Practical Information on Orientation and Being a Student at F&M

 

International Student Orientation
Housing, Health, & Course Registration
Other Important Information
Personal Checklist

The purpose of the International Student Orientation is to assist international students in adjusting to living and studying in the United States.

Attendance at orientation is mandatory for new students and will include useful information about:

• The Franklin & Marshall College Campus
• F-1 student regulations
• Employment options
• Banking
• And much more!

 

Students will have opportunities to meet new and current students at F&M.

The 2009 mandatory International Student Orientation begins on August 26 at 4:00 pm and will conclude on August 28 by 12:00 pm. International students will then start the general student orientation, with all other new students.

 

Use the Franklin & Marshall Beginnings website https://mydiplomat.fandm.edu/beginnings/ for assistance with:

Housing

As a student at Franklin & Marshall College, you will be assigned to a College House where you will live. Each person will have a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe closet, and set of drawers. You will need to complete a series of forms to start your housing and meal preferences selection process. You should begin these applications as soon as possible on the Beginnings website, listed above.

 

Health & Immunization Forms

All students are required to submit a completed health form prior to their arrival in the United States. This form will be available on the Beginnings website listed above; however, it can also be accessed at http://www.fandm.edu/x6420.xml. This form must be completed in English and signed by your doctor. If you do not return this form, you may not be allowed to register for classes. For specific information or questions about this form or the data required, contact Appel Student Health Services at (717) 291-4082.

 

Registering for Classes

Once you have sent in your $500 tuition deposit (or in the case of students on need-based Financial Aid, once you have received the appropriate waiver), you will be sent a username and password for the Beginnings website. You will be able to select your seminar course and subsequently, your other courses. You will be able to meet with you faculty adviser to discuss course selection or other issues during orientation.

 

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all F&M students (unless you are on need-based Financial Aid) and it will billed to you automatically, at the rate of approximately $1,000 per year. In order to start your coverage, you will need to complete the application form as soon as possible online at http://www.fandm.edu/x9918.xml. If you have your own insurance from home and believe it should cover you in the U.S., please visit the Beginnings website for waiver instructions.  Several criteria must be met to obtain the waiver.  Most policies do not meet these criteria.

 

Banking on Campus

With your passport and Franklin & Marshall College I-20, you will be able to open a bank account with a local bank near campus.  You do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account.  You will receive more information about this and have an opportunity to sign up for an account at International Student Orientation.

 

Working on Campus

For as long as you maintain your status as an F-1 student, you will be permitted to work on campus up to 20 hours per week each semester.  You may work up to forty hours per week during Winter Break and Summer Break.  Your Franklin & Marshall College Financial Aid package may restrict you to 10 hours of on-campus work during the academic year. This will be discussed further at International Student Orientation.

 

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees will not be charged until after you register for classes. The approximate amount of tuition will be $19,700 per semester (including the cost for health insurance). Students that wish to have their tuition payments wired electronically to F&M can do so by having their bank send funds to:

Fulton Bank
1695 State St.
East Petersburg, PA 17520 USA

Fulton Bank Swift Code: FLBKUS33

Fulton Bank ABA#: 031301422

Beneficiary:
Franklin & Marshall College
415 Harrisburg Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17603 USA

Beneficiary Account#: 362310861

Further Credit: Student Name and F&M ID Number

 

Purchase of Linens, Pillows, Toiletries, Etc.

We recommend you wait to purchase these items until you arrive. International Student Orientation will provide you an opportunity to go to the store and purchase these items.

 

_____ I have completed all tasks and forms on the Beginnings website

_____ I have completed the health insurance coverage application.

_____ I have sent the $500 tuition deposit.

_____ I have planned to check-in with the Office of International Programs within ten days of my arrival into the USA.  This can be accomplished at International Student Orientation.

Questions about this information? Please contact us.