The Office of International Affairs is located on the third floor of Ferrell Hall in room 304. Office hours through the fall and spring semesters are Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. During summer session, office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm.
For any questions, please call 304-766-3084 or email us at international@wvstateu.edu.
Go STATE!
Before you arrive:
ChecklistPlease complete everything on this checklist before you leave home.
- Confirm your passport is valid for at least six months after the date you arrive in the US.
- Apply for and receive your F-1 Student Visa.
- If you receive your Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine before coming to the US, bring confirmation of the vaccination (in English) from your doctor with you to orientation.
- Provide OIA with arrival information into Charleston, West Virginia (Airport code - CRW)– please email richard.hiles@wvstateu.edu
- Valid passport and F-1 Visa
- Original I-20
- All papers from the WVSU Office of International Affairs
- Evidence of funding for your tuition fees and living costs, including sponsor letter if appropriate
- Enough money for your first few weeks
- Health forms and immunization documentation
- Official transcripts or test scores
- Insurance documents
- Any valuable items
- A copy of all prescriptions for medicines, eyeglasses and contact lenses, written in English
- The WVSU arrival contact phone number (304) 766-3084
- Weather – West Virginia’s climate has four seasons with moderate temperatures ranging from 5°C in January, 20°C in April, 30°C in July, to 20°C in October. You will need clothing for both warm and cold seasons.
- Cultural Items – There are many opportunities for international students to share their culture on campus during festivals and special events. Please consider bringing your national dress or other clothes associated with a hobby or sport you enjoy in your country such as sports attire, dance costumes, etc. You may also wish to bring items such as photos, books, souvenirs, recorded music, and musical instruments.
WVSU requires all students (except 4-week ESL students) to have Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination. You must bring proof of receiving this vaccination or start the vaccination series during your first week of class.
Proof of MMR must:
- Include your name and birth date
- Show proof of two vaccinations for MMR
- Be at least 28 calendar days between the two vaccinations
- Include day, month and year of vaccinations
- Be signed by a doctor, nurse or school official and dated after the last MMR
- Be translated into English
Immunization Recommendations
Review your records with your doctor before departing to ensure they are up to date. The following are vaccinations recommended by the American College Health Association:
- Tetanus and Diphtheria
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TB Screening)
The screening for tuberculosis is recommended for all students from regions where TB is common (areas of Africa, Asia, Central and South America). Individuals with a positive skin test will be referred for medical evaluation.
Please provide your flight arrival details (flight number, airline name, arrival date and time) no less than 14 days before arrival via email to Richard Hiles (richard.hiles@wvstateu.edu).
When booking flights, remember that you should arrive in Charleston (CRW) at least one day before New Student Orientation (register here).
Entering the United StatesAs an F-1 student, you are allowed to enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on the item on #5 of your I-20. If you arrive after the start date listed on your I-20, you may be denied entry to the US. Be sure to have the following documents with you on the plane and ready to present at the U.S. port of entry:
- Original I-20
- Valid passport
- F-1 Visa
- SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
- Documentation of finances for your first year of studies
Form I-94
Customs and Border Patrol has automated the I-94 process for travelers applying for admission at U.S. ports of entry. Air and sea travelers no longer need to complete paper form I-94. If the I-94 number is needed, you may obtain and print a paper I-94 at:
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/i94/request.html
US Customs Declaration Form
You also will receive the U.S. Customs Declaration form to complete during your flight. You must complete this form and present it to the immigration official when you enter the US.
Yeager Airport (CRW)
The airport is approximately 20 minutes by car to campus. Be sure you are arriving in Charleston, West Virginia NOT Charleston, South Carolina. Confirm the airport code is CRW.
If you need an airport transportation, you must email your arrival details no less than 14 days prior to arrival to Mr. Richard Hiles at richard.hiles@wvstateu.edu. If you have arranged airport pick-up with WVSU, please wait by the baggage claim area and a WVSU staff member will meet you at the designated time.
If your flight is delayed, you cannot find the WVSU staff member for pick-up, your baggage is lost, or you experience any other problems during your travel to West Virginia, call the WVSU Office of International Affairs immediately at (304) 766 3084 during regularly scheduled office hours. Your airport pickup will be confirmed and a phone number will be provided closer to your arrival time if it is outside of office hours.
