Prior to arriving at UChicago, the International Partnerships Program Coordinator works closely with the scholars to facilitate their travel plans, ensure their smooth transition, and prepare them to their study year in Hyde Park.
All scholars must claim their CNet ID upon acceptance of admission. The CNet ID is used to access scholars' myUChicago account, Canvas, and other campus resources.
Scholars come to UChicago on a J-1 student visa. In the months leading up to arrival, they are guided through the visa process by the program coordinator. In depth information regarding the visa application process can be found on the Office of International Affairs website: https://internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu/page/students/admitte
International flights to and from Chicago are covered by the Sawiris Scholars Program scholarship. Flights are booked by the program coordinator for all Scholars. They travel as a group to Chicago in early September, and back to Egypt at the end May.
Sawiris Scholars arrive on campus 2 weeks prior to orientation week for a pre-term bootcamp. During the bootcamp, scholars take 4 mini-courses taught by UChicago faculty to become acquainted with pace and rigor of the quarter.
In addition to the mini courses, scholars embark on excursions to familiarize themselves with Chicago and its history. Past excursions have included the Chicago River architecture boat tour, walking tour of the Loop, the Museum of Science & Industry, and more.
College Orientation Week, or O-Week, began in 1934 as a way to introduce a new class of students to the traditions and community that has made the University of Chicago a unique destination for students from around the world. This multi-day series of events, programs, and meetings provide new students with an in-depth overview of how the College works.
Scholars receive detailed information about the Orientation Sessions prior to coming to campus.
Health Immunizations
On-campus attendance at UChicago requires proof of immunity and/or vaccinations from all students. The State of Illinois and the University require all students to provide proof of immunizations, preferably at least 30 days before starting, or returning to campus, for classes. Required immunizations can be found here. Admitted students can check the Immunization Portal for more information on required vaccination and how to submit your forms (https://wellness.uchicago.edu/medical-services/immunizations/).
Health insurance
The University requires all registered students to carry adequate health insurance to cover, among other costs, hospitalization and outpatient diagnostic, testing and surgical procedures. Additionally, the insurance must cover medical care provided in the Chicago area for both emergency and routine, non-emergency medical situations. In keeping with this requirement, each year Scholars are enrolled in the University Student Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP).
For further details on the policy, please refer to the Student Manual. If you enroll in it, the fee is paid on a quarterly basis. Information on USHIP can be found here.
The University of Chicago, in conjunction with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), provides U-Pass cards to UChicago College students. The U-Pass provides unlimited travel on CTA's bus and rail system during regular term time. For more information regarding the UPASS, please visit its page here.
Scholars receive their UPass upon arrival to campus.