Below you will find a host of important information relating to planning for your initial arrival on campus. Please carefully review each item.
Preparations for Arrival:
Is there an office dedicated to the needs of the international students?
Is there a way to communicate with current international students at Vassar?
Should I have a departure checklist?
What can I bring to outfit my room?
Can I ship my belongings?
Immigration Issues: Students applying for a J-1 Visa (exchange students)
What is SEVIS?
Do I need to fill out any forms on the plane?
What happens when I go through immigration?
Arrival and Orientation
What is International Student Orientation? When should I arrive?
Will there be an opportunity to shop for essential items during orientation?
What is the VISA Big Sib Program?
Booking return flights: Is it possible for international students to stay on campus during breaks?
Does Vassar offer a Shuttle Service?
Are there directions available to Vassar from the three major New York airports?
Transportation from the Airports to Grand Central Train Terminal
JFK Airport to Grand Central Train Terminal
Newark Liberty Airport to Grand Central Train Terminal
LaGuardia Airport to Grand Central Train Terminal
Transportation from Grand Central Train Terminal to Vassar
Transportation from Grand Central Train Terminal to Poughkeepsie via Metro North Train
Transportation from Poughkeepsie Train Terminal to Vassar
How should I handle money and banking?
Other Issues and Concerns
Is there an International Student Organization?
Are there cultural differences to expect?
How many international students are at Vassar?
How do I get a campus job and a Social Security Number?
What about immunization requirements/health insurance?
How well known is Vassar?
Will Vassar award credit for my advanced program of study?
How is the weather?
Do you have any unanswered questions?
Preparation for Arrival
Q: Is there an office dedicated to the needs of the international students?
A: Yes! Vassar’s Office of International Services (OIS) provides year-round assistance to all international students and scholars, including help with the visa/immigration process, workshops on summer and post-completion employment, and programming designed to help students adjust to life in the United States. OIS is also in charge of scheduling all sorts of fun events throughout the year to get international students involved in the community and to encourage international students from all years to communicate and share their experiences. We will do our best to make you feel at home at Vassar, and we promote cultural events and support the practice of international traditions.
Beyond the staff of the office, several wonderful student interns – who are international students themselves – are available (now and during the academic year) to answer any questions you may have.
Andrew Meade, Director of International Services: anmeade@vassar.edu
Yousra Khan, Office Specialist: yokhan@vassar.edu
The OIS interns: InternationalServices@Vassar.edu
Vassar College Box 594
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
Phone: 1-845-437-5831
Fax: 1-845-437-7298
Q: Is there a way to communicate with current international students at Vassar?
A: Yes! You can join the VISA (Vassar International Students Association) Facebook group or email us: InternationalServices@Vassar.edu. During the summer, VISA will send a Facebook group invitation to the email on file with the Office of Admission, so please make sure you check it! Also, it is highly advisable to start checking your Vassar email before you come to campus, since a lot of important information is emailed to this address. (You will receive login instructions early in the summer.) The individual student groups will also be contacting new incoming students from their respective regions.
Q: Should I have a departure checklist?
A: Yes! Start with this:
- Obtain necessary visa and immigration documents.
- Make travel reservations to arrive in the U.S. on Saturday, August 24, 2013.
- Transfer money to a bank in the U.S. or purchase a supply of traveler’s checks.
- Exchange foreign currency for $100-150 in U.S. currency for use when you first arrive. Include small bills (i.e. $1, $5, $10).
- DO NOT CARRY LARGE SUMS OF CURRENCY (i.e. no more than $200 in cash)
- Give your family a contact address in the U.S. and keep Vassar’s emergency contact information handy. In the event you need to reach someone at Vassar during your trip to campus, call Andrew Meade at 1-845-235-9967.
- Have Vassar’s address/your American address at hand at all times, or memorize it. You will need it to complete immigration forms.
- Write down the complete telephone numbers of the people you would like to call once you have arrived in New York City. Be sure to include your country code and all applicable area codes.
- If you are being sponsored by an organization, notify the organization of your plans and complete all of the sponsoring organization’s necessary documents.
- Pack all identification and important correspondence from Vassar in your hand luggage. These documents include the following: letter of admission, financial-aid award letter, valid passport, Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS2019), SEVIS I-901 Fee receipt, financial documentation, driver’s license, copy of birth certificate, etc.
- If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you will need your birth certificate or another photo ID more than a year old in order to obtain a Social Security Number (necessary for employment).
- Bring necessary health immunization records. (You will need a copy for Vassar Health Services as well as a copy for your own records.)
- Pack your carry-on with emergency personal items, such as medication and a change of clothes, in case your luggage is temporarily lost during your journey.