​Undergraduate and English as a Second Language students are required to live on campus for their first two years at WVSU.
On-campus housing accommodations in the residence halls will not be available until the week before New Student Orientation. The specific move-in date for your program will be sent to you with confirmation of your housing reservation. If you arrive before your on-campus housing is ready, you will need to stay in a local hotel.
To fill out the housing application (required),
click here.
The following items will be provided for you:
- Bed
- Extra-long twin mattress (TwinXL)
- Window covering
- Desk and chair
- Closet
- Television cable connection
- Ethernet port access
- Trash and recycling bins
- Free wireless internet
If you need additional bed or bath linens, there are stores near campus where you can buy these and other necessities.
Appliances
US electrical outlets are 110 volts AC. If you are bringing an appliance, phones and other electronic items like computers or laptops, you may need a voltage adapter. The U.S. has its own standard of electrical socket (NEMA) which may require a plug adapter as well.
We recommend purchasing most appliances and electronics after you arrive. Many appliances (like rice cookers or electrical teapots) are not allowed in residence hall rooms and are available for use in the dining room.
Refrigerators should be no larger than 4.6 cubic feet max, 1.8 amps, 110 volts, Residence Life approved only. In the interest of fire prevention, electrical outlets must not be overloaded.
No devices for the purpose of cooking are allowed in residence hall rooms, with the exception of the following: pop-up toasters (not toaster ovens), blenders, can openers, coffee makers and juicers. Microwave ovens are permitted in student rooms provided the microwave oven has been Residence Life approved and does not exceed 700 watts.
Residence Halls include:
- On-campus location close to classrooms, library, recreation center and student center
- Live-in student staff to assist residents 24 hours a day
- Faculty involvement
- Securely locked exterior doors
- Wireless high-speed internet
- Lounges with televisions and games
- Study lounges
- Laundry facilities
Hotels
If you arrive before the move-in date for your program, you will need to make arrangements with campus housing for a temporary assignment at a daily rate or stay in a local hotel.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
410 New Goff Mountain Rd, Cross Lanes, WV 25313
You will need to open a checking or savings account with a bank after arriving. You usually need two pieces of picture identification (passport and WVSU ID card), your local mailing address, I-20, and a small amount of money to open an account.
Cash and Credit/Debit Cards
You should not carry large amounts of cash. Carry smaller bills when you arrive for food, phone calls, and other inexpensive purchases.
The most accepted credit cards in the U.S. are Visa and MasterCard. It is best to apply for a credit card in your home country, as it is not easy for international students to obtain credit cards in the US.
If you would like to take cash from your credit or debit account, we have
Huntington Bank ATMs on campus. There are a number of other banks locally to the area and in Charleston to choose from.
Transferring Money
Some countries have strict rules about transferring money to the US.
- Learn your bank’s procedures for transferring funds abroad.
- Transfer enough money to cover expenses for one term in addition to tuition paid. The amount of money you will need each term varies with your living situation and lifestyle. Plan for approximately $15,000 or more per semester.
- Books and health insurance are not included in tuition.
- You should have access to at least $500 or more to cover cell phone deposit and plan and other living expenses.
Many students need changes to their cell phone plans or SIM cards once they arrive in the US. While some companies require a two-year contract to get service, there are also monthly plans available with some carriers. Don’t worry, we will help you with this once you arrive!
TextbooksWe will provide you with information about your textbook needs after you arrive. The cost of textbooks may be $500-$2,000 per year. Books can be purchased on campus at the university bookstore. This cost is not included in the cost of tuition.
There are several questions that come up each semester from students. To quickly answer them, see the sections below.
Obtaining a Social Security NumberYou do
not need a social security number unless you have a job offer. You will need to have both a job offer letter (from your potential employer) and proof of enrollment letter (from your DSO). For F-1 students, you must complete two full-time semesters before you are able to obtain a job off-campus.
