New International Graduate Students

To do prior to arriving on campus:

• As soon as you receive your admission letter, make sure that you complete the I-20 Request Form on your Application Status page, upload your proof of financial resources  documentation, and upload a copy of your passport.
• Upon receipt of your I-20 or DS-2019 form, start the visa application process following the directions included with the I-20/DS-2019 form.
• Submit your official and final transcript(s) to the Graduate Admissions Office. Your previous institution can send the official transcript electronically to grad@wpi.edu or by mail to the Office of Graduate Admissions, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609. If your official and final transcripts are not received before your second semester of classes, a hold will be placed on your account and you will not be able to register. You will also receive additional communications from our office about tabling events on-campus where you can bring us your official transcripts in-person.
• Set up your WPI computer account. Once you confirm your enrollment and submit your enrollment deposit (if applicable), you will receive an email guiding you through the account setup process.
• Make an appointment with a medical provider well before coming to campus to complete the WPI Immunization Form & Tuberculosis Risk Screening Form. These need to be in English or translated and transcribed by a medical professional. Once you receive your WPI email and password and register for courses, you will be able to submit documentation through WPI Health Services Health Portal. You should start submitting your health forms as soon as possible (even if they are incomplete).

Please monitor your WPI email. This is where we will notify you if you are missing required documentation.

• If you have any disabilities and are seeking accommodations, fill out an application with the Office of Accessibility Services.
• Learn more about LGBT+ Support available on campus. 
• Participate in one of the webinars offered by the International Student and Scholars Office for new international graduate students. You will receive an email with times and dates.
• Incoming Graduate Students can contact the Housing & Residential Experience Center to see if there are any on-campus housing spaces available. There are a very limited amount of openings for incoming students. If interested in off campus housing please visit the following website prior to arriving in Worcester. If you have any questions regarding local Worcester area housing options, please contact the Housing & Residential Experience Center.

To do during arrival/Orientation period:

• Attend International Graduate Student Orientation and receive your international orientation packet. Please bring your passport to this session.
• WPI organizes English proficiency testing for students from non-native English speaking countries, even if you have TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores on file with admissions. More information will be distributed prior to the start of your first term about the testing process.
• Sign up for the WPI Student Health and Accident Insurance. If you choose an alternative plan, make sure you understand what is covered.
• Get your WPI ID card. You must have an ID to check in at orientation.
• Graduate Student Orientation will take place prior to the first day of classes. International students are expected to attend Graduate Student Orientation in addition to International Graduate Student Orientation.
• Open a bank account. For more information about how to open a bank account please refer to the International Student Handbook.
• Check in with your department. Make sure you have been assigned an academic advisor in your department.
• TAs & RAs
  • TAs need to attend TA training. The training sessions will take place after orientation and are hosted by the Morgan Teaching & Learning Center. 
  • TAs and RAs will need to apply for a Social Security Number for tax and payment purposes once you arrive in the US. The International House will help you file for your SSN. You must be registered in SEVIS before you file for the SSN in person in the US. For more information you can read here.
• Off-campus housing
  • If you will be living off-campus, you will likely need to find housing before your arrival in the US. The International House will discuss information about housing in the US during their pre-departure webinar, however we recommend reviewing this guide to tenant rights and responsibilities in Massachusetts to get started.
• If you are planning to have a vehicle on-campus, please register your vehicle with Campus Police and obtain a parking permit. 

To do during the initial weeks of the semester:

• Meet with your advisor.
  • Finalize your Course Schedule before the add/drop deadline.
  • Develop your Plan of Study and get it approved by your advisor.
• Make sure you have settled your bill with the Bursar’s Office.
• Health & Wellness Services
  • If you are a graduate student and wish to be seen at WPI Student Health Services for medical care of acute illness or injury, please call the WPI Bursar’s Office and pay request to pay the Health and Wellness Fee, or you can complete the following online form.  As a graduate student, you are given the option to receive healthcare at Health Services or with your own elected physician. We strongly recommend that you pay the health fee if you are an out-of-state or international student.
  • If you do not pay the Student Health Fee:
    • Take the time to research where the nearest walk in clinic is located. Plan ahead so you know where to go when you are feeling ill.
  • Obtain a copy of your health insurance card and keep it with you at all times.
    • Print your WPI Student Health Insurance card by logging on here.
• Register with the Career Development Center (CDC).
• Visit the Center for Well-Being (CWB). The CWB is a supportive and safe space to gather, relax, reflect, and recharge.