- And finally…bring photographs and other items to remind you of home!
Q: What can I bring to outfit my room?
A: Your room will come equipped with basic furniture: bed frame and mattress, desk and chair, and a chest of drawers. You will need to outfit your room with your own personal items. The Residential Life Office maintains a helpful list at ResidentialLife.Vassar.edu/Checklist.html. At a minimum, plan on packing or purchasing upon arrival the following essentials (there will be several opportunities during arrival weekend to purchase these items):
- Sheets, blanket, and pillow.
- Clothes for both warm and cold temperatures. Vassar students typically dress casually.
- Cosmetics and personal care items: most of the things you need can be purchased in the U.S., but be sure to have everything you’ll need for the first few days.
- Electric appliances (hair dryers, electric razors, desk lamps, stereo, etc) may need an adapter to work in the U.S. (The electrical current in the U.S. is 110-115 volts, 60 cycles AC. Many small electrical appliances will operate on the lower voltage, so all you may need is an adapter to connect it to U.S. outlets.) However, it may be more practical to buy them in the U.S., as the adapters may be expensive and you may have limited space in your luggage.
- Books and Music – if English is not your first language, consider bringing some books in your native language. It will be difficult to find them here, and you’ll miss the language. Also, music from home is a necessity.
- Photos and items to remind you of home will help make your room a comfortable personal space.
Q: Can I ship my belongings?
A: During the summer you will receive your Vassar College Box Number. If you plan to ship any of your personal belongings to Vassar in the weeks prior to your arrival, use the following address:
Your Name
Vassar College Box Number ___
124 Raymond Ave
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
If the parcel is sent via the regular mail service, it will be held at the campus post office. We suggest you note “HOLD” on the parcel.
If you use a courier service (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.), your package will be held at the Receiving department for you to pick up on arrival.
Immigration Issues: Students applying for an F-1 Visa (four-year students)
Once we have received your signed Candidate’s Reply Card, enrollment deposit, and I-20 Request Form (sent in the mail with your Admitted Student Packet and also available here as a PDF), Vassar will forward your I-20 Form. We are committed to mailing out your I-20 by the end of May, provided we have received your I-20 Request Form.
We are pleased to inform you that Vassar will pay the new $200 SEVIS fee for all F-1 international students. This fee is required with all new visa applications. The decision to pay this fee was made to spare international students both the fee itself and the inconvenience involved. Along with your I-20 Form, you will receive a payment voucher for this fee. You need this voucher to apply for a visa.
To enter the U.S. as a non-immigrant student, students applying for an F-1 student visa must have the “Certificate of Eligibility,” or Form I-20. Once you receive the form, you will take the I-20, the SEVIS fee voucher, your passport and supporting documentation to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to request the F-1 visa. Students will generally receive their I-20’s and fee vouchers from Vassar by early June, so you will not want to schedule a visa interview at the embassy prior to that time.
Immigration Issues: Students applying for a J-1 Visa (exchange students)
To enter the U.S. as a non-immigrant student, students applying for a J-1 student visa must have the “Certificate of Eligibility” for J-1 students, Form DS2019. Exchange students will be mailed Form DS2019 and a payment voucher for the $180 SEVIS fee, which Vassar is pleased to pay on your behalf.
You will take the DS2019, the SEVIS fee voucher, your passport and supporting documentation to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to request the J-1 visa. Students will usually receive their DS2019s and fee vouchers from Vassar by early June, so you will not want to schedule a visa interview at the embassy prior to that time.
For more advice on the visa application and interview process, consult the education USA website.
10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa
Q: What is SEVIS?
A: As of January 30, 2003, Vassar and all other U.S. colleges and universities were required to enter all F-1 and J-1 students into the SEVIS database. SEVIS, or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is an internet-based system that requires schools and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to exchange data on the immigration and academic status of international students and their dependents. Every F and J visa holder has information entered into SEVIS to track their arrival, enrollment and departure. Information pertaining to F-1 or J-1 students or dependents is available to U.S. embassies and consulates as well as to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). Upon your arrival to Vassar, you will receive more information regarding SEVIS and the procedures you will need to follow.
Q: Do I need to fill out any forms on the plane?
A: Your status as a citizen or non-citizen determines which forms you will have to fill out on the plane. If you are coming into the country as an American citizen, permanent resident or green card holder, you will need to fill out the Customs Declaration Form.
If you are a non-citizen, you will need to fill out the I-94 form (the white one). The Immigration officer who interviews you will stamp the form and then staple it to your passport.
You will need to know your Vassar address to complete these immigration forms.
