustment issues, international student programs and activities, as well as banking in the U.S. will be discussed. In addition to the International Student Orientation Program, new undergraduate students who will be in the Morgantown area during the summer may also participate in a university-wide orientation program (for additional information, please contact 304-293-6871). Many academic departments have additional orientation meetings for new graduate students.
  
• Where Can I Get Information About Housing?
  Freshman (first-year undergraduate) students who are younger than 21 years of age are required to live in the university residence halls. Other undergraduate students and graduate students may apply for on-campus housing. Students interested in living in University housing facilities must contact the WVU Office of Housing and Residence Life as soon as possible:
  

  Housing and Residence Life
  G-114 Bennett Tower
  P.O. Box 6430
  West Virginia University
  Morgantown WV 26508
  Phone: (304) 293-4491
  Fax: (304) 293-3369
  Email: WVUhousing@mail.wvu.edu
  
  Many students live in privately-owned rental houses or apartments. For additional information, you can visit the WVU Off-Campus Housing Office.
  

• How Do I Pay My Fees?
  Tuition and On-Campus housing fees are due upon registration. Please see the Estimated Expenses section of this information sheet for costs and fees. Tuition and required student fees, as well as on-campus housing, can be paid by personal check or bank draft (made payable to West Virginia University), traveler's check, cash, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). Off-campus housing costs are not paid to WVU. Students living in off-campus housing must be sure to have sufficient funds available to cover housing expenses upon arrival. Students needing to have funds transferred from their home country bank account to their new bank account in Morgantown, need to allow 10 to 15 working days for the transferred funds to be available. Information on how to open a bank account in Morgantown, will be given during New International Student Orientation.

ESTIMATED EXPENSES

Following is an estimate of fees and other expenses for the 2007-2008 academic year. These amounts are based on current costs and actual expenses may differ. Please use these figures as you plan your arrival.

Tuition & Required Student Fees

Tuition for the semester is due before the first week of class. Students enrolled in the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources add $590.00 per semester. Students enrolled in the College of Business and Economics add $488.00 per semester. Other programs may have additional costs. Actual fees charged may differ from those indicated below.

• Graduate Students (per semester): $7,532.00
• Undergraduate Students (per semester): $7,300.00

Books and Supplies

Certain programs and majors may have additional expenses for books and supplies. Use an estimate of $450.00 per semester.

Housing and Meals

Freshmen (first year) students are required to live in University Residence Halls. Fees for University Residence Halls include room and meals. Students living in University Residence Halls must be prepared to pay residence hall fees for the entire semester by the end of the first week of class. Summer housing is available for students enrolled during summer sessions.

University Residence Halls

• Per semester: $3,413.00
• These costs are based on a double room.

Off-Campus Housing

Personal Expenses

Personal Expenses include money for clothing, entertainment, and local transportation. Use an estimate of $600.00 per semester.