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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
HOUSING
You may choose to live on-campus in a student residence hall or off-campus in privately-owned apartments. Many international students prefer living on-campus in Southern Pines, which offers suite style accommodations with private bedrooms. While Southern Pines is usually reserved for upper-classmen, exceptions are made for international students. International graduate students may also consider living in the graduate community at Southern Courtyard.
Apply early for on-campus housing to receive the best options! You are able to log into the Housing Application three days after you are accepted for admission. To log in, you will need your Eagle ID number, which you will receive via email when you apply to Georgia Southern. Your password is your date of birth - mmddyyyy. You will need to pay a $100 non-refundable application fee at the time of completing the application.
If you plan to live off-campus, you should arrive early as finding an apartment can be time-consuming. Keep in mind that you may need to stay in a hotel while you are apartment hunting. For a partial list of apartment communities in Statesboro, please visit here. Carefully read all information listed in the lease, including deposits, utilities, length of lease, etc. Always consider how far the apartment is located from campus, as Statesboro does not have public transportation.
HEALTH ISSUES
Immunizations
All students enrolling in Georgia Southern University are required to show proof of immunizations. Print the immunization forms from http://services.georgiasouthern.edu/aux/health/imm_internatstud.php and have your health care provider fill out your immunization history. Please fax the forms back to the Health Services office at 912-478-1893 and bring the original form with you to international orientation. Students who fail to turn in their immunization forms may be restricted from registering for classes! If you do not have all the required immunizations, we recommend you get them in your home country as they are expensive here, ranging from $40 to $75 per immunization.
Tuberculosis Skin Test
At international orientation, you will be required to get a Tuberculosis Skin test- any student living outside the US for more than 5 months is required to get this test done, even if you have had it done before. You must be tested at Georgia Southern University; in compliance with state law. You will only be able to register for classes once you complete the free Tuberculosis Skin Test.
Health Insurance
The University System of Georgia requires all international students to purchase a health insurance plan here at Georgia Southern. You will be automatically enrolled in this program. The health insurance fee (approximately $870 per year) will be added to your university invoice.
During orientation we will discuss how the health care system works in the United States and how to use this health insurance plan in the event that you require medical attention. Please bring any questions you may have to orientation!
Please visit Pierce and Pierce’s website at http://www.studentinsurance.com/PearceSite/Schools/GA/gsou/ to see the details of the plan.
If you already have health insurance visit this site to determine if you can waive purchasing the required health insurance plan: http://www.studentinsurance.com/PearceSite/Schools/GA/gsou/#TableB
Please direct any questions to the Office of International Student Programs & Services either at (912)478-0332 or by emailing intlstdy@georgiasouthern.edu.
REGISTERING FOR CLASSES
Undergraduate Students
To register for classes, you must submit the required immunization forms, complete the Tuberculosis Skin Test and attend a SOAR session. SOAR is Southern’s Orientation, Advisement, and Registration program. At SOAR, you will meet with an academic advisor and register for classes. SOAR sessions are hosted on different days but most international students choose to attend SOAR just days before the beginning of the semester. For Fall 2008, the date is Saturday, August 16. There is a $35 SOAR fee that is payable during International Student Orientation, August 13 – 15.
Graduate Students
You will register for classes through WINGS, an electronic system. Detailed information on how to access WINGS and register for courses will be sent to you along with your acceptance letter. Once accepted for admission, you should contact your advisor to help you determine which classes you should take before you actually register. Attending International Student Orientation is mandatory to prevent future registration holds from being placed on your WINGS account.
PAYING FOR TUITION & FEES
Semester charges for tuition, university fees, on-campus housing, meal plan, and health insurance are due on the first day of class each semester. There are no installment payment plans available. Invoices are only available on the web via the university system WINGS. Paper invoices are not produced. Your invoice with exact amounts due to Georgia Southern University will display online in your WINGS account within 24 hours of you registering for classes. You will learn how to use WINGS and access your invoice at International Orientation.
Payment may be made by cash, check from a U.S. bank, or by electronic bank wire. Credit card payment (MasterCard, Discover or American Express) is only accepted online via your WINGS account. For additional information, please visit:
http://services.georgiasouthern.edu/bursar/osf/registration.htm
For an estimate of tuition and fees due, please visit:
http://services.georgiasouthern.edu/revenue/tuitionandfees/main.htm
LIFE IN STATESBORO
Georgia Southern University is located in Statesboro, Georgia. Statesboro is a university-town of around 30,000 people, known for hospitality, friendliness, and a mild-year round climate. Statesboro offers the charm and safety of a small town but has the amenities of a larger city, such as varied shopping centers, cafes & restaurants, and entertainment options such as a cinema and outdoor parks.
Statesboro is about 1-hour by car from Savannah and the beaches of Tybee and Hilton Head Islands. Florida is 2-hours away and metropolitan Atlanta can be reached in about 3-hours.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Georgia Southern is a very beautiful campus that is pedestrian friendly, so there are no problems walking across campus. There is also an on-campus bus service that shuttles students to different parts of campus. Visit Parking & Transportation for the transit bus route. Many students purchase bicycles to ride around campus and town.
There is no public transportation in Statesboro, and taxi service is limited. Below are two local taxi services:
- DW Yellow Cab (912)601-1608
Rates:
Local/In Town Travel: $2.50 (upon entering taxi) and 40¢ for each 1/6 of a mile
$90 - flat rate to Savannah Airport
- Eagle Taxi (912)681-3333
However, there are shopping areas within walking distance from the campus and students quickly find friends who have cars and can provide rides.
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