Kia ora everyone, greetings from Seattle! I am one of the exchange students at the University of Washington (Foster School of Business), majoring in Marketing. Coming here was an incredible opportunity, like a daydream I never thought would come true. Every journey to a new place has its moments of joy and sadness, and as someone who has experienced these, I’ll do my best to share useful tips. My goal is to help new incoming students or those interested in an exchange program familiarise themselves with the new feelings and challenges that lie ahead, so we can all enjoy this adventure to the fullest.
First of all, let’s talk about Visa and Documentation. I know paperwork is never fun, but I want everyone to take this step by step. I recommend starting your visa process as soon as possible after receiving your DS-2019 approval from your university. If you have any questions, reach out to the 360 team or your host university. You can find all the required documents on the US embassy website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html).
For the J-1 visa (the exchange visa that most exchange students usually hold), an embassy interview is required. This can be stressful since the outcome is finalized after the interview, so book your appointment with the embassy as soon as possible. In my experience, filling out Form DS-160 and the SEVIS I-901 form only took about an hour. Once these are completed, you can book your appointment. Try to book as early as possible because the queue can be long—remember, you’re not the only one going! So, book the earliest available date if you can.
The interview might sound intimidating, but it’s actually very straightforward. Don’t be too anxious—just answer the officer’s questions honestly. One tip: I initially filled out my DS-2016 form incorrectly because I missed a section. If this happens to you, don’t panic! Contact the US embassy for guidance. In my case, they suggested I correct the form and update it with my immigration officer.
For international students, bring your New Zealand student visa as well. It wasn’t listed as required on the website, but the officer asked to see mine, so I was lucky to have prepared it. Also, make sure your photo is unedited—I had to submit mine again because it wasn’t acceptable.
Please note that this is just my personal experience with visa documentation. I’m not a licensed immigration advisor, but I hope my experience helps you feel more prepared and ensures a smoother process. If any of this doesn’t apply to your situation, I recommend seeking advice from a certified person or the embassy.
PS: Once your visa is issued, you can travel to the U.S. up to one month before your program starts and stay for up to one month after it ends. So, have fun exploring the U.S. before grinding with study LOL !!
During The Flight
Accommodation Arrangements
Finding the right accommodation is key to a comfortable stay. I can only speak from my experience at the University of Washington’s dormitories—it can be pretty tough to get a private room, and the costs can be quite high. I lived in a cluster room at McMahon Hall, which is somewhat similar to Carlaw Park Student Village. I shared my bedroom with a roommate, and the bathroom with eight others. But don’t worry, there’s a toilet in the lobby too, and I rarely ran into people there. I’ve heard that living off-campus can be cheaper, but here’s my take this –
- Living on campus requires purchasing a dining plan. Since I’m not big on cooking and I’m not too picky with food, this was a good option for me.
- Great for socializing. You’ll meet a lot of people through hall events and activities. I made so many friends this way, so I think it’s totally worth it.
- Campus safety is a big plus. There’s a 24-hour Resident Advisor (RA) to assist in emergencies. The UWPD (University of Washington Police Department) patrols the campus 24/7, offering emergency response services and safety escorts for students. There’s also a night walk program if you feel unsafe walking around campus after dark.
PS: If you’re studying business, consider living on the North Campus. It’s closer to the Foster School of Business, and since UW’s campus is huge, it might save you from waiting for buses or taking long walks.
Overall, with the right preparation, you’ll be set for an incredible study abroad experience. Make sure to take care of your documents and accommodation arrangements. I’ll be writing another blog with tips and experiences on traveling around Seattle—so stay tuned! If you have any questions, feel free to flick me a message on Instagram at curlie_e04 or Email me ynit693@aucklanduni.ac.nz. Just remember, despite any challenges you face during the program, it will be totally worth it! And of course, don’t forget to maintain your GPA—ehehe.
WORK HARD, PLAY HARD, EVERYONE! LOVE YOU ALL! FIGHTING!!!
Glimpses of the Campus