Newly Admitted Students

What to Bring

Climate and Clothing
You may want to pack some clothes for the variety of seasons. Of course, it is easy to shop at local stores for any clothing items you may need. However, it is good if you can plan ahead. The climate in the Midwestern United States includes four distinct seasons-fall, winter, spring and summer, with a variety of temperatures. 

The warmest season is summer, which extends from June through September, with a temperature range typically from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 32C).

Fall extends from September through December, with a temperature range of 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 26C).

The coldest season is winter, which extends from December through March, with a temperature range from 0 to 45 degrees (-8 to 7C). 

The spring season extends from March through June, with a temperature range from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 32C). 

Because of the variety of climate in the Midwest, be sure to include rainwear, sweaters and a warm coat. Usually, students wear casual clothes on campus and it is common for students to wear blue jeans to class. You may want to bring some formal clothes for special occasions, but whatever you feel comfortable wearing is most important for you. If you can, bring some native or traditional clothing from your country for international events.

Medicine and Health Concerns
If you have any health concerns and take a prescribed medication, ask your doctor to provide a copy of the prescription, and bring a supply of your medication with you. If you have any special medical conditions, please inform us. For students who regularly wear glasses or contact lenses, a second pair of glasses or your lens prescription also might be useful. Eyeglass prescriptions must be less than two years old, or you will be required to have an eye exam here to obtain new glasses. As for your dental health, there are numerous dentists available for regular visits, but dentist services are not covered by the college medical insurance. It may be a good idea to have a comprehensive dental check up before leaving your home country. Dentist services can be expensive.

Cultural Items, Photos and Souvenirs
Please consider bringing photographs of your family, post cards, music, traditional clothing, or some small items from your country. These things will be interesting to show others about your home, family and country. You will have occasions to use them when you participate in college events. 

Personal Care and
Household items such as soap, shampoo, cosmetics are inexpensive and readily available in the United States. It is recommended that you bring only a small supply of the basic personal items you think are necessary. You will probably collect things here that you will want to keep. If you bring too much in the beginning, it may be difficult or expensive to send everything home when you complete your program. 

Books
Books for your classes are available at the Moraine Valley Bookstore. Each instructor will tell you the required books you will need when you are registering. Books will be purchased during the first week of school. 

Contacting the College-Before You Arrive
Before you arrive, you may want to have something mailed to you. We usually are unable to provide your new housing or Host Home address in time for you to send something to your new address. Therefore, to help you prepare, feel free to have boxes, packages or letters mailed directly to the Office of International Student Affairs.  We will hold it for you until your arrival. 

Please make sure your name is also on any package or envelope.

Mail to:
Assistant Dean, International Student Affairs
Moraine Valley Community College
9000 W. College Pkwy.
Palos Hills, Illinois 60465-0937 U.S.A. 
Telephone:  (708) 974-5334
Fax:  (708) 974-0561
E-mail: international-admissions@morainevalley.edu