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English Language Institute
PO Box 117051
315 Norman Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611-7051
Phone: (352) 392-2070
Fax: (352) 392-3744
studyenglish@eli.ufl.edu
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Arrival Instructions
Step 1: Before you Leave
Visa
If you applied to the English Language Institute (ELI) as a non-immigrant student, you must hold an F-1 visa. The ELI will issue you immigration documents upon acceptance of your application. Bring your immigration documents and passport to your local consulate to obtain an F-1 Visa.
Travel
Since Gainesville has no direct international flights, you will need to book a flight into a nearby city and take a short flight into Gainesville. Most flights to Gainesville are routed through Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, or Atlanta. Shuttle service is available from Orlando or Jacksonville to Gainesville via Gator Express Inc. (www.gatorexpress.com). Try to make your travel arrangements as soon as you receive your immigration documents. The ELI office is open during the week and is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Please remember this when making your travel arrangements.
Money
Be sure to bring enough money for your first few days in Gainesville until you can open a bank account. Carry a little of your money in cash to pay for transportation, phone calls, tips, etc., but keep most of your cash in a safer form (traveler's checks). See the finances section below for information about banking while you're in Gainesville.
What to Expect
- Weather
Florida is famous for its warm weather and water recreation activities. Be sure pack some shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits, especially if you plan to attend a summer session. If you are attending a fall or spring session, be sure to pack some warmer clothes too. Because Gainesville is in North Florida, the temperatures are a little cooler than cities like Miami and Orlando. Temperatures during the Spring and Fall terms may be as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit (below freezing), but these temperatures usually don't last very long. - Entertainment
Though Gainesville is a small town, there a many types of recreation activities available. The nightlife in Gainesville includes professional theater, night clubs (dancing), bars, and movie theaters, so plan accordingly when you pack clothes to wear at night. During the day, the Gainesville offers several parks, springs, and tourist spots, as well as several beaches, Disney World, and Busch Gardens all within 2 hours. The ELI will visit some of these spots during the term, but there are many more that simply can't be packed into one term. - Housewares
For your first day or two in town, be sure to pack a pillow and blanket. At the beginning of the term, the ELI Cultural Immersion Program will organize a trip to one of Gainesville's large shopping stores (Wal-Mart, Target). Plan to buy bedding, kitchenware, and study materials at one of these stores. You can also buy a TV, VCR, and other electronics at one of these stores. You will also have a chance to shop at a grocery store with ELI staff members to help you.
Some helpful Internet sites
- US BCIS Home Page -- This is the homepage of the U.S. Bureau of Citizen and Immigration Services.
- Foreignborn.com -- This website provides information that helps new or prospective U.S. residents with adjusting to life in the U.S. (from driver licenses to credit issues, health insurance, and more). They also have extensive visa and immigration content, developed with the assistance of a former District Director of the INS.
- New2usa.com -- This website is dedicated to providing useful information to people who are new to the U.S.
- College & University Study in the US - Guide for International Students
Step 2: Arriving in Gainesville
Hotels
While the ELI does not have personalized airport pickup, there are several hotels in the area that have free airport pick-up. The list below shows hotels that may offer airport pick-up. If you make reservations at any of these hotels, be sure to ask for the University of Florida rates.
Arrival Date
The date on your immigration document is the first date of your arrival. You have one day after this date to check-in at the ELI office. The check-in period runs during the first two days (Monday and Tuesday) of the ELI's first week of the term. Be sure to check-in on time, since you will receive valuable information from our friendly office staff. There will also be a late fee if you arrive after the check-in period.
Housing and Food
If you report to the ELI on one of the check-in days, a member of our staff will assist you in finding housing near the ELI. There are several different types of housing available. The cost ranges from $400-$500 per month. These prices are based on a shared 2-4 bedroom apartment. In addition, you may have to pay for utilities (electricity, telephone, and cable TV). These costs range from $75-$150 per month. When you move into your new apartment you will need to have enough money (cash, personal check, money order or traveler's checks) to pay the first and last month's rent and a security deposit. Security deposits range from $250-$500 and are returned after you move out upon inspection of the apartment.
Most students spend between $200-$400 per month on food. Preparing meals at home and bringing a lunch to school can help lower food costs. The ELI Cultural Immersion Program also organizes a shopping trip at the beginning of the term to help you find what you need in the grocery stores.
Finances
Since cash is not accepted for housing, tuition, and some other expenses, you'll want to open a bank account once you arrive in Gainesville. We recommend Your Campus Federal Credit Union, which has a branch directly across the street from the ELI. At the bank, you will be able to open a checking account, get an ATM card, get free-of-charge money orders and cashier's checks, as well as keep your money safe.
Step 3: Welcome to the ELI
Placement Testing
During the check-in days, you will also be taking the CELT placement test. The results of this test will be used to place you in classes with other students who are at the same level as you. Levels are assigned for each skill, so you may have different levels in your grammar, listening/speaking, and reading/writing classes. During the first week of classes, your teachers will double-check to make sure you are in the appropriate level, and there will be a meeting at the end of the week to move students that were placed inappropriately.
Welcome Seminar
On Wednesday of the term's first week, be sure to attend the ELI Welcome Seminar. At this seminar, you will not only get a chance to meet some of the ELI staff, but you will also get some valuable information about the term. An Insurance Workshop, Activities Overview, and Campus Tour all follow the Welcome Seminar.
Medical Insurance
Because of the high cost of medical care in the US, all students must have health insurance. The university offers a student rate that costs approximately $200 per term. If you already have health insurance that is valid in the US, you will need to show proof (insurance card or letter) when you check-in. We will give you more insurance information during the Insurance Workshop after the Welcome Seminar.
Immunization
All ELI students are required to get immunizations that are common in the US. You will have the opportunity to get these immunizations at the University Infirmary once you arrive at the ELI. You will get more information about immunizations during the Welcome Seminar and following sessions.
Fee Payments
Tuition payment must be made by traveler's check, cashier's check, money order, or credit card. We cannot take personal checks or cash for tuition payment. If you pay by cashier's check, it should be made out to the University of Florida. Please make checks payable only for the amount of your ELI tuition. Housing and insurance must be paid using separate checks. Tuition payment is due 2 days after classes begin. There will be a late fee if tuition is paid after this date.
