FAQs
Can I work?
International students can unfortunately only work ON CAMPUS with a maximum of 20 hours per week.
But there are plenty of opportunities – at your dorm, at the library, at the Admissions Office or (very popular) get a UROP!
Check out
IMPORTANT:
Get a Social Security Number!!!
Once you have work, you should immediately apply for a Social Security Number. Getting it is a tiring procedure, but it is worth it. People will ask you for it, wherever you are going… It makes life a lot easier.
What about
pay?
The minimum
payment on campus is $9.75 hour. J
What courses
should I take first semester?
Your advisors will guide you and there are several sessions about choosing your
courses, the range of choices, the requirements-- so don't worry! ….
Don’t worry! All the freshmen basically take the same courses all together anyway: Mathematics (18.01, 18.02), Intro to Solid State Chemistry (3.091) or Chemistry (5.111 or 5.112), Biology (7.01x)
Just go with the flow.
If you to take more advanced courses in certain areas, talk to your advisor and upperclassmen.
What should
I bring?
The MIT
Housing Committee has compiled a comprehensive list here:
http://web.mit.edu/housing/undergrad/whattobring.html
What extra
curricular activities can I pursue?
Anything! It
won’t be like high school, of course. You’ll need to be good at time management
to pursue more than 2 activities though. Here’s a list of all the clubs and
organizations recognized by the MIT Association of Student Activities:
http://sisapp.mit.edu:7013/asa/student_group_search.do?action=viewall
Is college
food as bad as they say?
(Nah!)
There are plenty of options on campus. There are different cafeterias in several dorms across campus offering a variety of stir fry, salads etc.
In the Student Center you can also find some delicious Mexican, Asian, Middle-Eastern and Indian food. During class time, there are also many food trucks around offering cheap and good lunches. Two on campus Supermarkets also provide you with all the other necessary snacks, food and cooking supplies.
On average a meal costs about $5 on campus.
*** Besides you can find free food basically everywhere on campus. Watch out and take advantage during Orientation…
I want my
DimSum/Bratwurst/Biryani/Gnocci/…
Missing mom’s
good food at home? Need more diversity?
Boston and Cambridge are closer than most MIT students realise. Go out to dinner. You will be amazed by the great diversity of nationalities and food options available in the Boston area.
There’s
diversity on campus dining too! Check :http://web.mit.edu/dining/
What is the best way to connect with other people?
Some tips:
- Choose your dorm wisely and get a roommate to socialise
- Attend socials and mixers (there will be tons during orientation and later in the term)
- Get a phone
- Join Facebook at facebook.com (it is the most popular stalking and communicating device across the US)
What does
MIT Medical cover?
The MIT Medical will address almost every health concern you have – from your teen acne that won’t go away, to a bruised knee, winter flu and even falling hair. Urgent care is available 24/7 and drugs are sold at the campus pharmacy at very nominal costs. MIT Mental Health offers assistance during depression (in particular, pre exam stress and anxiety) and other psychological concerns.
Will I have
trouble getting an F-1 Visa?
Most probably not. US Embassies all over the world recognize MIT and this should aid your application process. Don’t worry about having your visa rejected. Do, however, apply early as processing time varies from country to country depending on the number of applicants.
How will I
get on campus from the airport?
You can request The International Student’s Office to assign you mentor groups who’ll come pick you up in an MIT shuttle. You’ll get an email about this around early August.
How is the
weather?
We’ll be
honest. It’s awful 7 months a year, from mid October through early May. Winter
temperatures can be as low as -15 F with wind chill. But don’t worry, you’ll get
used to it. Bring good winter clothing, a good, durable coat, a few lighter
jackets and you should be set. And oh, don’t forget the raincoat!
If it helps, the MIT Women’s Association holds a “free winter clothes” event
every year right after orientation. You’ll get an email when you arrive on
campus.
If it’s
that cold, how do we go around campus in the snow?
Thank God for
Safe rides! MIT transportation and parking dept has shuttles going around campus
from 7 am to 3 am! (some shuttles also stop at Star Market and Central Square)
Can I cross
register at Harvard?
Yes,
definitely. Harvard is only two T stops away and many students choose to cross register for courses not offered at MIT, in particular, language courses.
Other Resources:
Women’s How to get around MIT guide: http://web.mit.edu/wgamit/
Where to seek help (academic, personal support…et al) :
http://web.mit.edu/21w785/F98/HTG/helpC.html
Did we miss something? Write to us and we'll answer any other questions you may have!