Orientation

• Money and Banking

• Employment (students in F-1 & J-1 immigration status)

We suggest that you become familiar with currency exchange procedures. Difficulties and delays frequently occur in the transfer of funds from overseas to the United States, so bring enough money to cover your initial school supplies and expenses. Transfer of funds may take several weeks or months, and clearance of checks or bank drafts is time-consuming. However, since the US government will only allow you to bring $10,000.00, we recommend transfer of funds if you are dealing with large quantities.

Do not carry large sums of cash with you. The safest and most convenient way to carry money is in the form of traveler's checks. You will have no problem exchanging them, or recovering them if they are lost or stolen. We will help you to open a bank account during orientation.

Be practical about your finances. Plan for how you will finance your entire education at St. Thomas, not only the first year. Remember that in addition to tuition, room & board, and insurance costs, you will need funds for travel, books, clothing and recreation. You must also plan for your summer living and traveling expenses.

Money and Banking

It is not safe to carry large sums of cash with you. It is best to use traveler's checks that are internationally recognized, which can be cashed almost anywhere in the US. We recommend that you bring $200.00 in traveler’s checks to enable you to open a bank account and have immediate cash for personal expenses.

Bank Drafts: If you are bringing a bank draft, deposit it with the Business Office at the University of St. Thomas rather than in a commercial bank. The Business Office will allow you to register and will advance you a small amount of cash against your draft. A commercial bank will not advance you any money until your draft “clears”, a process which can take two weeks or more.

Employment (students in F-1 & J-1 immigration status)

You are not eligible for off-campus employment in the US until you have been a full-time student for a minimum of 9 months, and then only with special authorization. You are eligible to work on campus up to 20 hours per week as soon as you arrive at St. Thomas. Unfortunately, St. Thomas does not have Graduate Assistant Positions that pay wages and reduce or waive your tuition.