Get Ready for Lynchburg

Welcome to the University of Lynchburg! As you prepare for your exciting journey to the United States, this guide provides essential information about life on campus.

International Student Orientation: Your First Steps to Success

As a new international student, your transition to the University of Lynchburg begins with our comprehensive orientation programs.

• Mandatory In-Person International Student Orientation (ISO): Once you arrive in Lynchburg, you are required to attend our in-person International Student Orientation (ISO). This program is designed to make your transition to campus as smooth and successful as possible, assisting with your academic, cultural, and social integration into the University and the wider Lynchburg community. You will receive crucial information about maintaining your immigration status, student employment options, and other important F-1 and J-1 requirements.
• Hornet Days (Undergraduate Students): If you are an undergraduate international student, including transfer and exchange students, you are also required to participate in Hornet Days, our University-wide welcome week at the beginning of the fall semester.
• Graduate Student Orientation: Graduate international students will participate in separate orientation sessions organized by their specific academic programs.
• Optional Virtual Pre-Arrival Sessions: Before you travel to the United States, you will be invited to participate in one of three virtual pre-arrival orientation sessions. While these sessions are highly recommended, they are optional. These pre-arrival sessions will provide you with important dates for planning your travel to Lynchburg.

Required Health Information and Immunizations: Ensuring Your Well-being

Your health and well-being are a priority at the University of Lynchburg. Please take note of the following important health requirements.

• Mandatory Health Insurance: All international students on an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to have health insurance coverage. The University has partnered with EIIA to provide comprehensive coverage at a reasonable cost, which will be billed directly to your student account. You will be automatically enrolled in this plan upon your arrival at the University and will receive detailed information about the coverage during orientation. Do not purchase a separate health insurance policy on your own. The insurance rate for the academic year is $900.
• Mandatory Health Forms: All international students are required to complete mandatory health forms, which can be found on the Student Health Portal. You will need your University email account to sign into the portal. It is imperative that your health information is submitted before your arrival at the University.
• Required Immunizations: As an international student, you have specific immunization requirements. We recommend getting the required immunizations in your home country, as they can be expensive in the United States. Please print the Immunization Form (PDF) and take it to your doctor to be completed and signed. Upload the completed form to your Student Health Portal under the “My Forms” page. The required immunizations include:
  
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccine: Tdap or Td within the last 10 years.
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine: Three doses or positive titers (titers only if vaccine records are unavailable).
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella: Two doses or positive titers (titers only if vaccine records are unavailable).
  • Meningococcal Vaccine (types ACYW): One dose after your 16th birthday.
  • Polio (IPV or OPV): Four doses, with one being after your fourth birthday.
  • If you live in a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis (all countries except the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Northern Europe, and Western Europe), you must provide proof (within 6 months before arrival) that you are free of tuberculosis. Download the Tuberculosis Testing Form (PDF), have it completed by your doctor, and upload it to your student health portal.
• Strongly Recommended Immunizations: While not required, the following immunizations are strongly recommended: COVID-19 (per current CDC recommendations), HPV, Hepatitis A, Meningococcal B Vaccine, and Varicella Vaccine.
• Full-time undergraduate students may be subject to a fine of $200 for incomplete immunization records.

Packing List: Bringing What You Need

Careful packing will make your arrival and initial days much smoother. Here’s a guide to what you should pack:

Carry-On Luggage (Keep these items with you during your flight):

• Passport and Visa
• Printed I-20 or DS-2019
• Admission or Invitation Letter
• Financial documents
• SEVIS fee payment receipt
• Some cash (no more than $10,000) and/or credit card
• Driver’s license/International driver’s license (if you have one)
• Medication (ensure it is in its original packaging with the prescription if required)
• Medical/immunization records with English translation (the same ones you upload prior to arrival)
• Contact information for any relatives or friends in the U.S. (name, address, telephone number)
• An adapter and converter for U.S. electrical outlets (the U.S. operates on 120 V, 60 Hz)

Checked Luggage:

• Personal clothing and shoes
• Photos, favorite stuffed animal or blanket, or other mementos that remind you of home
• Check the Housing and Residence Life Policies for a list of prohibited items in the residence halls.

What to Leave at Home:

• Food items such as meat, cheese, fruits, and vegetables.
• Electric appliances (check Housing and Residence Life policies).
• Drugs that are not prescribed for you by a medical practitioner.
• Alcohol (the legal age for purchase and use of alcohol is 21 years).
• Bed linens (Twin XL sheet set, pillow, towel & washcloth) will be provided for you.
• Incense, candles, or anything that requires an open flame.

Transportation to the University: Making Your Way to Lynchburg

Planning your travel to Lynchburg is an important step.

• Recommended Airport: The University of Lynchburg personnel highly recommends that international students plan to fly into Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington, D.C., on the dates specified at the beginning of each semester.
• Free Transportation from IAD: If you arrive at IAD on the specified dates, the University will provide you with free transportation from the airport to our campus in Lynchburg, VA (a 3-3.5 hour drive by bus).
• Direct Travel to Lynchburg: You can also plan your travel to come directly to Lynchburg by air to the Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH), by rail to the Amtrak station, or by bus (Greyhound). If you arrive on our specified arrival days, we will pick you up at one of these three Lynchburg locations as well.
• Independent Transportation: Arriving at any other date or location means you must secure your own transportation to campus. Our transportation is only provided for incoming students; family members or friends traveling with you must arrange their own transportation.
• Arrival Form: Once you have secured your student visa, you will receive an email from our admissions office asking you to complete an arrival form. It is important that you fully complete this form and notify us of your travel plans, including airline information, flight date and time, and other pertinent details. This form allows us to plan for your transportation if needed and know when to expect you.
• During the semester, students are encouraged to use the public transportation system, Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC), for off-campus transportation needs. GLTC bus passes can be purchased at the Solutions Center. Alternatives such as Lyft, Uber, or campus bike rentals are also available. Trips to Walmart may be available as a courtesy only during orientation and prior to University breaks.

Pre-Arrival Presentations: Connecting Before You Arrive

Remember to check your lynchburg.edu email regularly! You will receive invitations to participate in virtual pre-arrival orientation sessions. Attending one of these sessions is highly recommended, as it will provide you with essential information and help you connect with the University community before you arrive on campus.