International Students Information

Congratulations and welcome to The Sage Colleges

By now you are probably becoming increasingly excited about our travel abroad and are beginning to make of the list of items you will be taking with you. Below is a list of what to bring and not to bring with you. We hope this list will be helpful, but please remember it is only a suggestion:

Medications - If you take any medication, make sure that you will have packed a sufficient supply. Please know that New York State will not fill any prescriptions written from outside of New York State. Have your physician specify whatever medications (including generic names) you are on and the reasons for this prescription on your health form, which you should have received with your admittance package. Be sure to pack some of your prescription in your carry on bag, in case your luggage is delayed in its transport to the United States.

Clothing – The weather in Central New York State will change significantly while you are on campus for a full semester. From August until December (fall semester) the weather can range from sunny and warn near 80° Fahrenheit (27° Celsius) to 20° Fahrenheit (-7 ° Celsius). In the spring semester, January until May the weather generally will range from 10° Fahrenheit (-12° Celsius) to 75° Fahrenheit (24° Celsius). So you will need a wide range of clothing options.

Students (men and women) typically wear casual clothing to class. Students generally wear jeans/pants (shorts in warm weather) and sweaters/sweatshirts (t-shirts in warm weather) and sneakers (tennis or running shoes). There are a few occasions (plays, art exhibits or concerts) for students to dress more formally, a skirt or dress is appropriate for women, blazer or suit jacket for men. A heavy coat, gloves or mittens, hat and scarf are recommended for winter temperatures.

Bedding – The Sage College will provide each exchange student a set of bedding for their rooms. Each residence hall room is equipped with a twin size bed, a desk with bookshelf and desk lamp, 5 drawer dresser and a closet or wardrobe for each student. However, there will be an opportunity during orientation for you to shop for what ever you may want or need for your room. You will be expected to launder your bedding throughout the semester.

Currency/Money – Be sure to discuss with your family how to transfer money to you in Troy/Albany, New York from your home if needed. You will need to meet all financial obligations regarding tuition, room and board before your arrival to campus. You will need to have enough money to purchase your books and any personal items you might need. Any traveling you plan to do while living at Sage will require additional funds and you should plan accordingly.

* Never pack large amounts of money in your luggage, due to security reasons.

Shipping Items Prior to Arrival – You may ship boxes or other items to yourself prior to your arrival on campus. Packages should be addressed as follows:

For Russell Sage College:

Your name
c/o The Office of Cultural Enrichment and Diversity
45 Ferry Street
Troy, New York 12180
U.S.A.

For Sage College of Albany:

Your name
c/o The Office of Cultural Enrichment and Diversity
140 New Scotland Avenue
Albany, New York 12208
U.S.A.

Please be sure to mark each package “International Student and your expected arrival date”. The Office will hold these items until your arrival. Please contact the Director of Cultural Enrichment and Diversity via email to let him/her know the number of boxes you are shipping.

Electrical Items – Please note that the Unites States uses 110-112 volt currents (60 cycles) for all electrical items. If you are bringing electrical items with you (hair dryers, computers, and radios) you will need to have the appropriate electrical converter. Please note that the outlets require two flat-pronged and one circular pronged plug.

Personal Items – Please be sure to bring those items which will help you make your room feel like home: photographs of family and friends, addresses and telephone numbers for letters and postcards, music from home, games, musical instruments, spices and other items to help you feel more comfortable. Be sure to bring a few family recipes to cook, share or give to the dinning hall to be made for the entire community.