Studying at UMN Morris

Before your arrival to campus, an ISP staff member will be in contact with you and meet you over zoom to discuss all the relevant details regarding your class registration and arrival information. Once you arrive you will have additional opportunities to meet with staff during International Welcome Week, to finalize your class registration if need be. 

All international students are required to maintain a full course load (12+ credit hours) to maintain their visa status. Depending on your major, you may need to take a Math Placement Exam to ensure you are registered for the appropriate level classes in your major. 

The University of Minnesota requires all international students to purchase the Student Health Benefit Plan (SHPB). Do not purchase other health insurance from your government or private insurance providers; otherwise you will be paying for two insurance policies.

Your payment for the SHBP and the Student Services Fee each semester will allow you to access Health Service on campus for most services at no cost and some services at a reduced cost.

To learn more about the Student Health Benefit Plan, see the Office of Student Health Benefits. This website lists the benefits in your plan.

We highly encourage first semester international students to live ON campus since it is a much more straightforward process. 

Utilities
In addition to your monthly rent payment, all renters are responsible for paying utilities including: heat, electricity, and water. The cost is usually divided among the tenants (your roommates). Some landlords include the cost of utilities in the monthly rent payment, be sure to read your housing contract carefully.

Furnishings
The following are furnishings that are usually provided in a rental property:

• washer and dryer
• Stove
• Refrigerator

In most cases you will have to pay for a bed, couches and tables.

Lawn Care and Snow Removal
In some rental agreements, part of your responsibility is lawn care. In the summer that means keeping the grass short and in the winter keeping the snow off of the sidewalks in front of your house. You can talk to your landlord about having these things done by them and paying a fee, or you can do it yourself. If you are not going to be here for the summer, you need to make arrangements with your landlord to have the grass cut, or the City of Morris may fine you.

Internet 
In most cases, internet and cable are not provided, and can be obtained from local service providers.

Local Internet and Cable Companies
Federated Telephone
508 Atlantic Ave
320-585-4875

Mediacom
615 Atlantic Ave
320-589-4864 or 1-800-332-0245

Info-Link Wireless Inc
514 Atlantic Ave
PO Box 149
Morris, MN 56267
320-589-1330

Minnesota weather may surprise you. It ranges from very warm in the summer to very cold in the winter. The average snowfall is 41" (104 cm) per year. You will need to have a warm winter coat, snow boots, well lined gloves and a cap for the coldest months. It is recommended that you purchase these things once you arrive in Minnesota, since most clothing stores here will carry the kind of winter clothing you will need. Minnesotans do not let the snow or cold stop them, but rather they dress for it and enjoy a variety of winter activities. Typically, beginning in April temperatures become much milder. August temperatures in Minnesota often reach 80–90 degrees Fahrenheit, so you should have appropriate summer attire for your summertime here.

With appropriate clothing, it is easy to enjoy each season that Minnesota has to offer. For both fall and spring it is always a good idea to have a light jacket with you. The day usually starts and ends with cooler temperatures. Otherwise during the day you may only need to wear pants and a long-sleeve shirt. During the summer, students will usually be wearing shorts and T-shirts.

The University of Minnesota Morris realizes that as international students some of the simplest issues for domestic students can be huge problems for international students. One of these issues is:

Where do I store my stuff when I check out of the residence halls for the summer?

The International Student Program has partnered with the Office of Residential Life to provide summer storage on campus. During the spring semester the Office of Residential Live (ORL) or your community adviser (CA) will provide students with information regarding our summer storage program.

Things to Consider Regarding Summer Storage

• There will be certain times after final exams that students can access the space, watch your email for the announcement;
• No loose items will be allowed in the space;
• Students will be able to purchase approved storage bins from ORL;
• Clearly label your bins with your name and phone number and email address;
• You must sign a release form before dropping off any of your items;
• You will not have access to your items during the summer. At the beginning of fall semester there will be announced times when students can pick up their items.

University of Minnesota Morris Public Safety serves the Morris campus and is responsible for all property owned by the University of Minnesota Morris. Public Safety is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for Morris students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Public Safety provides proactive patrol, crime prevention and safety programs, safe escort services, investigations, parking and law enforcement, building access and security, and emergency services.