New International Student Newsletter

You will be arriving in Edwardsville during the winter months. However, you will get to experience all four season while living at Edwardsville. Here are some tips to help as you plan your travels:

1. Pack as lightly as possible (but make sure you have the essentials). You can always have your family or friends ship items to you, or purchase items when you get here.
2. Comfortable shoes are important for walking around campus. Think about boots for cold and wet weather, sandals for warm weather, and something for special occasions.
3. Pack clothing for all four seasons: Illinois weather ranges from very hot to very cold and everything in between. If you do not have a heavy coat, we recommend you purchase one before you arrive. It is cold in January in Illinois. You may also want to bring some traditional dress from your country for festivals and/or special occasions.
4. Pack all documents, money, and medications in your carry-on luggage. Carry on your laptop or tablet, as well. Make sure you check the Transportation Security Administration website for what you can and cannot take on a plane.
5. Don't forget to pack photographs and special items to make you feel more at home in your new place.
6. Finally, don't forget all the important documents you will need to get across the border: valid passport, valid U.S. visa stamp (Canadian citizens exempt), our I-20 or DS-2019, proof of financial support, sufficient funds to cover expenses for the first few weeks, marriage license and English translation if your spouse is traveling with you, and medical records including record of immunizations (in English).

Click here for the Edwardsville, IL weather forecast so you can be prepared!

Source: Yale OISS Website

Mascots are popular "figures" usually associated with athletics, spirit, and all things good on campus.  Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's mascot is Eddie the Cougar, pictured above with SIUE Chancellor, Dr. Julie Furst-Bowe.

In 1968, the first SIUe Cougar mascot arrived on campus. Chimega was a LIVE female member of the American Cat family, who was six feet in length and weighed over 100 pounds when fully grown. Chimega means Cougar in American Indian (Apache). You can learn more about Chimega on the SIUE website.

Today, Eddie the Cougar stirs up the spirit at athletic events and poses for photos frequently.  In fact, Eddie will probably make an appearance at International Orientation.  Take the time to have your photo taken with Eddie. It will make a great first picture to post on your Facebook account or send home to family and friends!

One very important decision you will need to make in the coming months is where to live.  We recommend living on campus.  We have five on-campus options from which you can choose. 

Studies show that students who live on campus are more likely to do better in their academic studies, and more likely to adjust to living away from home.

When making your housing selection, make sure you understand which residential halls are open year-round and which ones require you to move out during school closings (holidays and semester breaks).

The staff in the housing office are very friendly and knowledgeable, and are here to help you with all of your housing questions. Please take a look at the housing website by clicking here!

We can't wait to hear that you have decided to study at SIUE! Please take a moment to register for International Student Orientation. Orientation is mandatory for new international students. It occurs the week before classes start, beginning on January 4th, 2016.

You can view the orientation schedule here.  Make sure you register for orientation so that our Office of International Student & Scholar Services can plan for your arrival. You can also view the ideal arrival dates for the Spring 2016 semester.