ARRIVAL & ORIENTATION

WHEN TO ARRIVE

Spring Semester 2010
We recommend you arrive on either January 3 or January 4, so that you will have time to adjust before orientation begins on January 5.  New international students (undergraduate and graduate) are required to attend an International Student Orientation from January 5-8.  Residence halls will open for new international students beginning January 3.  Classes start on Monday, January 11.

WHAT TO BRING

Moving to Statesboro is exciting but deciding what to pack can be challenging. Check the luggage restrictions for your airline as overweight luggage can be very costly. Also know that there are several places in Statesboro to purchase needed items. In fact, we will take you shopping after you arrive so that you can purchase items such as bed sheets, towels, and school supplies. You may also want to purchase small electronic items here if your country does not use 120/60Hz voltage, the standard for the United States.

The United States is an informal country and students usually dress informally for classes and for social events.  However, there will be special occasions when you will be asked to dress in business attire.  The weather also determines the type of clothes you should bring.  Statesboro is hot during the summer (average day time temperature of 91F or 32C) and cool during the winter (average day time temperature of 60F or 15C). 

In addition to what University Housing suggests, here are some other recommended items to bring with you:

• Personal medications and prescriptions for refills
• Extra eyeglasses and contact lenses
• Items to remind you of home and share with new friends, such as photographs, books, postcards, music
• Traditional clothing to wear during international celebrations

You should travel with your passport (valid at least six months into the future), Georgia Southern I-20 or DS-2019, admission letter, and financial documentation.  You will be asked to present these documents when you arrive in the United States.

HOW TO GET TO CAMPUS

Flying
The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is the closest airport to Georgia Southern University.  This airport is about 45 minutes from the campus.  The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport should be your final flight destination.

Airport Shuttle Service: Georgia Southern will provide a free shuttle service for new students from the Savannah/Hilton Head airport to campus on January 4 and 5. If you arrive on a different day, you will be responsible for finding your own transportation to campus. A taxi from the Savannah airport to Georgia Southern will cost around $100.

To use the free Georgia Southern airport shuttle, you must reserve a space by completing this form.  Depending on when your flight arrives, you may need to spend the night at an airport hotel.  A list of Savannah/Hilton Head Airport hotels can be found here. 

Driving
For driving directions to Lewis Hall, home of Georgia Southern’s Welcome Center, click here.  For a map service or GPS, use 100 Southern Drive, Statesboro, GA 30460.  Please note the Welcome Center is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., M – F.  The Welcome Center can provide local maps and direct you to locations on campus and in Statesboro.

Statesboro Hotels
If you or your family will need to stay in a local hotel, visit here.  We highly recommend making hotel reservations in advance of your arrival.

INTERNATIONAL SOAR ORIENTATION

Spring Semester 2010
All new international students (freshman, transfer, exchange and graduate) are required to attend an International Student Orientation from January 5-8.  At this orientation, you will learn about Georgia Southern, life in the United States, and meet new friends from across the globe. To learn more and to register and pay the $50 fee for International SOAR Orientation, please click here.