Exchange Student Newsletter: Travel Restrictions, Arrival, and Winter Welcome

Spring 2022 Exchange Student Newsletter

Hello students!

Welcome back to the fourth newsletter for Spring 2022 exchange students at Washington University in St. Louis.

As a reminder, you can access all information for exchange students through the Spring 2022 Exchange Student Guidebook.

If you have any questions, please reach out to either your Academic Division exchange adviser, OISS, or the First Year Center.

We are excited to welcome you to campus soon!

-First Year Center

Updated Travel Restrictions

The White House and U.S. Department of State released new restrictions impacting international travel due to Omicron, a new variant of COVID-19. Due to the likely spread of this new variant, we anticipate more countries will be added to the restriction list. We strongly encourage everyone to review the current travel restrictions to determine travel plans for the upcoming winter break and holidays. Please note: if you travel abroad and a new travel restriction bars you from reentering the U.S., OISS and WashU will have little to no authority to request your return for the spring semester.

Vaccine and Negative COVID-19 Test Required for International Air Travel

As of November 8, 2021, all immigrants and nonimmigrants traveling to the United States must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. The test must be within 1 day of your flight departure, and you will need written documentation of your test results (or proof of having recovered from COVID-19). For the full policy review and list of exceptions, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Review the new pre-departure testing and attestation requirements for those traveling to the U.S. by air.

Arrival

Students must arrive prior to January 13^th. Move-in for Residential Life housing will be on January 12^thbetween 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM CST. Residential Life housing will not be available for students arriving prior to the 12^th. If you arrive early, you will need to arrange housing at a nearby hotel.

We strongly encourage students to fly into St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), which is a 15-minute drive from campus.
Transportation from the St. Louis-Lambert Airport to Washington University:
Taxi: Taxis are available 24 hours a day. Cost to WashU is about $30-$40, plus a 15-20% tip.
Ride Sharing Apps: The Uber and Lyft mobile apps allow you to request a ride through your phone, provided by drivers using their own cars. You must download the apps in advance.
MetroLink: The MetroLink light rail system has two stations on the Danforth Campus, as well as two stations near campus. If you take MetroLink, be sure to check the most convenient stop for you.
Campus maps are available.

Winter Welcome

Winter Welcome: January 13th- January 16th

You will participate in Winter Welcome upon arriving. This is a four-day orientation program hosted by the First Year Center.
What to expect: During Winter Welcome, you will get to know campus, learn about the resources available to support you, explore St. Louis, socialize with other exchange students, and more! Learn more about Winter Welcome and view the schedule.
Who you will meet: You will have a chance to meet with your fellow exchange students, your academic advisor, the Office for International Students and Scholar, and your WUSAs (peer mentors)!
What comes next: You will hear from us more about Winter Welcome in early January. In the meantime, please email us if you have any questions.