There are two Social Security Offices nearby:
St Albans Social Security Office
49 Olde Main Plaza
St Albans, WV - 25177
800-772-1213
Charleston Social Security Office
500 Quarrier Street, suite 300
Charleston, WV - 25301
800-772-1213
There are a small number of jobs available on-campus. At West Virginia State University, there are two types of jobs available to students. Regular student worker positions and work-study positions. Work-study positions are not available to international students because you must receive federal financial aid in order to qualify. The regular student worker positions are available to all students at a maximum of 20 hours per week during the semesters.
Maintaining I-20 StatusBelow are actions to take in order to properly maintain your status.
Arrival
When arriving to the United States, both F and M students must:
- Enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program of study begins.
- Immediately contact your designated school official (DSO) when you enter the United States.
- When you arrive at school, you need to contact your DSO again, no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status."
Education
While studying in the United States, both F and M students must:
- Attend and pass all your classes. If school is too difficult, speak with your DSO immediately.
- If you believe that you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, talk with your DSO about requesting a possible program extension.
- You must take a full course of study each term; if you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately.
- Do not drop a class without first speaking with your DSO.
MyState is the gateway to everything you will need at WVSU. The login for MyState and your WVSU email have the same password. You can make payments on your account, view your schedule, view unofficial transcripts, and many other things on MyState.
Logging InIf you have not signed into your MyState account, please make an attempt to login. Follow the images below to begin the process of logging in for the first time. You must use the “
Reset Utility” to create a password. Your ID is your Student ID number which begins with A00. This number is listed on the bottom of your acceptance letter. If you have issues logging in, please email
helpdesk@wvstateu.edu.
Attempt to create a password using the
Reset Utility first before emailing help desk.
For any other questions or concerns, feel free to email me at
international@wvstateu.edu. We look forward to having you in a few short months!
You can make payments three ways:
1. Utilize your MyState Account (Directions below)
2. Wire Transfer (
Wire instructions)
3. Calling the Cashier's Office at 1 304 766 3141
MyState Payment Instructions
- Log into your MyState account
- Click on Student & Financial Aid
- Student Records
- Account Summer by TERM
- Select term (Fall 2018)
- Scroll to the bottom and you will see an option for credit card payment
Dining on Campus
The Meal Plan allows students to enter WVSU dining halls as many times a day as they wish. This plan gives students access to a dining facility every day at WVSU, including break periods.
Click here for the Dining webpage which includes the menu offerings for the day.
Goldston Dining Room
Located at James C Wilson University Union
| Sunday |
10:45am-12:15pm
4:30pm-6:00pm |
| Monday |
7:30am-9:30am
11:30am-1:30pm
5:00pm-7:00pm |
| Tuesday |
7:30am-9:30am
11:30am-1:30pm
5:00pm-7:00pm |
| Wednesday |
7:30am-9:30am
11:30am-1:30pm
5:00pm-7:00pm |
| Thursday |
7:30am-9:30am
11:30am-1:30pm
5:00pm-7:00pm |
| Friday |
7:30am-9:30am
11:30am-1:30pm
5:00pm-7:00pm |
| Saturday |
10:45am-12:15pm
4:30pm-6:00pm |
|
William F. Pickard Café
Located at Keith Scholars Hall
Monday through Friday
7:00pm-11:00pm |
 BRB - Be Right Burger
Located at James C Wilson University Union.
| Monday |
11:00am-10:00pm |
| Tuesday |
11:00am-5:00pm |
| Wednesday |
11:00am-10:00pm |
| Thursday |
11:00am-5:00pm |
| Friday |
11:00am-10:00pm |
|
 Mondo Subs
Located at James C Wilson University Union
| Sunday |
11:00am-4:00pm |
| Monday |
11:00am-5:00pm |
| Tuesday |
11:00am-10:00pm |
| Wednesday |
11:00am-5:00pm |
| Thursday |
11:00am-10:00pm |
| Friday |
11:00am-3:00pm |
| Saturday |
11:00am-4:00pm |
|
Starbucks
Located at James C Wilson
University Union
| Sunday |
10:45am-12:30pm
4:30pm-6:00pm |
| Monday |
7:00am-7:00pm |
| Tuesday |
7:00am-7:00pm |
| Wednesday |
7:00am-7:00pm |
| Thursday |
7:00am-7:00pm |
| Friday |
7:00am-7:00pm |
| Saturday |
10:45am-12:30pm
4:30pm-6:00pm |
|
All international students who have not taken SAT/ACT exam will be automatically enrolled in English 101E and Math 119E. If you wish to be placed in a higher level English or math course, you will need to take the Accuplacer exam. Additionally, students who feel that their ACT/SAT scores do not reflect their ability in math or English can also take the ACCUPLACER exams to improve their placement in these areas.
