Welcome to Penn State Brandywine! Contact Professor Ousey at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns. Please note that Brandywine international students must attend both an online International New Student Orientation and in-person International Student Welcome Days which begin Tuesday, August 15, 2023.

Step 1: Get your visa

  • To obtain your visa take care of all pre-arrival processes, including completing the financial guarantee, requesting an I-20, paying the SEVIS fee, and applying for your student visa.

Step 2: Prepare for International Student Welcome Days

  • All first-year international students must arrive in the United States no later than Monday, August 14, 2023 and attend International Student Welcome Days on Tuesday, August 15 through Thursday, August 17 which will consist of a campus tour; assistance with banking, shopping and other practical arrangements; a welcome lunch; important information; and Dining Under the Stars in Media.
  • Bring your passport, visa, and immunization records (see Step 5) to International Student Welcome Days on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
  • If you need a hotel, we have reserved a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn and Suites Philadelphia/Media. Contact Professor Ousey to get the link for a discounted rate. If you are staying in the residence hall, you can move in on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Parents and guests are not permitted to stay in the residence hall.
  • If you are unable to arrive in the United States by Tuesday, August 15, 2023, contact Professor Ousey as soon as possible.

Step 3: Make arrangements for housing

  • If you want to live in our campus residence hall, you must request a housing contract as soon as possible. A limited number of housing contracts are available. Move-in day for on-campus housing for new international students is Tuesday, August 15, 2023. 
  • If you plan to live off-campus, look for permanent housing options for the school year along the Septa bus 110, 111, or 117 routes, preferably in Media or Brookhaven. Contact Professor Ousey for information on local apartments and students looking for roommates and visit Brandywine’s off-campus housing page.

Step 4: Fulfill mandatory health care requirements

  • You must upload your immunization records and complete the steps listed on the Immunizations Overview webpage.
  • Translate your medical records, immunization records, and prescription information into English and bring them with you.

Step 5: Make travel plans

Step 6: Complete online document check-in (this can also be done at ISO)

  • Log into iStart to view the Pre-Arrival Checklist and select "Mandatory Document Check-In."
  • Complete the questions and upload scanned copies or clear photographs of the requested documents.
    • Make sure to sign your I-20 or DS-2020 before scanning it.
    • After your arrival in the U.S., obtain your I-94 arrival information online and save it as a PDF document before uploading it to iStart.
    • Update your permanent address (outside of the U.S.) and local address (where you sleep) on LionPATH.
    • Email [email protected] if you need help.

Step 7: Prepare for life at your new home

Step 8: Travel to Penn State Brandywine

  • Keep your passport, I-20 or DS-2020, money and other valuables with you at all times.
  • Familiarize yourself with the U.S. arrival process.
  • If your airline loses your luggage, complete a lost luggage report at the airport of your final airport destination with the local address where it should be delivered.

See you soon!

Questions or concerns? Contact Professor Ousey, coordinator of multilingual and international student programs, at [email protected].

The Pennsylvania State University makes no representations or endorsements for the nearby hotels listed. The Pennsylvania State University has not inspected or investigated these hotels and disclaims any responsibility for the condition of any premises, terms of any associated agreements, or compliance with any applicable laws or regulations.