Lori Meadows
Western Michigan University (WMU) offers various housing options for international students. These include on-campus housing and off-campus accommodation through private apartment communities. WMU's International Student Orientation provides support for new international students transitioning to life at the university and in the United States. The university also offers comprehensive immigration advising and services through WMU Immigration Services, which is part of the Deither H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education. Additionally, WMU has a Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) that offers ESL courses and facilitates events and experiences to enrich the campus community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Housing options | On WMU's main campus or off-campus through private apartment communities |
| Early move-in | Available for new international students, billed at an additional cost |
| Mandatory program | International Student Orientation for newly admitted international students |
| Health insurance | Required for all international students |
| Vaccinations | Not a requirement for admission, but recommended |
| Tuberculosis testing | Required for students from CDC-identified high-risk countries starting Fall 2024 |
| Banking | Option to open a U.S. bank account at PNC during International Student Orientation |
| Immigration support | Provided by WMU Immigration Services, a unit within the Deither H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education |
| Study abroad | Various WMU programs available, including semester-long, academic year, and short-term options |
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What You'll Learn
Housing options: on-campus and off-campus
Housing options for international students at Western Michigan University (WMU) include on-campus housing and off-campus accommodation through private apartment communities.
On-campus housing is available for international students at WMU's main campus. There is an early move-in date for new international students, which can be found on the WMU Residence Life move-in schedule. Students who plan to move in early must bring their own bedding (twin extra-long size) and bath towels, and will be billed an additional cost for the nights before their housing contract starts.
Off-campus housing is also an option for international students at WMU. Private apartment communities offer accommodation near the university. Additionally, international students on an F-l visa can search for vacancies near the university on local Korean websites.
The WMU Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) provides support and resources for international students, including intensive English language study. The Haenicke Institute for Global Education also facilitates events, experiences, and courses to enrich the campus community and support WMU's internationalization efforts.
WMU offers a range of services to assist international students with their transition to life in the United States, including the International Student Orientation, which takes place the week before classes start. This program helps students with academic, social, geographic, and professional adjustments to WMU and includes an option to open a U.S. bank account.
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International Student Orientation
The International Student Orientation consists of two parts: a virtual portion to be completed before arriving in the US, and an in-person campus event. The virtual portion covers various topics, such as how to access WMU email and other online resources, and the in-person event includes a university welcome, meetings with immigration advisors, and social activities to help students make new friends. During orientation week, there is also an early move-in date for new international students, although this may incur an additional cost.
Students at WMU have a range of housing options, including on-campus residence halls and off-campus private apartment communities. International students with specific visa requirements, such as the F-l visa, may need additional support in finding suitable housing. The university does not operate dormitories, so students will need to make their own arrangements. The International Student Office is available to answer any questions, and students can also seek advice from WMU Immigration Services, which is authorised to issue the I-20 form for visas from foreign countries.
WMU offers many opportunities for international students to get involved and connect with others, including through the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS), which offers ESL courses and cultural events. There are also various study abroad and internship opportunities available, with over 80 programs supported by WMU Study Abroad.
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Immigration support
Western Michigan University (WMU) offers a range of support services to assist international students with their transition to life in the United States.
Housing
Housing options are available on WMU's main campus, as well as off-campus through private apartment communities. There is an early move-in date for new international students, although this comes with an additional cost. Students planning to move in early must bring their own bedding (twin extra-long size) and bath towels.
Orientation
International Student Orientation is a mandatory program for all newly admitted international students, designed to facilitate a smooth transition to academic, social, geographic, and professional life at WMU. The program consists of a virtual portion to be completed before arrival in the US, and an in-person campus event at the beginning of the first semester. During orientation, students will have the opportunity to meet immigration advisors, open a US bank account, and receive important information about life at WMU.
The Haenicke Institute for Global Education's International Student and Scholar Services unit is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions, and immigration support. WMU Immigration Services, a unit within the Deither H. Haenicke Institute, offers comprehensive immigration advising and services to international students, visiting scholars, foreign-national faculty, and staff. WMU is certified by the United States Student and Exchange Visitor Program to enrol non-immigrant F-1 students and is authorised by the US government to issue the I-20 form for visas from foreign countries.
