Pre-Arrival Information

WELCOME TO    

 

Congratulations on your decision to attend Sarah Lawrence College!

You have made some very important decisions already, but there are still many things to do before you leave home. 

 

NEXT STEPS

 

Apply for your Form I-20

  • Be sure to accept your offer of admission and pay the required enrollment deposit. International students must confirm their enrollment before they are able to apply for a Certificate of Enrollment Form I-20.  
  • Go to this link to Apply to your I-20. 
  • If you would like to defer your acceptance to the next semester or later then please contact internationalstudentservices@sarahlawrence.edu and the admissions office in order to update your information appropriately. 

 

Applying for Your Visa

Visit our Applying for Your Visa page for detailed instructions.

  • F-1 Students
    • If you are from Canada or Bermuda you are not required to apply for an F-1 visa stamp/sticker at the U.S. Consulate/Embassy. 

  • All F-1 students are required to pay their SEVIS Fee.
    • Exceptions are those who have a transferred their active SEVIS record to Sarah Lawrence.

 

 

Preparing for your Arrival Webinars{expander}

Pre-Arrival Webinars 

 

International Student Services is hosting Pre-Arrival Webinars for all incoming international students. 

More details and registration can be found below for Fall 2026:

  • Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 10:00-11:00AM EDT | Zoom Link Register here
  • Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 6:00-7:00PM EDT | Zoom Link Register here
  • Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 6:00-7:00PM EDT | Zoom Link Register here
  • Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 9:00-10:00AM EDT | Zoom Link Register here 

 

Did you miss these sessions or want a refresher, here is a link of a recorded session (updated soon).

Other SLC 101 Virtual Orientation events, click here. 

View Recording from a Past Year - 2025

 

When Can I Arrive to the US{expander}

Earliest Possible Arrival on F-1 Status

 

The earliest day you can arrive in the U.S. is 30 days before your program start date. The date is listed on your I-20 as the "Earliest Admission Date" in the Program of Study section. *Exceptions: those who have a Transfer pending I-20 will have a valid travel signature on page 2. Check out the Transfer I-20 Frequently Asked Questions website to review information on travel.

 

You must NOT use your Initial I-20 and F-1 visa (exceptions Canadians & Bermuda Citizens) to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the start of your program. Also, DO NOT enter the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 status (tourist) as it is considered fraudulent entry.  

 

Arrival to Sarah Lawrence College

Can I arrive early to Sarah Lawrence College Dormitories?

    • UNDERGRADUATES: If you have confirmed your participation for International Pre-orientation, you will have access to your room on arrival day. Otherwise students can arrive on Opening Day. Students cannot access their rooms prior to this date.

    • If you wish to arrive in the U.S. early, you are responsible for your own travel arrangements, food, and lodging.

      • If family members accompany you, they will need to find off-campus accommodation. The same applies when moving in after Winter Break. The Hyatt in Cross County Mall and Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers offer discount codes for guests affiliated with Sarah Lawrence. 

 

Transportation to Campus{expander}

GETTING TO CAMPUS

 

Does Sarah Lawrence provide transportation from the airport to the college?

    • At this time the College does not offer transportation to the college.

 

You can explore your options for getting to campus below:

Students can get to New York through JFK (John F. Kennedy International) airport, LGA (LaGuardia International) airport, or EWR (Newark Liberty International) airport. Use any of the following options from the airport:

  • By Cab - There are yellow cabs outside each terminal at these airports. Be sure to take a New York City yellow cab from a cab booth outside the airport. While expensive, it is the easiest and fastest way to get to campus at 1 Mead Way, Bronxville, New York.

  • By Public Transit - A combination of subways or buses and trains can get students to campus. Detailed public transit directions from any of the above airports are found on the airline websites. From New York City, take the subway or bus to Grand Central Terminal, then take the Metro-North railroad to Bronxville.

