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 in-person International Student Welcome Days which begin Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

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: Make arrangements for housing

  • If you want to live in our campus residence hall, you must sign your housing contract as soon as possible. Move-in day for on-campus housing for new international students is Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
  • 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 3: Prepare for International Student Welcome Days

  • All first-year international students must arrive in the United States no later than Monday, August 17, 2026, and attend International Student Welcome Day on Tuesday, August 18, which will consist of a campus tour; assistance with banking, shopping and other practical arrangements; a welcome lunch; and important campus-specific information.
  • Bring your passport, visa, and immunization records (see Step 5) to International Student Welcome Day on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
  • If you need a hotel, one local option is the Hilton Garden Inn Media/Philadelphia. 
  • If you are staying in the residence hall, you can move in on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. 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 18, 2026, contact Professor Ousey as soon as possible.

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

  • 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.
    • More information can be found at this link.
    • Any questions or concerns about our on-line iStart system or on-line forms can be directed to: [email protected].
    • OR schedule an appointment with Pre-Arrival Staff through THIS LINK.

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.