Anticipate funding needs for your first few weeks (minimum $1,500 USD for housing, meals and purchasing items to set up your room/apartment). Use an ATM/debit or credit card to avoid carrying large sums of cash with you.
Consider having important documents (school transcripts, marriage licenses, prescriptions, etc.) translated into English before you leave your country.
Make copies of important documents, such as passport, immigration documents, transcripts, financial statements, street address where you will be going when you arrive.
Contact your academic adviser or department about registering for classes. Don’t know who your adviser is? Check myZou or with your department.
What to pack
Pack your travel documents and any valuables in your carry-on bag, and carry your immigration documents with you during your flight.
Bring any medications you use, including extra eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Pack lightly — if you forget things, you can purchase them when you arrive.
Include your name and address in the U.S. on your bags.
Consider bringing recipes for favorite foods, small souvenirs from your home country, a camera, cultural clothing, your favorite music or photos from home.
Do not pack: weapons, electrical appliances, candles or incense, animals, illegal drugs, fresh food, etc.
After your arrival
Orientation
Check in at the International Center. Bring your passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019 and MU admission letter.
Take the English language exam if you are an undergraduate student or are enrolled in a graduate program that requires it. You will receive more information about this exam during International Student Welcome.
Log in to your MU email account. This is the primary way MU and International Student and Scholar Services will provide you with important information.
Call or email home to let your family know you’ve arrived safely. You can access wireless internet on campus after you set up your MU username and permanent password.