Arriving in Atlanta
1.Check your passport to be sure the expiration date is after your graduation date. Be sure you have at least 3 empty pages for visas if you travel during school.
2.Documents you should have with you for immigration: passport containing your F1 or J1 visa, I-20 (or DS2019), your acceptance letter, copy of the financial documents you submitted to Emory, address of your apartment or hotel for first night. Be sure your immigration agent uses your new documents and not a previous visa if you have one in your passport. When you complete your I-94 card, be sure you write your name exactly as it is on your passport (spaces, hyphens, etc.). Your information on your I-94 card should say F1 or J1 (as appropriate) and the expiration should be D/S (duration of status). You need to save your I-94 card with your passport. It proves your current status.
3.Immunization records. You should get a document from Emory with the list of immunizations you should have and a HIPPA release form. These get submitted to Emory Student Health after you arrive. Keep a copy of the documents for yourself. You can get any remaining vaccines after you start school, but there may be an additional cost.
4.If someone is meeting you in Atlanta, please be sure they know your flight information. The domestic and international terminals have different pick up points. (This is new this year.). American airlines has a separate baggage claim for domestic arrivals.
5.If you are planning on staying in your apartment on the first night, confirm with the leasing office how late they are open. For international arrivals, it may take up to 2 hours to get through immigration and customs.
Dress/Attire
Students dress casually for class in general. The rooms at school are generally cool, so layers are helpful. When there is a guest speaker or presentations, students are in business attire.
Types of attire:
1.Casual- t-shirts, shorts or pants. Jeans are ok. Flip-flops or shoes. Usually ok for class.
2.Business Casual- shirts with collars, pants (but not jeans), no flip-flops or sneakers. Jackets are optional. Men: No tie needed. For women, pants, skirts or dresses are ok. Business casual is often needed for interactions with guests to the university.
3.Business- Men: suit coat with matching pants. Button down shirt, tie. Dress shoes. Depending on the event, white or blue shirt may be necessary as they are considered the most conservative. For women, pant suit or skirt and matching jacket are ok. Closed-toe shoes and stockings. For interviews, company presentations, guest speakers. You will need business attire for professional photos we take during the first weeks of school.
You can always dress more formally, if that is your style.
Traditional clothes from home- we have a few events at school where students wear traditional outfits. If you have them, bring them! Be sure to have access to photos of your home and family for sharing.
Food
Many ethnic restaurants and grocery stores are near campus and may have the ingredients you have at home. Do bring recipes!
Social security numbers (SSNs)
Most businesses will ask you for a social security number. If you have one already, be sure to bring your card. The reason they are asking is to look at your credit (monetary history in the US is tied to your SSN). If you do not have an SSN or if you have one, but no credit history, you may be required to pay an extra deposit to get services such as phones and utilities. These are refundable after a certain period of time, generally one year. You will have an opportunity to work during the school year which will qualify you for an SSN. However, this will not be available until after classes start.
Driving/Transportation
You may drive in the US with an international driver's license for up to one year. You may also rent cars with an international driver's license. You will be able to get a local Georgia license after your immigration status is updated in SEVIS. More information is available on the website:
Most students use a GPS. The roads in Atlanta are confusing.
Emory has an enterprise car rental office on campus and also has zip cars and bike emory.
Since you will be setting up your living accommodations and most stuff in the US comes in large sizes, renting a car for a weekend can be helpful. We have some students who can help with shopping in the evenings.
Phones
Most students get a US smart phone. If you have an unlocked phone, you can use it for voice and text, but data may be an extra cost through a mobile plan. (You will be able to use the wifi at school for your smart phone even if you don't have a data plan.) T-mobile does not have good reception around Emory. AT&T (and Verizon) are the companies used most often. AT&T is currently giving students a 15% discount on iPhones. If you do not have a SSN, you will need to pay a $500 deposit, which is returned after 1 year.
Basic household items
Target and Walmart have the best selection and good prices on basic household items. The quality at Target is a bit better and their stores are more convenient to the Emory area. Ikea is also great for household items and furniture. Be careful buying on line (like from Craig's list), most are legitimate deals, but a few are scams.
Banking
We have a few options near campus. Bank of America has an office across the street from the Business School and has many ATMs in Atlanta and the US. (It has excellent on-line banking options. I personally recommend them - Harriet). You can set up your account when you arrive. They are open 9 to 4pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings. The phone number for the Emory location is 1.404-329-4839. The address is Bank of America: Emory Village Branch , 1615 North Decatur Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 USA. Ms. Annie is the person who can set up your account. Be sure to ask about a secured credit card. It is like a debit card, but transitions to a credit card after about 1 year. It is a way to begin to establish credit history in the US. After you get a SSN, be sure to let the bank know your number so it can be tied to your credit history.
Emory Credit Alliance is the Credit Union that handles the International Student Loan for Emory. If you have one of these loans, you will need to open an account with them (minimum deposit is $25). They do have more limited options since they are a credit union rather than a bank.
The other bank near us is SunTrust which also has an ATM in our building.
Last Updated: June 2012