Information for New Students

Welcome! Congratulations on being admitted to Old Dominion University (ODU).  We are sure that you must be looking forward to your studies in the US. We are equally eager to meet you, and to introduce you to what could be some of the most exciting years of your life. ODU has around 350 Indian students, who form the largest international student group at ODU.

One of the most important voluntary activities undertaken by the Indian Students' Association (ISA) is helping the new students coming from India in getting settled in their new environment. We arrange for their pick-up from the airport or bus-station, and also arrange for putting them up temporarily while they search for permanent accommodation. We believe that this is the single biggest service that the ISA provides to the Indian community and we take pride in it.

Pre-Arrival Information:

1. Reaching Norfolk

Airport: Norfolk International Airport (Code – ORF).

Book your tickets well in advance all the way to Norfolk. If you plan to come to Norfolk, and would like us to pick you up, we have to know your arrival details at least one week in advance. Arranging to pick you up on a last minute call will be a problem for your initial accommodation. If for some reason, you are not able to intimate us of your arrival, do not worry. Call the Campus Police  (683-4000) from the airport and ask them to relay a message. You should provide them with your name and inform them that you are a new international student. If possible provide them with the telephone number of the telephone you are using. A staff member of International Student and Scholar Services will return the call in a few minutes and provide the assistance you need. You could also try calling us from the airport or give the Campus Police or the staff member our contact number; we might still be able to make it to the airport. As a second option, there is a booth at the airport for a shuttle service, which is a cab service, arranged by the airport. They have regular services. The one-way fare is $10-$20 depending on the time of the day. The trip takes about 30 minutes and you usually share the cab with other passengers. Ask to be dropped near ODU Public Safety Building (on 49th street) and give us a call from there. Keep some quarters (25 cents) and loose change handy, to make calls from public phones (35 cents per call).

 Bus Station: Norfolk Bus Station

Greyhound Buses connect The Norfolk Bus Station to other major cities in the US. Again, please try to inform us of your arrival time and date in advance. If not call the Campus Police (or try the contact numbers). You can also call for a cab to pick you up and drop you at Old Dominion University Public Safety Building. The one-way fare is approximately $10-20.

2. Staying Here

The ISA will arrange for your initial stay with Indian students upon your arrival. Once you are settled, you can look for an apartment and roommates of your choice. Norfolk has a range of off-campus apartment complexes within commutable distance from school that you can choose from. We encourage you to arrive here in time, so that you do not have trouble finding an apartment. The cost of living in Norfolk is fairly low and typically your monthly expenses excluding your phone bill would be about $300 to $350 (if you have room mates). Phone bills will vary depending on how much you talk home!!

3. What to get from India?

Climate:  The National Weather Service ranks Norfolk's climate among the nation's most desirable, moderate, with four seasons. Norfolk is south of the normal path of winter storms originating in the higher latitudes and north of normal track of tropical storms and hurricanes. Average daily maximum temperature in July is 87 degrees. (approx. 30 C). Average daily minimum temperature in January is 32 degrees. (approx. 0 C) Light and heavy sweaters are essential for winter. A heavy jacket with a hood, hand-gloves, woolen socks and monkey-caps are also useful. Winter attire can also be purchased here, if needed. Norfolk also experiences a fair amount of rain. Don't forget to get an umbrella or a raincoat. Summer is warm and it's time to wear T-shirts, shorts, etc. Cottons are quite expensive here and you might want to get some from home. Try to get some formal clothes too. These are required for professional meetings and interviews. Unless you are fond of doing your laundry often, get clothes (especially undergarments) to last you at least 2-3 weeks!

Health Care: You must have received a health form sent by the university. Undergo a complete medical check-up, including eye and dental examination. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, get spares. Ensure that all medication stated in the university form is completed before you leave India. Health insurance is mandatory at ODU. Get your standard medicines like Crocin, Vicks, Iodex, cough syrup, antacids etc., as they can be very expensive here.

Food: Masalas, pickles, rice, dals etc., are available in Norfolk. But you can bring some things along to start with. Homemade items that you are fond of can be brought in small quantities and in sealed packets. (Be warned that IF the US customs check your baggage they might discard food or plant products if detected by the scanner) Learn to cook well so that you do not get sick of eating your own food!!

Documents: Passport/VISA, I-20, College Transcripts, ODU Immunization Form filled by a registered medical practitioner, Proof of Undergraduation, important certificates that may help get part-time employment. DO NOT put the originals along with your check-in luggage. ALWAYS keep them with you during your entire flight. It is further advisable to make copies of all documents and put a copy in each of your check-in bags.

Odds and Ends: A pressure cooker with spare gaskets and spare safety valves, a Teflon pan, regular cooking and eating vessels, a blanket, bedspread, pillow cover, towels, audiocassettes/CD’s (pretty expensive here). Books are very expensive in US, so it is advisable to get in touch with your seniors at ODU and ask them for a list of standard books to get from India. Avoid bringing any electrical appliances; you will not be able to use them here because of the voltage difference.

4. Contacting Us

Please feel free to contact one of the committee members if you have any more questions by going through our website.

Remember to keep the following contact information* with you during your travel.

Birju Ransariya                    Rama Chandra Reddy Adapa   Cell Ph.: (757) 395 9154       Cell Ph.:(757) 652 5210

*Note: This contact information is for emergency only. For any general information regarding admission, funding, accommodation etc. Please visit our website. Thank you and welcome to ODU!!