Pre-Arrival Information for International Students

Preparing for your study abroad experience at Temple is exciting, and we’re here to help make your journey as smooth as possible. This section gives you practical guidance so you’ll feel confident from the moment you board your flight to the day you arrive on campus.

Preparing for Your Journey to Philadelphia

Visa and Travel Documentation

Once you are admitted, Temple’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team will guide you through the visa process. You’ll need the Form I-20 (for an F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (for J-1 visa), along with proof of financial support and your admission documents. We recommend applying for your visa as early as possible to allow for processing time.

Learn more

Booking Flights and Airport Arrival

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the closest airport to Temple. From the airport, you can reach campus in about 30 minutes by taxi, rideshare, or train.

On select arrival days, Temple offers a free airport greeting service and shuttle transfers to campus, so you’ll have a friendly face welcoming you as soon as you land. If you arrive outside of those days, staff and student volunteers will still be available on campus during orientation week to help you get settled and navigate your new surroundings.

Plan to arrive a few days before orientation so you have time to move into housing and adjust to your new environment.

Immunization and Health Requirements Before Arrival

To keep our campus community safe and healthy, Temple University requires all incoming international students to complete certain health steps before arriving in Philadelphia.

Required Immunizations

Before you travel, make sure you have documentation of your immunizations. Commonly required vaccines include:

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
• Meningococcal (for students living in campus housing)

Tip: Ask your doctor at home for a copy of your official vaccination records in English. Bring both a paper and digital version with you to the U.S.

A few weeks before the start of the semester, you will be given access to the Temple University Health Services Patient Portal, where you will be asked to upload your immunization record. If any vaccines are missing, you can receive them at Temple’s Student Health Services after arrival, but you may be charged a fee. Some vaccines may be much more expensive in the U.S. than abroad—try to complete them before you leave home!

Learn more

Health Insurance Reminder

In addition to immunizations, all international students must enroll in Temple’s health insurance plan (or request a waiver if eligible). Proof of coverage is required.

Getting Ready for Life at Temple

Technology, Phones, and Banking

Most students use their own laptops and phones at Temple. You can purchase a U.S. SIM card or mobile plan upon arrival to stay connected affordably. Opening a U.S. bank account is recommended if you’ll be here for a semester or longer — it makes managing payments and everyday expenses much easier. Temple’s international advisors can help you explore options for both.