Information for International Students

The Office of International Students assists international students with a range of issues including immigration, cultural adjustment, travel advice, housing, financial aid, and various types of counseling—academic, career, and personal. The office also sponsors social activities and trips for new and continuing international students. Associate Deans of Studies Katerina Grim and Ellen Sayles serve as advisors to the international students. They are happy to help you and welcome communication from you at any time.

Contact
international.students@oberlin.edu

You were mailed a packet with information about arrival and the special International Student Orientation. Below is a summary of what you should know before you arrive in the United States. For comprehensive information on what you'll need before arriving in Oberlin, please consult the International Students Handbook available at the Office of International Students web site.
Go to the Office of International Students site


Travel and Arrival

The Fall 2008 International Student Orientation begins with a welcome dinner on the evening of Saturday, August 23 and runs though Sunday and Monday, August 24 and 25.  International students may move into their residence hall rooms on August 22 or 23.
Orientation information specifically for international students

Travel and Arrival Information Form
The Office of International Students requests that you send us your travel information well in advance so that we can plan for your arrival on campus. Please complete the Travel and Arrival Information Form that was mailed to you earlier this summer and return it to us by fax and/or regular mail before July 31, 2008.

Getting to Oberlin
Many of you will be arriving by plane and will probably be landing at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which is about 25 miles northeast of Oberlin.

Transportation options from the airport to Oberlin include:

Lorain County Transit (LCT)
LCT is a bus system serving all of Lorain County. The LCT Route 33 bus travels between the airport and Oberlin according to the schedule below. The fare is $7 per person ($4 with student ID), one way. Exact change is required. For more information, call 440-233-7868 or go to www.LorainCountyTransit.com.

Hopkins Airport Limousine Service
The limousine service does not have a fixed schedule; you must call them at least 48 hours in advance or make a reservation online.  Rates vary; currently the one-way trip from the airport to Oberlin costs $65 for 1 to 6 people, and $10 for each additional passenger up to a total of 11 people. Call toll free 1-800-543-9912 or go to their website at www.gohopkins.com for special times and rates.

Taxi
Taxi rates vary between 40 and 55 US dollars for a one-way trip from the airport to Oberlin. Here are some taxi companies and their phone numbers:

Since the weather during the academic year ranges from warm to very cold, it is a good idea to bring clothes that you can wear in layers. Winter clothes should include a very warm coat and warm, waterproof boots, as well as a scarf, a hat, and gloves. The campus is spread out so some students may have to walk 10-15 minutes from their residence halls to the classroom buildings. If you are coming from a hot climate, you may want to shop for your winter clothes in the United States—clothes are reasonably priced here.


Electricity

The electrical system in the United States uses 110V, 60Hz (cycles). If you are planning to bring appliances from home, they may be designed for the European electrical system (220V), in which case you will need a transformer and plug adapter that can handle the wattage of the particular appliance. We advise you to purchase any small appliances you may need in the United States—they are affordable and more practical than using a transformer. This is especially true for heat-producing items, such as hair dryers and curling irons.