Office of International Student Services Newsletter

 Volume V, Number 29

· Plan ahead: Postage costs increase May 14!
· Borrowing Closet
· Airline Packing Tips

· Important Information

· Information for F-1 & J-1 students completing studies in May 2008
· New OPT rules
· Fraud Alert: IRS does not send you e-mails
· Travel Signature
· Special Registration Process when traveling home
· Summer Options for F-1 &
J-1 Students

Upcoming Events

· May 9  - End-of-the Year Picnic
· May 9 - Left to Tell
· May 17 - MSS & OISS Graduation Reception
· April -May - What is  Citizenship? Who is a Citizen? Exhibit at Weisman

Interesting Articles

· Preparing to go home-
To Do list 
 

We hope your experience studying at UST has been rewarding, both academically and personally.  Spring is a busy time as you finish classes and get ready to return home.  We wanted to remind you of  (1) some important items to take care of before leaving and (2) some tips on packing up your things.

1. Update Contact Information

Close Accounts 

• Close your campus mailbox if you have one. Re-direct your mail to your home address. (OISS can not afford to send your mail to you internationally)
• Cancel subscriptions, telephone service, utilities, etc. if you live off-campus.
• Turn in any library books or items on loan from the University.
• If you live on-campus, contact Telecommunications to arrange for your final bill.
• Make sure your student account is paid in full.  You can check your account on-line or in person at the Business Office.  NOTE:  If you owe the university money you will not be able to receive copies of your transcript or your diploma if you completed a degree here.
• If you need a transcript of your coursework at St. Thomas, please make arrangements with OISS to request 1 copy of your transcript after your grades have been posted in May.  If you complete a transcript request (available in OISS) and return it to OISS, we will turn it in for you after grades are posted.
• Close bank accounts and/or have monthly statements cancelled or sent to e-mail. However if you still owe money to the University, we recommend you leave your checking account open until you know all bills and fees have been paid.

Notice of E-mail account status

St. Thomas email accounts last for one year after graduation. Grads can set up an alumni account if they wish, but this is not the same account.

Murphy PIN numbers last until further notice. However, if you forget your pin number and your account is no longer active you cannot reset you PIN.

Update your address

Please make sure to update your new home address in Murphy following the instructions below to stay in touch with UST.

1. Go to Murphy Online: http://banner.stthomas.edu 
2. Click on the link "Personal Information"
3. Update add Addresses and Phones
4. Update your residential address in "Home Permanent" and  "Local Off-campus” and submit changes.
    

2. Packing

Now, its time to start packing up the memories… and all the items you’ve collected over your time here.

1. Packing for International Flights

First, check with your airline. Most international flights will allow 2 suitcases, weighing 50 lbs, or 23 kilos. Some airlines will allow heavier suitcases (weighing up to 70 lbs.) for an additional cost (generally about $50). There are also strict guidelines on suitcase dimensions and so it is important to follow with these regulations.

Luggage Size and Weight Requirements. For all major airlines, the basic rule for luggage is that you may check two pieces of luggage, size 62 in/ 157cm or smaller, and weighing 50lbs/23 kgs or less. For carry-ons, you may have one piece of luggage to carry on size 45 in/114 cm and weighing 40lbs/18kgs or less (this excludes normal sized purses or laptop carrying bags). An exception to this general rule is flights to Brazil – your luggage can weigh up to 70 lbs without being charged extra.
Overweight Charges. For overweight bags the general rule is as follows. Customers who travel in Economy Class with checked baggage over 50 lbs (23 kg) and not exceeding 70 lbs (32 kg) will be charged at the rate of $50.00 per piece. These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or oversized baggage. Baggage weighing more than 70 lbs (32 kg) will not be accepted as checked baggage.

Check Your Airline Rules. We recommend that you check with your specific airline to find out exact details. For links to the airlines at MSP airport, visit the website

2. Donate your items.

If you have small household appliances or bed linens that you’d like to donate for international students next year, please bring them to OISS’s Borrowing Closet. We have limited storage so please bring items in boxes.

3. Send packages home.
 
USPS. The US Post Office generally has the most affordable international shipping rates.  There are several different options depending upon delivery time.

• Economy (Surface) Parcel.  The most affordable option, however this will usually take between 4 - 6 weeks.
• Airmail. This is more expensive than parcel, but generally only takes 4- 10 days.
• Global Express. The fastest delivery, prices are accordingly more expensive.

Other shipping options.  You can use the following links to estimate the cost of shipping your package.

•  DHL

•  Fed Ex

•  UPS