Arriving at INTO Suffolk

We’re thrilled you’ve decided to begin your education in the United States with INTO Suffolk! Here are some things to keep in mind and organize before you join us in Boston.

An INTO Suffolk student poses for a portrait on campus.

A little planning goes a long way, especially when you’re preparing for your academic journey in the U.S. The INTO Suffolk team is happy to offer the following tips to help you make your way to our welcoming community and city. If you have any questions about getting ready for the semester ahead, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Be Sure to Bring Your:

  • Original I-20
  • Valid passport and F-1 visa
  • SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
  • Evidence of funding for tuition fees and living costs, including sponsor letter
  • Health forms and immunization documentation
  • All medical prescriptions written in English
  • At least 60 days’ worth of medication
  • Official transcripts or test scores
  • Health insurance documents
  • Laptop computer

Consider bringing decorations for your room that will remind you of home—photos, books, music, recipes, and items associated with your favorite hobby or sport. Many students also choose to bring items of cultural significance, such as their national dress.

Students living on campus will receive INTO Suffolk welcome packets when they arrive at their residence halls. This packet will include a campus map, restaurant and grocery store information, cell phone and banking resources, pre-orientation information, and Wi-Fi login information. Students will also receive a twin XL sheet set, comforter, towels, washcloth, pillow, pillowcase, and clothes hamper for their own personal use.

There are four distinct seasons in Boston. In the summer, temperatures can get up to around 26°C, while fall weather means more layers, with highs around 17°C. During winter, snowy conditions can last from December through March and temperatures range from -10°C to 4°C.

In winter, it’s a good idea to dress in layers and purchase the following items:

  • Winter hat
  • Winter scarf
  • High-quality gloves
  • Winter boots
  • Winter jacket
  • Thick socks

Immunization Requirements

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires students to upload their immunization records to Suffolk University upon enrollment. A licensed health care provider needs to fully complete and sign the required immunization form.

Upload your required immunization form to the Suffolk Counseling, Health & Wellness online portal. You will need your Suffolk login details to access this portal; they’ll be sent to your personal email address approximately one month before your program starts. If you have problems logging on to the portal, please email us.

Failure to submit the required immunization form may result in a hold on course registration.

Arriving in Boston

Plan to arrive in Boston at least one day before your program’s start date. Students who will be living on campus cannot move in early. Students will be required to book a hotel room at their own expense if they arrive before the on-campus move-in date. You can find a list of local hotels here.

All new students are required to complete our arrivals form. Additionally, INTO Suffolk provides free airport transfers for new students living on campus. We can only provide this service to you if you complete our arrivals form.

Submit your arrival details online at least 14 days before arriving in the U.S. so we can arrange a transfer service to greet you at the airport, if requested.

To complete the arrivals form, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Application ID
  • Personal contact details
  • Flight number
  • Arrival date and time
  • Where you will be traveling to

Banking and Cell Phones

Once you arrive in Boston, you will need to open a U.S. bank account. To do so, you will need two pieces of photo identification (passport and Suffolk ID card), your U.S. mailing address, and money to deposit.

Upon your arrival, it is also important to register for a local U.S. cell phone and number.

INTO Suffolk Orientation

As an INTO Suffolk student, you will participate in a mandatory orientation that will help you get settled in your new surroundings. Orientation will begin a week before the first day of class. You will receive an email with specific information about this event during the pre-arrival process.

Math Placement

Students in the International Year One Program or Undergraduate Transfer Program must take the math placement test before arriving to determine their math level and register for the correct course. INTO Suffolk will email you about this test approximately one month before your program begins. It is recommended that you complete the test as soon as possible in order to get the best possible class schedule. You will receive emails directly from Suffolk ITS with Canvas login information.

You can find math placement test review sheets and more information here.

College-Specific Graduate Student Orientations

Graduate INTO Suffolk students in the University’s Sawyer Business School, College of Arts & Sciences, and Law School will attend their school’s own separate, required orientations. More information will be sent to your Suffolk email address during INTO Suffolk’s orientation.