ISS looks forward to meeting you soon. We offer you this guide to help you get the information you need to get to New York City from the airport, and to learn more about the things you will need to take care of when you get here.
Housing
ISS recommends that degree-seeking students live on-campus for at least the first year. Housing in New York City is expensive and scarce. Realtors require large fees, landlords often ask for very large deposits, and people new to New York City are prey to unscrupulous practices. On-campus housing is relatively inexpensive and you have the benefit of living in a student community staffed with professionals offering programming and support. Especially if you have never lived in a US-style residence hall, do not miss what is often described as an important part of the US educational experience!
If you prefer to live off campus or are not eligible for on-campus housing (ESL or Film student, or professor or scholar), arrive at least one month early to find an apartment, and prepare to pay a large sum of money up front.
Contact University Housing for additional information on housing. For more information about services, please remember to review the materials sent with your letter of admission. Finally, do not forget to use the additional resources described in the booklet originally sent with your I-20 or DS-2019.
Student Health Services and Insurance
Because of the extremely high costs of healthcare in the USA, The New School makes two very important services available to you at discounted rates.
- Student Health Services. A typical visit to a doctor in New York City can cost from $150 and up. To make health services more readily accessible, the university established Student Health Services. The cost of routine visits to the doctor is significantly subsidized, typically leaving students with small co-payments.
- Student Health Insurance. In case of a need for major medical services, the university provides a quality health insurance program for about half the cost of most health insurance plans. (Professors, scholars, summer students, and non-degree students, see International Student Services for other insurance options.)
For more information about health-related services, be sure to read the materials sent with your letter of admission or visit the Student Health Services website. Click “International Students” for frequently asked questions specific to international students.
Financial Assistance
The only types of financial assistance available to international students studying at The New School are institutional scholarships and private loans that students obtain themselves. U.S. government loans and grants are only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, international students who would like to learn more about funding possibilities should contact Student Financial Services.
Financial assistance in the form of scholarships is awarded on the basis of both financial need and academic merit. Student Financial Services will complete an evaluation of student need once a student has filed the appropriate forms. Detailed information may be obtained by visiting Student Financial Services at 72 Fifth Avenue, lower lobby or calling 212.229.8930. It is important to apply as early as possible since these funds are limited.
Review the International Student's Guide to Employment, Scholarships, and Grants to learn about employment, academic funding, scholarships, and grants.
Payment of University Bills
An estimate of expenses for the academic year has already been sent to you. Certain courses may require extra fees. You will be notified of these when you register. Tuition and fees for each semester must be paid at the time of registration for that semester. You are not considered officially registered or enrolled until you make payment or enroll in a payment plan. Extended payment plans can be arranged with the Bursar.
Transfer of Funds from Abroad
For information on how to wire transfer funds to The New School bank account, please sign onto MyNewSchool (click the "Student" tab, then in the Self Service channel click "Student Financial Information").
Students who do not have access to MyNewSchool, please email Student Financial Services for instructions. Only students who have been admitted and deposited can wire transfer funds.
U.S. Taxes
All internationals must file tax forms with the U.S. government, at the local, state, and federal levels. Regardless of how much or how little income you received (even if you have no income), you must file appropriate tax forms. Be sure you ask International Student Services about your tax obligations soon after you arrive in the United States.
