Pre-Departure Information

The Center for International Education (CIE) has prepared this checklist to assist you before your arrival in New Orleans.

- Valid passport: Ensure that your passport is valid at least six months into the future.

- Certificate of eligibility: Form DS-2019.

- Valid J-1 visa (not required for Canadian citizens).

- I-901 SEVIS Fee: Proof of I-901 fee payment must be presented at the visa interview or port of entry.

- Financial Support: Proof of financial support for your studies will be required upon entering the U.S.

- Immunization Records: Be sure to fill out and bring the Immunization and Medical History form that was sent to you by Loyola.

- Health Insurance Waiver: You should have received a health insurance waiver form in your admission packet from Loyola. Loyola University requires that all F-1 and J-1 students have health insurance. You will be charged an insurance fee and covered under a policy obtained by Loyola on your behalf, unless you submit proof of comparable personal coverage by the deadline.

- Residence Hall Application: Ensure that you have appplied for housing through Residential Life.

- Airport to Campus:   The university can be easily reached by taxi or by the Airport Shuttle. Taxis cost $33 and the Airport Shuttle costs $20. Taxis from the airport do not turn on their meters because the prices are fixed. Taxis are located outside the baggage claim area and there is often a line for the taxis. Tickets for the Airport Shuttle can be purchased by the door exiting the baggage claim. The railroad and bus stations are located downtown, a short distance from the university. If you know the residence hall in which you are staying, you can tell the driver to take you directly there. If you do not know your residence hall and you arrive between the hours of 8:30 and 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, you can call CIE at +1-504-864-7550 or Residential Life at +1-504-865-2445 for your residence hall and room number. After hours or on the weekend, call the Loyola Department of Public Safety at +1-504-865-3434.

- International Student Orientation: International Student Orientation is mandatory for all international students. At the orientation, we will provide you with information which you, as an international student, must know. The orientation will be held in Mercy Hall Room 301. Please bring your passport, DS-2019 and I-94 to check-in. For more information and a tentative schedule, visit the Orientation website.

For more pre-departure information, visit our pre-departure website.