Before You Arrive

Arrange flight to Chicago O’Hare Airport. 

If you are a UWC Davis Scholar, coordinate with your admissions counselor to schedule your flight. 

Travel Guidelines and Procedures 

You must contact customs and/or your postal service to determine what you need to do in order to ship items before your arrival on campus. You can find information on mail and shipping from Mailing Services.  

For suggestions of things to bring with you, please visit this Residence Life webpage. Note that this list is also for domestic students, please check with TSA guidelines for a comprehensive list of prohibited items.

Before arriving in the U.S., make sure you understand how to transfer funds from your home country. Be prepared to cover initial expenses such as tuition, housing, meals, books, and personal items. For safety, avoid carrying large amounts of cash - use international bank drafts instead. You can open a local bank account as soon as you arrive in Lake Forest to receive wired funds from your family. 

The College estimates about $2,500 per academic year for books, taxes, and personal expenses (not including travel or health costs). This is only a guideline - some students spend more, others less. You don’t need to bring the full amount with you, but it’s important to plan ahead. For more on personal expenses, please view the “Planning for Personal Expenses” guide on your Terra Dotta portal. 

To support your transition, International Student Support hosts weekly informational sessions  every  Wednesday at 9 AM (Chicago Central Time) throughout the month of July. These sessions provide important information and resources to help you navigate your college experience in the U.S, and are a great opportunity  to get your questions answered and connect with fellow international students and campus staff.  

These sessions are specifically designed for you as an international student and will cover key areas such as: 

• Career Advancement – Career First Year Track and exploring internship and employment opportunities. 
• Center for Academic Success - Writing Center, Accessibility Services, Academic Support.   
• Student Finances & Taxes – Understanding financial responsibilities, and tax requirements for F-1 students. 
• Financial Aid – Scholarships, 9- month support, understanding your Financial Aid Award Letter.  
• Residence Life (ResLife) – Housing options, dorm policies, and settling in. 
• Dean of Students: Student Support and Resources 
• Health Insurance & Wellness – Navigating U.S. health insurance and accessing campus healthcare services. Immunization Requirements 
• Student Organizations & Campus Life – Getting involved with the International Student Association, campus activities and clubs. 

First Connection is a pre-orientation program for new students that provides an introduction to the College through cultural orientation sessions, transition support, and a meaningful mentoring experience. You will take part in interactive activities designed to help you navigate your transition to college by exploring and understanding the unique cultural and social environment of campus. 

First Connection traditionally celebrates and educates students on the experiences of African American, Latinx, Hispanic, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, First Generation, International, and Pell Grant-eligible students/communities. All students are welcome to join.  

Due to a limited number of spots available, we ask all students to register for First Connection. 

At New Student Orientation (NSO), you will meet other Foresters, discover campus resources, and get just the right amount of information to help you navigate your transition into Lake Forest College with confidence. 

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Lake Forest College, Student Affairs Office, Residence Life, International Student Association 

Engage

Activities and Clubs 

Office of Community, Advocacy, Resources, and Empowerment (CARE) 

Campus Events