Settling In at Millersville
This guide offers key information to help international students settle into life and studies at Millersville University. It includes tips for course selection, travel requirements, transportation, housing, and shopping, making your transition to campus and the community easier.
-
Selecting Courses
How to Search and Select Courses at Millersville University
- For Those on Step 10 (approved to register & be a transfer/graduate student):
- Be sure to have your Millersville Student ID (it's on your status page).
- Ensure you have your login established (step 6).
- Visit the Registrar’s Website:
- Use the [Search Course Website] to explore courses for your selected term.
- Under WEB SCHEDULES, choose Search by Subject for the easiest way to find classes.
- Check the Academic Calendar & MU Catalog:
- [View important semester dates] and [access the course catalog], which includes all available courses with short descriptions.
Steps to Search for Courses:- Select Search by Subject.
- Choose the term for your session.
- Scroll through the list and pick your subject.
- Select the course type (Undergraduate or Graduate) and click All Courses.
- Click Submit to see the available courses.
- CRN number (course reference number)
- Course code (subject and level)
- Credits
- Course title (click for a description)
- Days & times
- Location (may say “TBD” if not finalized)
- Professor’s name
- Available seats
Important Notes:- Course Approval:
- Discuss your course selection with your Millersville academic advisor.
- Exchange and visiting students should also consult advisors at their home universities.
- Add/Drop Deadline:
- You can add or change classes only within the first week of the term.
- Course Details:
- Click the course title for more information.
Prerequisites & Corequisites:- Prerequisites: Required classes you must complete before taking a specific course.
- Example: You must take Beginner Spanish before registering for Advanced Spanish.
- Corequisites: Classes you must take at the same time as another course.
Start exploring your options, and reach out to your advisor if you have any questions! 😊
- For Those on Step 10 (approved to register & be a transfer/graduate student):
-
Entering the USA: I-94 Form & Required Immigration Documents
- Entry Timing:
- You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the start date listed in section 5 of your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1).
- Understanding the I-94 Form:
- The I-94 record tracks your legal status and travel history in the U.S.
- After each entry, download a copy of your latest I-94 at [the I-94 website] by clicking "Get Most Recent I-94."
- Documents You Need to Enter the U.S.:
- I-20 Form (F-1) or DS-2019 Form (J-1) from Millersville University
- A valid F-1/J-1 visa (sticker in your passport) issued by the U.S. embassy/consulate (not required for Canadian or Bermudian citizens)
- A valid passport
- Your SEVIS fee receipt
- A letter of admission from Millersville University
Keep all these documents with you while traveling. Safe travels, and welcome to the USA!
- Entry Timing:
-
Departing & Re-entering the USA
What to Expect When Re-Entering the U.S. -
Getting Around: Local Transportation Options
BUS- Use the [Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA)] for local bus services.
- Free Rides for MU Students:
- Show your student ID to ride [MU Xpress, MU Park City Xpress, and Route 16] at no charge during fall and spring academic terms.
- Buses may be delayed, so leave early to stay on time!
- Transfers to Other Locations:
- To travel beyond these routes, transfer to another RRTA bus line.
- Show your student ID for the base fare, ask the driver for a transfer slip, and pay additional money if required.
- Download the App:
- Find out more [here].
AMTRAK TRAIN- The [Lancaster Amtrak Station] is 10–15 minutes from campus.
- Connect to Philadelphia, then travel to New York City, Baltimore, or Washington, D.C.
- [Amtrack] has lines that run from coast to coast, you can use this service to see most states.
TAXI & RIDE SHARING- Use services like [Uber], [Lyft], or local taxis for convenient rides.
- For long distance trips you can consider booking in advance with companies like Friendly Transportation (Uber & Lyft will usually be available).
- Download their apps on your smartphone to book a ride.
-
Off-Campus Housing Options
Immerse International
- A multicultural community founded in 1987 to support international students in building relationships, professional development, and spiritual growth.
- Not affiliated with Millersville University.
- Features:
- Most rooms are double occupancy.
- Utilities, WiFi, Cable TV, and meals/self-service food included.
- 25% of residents are American students interested in connecting with international students.
- Leases:
- Standard 12-month leases, but shorter terms available upon request.
- Click HERE for more information.
Student Lodging Inc. (SLI)- Popular off-campus housing provider for MU students.
- Features:
- Offers more freedom than dorms while maintaining safety and security.
- Properties are close to campus.
- Click HERE for more information.
Manor House Apartments- Apartments near MU offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom options.
- Features:
- Fully furnished options available.
- Amenities: swimming pool, 24/7 fitness center, community center.
- Click HERE for more information.
Millers Crossing Apartments- Apartments near MU with various amenities.
- Features:
- Tennis court, swimming pool, and fitness center.
- Click HERE for more information.
Other Apartment Options- Shared apartments near MU, many within walking distance.
- Responsibilities:
- Arrange your lease, deposit, move-in day, furniture, and roommates independently.
- Most apartments are unfurnished, so plan to buy and transport furniture after arrival.
Food & Meals- Immerse International: Food items provided for self-service in the student kitchen.
- All other options: You’ll cook your own meals.
Explore your options and choose the housing that fits your lifestyle! 😊
-
Basic Groceries & Products
Walkable:
- John Herr's Village Market Inc.: Local Option that allows you to use your Marauder Gold. Walkable from campus at .7 miles (1.3 km) away.
Other Non-Walkable Options:
- Weis Markets: 2.6 miles (4.18 km) away. Affordable. Many ethnic options. In a complex with more shopping options.
- Giant: 2.7 miles (4.35 km) away. Affordable. In a different direction, but also in a larger shopping complex.
- Stauffers of Kissel Fresh Foods: 3.2 miles away. Local produce, more expensive, has specialized offerings.
- Wegmans: 4.2 miles away (6.76 km). National chain, specialized offerings, more expensive.
- Grocery Outlet: 4.3 miles away. Discount chain carrying brand-name groceries, plus items like gifts & toys.
- Lidl: 2.7 miles away (4.35 km). Discount chain carrying brand-name groceries, plus items like gifts & toys.
- Aldi: 3.1 miles away (4.99 km). A discount chain that offers mostly store-branded items, and rotates other produces by season.
Follow the links to google maps.
Online Grocery & Food Order Apps
- [Instacart], [DoorDash], [UberEats], [GIANT Grocery], [GrubHub]
-
International Grocery Stores
- International Grocery and Gift: African
- Everest Indian Grocery Store: Indian, Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian
- Tabarek Al-Hana International Halal Food Store: Middle Eastern & African
- AsianMini Mart/Nepali Indian Grocery Store: Nepali & Indian
- Asian Center Supermarket: East & Southeast Asian
- Asian Mart: General Asian
- Asia Food Supermarket: Vietnamese
- Brothers Foodmax Supermarket: Hispanic & Caribbean
- CTown Supermarket: Hispanic & Caribbean
- El Pueblito: Mexican (also a restaurant)
- Ethio African Grocery Store: Ethiopian & African
Follow the links to google maps. These are all within Lancaster city limits. There will be more options in the surrounding cities & regions.