Students all across the United States are trying to understand and plan what to do as their schools quickly make decisions on how to handle the coronavirus pandemic. Those decisions have been forcing students to figure out new housing and how to take classes in a new way.
Leaving your housing on campus.
Many schools are requiring students to move/check out. If you are an international student who cannot fly home, due to complications on air travel or are under financial challenges and are absolutely unable to move out of your university residential accommodations, contact the office of residence life/affairs. Those in these circumstances that are cleared by the university to remain on campus, will likely be moved into one housing complex. This will allow your school to monitor all those on campus within one building.
There are guidelines for schools from health officials about relocating those who have to remain on campus. For example, in New York, if you live in a residential hall that has communal bathrooms, you must be moved to a building with separate restrooms to be able to quarantine people. If your school is requiring you to still move off campus completely, check in with your advisors, as they may be able to offer support in finding you temporary housing such as a local hotel at a low rate.
Continue your classes strong.
While many universities across the United States and transitioning classes to be online, it is just as important to make sure you are taking schoolwork seriously. This is a time unlike any other. Your school advisors and professors continue to be there for you as a support structure, even if everything has to be done virtually. Academic advisors, counselors, and other supportive services are available online and through virtual communication and meetings for students. Professors are working hard to provide their classes online.
During this time, it is important to maintain strong communication with those at your school. Email your professor if you are uncertain on an assignment and ask them for help. Reach out to your fellow classmates, as well. This is a time to check in on each other and support each other. Schools have various resources set in place to assist students, which should continue during this time. For example, tutoring centers, writing centers, and career center services all are able to operate over video calls, conference calls, and other collaborative platforms.
Take advantage of storage services if you are moving out and planning on returning to school in the Fall.
U-Haul in particular is offering a special promotion to college students during this crisis who may need self-storage. With a valid student ID, you can get 30 days of free self-storage. If your college is requiring you to leave your housing on campus this year, but you have plans to return to school next year, you may find this promotion and service can help you greatly. To find out more information, click here. For additional storage and preparation for moving out, check out ISO’s guide.
What does this mean for the Class of 2020?
Continue your classes and finish your college career strongly. Unfortunately for many schools, the year has ended abruptly and early, leaving seniors to feel robbed of having a finalized college experience. Schools across the country are faced with the tough decision of what to do with commencement ceremonies. The options schools are electing include virtual ceremonies, postponing to a later date, and cancelling them altogether.
In terms of how this will affect OPT opportunities and employment after graduation, we all have to wait and see. Reach out to your DSO or international student advisor by email or over the phone for any help you need on the application, as they should continue to support students virtually. Student visa statuses are being affected for future semesters studying in the United States. Be sure you continue to stay connected, as ISO is here to get you the most relevant and useful information for international students.
Stay informed.
Many schools, especially in New York and surrounding states, are requiring their students to pack up, check out, and move off campus officially to continue the rest of the semester’s classes online. It is important to stay updated with your school as they continue to send out information, even if you travel back to your home country.
When it comes to domestic and international travel, the news changes frequently. To stay as informed as possible, check CDC’s page for travelers. Be sure to check your insurance status as it pertains to your school, as well. If you are travelling within the United States during this time, remember that coverage with ISO works nationwide.
