OBERLIN OnCampus
Before ArrivalOrientation WeekOnce in Oberlin
   

Information for International Students

The Office of International Students assists international students with a wide 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 for new and continuing international students. The international student advisors welcome communication from you at any time.

Contact
international.students@oberlin.edu

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 Office of International Students web site.
Go to the Office of International Students site


Travel and Arrival

The Fall 2009 International Student Orientation begins with a welcome dinner on the evening of Saturday, August 22 and runs though Sunday and Monday, August 23 and 24.  International students may move into their residence hall rooms on August 21 or 22.
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 and return it to us by fax and/or regular mail before July 31, 2009.

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:

Airport Shuttle Between Cleveland Airport and Oberlin
Oberlin College has arranged to offer weekday and academic break airport shuttles during the academic year as well as academic break airport shuttle to provide transportation between Oberlin and the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE).
See the Airport Shuttle Schedules

Hopkins Transportation Services
This service does not have a fixed schedule; you must call them at least 48 hours in advance or make a reservation online. Call toll free 1-800-543-9912 or go to their web site at www.gohopkins.com for special times and rates.

Taxi
Taxi rates vary between 50 and 65 US dollars for a one-way trip from the airport to Oberlin. Here are some taxi companies and their phone numbers:

A2 Point B Taxi 440-775-7222
Safe and Reliable Cab Company

440-288-5466 (Limo)
or
888-369-8294
West Side Town Car 440-647-4500
Lorain County Cab Company 440-322-6555
Super Express Transportation 877-251-5701
First Class Limos 800-543-9912


Money Matters

Initial Expenses
It is expected that you will have some initial expenses as you get settled in Oberlin. We recommend that you plan on carrying US currency in traveler's checks and/or cash. Depending on your needs, 300-400 US dollars should be enough to cover early miscellaneous expenses, and another $400 should be allocated for books and school supplies. Try not to carry large amounts of cash since it may be a few days before you can open a bank account. Traveler's checks are easily cashed. Bank checks drawn in US dollars from your home country may take several weeks to clear; bank checks drawn in a foreign currency are not recommended. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards from your home country should be usable in Oberlin.


Oberlin Climate

You will experience all four seasons in Oberlin but are likely to wear heavier, winter-type clothing more often than lighter, summer-type clothing during the school year. Fall and spring temperatures vary. Winters are usually cold and snowy. Summers are typically nice and warm, sometimes even hot. Average temperatures in Oberlin are as follows:

Summer (June - August) 63°F to 83 °F (17°C to 28 °C)
Fall (September - November) 45°F to 64 °F (7°C to 18 °C)
Winter (December - February) 0°F to 38 °F (-18°C to 3 °C)
Spring (March - May) 41°F to 61 °F (5°C to 16 °C)

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.