Pre-Arrival Information

OrientationMedical Documents    Climate           
Living on Campus    Items to Bring

Getting to Fairleigh Dickinson University   

BankingEntertainment

Address and Phone Changes


Orientation
All international students are required to attend the orientation sessions prior to registration of classes. During Orientation you will become more familiar with the campus and surrounding areas. Orientation allows you to obtain clearance to register for your classes. A list of course offerings and advising will be available during the orientation process. Most important, you have a chance to meet new and continuing students and create lifelong friendships.

Medical Documents
Fairleigh Dickinson University maintains a safe environment and must comply with New Jersey State Law requiring students to have certain immunizations and/or tests before registering for classes or residing on campus. Your student Medical Record, including up-to-date immunization records, physical examination, and parent or legal guardian endorsement can be obtained on the website and must be submitted prior to your arrival at the University. Your forms must show that you have received the following:
    If you were born on or after January 1, 1957, one MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
    A second MMR vaccine, at least one month apart.
    A negative Mantoux test within the past six months, with the results given in mm.
    If the Mantoux test is positive, the results of a chest x-ray taken within the past year.
    A record of any medications prescribed and taken.
    A tetanus inoculation or booster within the past ten years.
     Meningitis vaccine required
    Varicella (date of disease)

Health Insurance: International students are required to purchase the University group medical insurance. All health insurance fees are payable with tution and other fees at the time of registration.

Any questions regarding these requirements may be directed to Health Services at:
Metropolitan Campus (Teaneck-Hackensack) :         201-692-2437
College at Florham (Florham-Madison campus) :     973-443-8535

Climate
The northeastern coast of the United States has a varied climate, warm summers (July and August), cold winters (December through Mid-March), pleasant autumns and springs. Snow often falls during the winter and rain comes during any season of the year.
Because our weather changes from season to season, it is important that your wardrobe be sufficient, especially during the winter months. A warm coat, gloves, hat, scarf, umbrella, raincoat, windbreaker and waterproof boots are recommended. Sweatshirts and heavy sweaters are recommended also.
During late spring, summer and fall, lightweight coats or jackets are appropriate. In all cases, casual clothing is recommended, as it is comfortable and durable.

Living on Campus
There are three residence hall facilities on the Metropolitan campus. University Court, Linden, and Lone Pine. An additional residence hall is under construction and to be available Fall 2003.
For more information about the student residence halls, please go to Living on Campus.

Items to Bring ( for students residing in the resident halls )
    Mattress pad, pillow, blankets and extra long sheets (mattress size is 80" x 36" x 6")
    Towels and washcloths
    Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, hairbrush, hair dryer, razor,       small drinking cup, shower sandals, etc.)
    Alarm clock, clock radio, umbrella, backpack
    Lamp, light bulbs, flashlight and batteries
    Laundry supplies (laundry bag, detergent)

Please be advised that all the above may be purchased when you arrive on campus. There are many stores within walking distance of the campus where all your shopping needs can be met.

Getting to Fairleigh Dickinson University
We recommend that all international flights arrive in Newark, New Jersey. It is much easier, more accommodating and less expensive to get from Newark to the campus. For airport pick-up, reservations may be made through State Shuttle. The university has worked out arrangements whereas our students receive a discounted rate. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the company and inform them of the time for pick-up. They can be reached at 1-800-427-3207.

Banking
During the orientation program, banking services will be available for all students. You will have the opportunity to open an account, apply for a credit card and obtain checks.

Entertainment
To find out what is happening on campus check the Office of International Student Services calendar and the Student Life calendar (Office is located in the Student Union Building). Check out the flyers posted on bulletin boards around campus and view the marquee at the entrance to the Student Union Building. The campus newspaper, The Equinox is also a good source of information for campus happenings.

For entertainment off campus in New Jersey or New York, check the local New Jersey or New York newspapers. Newspapers can be obtained at the entrance to the Student Union Building and at the Library. The Friday edition and the Sunday Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times gives a listing of events. In addition to the above, the University hosts monthly trips to New York and surrounding areas.

Address and Phone Changes
When you change your address, phone number, or e-mail address, you must report this change to both the Office of International Student Services and Enrollment Services immediately. This complies with Immigration regulations and assists us in contacting you as the regulations change.