New Student Information
To help guide you on your journey to Wentworth, we have put together a list of the steps you should consider on that path. These include
- Setting your travel date
- What you should bring with you
- SEVIS Fees
- Financial Assistance and Scholarship
- Getting to Wentworth
Setting Your Travel Date
In order to avoid any unnecessary complications but still give yourself time to adjust to your new environment, it is important to think carefully about the day you plan to arrive in the United States.
Regulations set by the Department of Homeland Security allow new students with an F-1 visa to enter the United States thirty (30) days or less prior to Wentworth’s international student orientation.
Many students have benefited greatly from arriving a few days before international student move-in. Students who choose to arrive early will have to make their own accommodation arrangements for the days preceding move-in. For information on hotel accommodations, click here. The move-in date for international students is August 28, 2012.
What to Pack
As you begin to consider what you will cram into luggage, you might want to look over the following information. Because you are traveling from outside the United States, there are some additional items you may want to consider bringing that most domestic students wouldn’t:
- A valid, non-US Drivers license ~ You will be able to drive using a valid non-US Drivers License for up to one year after entering the U.S.
- Mementos from your country
- Visa/Passport/Other immigration documents
SEVIS Fees
Effective September 1, 2004, individuals seeking an F-1 student visa must pay a $200.00 SEVIS I-901 fee. If you do not pay the fee, you will: a) not be issued an F-1 visa and b) will not be admitted to the United States, or if you are present in the United States, your application will not be processed.
Review the SEVIS I-901 instructions to determine if you are exempt from the fee and for more information about submitting the form. For I-901 instructions and a copy of the form I-901 go to the SEVP website: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships
International students are not eligible for federal need-based financial aid. As an incoming international student, you are automatically considered by the Admissions Office for a Merit Scholarship. This scholarship is based on the strength of your application and your prior academic performance. For more information about any of these awards, click here.
There are also additional resources that you can take advantage of to help cover the cost of your education. We have compiled a list of scholarship and financing websites you can use to locate and apply for awards from organizations outside of Wentworth. Visit the Financial Aid website for more information.
Getting to Wentworth
Airport Transportation
Logan International Airport is Boston’s major airport. The most common forms of transportation from the airport to WIT include taxi, hotel shuttle and through the subway system called the “T”.
Taxi
Taxis can be found at the ground transportation area outside each terminal. Fare to downtown Boston will be about $30 and to WIT about $40. Normally, you tip 15% of the cost of the fare if you received good service.
Public Transportation - MBTA (also known as the “T”)
Shuttle bus #33 picks up passengers in front of the airline terminals and brings them to the Airport subway or “T” stop. Take the Blue Line subway inbound to Government Center. At Government Center change (go upstairs) to the Green Line E outbound train (E Line to Heath). You will get off at the MFA “T” stop. The school is located on the corner of Huntington Avenue and Ruggles Street. The cost for a one-way trip on the “T” is $2.00. Visit the MBTA website to learn more about public transportation in Boston.
Shared Vans and Hotel Shuttles
Many van companies offer shared van service to area hotels. Although it may take you a little bit longer to arrive at your destination, it is typically much cheaper, especially if you are traveling on your own (around $10-$15 per person). If you are staying in a hotel, call the hotel first to see if they provide a free shuttle or if there is a shuttle company that they recommend.