The ACCUPLACER exams are online and self-paced, and we recommend you allocate at least an hour to take each exam. You get your score at the conclusion of the exam so that you can make the appropriate changes to your schedule if necessary.
WVSU requires all international students to acquire health insurance. Students entering the 2018-2019 academic year will be automatically enrolled into a healthcare program. The charges (approximately $405 per academic year) will be charged to the student account. If students have comparable health coverage, they must provide proof of coverage within the first two weeks of the semester. Beyond this time, the health insurance charges will not be removed.
Most travel insurance policies purchased in your home country will not meet the university’s insurance requirements.
Prescriptions
Bring a copy in English of ALL prescriptions for medicines, eyeglasses and contact lenses with you to the US.
Student Health Services
Health care services are provided on campus at the FamilyCare Center in the lower level of the Student Union for illnesses affecting students such as cold, flu, upset stomach, etc. Services are available at WVSU on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-4pm. There are some costs students will be individually responsible for, should the need arise including:
- Cost of any medication
- Cost of any dental services
- Cost of X-rays or laboratory work done outside the Care Clinic
- Cost of referred specialist
- Cost of hospital services
- Cost of emergency transportation (ambulance)
- Cost of optical services (glasses, etc)
Safety on Campus
West Virginia Safety Information can also be found on the
Public Safety webpage.
WVSU is generally very safe and West Virginia has one of the lowest crime rates in the US. However, this does not mean crime does not happen. Your safety is largely your responsibility and you should not engage in any activity that puts you in danger. Here are some tips on how to stay safe:
Review our Emergency Procedures Guide
Do
NOT walk alone late at night.
At night, use well-lit and well-traveled routes. Avoid dark, vacant areas.
Always lock your doors and windows.
Trust your instincts. If you do not feel comfortable in a situation, leave.
Use the WVSU Help Phones, identified by a blue light, located on campus.
Use the buddy system or the WVSU Public Safety officers if an escort is needed.
• All Emergencies: 911
• University Public Safety: (304) 766-3353, (304) 766-3181 (after business hours)
West Virginia State University provides a range of programs and services promoting social, physical, personal and academic well-being. The team helps students settle into life in the Charleston area upon arrival, provide social opportunities and many resources tailored to the specific needs of international students
Activities for Students
While the main reason for coming to West Virginia State University is to study, social activities will help you adjust to life in the U.S. and allow you to develop a network of friends to make your stay more enjoyable. WVSU offers numerous options for socializing, experiencing the arts and taking part in sports. The Office of International Affairs also organizes trips and activities designed to help students make the most of their time with us.
Computers and Internet Access
All residence hall rooms are equipped with high-speed ethernet connections to the internet. You will need to provide your own ethernet cable. Students without their own computer can use the conveniently located computer labs in the University Union and several other locations around campus. The Library and the University Union have high-speed wireless computer access.
Technology support
Hamblin Hall 123
(304) 766-3261
helpdesk@wvstateu.edu
Free Wi-fi access. Connect to: WVSU-Wireless
For help with PC hardware and software issues, network outages, report requests, or telephone problems please submit a work order by logging into https://mystate.wvstateu.edu
Fitness Center
The University Union Fitness Center is a facility designed for students, faculty, and staff; providing quality opportunity for exercise. The facility is located on the lower level of the Union. The Fitness Center offers a variety of equipment. A WVSU ID card is required for admittance.
All currently enrolled students are welcome to use the Fitness Center. A Waiver, Release of Liability and Consent to Medical Attention must be signed before first use. Call (304) 766-3174 for more details.