Health Insurance
All international students at WMU are required to have health insurance coverage in effect from the first day of classes. This must be purchased for the academic year or, at a minimum, for the entire semester.
Finance
International students with a graduate assistantship should contact their department to inquire about special funding to cover the International Student Fee. Academic colleges disperse applicable funds to international students who hold a graduate assistantship.
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Health insurance requirements
All international students at Western Michigan University (WMU) are required to have health insurance coverage on the first day of classes. This insurance must be purchased for the academic year or, at the very least, for the entire semester. WMU has contracted with GeoBlue as its health insurance provider for international students for the 2025-2026 academic year. GeoBlue offers a single, comprehensive plan designed to meet the healthcare needs of international students, regardless of age or pre-existing conditions.
The GeoBlue plan is mandatory for all F-1 and J-1 international students for the duration of their time on campus. Dependents of J-1 visa holders must also enrol in this plan or through an approved provider to meet the U.S. Department of State's requirement for minimum coverage. However, it is possible to obtain a waiver if you have existing insurance that is equal to or better than GeoBlue. To do so, you must submit a copy of your current health insurance policy to GeoBlue for review.
Beginning in the fall of 2025, insurance costs will be incorporated into WMU tuition and fees, simplifying the enrollment and payment process. This change ensures that all international students are covered from the start of the academic year. For any queries regarding health insurance, WMU's Sindecuse Health Center has a dedicated insurance professional available to answer your questions.
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Study abroad
Western Michigan University (WMU) offers a wide range of opportunities for international students wishing to study abroad. The university is committed to providing a smooth transition for international students, both academically and culturally, through its International Student Orientation. This mandatory program helps students navigate their academic, social, and professional journey at WMU and offers an early move-in option for those wishing to settle in before the semester begins.
Housing Options
International students at WMU have a variety of housing options to choose from. On-campus housing is available, with an early move-in date offered for new international students. Students planning to move in early must bring their own bedding (twin extra-long size) and bath towels and will be billed an additional cost for the nights before their housing contract starts. Off-campus housing is also an option, with private apartment communities located near the university.
Academic Opportunities
WMU offers a diverse range of academic programs for international students. These include semester-long programs, academic-year programs (two or more semesters), and short-term programs. With offerings from various disciplines, there is a program applicable to almost every major offered at WMU. Additionally, the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) provides intensive English language study and ESL courses throughout the year.
Cultural Immersion
WMU is dedicated to fostering a global community and cultural exchange. The university's robust internationalization efforts include the WMU Asian Initiatives, which enhance scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan. International students can also take advantage of virtual events and campus tours to explore living and social spaces.
WMU Study Abroad supports a wide range of programs and sends students, faculty, and staff to 30 countries on average each year. Students interested in studying abroad can attend daily information sessions during the fall and spring semesters. These sessions provide guidance on planning their study abroad experience and selecting the right program. WMU also offers internships abroad, providing a great opportunity for students to gain professional experience in a global setting.
Practical Considerations
There are a few important practical considerations for students planning to study abroad. Firstly, students are responsible for ensuring they have a valid passport for international travel, including nearby countries like Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Additionally, students should be aware of the transcript evaluation process, which can take up to six months after completing a study abroad program. WMU requires an official transcript from the host institution to process study abroad grades and post academic credits.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Michigan University (WMU) offers on-campus housing options for international students. There is also the option to live off-campus in private apartment communities.
International students can sign up for on-campus housing through Western Michigan University's online portal, goWMU, using their Bronco NetID.
Yes, there is an early move-in date for new international students. Students moving in on that date will be billed an additional cost for the nights before the start of their housing contract.
WMU offers a range of resources for international students, including the International Student Orientation program, which helps students transition academically, socially, geographically, and professionally. The university also provides immigration advising and support through the Deither H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
