Pre-Departure Checklist

Important Travel Documents to Bring

Before your departure, make sure that you have the following documents. You will need these for entry into the US:

• passport
• F-1 visa stamp (inside your passport)
• proof of SEVIS fee payment
• I-20 issued from HNU (must be signed by you)

Housing

• On campus housing
• Off campus housing
  • We recommend that you live on campus for at least one term. If you are planning to live off campus, please keep in mind that renting in the Bay Area can be very expensive. Some good places to start searching are www.craigslist.org and www.apartments.com to find local off-campus housing options. If you will be using public transportation to get around, make sure that you can find an apartment that is accessible to public transportation and close enough to HNU.

Health Insurance Information

• Do I need to receive immunizations prior to attending HNU?
  • HNU requires, as a condition of on campus housing, that all students have a Medical History and Health Evaluation Form completed by a physician and submitted to the Assistant Director of Residence Life either prior to or when you arrive at HNU. If you have not submitted your immunization records to HNU upon sending your residence hall application, you should bring your immunization records with you. We strongly encourage you to get these immunizations in your home country. To live on campus, you must show proof of TB, measles, mumps, and MMR vaccinations. You will not be permitted to reside on campus without proof of these immunizations. If you arrive without immunizations, you will be responsible for obtaining them.
• Do I need to purchase health insurance?
  • All international students in the US are required to either purchase or show proof of health insurance. HNU usues United Health Care health insurance. Many students who do not have adequate health insurance find this policy to be very affordable and appropriate for their needs. For further information about health requirements and services, including the Health Waiver Form, please go to the Health and Wellness website.
• If you should choose to use your own insurance, please be advised that your insurance MUST:
  • provide converage for the entire academic year
  • provide coverage for a maximum of at least US $50,000 per condition per plan year
  • not have a deductible that exceeds US $1,000
  • provide pharmacy/prescription benefits
  • provide for primary care in the SF Bay Area
  • provide for emergency care in the SF Bay Area
  • provide for coverage throughout the US
  • provide coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation
  • If your current insurance does NOT cover ALL of these aspects, you will need to purchase additional insurance.
  • Please be advised that you must show proof of all of the above to the International Student Advisor upon arrival. You will not be permitted to enroll in classes until this criterion is met.

What to Pack

• Clothes
  • While Oakland does enjoy warm sunny days and HNU boasts of gorgeous views of the Bay Area, we do experience seasonal weather that warrants warm clothing.  Packing sweaters and a jacket is highly recommended.  If you are arriving in the summer, it will be warm and short sleeves and shorts are appropriate.  If you are arriving in January for the spring semester, be prepared for some colder weather to start.  Casual attire (jeans, shorts, and T-shirts) is fine for class, but also bring business attire for receptions, presentations, etc. are recommended.
• Linens/Toiletries
  • If you will live on campus, basic furniture is provided in campus residence halls, but bed linens, blankets, pillows, and towels are not. If possible, bring a bed sheet, a light blanket, and a towel with you from home before moving into a residence hall.
  • You do need to bring/purchase linens but until you are settled, some are available for you to borrow.  To do so, please email the Assistant Director of Residence Life.  Rooms do include microwaves, refrigerators, a closet, bed, desk and chair.
• Documents
  • Passport, I-20, credit card, personal copy of bank statement/statement of financial sponsorship, vaccination records, personal copies of transcripts/TOEFL exam, etc.
  • Phone numbers of your bank, credit card institution, doctor, etc. in your home country.
• What to Leave at Home
  • Prohibited items include some food, narcotics, and items for resale. For more information, visit the website of the US Customs Service at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/leavingarrivinginUS/
  • Since students are expected to buy required textbooks for all courses, and supplemental reading materials for review and research are available in libraries, you need not bring any books used in previous studies.
  • It is best to purchase electrical appliances after you arrive: appliances manufactured outside the U.S. may not be compatible with the outlets inside the residence halls

Attending Hawk Day and Orientation

• What is Hawk Day?
  • Hawk Days are provided to give you an early start. On a Hawk Day you meet with your academic advisor, register for classes, get a student ID card, apply for a parking pass, and receive other information. 
• What is Orientation?
• Orientation is an excellent opportunity to meet new friends, move on campus, get to know HNU and attend the International Student Orientation, which is mandatory.  This is a great opportunity to connect with classmates, get to know HNU and start your life as an HNU Hawk.  A mandatory orientation session for new international students will be held on Sunday, August 23rd from 1:15 to 2:15. 

Getting to HNU From the Airport

• Bay Area Airports
  • Both San Francisco and Oakland airports are accessible by BART

    San Francisco International Airport SFO

    Oakland International Airport  OAK

• Bay Area Public Transportation
  • If you live in the Bay Area, you will quickly learn about Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).  BART offers trains daily around the area.  There are several stations in Oakland; the closest to HNU are Rockridge and Fruitvale.  You can visit www.bart.gov to find out which trains to take.
  • If you take the bus: Bus #54/Merritt College. Get off at Redwood/Aliso. Holy Names is across the street and up the hill. The fare is $2.00 and will take approximately 33 minutes.  For more information, please go to http://www2.actransit.org/main.wu (If you will be arriving at night, please know that this bus line does not operate after 10pm.)
• Where do I go once I get to HNU?
  • Campus Map
  • Once you enter the front gate, ask to be dropped off at Durocher Hall at the east end of campus where the Residence Hall Office (Building “J” on the Campus Map) is located.  You may then go to the Front Desk in Durocher Hall.  The Residence Life Staff will assist you in moving in to your new room.

General Travel Information

General information regarding Bay Area travel, including maps and travel times can be found on www.511.org.

• AC Transit provides bus service that stops just in front of HNU.  From Fruitvale BART, ride the AC Transit Bus #54.  You can check schedules and other routes on the AC Transit website.