Hours of Operation
During Academic Semesters
M-F, 7:00am – 9:00pm
Sat & Sun, 10:00am – 8:00pm
During Breaks
M-F, 7:00am – 7:00pm
Sat & Sun, CLOSED
The Fitness Center is closed the week of Thanksgiving and approximately two weeks during Christmas.
Keeping in Contact with Home
Arriving in the U.S. will be an exciting time but please do remember that your family and friends may worry about you. Remember to contact them and let them know you are safe!
Office of International Affairs
Website:
http://www.wvstateu.edu/International/International-Students.aspx
E-mail:
international@wvstateu.edu
Phone: (304) 766-3084
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
Placement Testing - Accuplacer
108 Wallace Hall
(304) 766-3278
Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education
216 Wallace Hall
(304) 766-3250
careerserv@wvstateu.edu
Career planning, job searches, and CLEP or DSST tests (tests for College Level Credit).
Cashier’s Office
117 Ferrell Hall
(304) 766-3141
cashier@wvstateu.edu
Financial holds on accounts, payments on accounts, parking passes, parking tickets, billing questions.
Counseling and Academic Support Services
125 Sullivan Hall East
(304) 766-3168
Counseling Services, Tutoring, Disability Services, Study Skills.
Registration and Records
128 Ferrell Hall
(304) 766-4146
Registration holds on records, transfer credit questions, adding/dropping courses after add/drop deadline, and withdrawals.
Tutoring Centers
- TAP Room, Drop in Math and Science tutoring, 117 Wallace Hall, (304) 766-5231, Monday through Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Writing Center, 2nd Floor of the Library, (304) 766-3041, Monday through Thursday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Language Lab, Spanish and French Tutoring, 218 Ferrell Hall, (304) 766-3217
Peer Tutoring, Tutoring by appointment in a variety of subjects, 117 Sullivan Hall, East, (304) 766-3041
- Smarthinking, Live, Online Tutoring - in a variety of subjects to help you succeed! 24 hours a day. Submit writing assignments for review, (304) 766-3041
Log on at www.smarthinking.com
Username: your complete WVSU email address
Password: wvstate
Library and Computer Labs
Drain-Jordan Library
The Drain-Jordan Library houses nearly 150,000 book volumes, e-books, e-journals, government documents and a wealth of non-print and archival resources. The main floor is home to over 70 computers for public use, including laptops available for checkout within the building. Friendly, highly-trained staff is available to help you with all your information needs:
(304) 766-3116
Monday thru Thursday 8:00 am-9:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am-5:0 0pm
Sunday 2:00-8:00 pm
University Union Computer Lab
Monday thru Friday 8:00 am-10:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am-7:00 pm
Honors Program
215 Hamblin Hall
(304) 766-3292
Leadership Certificate Program
309 Sullivan Hall East
(304) 766-5149
WVSU Athletics
Facebook: WVSU Yellow Jackets
Twitter: @WVSU GoJackets
Women’s Sports: Basketball, Softball, Cross Country, Volleyball and Tennis
Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf and Tennis
Visiting Scholars
West Virginia State University encourages scholars from all over the world to pursue academic research projects (1-2 semesters) as a visiting scholar to the WVSU campus. Visiting scholars may receive an appointment and title of Research Associate in a particular field. Prerequisites are a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, and in some cases Ph.D. candidates currently engaged in dissertation research.
For more than 100 years, students, staff, and faculty from around the world have found their way to West Virginia State University, recognized as the most culturally and racially diverse institution of higher education in West Virginia. West Virginia State University, located in Institute, a suburb of Charleston, the State capital, is the largest institution of higher education in the Kanawha Valley, and serves as a major resource center for this metropolitan area. The University provides a large spectrum of undergraduate degree programs, both baccalaureate and associate.
