Preparing to Arrive

Congratulations on your acceptance to DePauw University!  We look forward to meeting you soon.  To better plan for your DePauw experience, please take some time to explore the following topics:

Immigration and Visas
Pre-arrival check list
Insurance
Housing
Academics
Arrival

 

Useful Tips:
Airline Restrictions
Recently, airlines have changed their policies on what can be packed in carry-on luggage.  Please visit your carrier’s website to learn about its policies.  Also, look for information regarding baggage weights and limits.  Finally, you should not lock your luggage; if you do lock your luggage, your locks may be forced open and the locking mechanism will be broken.

Clothing
You will want to have clothing for a variety of activities including going to class, exercising, and going to a concert or out to dinner.  Recently several international students at DePauw said that they were surprised that most DePauw students are fashionably dressed.  The students had been told before coming to America that students here dress very casually.  DePauw, like many smaller universities, is an exception to this general rule. However, you should dress as you are accustomed to and how you are most comfortable.

Although clothing can be relatively inexpensive in the U.S., local shopping is somewhat limited to a handful of smaller shops.  Many students shop online.  Most students go to larger, nearby cities to shop for more fashionable attire; these towns are approximately one hour’s drive from Greencastle.

If you have a native or national dress, please bring it with you.  There will be opportunities for you to wear your traditional clothes during international and cultural events.

Weather
It will be hot and humid when you first arrive, and in September, April and May as well.  You will need light clothing for this time.  20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F).
Students, especially from warm climates, may need to purchase winter clothing - a heavy coat, gloves, scarf and hat, and waterproof winter boots or heavy shoes.  You may buy these items in Greencastle if necessary.  The winters in Greencastle can get quite cold: -18°C to 5°C (0°F to 40°F).

Items from Home
To make you feel more at home, bring photos of your family and friends. You may also want to bring cultural artifacts so that others can learn about your culture.

ARRIVAL
Airport Pick-Up
You should plan your travel so that you arrive in Indiana at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) on August 15, 2009 so that you can catch one of the four DePauw shuttles that will bring you to campus.  Once on campus, someone can help you get settled into your room.  If you do not arrive on August 15, you will be responsible for securing your transportation via taxi to the University and retrieving your key from Public Safety in the Union Building. 

There is no local bus service to Greencastle.   Taxi Service from the airport to Greencastle costs around $80 via taxi.   The Indianapolis Airport is approximately one hour's drive away.

Shuttles are planned for 11:30 am, 5:30 pm, 8:30 pm and 11:00 pm.  They will depart promptly from the Ground Transportation area of the Indianapolis International Airport.