We're happy that you'll be joining us at WSU! Next, you will need to prepare for your arrival. After you made all necessary arrangements with your host department and received your supporting immigration documentation from OISS, you can start planning for your arrival at WSU.

Plan your arrival date

Please check the regulations for your visa type regarding when you can travel. For example, H-1B scholars may enter the U.S. up to 10 days before the start date on the I-129 Approval Notice, but J-1 scholars may arrive up to 30 days before their DS-2019 start date.

You should plan to arrive at WSU one to two weeks prior to your first day of employment. If possible, please arrive on a weekday and preferably during the day. If you need any assistance, OISS staff and your host department are more likely to be available during this time. Make sure to get the name and telephone numbers (both office and cell phone) for the staff member in your academic department who can help you in case something unexpected arises or you arrive outside of normal office hours or on a weekend.

By car

Our campus is in the heart of Detroit in the Midtown neighborhood. For general directions, search using the OISS address:

42 W. Warren, Suite 416, Welcome Center, Detroit, MI 48202

You may also refer to the WSU campus map for directions.

By plane

Fly into Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), which is about 20 minutes by car from the main campus. Many visitors travel to campus by using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. You also have the option of a cab, which you can arrange at the airport by proceeding to "ground transportation" from baggage claim.

By train

If traveling from a domestic location by train, the Detroit Amtrak Station (DET) is about a five-minute drive from campus.  You can arrange a taxi, but most travelers who need ground transportation from the train station use Uber or Lyft.

Housing

There are a variety of housing options available near campus, but if you wait until you arrive to finalize your arrangements, you could find yourself without a place to stay. Start looking around now! Explore housing options in Midtown Detroit. 

Immediate expenses 

You will likely have considerable expenses upon arrival such as deposits for housing, telephone and electricity; costs for basic furniture and household items; and miscellaneous needs. We recommend that you have $1,500- $2,500 USD available to cover these expenses and temporary housing if necessary. It is helpful to have some cash on hand in U.S. dollars for immediate use or a credit/debit card that will work in the U.S.

What to bring

Immigration documents

Make sure you carry the following documents in your carry-on luggage:

• Passport
• I-129 Approval Notice or DS-2019
• Verification of financial support (such as a bank statement)

Do not put these documents in your checked luggage, as you may need access to them before you can retrieve your checked bag!

Clothing

Detroit has a typical Midwestern climate in the U.S., so be sure to bring appropriate clothing if you can.

Summer temperatures: 75° to 95°F (24°C to 34°C)

Winter temperatures: 15° to 45°F (-9° to 9°C)

If you do not have winter clothing (heavy coat, boots, hat, gloves, etc.), don't worry; you can purchase them in Detroit!

Medical

You'll need the following (with English translation of each):

• a copy of your medical records
• information about any long-term health problems
• list of prescription medicines
• health insurance policy information (J-1 scholars should purchase the required health insurance for themselves and any accompanying dependents once they arrive and check in with OISS.)

What not to bring

We recommend that you do not bring fresh fruit or vegetables, meat, prepared food or spices. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection may not allow you to bring these items into the United States and in that case they will be confiscated at the airport.

Self-quarantine information

International scholars should contact the Campus Health Center after arriving to the U.S. to determine whether or not a self-quarantine period is necessary. If you are required to self-quarantine, you can do so in your own residence once you arrive to Detroit. Anyone with questions about self-quarantining can contact Wayne State's Campus Health Center for further guidance.

Free COVID-19 testing is available on campus at the Campus Health Center. You should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days after you return to protect others from getting COVID-19.