Arrival Checklist

Call or Email Home

Be sure to touch base with your family back home—they want to know that you have arrived safely to Yale.  When you check in with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), you will receive a free long-distance calling card and you will have access to free WiFi and internet kiosks.

Check in with the OISS, 421 Temple Street.

Report Current Address

This step is required by U.S. Immigration. You can report your current address on the OISS Web site.

Sign up for the OISS E-Newsletter

And join other email groups. Sign up now.

Check in with your school.

Obtain Your Yale ID Card [More information]

Open a Bank Account [More information]

Make an Appointment with the Yale International Tax Office

If you are receiving Yale funds, you'll need to complete the required forms for withholdings and/or treaty benefits. Appointment information is available on the international tax office Web site.

Complete the Direct Deposit Form

Obtain and submit this form with the Payroll Office if you are receiving Yale funds. 

Sign up for Health Insurance

Students working towards a Yale degree are automatically enrolled in the Yale Health Plan. All others are not (DSR, VAR, exchange, student interns).  Check with your department if you are not certain about your eligibility. 

Apply for an SSN

OISS will give you an application package if and when you are eligible.

Pay Outstanding Bills before registering for classes.

Update Health Records with YHS

You might need immunization shots, etc. before registering for classes.

Attend Orientation Programs

These programs are offered by your school, department, and OISS.

Take a Campus Tour

Tours leave the Visitor Center at 149 Elm Street.

Take a Tour of Sterling Memorial Library

Tour schedules are available on the Library Web site.

Call or Email Home

Be sure to touch base with your family back home—they want to know that you have arrived safely to Yale.  When you check in with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), you will receive a free long-distance calling card and you will have access to free WiFi and internet kiosks.

Check in with the OISS, 421 Temple Street. As of May 1, 2011, scholar check-ins will be held Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 8:30-10:00 a.m.

Report Current Address

This step is required by U.S. Immigration. You can report your current address on the OISS Web site.

Sign up for the OISS E-Newsletter

And join other email groups. Sign up now.

Check in with your department administrator.

Obtain Your Yale ID Card [More information]

Open a Bank Account [More information]

Make an Appointment with the Yale International Tax Office

If you are receiving Yale funds, you'll need to complete the required forms for withholdings and/or treaty benefits. Appointment information is available on the international tax office Web site.

Complete the Direct Deposit Form

Obtain and submit this form with the Payroll Office if you are receiving Yale funds. 

Sign up for Health Insurance

Scholars who are being covered by Yale under the Yale Health Plan (YHP) can sign-up for benefits online 24/7 at www.yale.edu/portal (log in with your Net ID and click on “My Benefits”). If you have any questions about your benefit options and would like to speak with a Benefits Counselor, call 203.432.5552 to make an appointment.  Check with your department if you are not certain about your eligibility for the YHP.  All others will need to purchase health insurance either with the YHP or another private insurer. 

Apply for an SSN

OISS will give you an application package if and when you are eligible.

Pay Outstanding Bills before registering for classes.

Update Health Records with YHS

You might need immunization shots, etc. before registering for classes.

Attend Orientation Programs

These programs are offered by your department, OISS, and Yale’s Human Resources Department.

Take a Campus Tour

Tours leave the Visitor Center at 149 Elm Street.

Take a Tour of Sterling Memorial Library

Tour schedules are available on the Library Web site.