 | | | | Practical Information
How do I get here? ... Health insurance ... Visa information ... Tips ... Budget ... Holidays
Useful Links:
Clothing Size Conversion Chart
Height & Weight Conversion Chart
 From Portland Airport (PDX): Hut shuttle service makes daily runs from 5 am to 11 pm to Corvallis. The trip takes around 2 hours. Their pick-up location at PDX is on the baggage claim level in front of the terminal next to the information booth on the 2nd roadway out. Reservations are advised if you are a group of 5 people or more. They will drop you off at the Hilton Garden Inn, south of the stadium at the OSU campus.
From Eugene Airport: The Omnishuttle bus makes door-to-door trips to and from Eugene Airport by reservation only. The one-way fare is $41 to Corvallis. the Omnishuttle bus is located at the baggage claim at the south end of the terminal. you can contact them by calling 1-800-741-5097. The Express Cab company has a scheduled shuttle service to Corvallis. The far is approximately $35. For reservation, call 1-541-341-8444.
Health care in the U.S. is very expensive. All international students are required to have health insurance throughout their program of study. While a student at OSU, you will be automatically billed for the school's health insurance plan. However, if you have purchased alternative insurance in your home country. and it meets OSU minimum requirements, you can avoid the cost of insurance charges. Just fill out a waiver form at Student Health Services. You must provide a copy of your insurance identification card with valid dates of coverage to the Student Health Center.
| Health Insurance Terms |
Co-insurance/
co-payment |
The part of a covered expense that you must pay. Usually expressed as a percentage of the cost. |
| Deductible |
The initial portion of a covered expense, which must be paid by you before the insurance policy pays its part of the bill. |
| Insured |
That's you! |
| Insurer |
A company licensed by the government to transact the business of insurance. |
| Major medical |
Policy designed to supplement expenses resulting in catastrophic or prolonged illness or injuries. |
| Medical evacuation |
Transporting you (with a recommendation of a doctor) back to your home country for treatment. |
| Repatriation |
Cost of preparation and transportation of someone's body back home in the event of death. |
Once you have been admitted to Oregon State, you will receive a DS 2019 form that will allow you to apply for an exchange visitor visa at a U.S. embassy in your country.
You must have a valid passport in order to obtain a visa for the United States. Before visiting the U.S. Consulate for your visa, please read carefully the instructions on the Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019 form) issued for your studies at Oregon State University. Students will apply for a J-1 exchange visitor visa. Contact your closest US Embassy or Consulate to get the procedures for applying for a visa. Be warned, the process can take time, so be sure to plan ahead.
 Contact the Office of International Education in Snell Hall for more visa information.
Visa extension: The DS 2019 form issued to you for your program must remain valid at all times. If you need additional time, and wish to apply for an extension, please contact an International Student Advisor at least 4-6 weeks before the ending date of your DS 2019. forms and instructions are available in the lobby area of the 4th floor at Snell Hall. If you are subject to the two-year country physical presence requirement, please take note. If you apply for a waive of the requirement and receive a favorable recommendation from the USIA, you are not eligible for an extension of J-1 stay after the USIA action.
- Check in at Bexell 214 as soon as you arrive to see what household goods are available.
- Textbooks can be purchased at the bookstore, but also online for less money at sites like www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.
- Grocery Stores: Safeway, SW Third Street; Fred Meyer, 777 Kings Blvd; Winco Foods 2335 NW Kings Blvd
- Oregon is one of two states in the U.S. that do not have sales tax.
- Weather in Corvallis is nice in September and October with warm and sunny days, but in November it starts to get cold and rainy, and in December or January you might see some snow. So bring a raincoat and some warm clothes for these winter months.
| Expense |
Amount |
Information |
| Food (per term) |
$450 |
$5 for a fast food value meal/$3.25 for a gallon of milk/$2.00 for a loaf of bread |
| Rent (per month) |
$500-700 |
Off-campus apartment |
| Fees |
$422 |
For use of OSU facilities |
| Student ID card |
$15 |
|
| Books (per term) |
$150-$300 |
|
| Medical Insurance (per term) |
$350 |
Cost of OSU insurance, waived if you buy suitable insurance from home country |
| Telephone (per month) |
$30 |
|
| Movie |
$6.50/$10 |
$6.50 for an afternoon matinee and $10 for an evening ticket |
| DVD Rental |
$4 |
Per DVD |
| Pizza |
$10 |
For a large cheese pizza, extra toppings will increase the price |
| Beer |
$6 |
Cost for 6-pack of imported beer |
| City bus |
0 |
No charge with student ID card for city transit |
| Gas |
$4.00 |
Per gallon |
The university will be closed for the following national holidays:
- Thanksgiving: November 22-23, 2007
- Christmas: December 25, 2007
- News Year's: January 1, 2008
- Martin Luther King Jr.: January 21, 2008
- Memorial Day: May 26, 2008
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