Checklist

This checklist is designed to give a guideline for international students planning on studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The checklist covers many issues that concern international students who come to the university.

The checklist is designed as a reminder sheet of important tasks to take care of and think about before and upon your arrival to the university. The checklist is divided into five categories and is more specialized under each category heading. For further information on any of these details or if you have other questions, please check the website.

Housing

• Are you close to the area of campus you plan to spend most of your time studying?
• How much are you willing to spend for rent?
• How far are you willing to walk during hot summers and cold winters?
• How long do you plan on living at the establishment (that is, lease term)?
• If you are not planning to stay the required lease term amount, is subletting or signing a shorter lease possible?
• Do they find roommates for you or do you have to find your own?
• What are the facilities the place offers (such as fitness center, computer lab)?
• What are you looking for in neighbors and living style (quiet, noisy)?
• How close are laundry facilities?
• Are meals provided? Do they cost extra? Do you cook your own?
• Is the place furnished or do you need to bring/buy all of your own stuff (such as bed, desk, dresser)?
• Are utilities included in rent (such as electricity, hot water)?
  

You can also refer to the Campus Assistance Center, Most Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Housing in Madison. You can bring this list with you when looking at housing.

Free temporary housing is available through Madison Friends of International Student (MFIS) while you look for long-term housing. MFIS rents COATS and FURNITURE. Check their web site for more information.

Courses

• When can you register for courses?
• How do you register for courses?
• What is the deadline to register for courses?
• How many courses (credits) can you take in a semester?
• Do I match all the prerequisites in order to take a specific course?
• How many exams and how much homework is required in the courses you plan to take?
• How is grading conducted and grades distributed in the courses you plan to take?
  
  

Administrative Tasks

• Do I have all the information to provide in order to obtain a VISA?
• Do I have a waiver to provide in order to avoid paying the Health Insurance (mandatory for International Students)?
• How much the insurance will cost?
• How much it costs to register for courses at the university?
• How I can apply for and/or obtain scholarships at the university?
• Where to find out about and receive a pamphlet on the UW misconduct rules?
• How the academic school calendar is set up (such as days off, vacations)?
• When, Where, and How to go to obtain a student identification (ID)?
• When, Where, and How to go to obtain a bus pass?
  
  

Practical Details

• Do I know what information is covered during orientation week?
• Do I know how to get to the campus from the airport?
• Do I know how you connect a telephone line?
• Do I know how you make a long distance phone call?
• Do I know why I should open a bank account?
• Do I know how to open a bank account?
• Do I know how to transfer money from one account to another or get it?
• Do I know what is the cost of living in Madison?
  
  

Extra Miscellaneous Material

• Do I know where to find information about clubs and student associations on campus, athletic facilities, social events, international students meetings?
• Where to buy groceries?
• Where to find information about currency/metric conversions?
• Can I bring my electric devices?