  • By Shuttle - Inexpensive airport shuttles can be booked from the airport to Grand Central Terminal. Various trip services are dispatched from the ground transportation booths located behind the baggage claim area of the airport. Private sedans, vans and limousines are offered, as are scheduled shuttles to Manhattan and Westchester locations and shared door-to-door service.

  • By Airport Bus - NYC Airporter runs buses between JFK, LGA, and EWR airports and several points in midtown Manhattan. Service is frequent, and boarding points at airline terminals are clearly marked. A train stop is located at Park Avenue across from Grand Central Station to make a connection with Metro-North commuter trains.

  • From Grand Central Terminal - The Metro-North railroad goes to Bronxville, about 30-40 minute ride. Purchase a ticket at the station or vending booth for the Harlem Line towards North White Plains, departing at the Bronxville stop. For more information including exact schedule and fares, visit http://mta.info/mnr/. Metro-North Railroad Harlem Line commuter trains run every half-hour between 5:00 am and 1:30 am weekdays, and hourly on weekends. Taxi service is available at the Bronxville Station for the short ride to the College.

  • By Car - For detailed driving instructions, see Driving Directions to Campus.

 

On-Campus Housing - Can I move into my room early?

    • You may move into your Sarah Lawrence College room on your arrival Day—no earlier. If you wish to arrive in the U.S. prior to that day, you are responsible for your own transportation and lodging. Check the SLC Academic Calendar for important dates like move in day and start of classes.

 

What day should international students arrive on campus?

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions{expander}

FAQ's

 

Do I need to purchase a computer?

    • Many students choose to have their own computer for convenience. Yet, it is not necessary to have one when you begin your studies at Sarah Lawrence College. There are many computers available for student use on campus. If you would like to purchase a computer, detailed information regarding technology discounts can be found here: https://my.slc.edu/ics/Campus_Life/Resources/Discounts/

  

Can I ship some items in advance to my dorm? (for students living on campus)

  • If you ship some of your belongings in advance, clearly label all packages to:

[YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME]

c/o Sarah Lawrence College,

Bronxville, New York,

10708, U.S.A.

  • You can obtain information about freight and shipping services through local travel agents. Pick a reliable company, since they will be responsible for your things. Be sure to insure any valuable items. Your packages can be picked up at our campus Post Office when you arrive. 
  • Here is more information on the US Postal service and mailing, https://www.usps.com/ship/letters.htm

 

Do I need to bring my Medication?

  • If you have a medical condition that requires daily or regularly scheduled medication, please be advised that healthcare is very expensive in the United States. You may bring medication into the U.S. for personal use only. To be able to bring any kind of medication into the U.S., a doctor's note, or the original prescription, is required. The doctor's note should state the name and quantity of the medicine you are bringing into the U.S. It cannot exceed the quantity needed for 90-day stay. The note must also confirm that the medication is only for your personal use. It is also important to keep the medication in the original container.

 

What Personal Hygiene or other items will I need (for students living on campus)?

  • Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent... you can buy it all here. Bring just enough shampoo, toothpaste, and hygiene products to get you settled.
  • Many students living in the Dorms buy their bed linens and towels after they arrive. It is helpful, however, to bring one set with you for that first night before we go shopping. A Twin X-Long sheet set will fit any bed. The College does not rent sheets or towels.
  • Students should buy a reading lamp. Halogen lamps and candles are not allowed on campus. Alarm clocks (if your phone is not loud enough) are essential - getting to class on time is important.

 

What is the weather like in Bronxville? What type of clothing should I bring?

    • Sarah Lawrence is located in Bronxville, New York in Westchester County, a suburban area north of New York City.
    • This region has four very distinct seasons.
      • Fall and Spring are mild (averaging between 45° - 75° F/ 7°-25°C), and a sweater or jacket will usually keep you warm.
      • Winter can be as warm as fall, as rainy as spring, or it can be snowy and freezing (below 32° F/0°C).
      • If you stay during the summer months, it may be pleasantly warm or blazing hot up to 86°F/30°C.

 

 

 

 

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