Founded in 1891 as a Land-Grant institution, West Virginia State University attained national prominence as an institution for higher education for blacks and continues to serve as a center of black culture in the state of West Virginia. Voluntary desegregation in 1954 created a distinctive "living laboratory of human relations," attracting a racially and culturally diverse student body, faculty, and staff. The University cherishes its unique history and its reputation for safeguarding academic freedom, for being innovative in its scholarly programs, for removing barriers to education, and providing leadership for women, minorities, and the handicapped. As the university has grown and evolved, to an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, it has retained a degree of diversity unique among other West Virginia colleges & universities.
Passport & Visa
A J-1 visa is issued to scholars according to a request submitted by their sponsoring agencies or institutions for special program work. The J-1 visa is managed under the auspices of the United States Department of State.
To qualify for a J -1 visa, you must be "sponsored," in other words funded by one or several of the following: your home University, WVSU, a government, an agency, a foundation, an employer, or an international organization authorized to conduct an exchange visitor program. Research scholars may use personal funds but still must be sponsored by an academic department of WVSU. If you qualify for a J-1 visa, your spouse and dependents will be given a J-2 visa. Spouses in J-2 status may apply to the Immigration and Naturalization Service for permission to work after their arrival in the U.S. Do not plan on income from spouse employment, however, since employment authorization is not guaranteed and jobs are sometimes difficult to acquire..
Health Insurance
All J-1 Exchange Visitors and their dependents are required to have health insurance. It is ill-advised to be in the United States without adequate health insurance. Although in many countries the government bears the expense of health care for its citizens, and sometimes even for visitors, individuals and families in the United States are responsible for these costs themselves. Since a single day of hospitalization and medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars, many hospitals and doctors refuse to treat uninsured patients except in life threatening emergencies. Insurance gives you access to better and more timely health care, and provides the only protection against the enormous costs of health care in this country.
Compensation
Visiting Scholars will be responsible for their own source of funds.
On Campus Housing
West Virginia State University will provide, at a reasonable price, a studio apartment with private kitchen and bathroom facilities on campus suitable for a single person. Although Visiting Scholars will be responsible for their meals, they will have access to the University cafeteria at the subsidized faculty/staff price.
Library & Research Facilities
In addition to having a computer and office, visiting scholars will have full access to the WVSU Drain-Jordan library. There are more than 200,000 books and 900 current periodical subscriptions available in the Drain-Jordan Library. More than 9,000 bound periodical volumes and 200,000 items are available in microfilm and fiche. An Instructional Materials Production Center and Archives Department are located in the building.
The Drain-Jordan Library has been a selective depository for United States public documents since 1907. Special archive collections include US Government Documents, Regional and Local History, African-American History in Appalachia (noted African-Americans, John W. Davis and John Frederick Matheus), and the forthcoming Republic of Benin, West Africa special collection (Summer 2002).
Transportation
A bus line links the WVSU campus with the downtown and greater Charleston area and major shopping centers.
Charleston is linked by major interstate highways and has bus and train service for travel within state and nationally. Contact Greyhound Bus (1-800-231-2222) and Amtrak (1-800-872-7245).
Yeager Airport, located 5 minutes from downtown Charleston, offers direct flights to over a dozen cities and connections to all parts of the world.
ESL Program
The WVSU ESL program will be available as of the summer 2015. .
Activities at WVSU
In addition to his/her own research, Visiting Scholars may also be invited from time to time to take part in academic activity at the WVSU campus, and to lead or participate in lectures in the greater community. The Faculty Lecture Series, held weekly on the WVSU campus offers a general forum for discussion. Lecture topics cover a wide range of interest for presentation and discussion. Visiting Scholars may also be asked periodically to visit classes according to the needs of WVSU professors.
Community Groups
The Friendship Force International, founded in 1977 by a WVSU alumnus, is headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The organization sponsors homestays for groups of members to and from many countries around the world. Members of the Charleston Friendship Force chapter could be contacted for information about the area. Local number: 1-304-344-4069, Atlanta number: 1-800-554-6715.
Partners of the Americas is another international organization with a particular interest in links between the United States and South America. The West Virginia chapter has a sister State in Espirito Santo, Brazil. See www.partners.net. Local numbers: (304) 346-1172 or (304) 357-4745.
The International Club of Charleston is a local organization whose members could also be contacted for information. Local numbers: (304) 344-4069 and (304) 346-2123.