Q: What happens when I go through immigration?
A: It is very important that you have ALL the required documents on your person when going through Immigration, especially the ones that certify you are an international student (I-20 or DS2019, and your SEVIS receipt). Please remember not to pack these forms in your luggage, but rather to take them with you to your seat on the plane.
Upon arrival, you will have a short interview with a customs officer, who will check your documents, take your fingerprints and a photo of you, and ask you several questions regarding your reason for coming to the U.S., Vassar and maybe even the major you will be studying. Do not be afraid to say you have not yet decided your field of study. This is the normal and standard procedure, so do not be concerned or worried about the depth of the questions you will be asked.
Arrival and Orientation
Q: What is International Student Orientation? When should I arrive?
A: All international students should plan to arrive at Vassar on Saturday, August 24, 2013. Our two-day International Student Orientation will begin on Sunday, August 25, 2013, and general New Student Orientation starts up on Tuesday, August 27, 2013. We strongly encourage all international and overseas students to attend International Student Orientation, as we believe it will greatly facilitate your initial adjustment to Vassar and provide an opportunity to build long-lasting relationships. We welcome parents and other family members and we have special activities prepared for them, including a private Q&A session with administrators and students where we can address their concerns.
You will be able to move into your own room on Saturday, August 24, 2013. (See below for information on transportation to the Vassar campus.) In addition, during the Orientation week you will have the opportunity to meet the Office of International Services interns and other international upperclassmen.
Q: Will there be an opportunity to shop for essential items during orientation?
A: Yes! There are several options. You will have the opportunity through the Vassar bookstore to purchase bedding materials and other items in advance of your trip. In addition, we will provide shuttles to a nearby shopping center during the weekend of your arrival. Do not feel the need to bring everything for your room from home, as we will make sure you have the time and the opportunity to go shopping here. A variety of buses and shuttles run daily during the academic year, to locations such as the local mall. More info: http://neighbors.vassar.edu/transportation/
Q: What is the VISA Big Sib Program?
A: The Vassar International Student Association pairs international upperclassmen with new international students in order to provide an early connection at Vassar for questions and support during the transition to Vassar. Your Big Sib will usually reach out to you prior to your arrival at Vassar and answer any questions you might want to ask of another student. You and your Big Sib are encouraged to get together during the year on your own, but there are also several events throughout the year that will provide you with an opportunity to bond with your Big Sib and the international community at large.
Q: Booking return flights: Is it possible for international students to stay on campus during breaks?
A: Yes, all students can apply for summer/intersession housing and stay on campus for the longer breaks. For more information, please visit the Residential Life website: ResidentialLife.Vassar.edu/Summer.html
Intersession housing is usually given in the dorms that have kitchens in them as the All Campus Dining Center is not open during breaks. The Retreat is usually open until 3 p.m. on weekdays of breaks, but students might find it more convenient to cook for themselves at their own leisure. There is a small fee charged to your account for the intersession housing.
Your Flight
Many of you will be traveling great distances, some of you for the first time. Here are suggestions for the flight:
- Set your watch for Poughkeepsie, NY time as soon as you board, to allow you to start mentally preparing for your new time zone.
- Dress for maximum comfort and remember that the air conditioning on airplanes can make the air cooler than you might expect. A sweatshirt or the like is recommended for this reason.
- Accessories like earplugs, an eye-mask, an inflatable pillow, and herbal tea can help you rest, especially on longer flights.
- Aircraft cabins are notoriously dry, so plan on drinking lots of water and juice. It is wise to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other dehydrating liquids. Dehydration is a real concern, especially on longer flights, and is typically characterized by headaches and nausea.
- It can also be helpful to load up on snacks in case the time between meals is longer than you’d like.
- Finally, you may want to nap on the ride to Vassar or when you first arrive at the school. Remember that it is best to eat and sleep at “normal” times in order to get over jetlag as soon as possible.
Q: Does Vassar offer a Shuttle Service?
A: Yes. The Office of International Services will operate free shuttle vans for international students from JFK Airport. Be prepared to spend up to two hours from your flight arrival time in New York waiting to be cleared through U.S. Immigration and Customs.
These shuttles will run on Saturday, August 24, 2013.
JFK Shuttle Pickup Times
12:00 p.m. (12:00) New York time
4:00 p.m. (16:00)
8:00 p.m. (20:00)
You need to reserve a place on the shuttle. Director of International Services Andrew Meade will contact you during the summer to give you an opportunity to reserve a place on a shuttle. Upon arrival in the U.S., you must call 1-845-235-9967 to confirm your shuttle pick-up.
Telephones: phoning home & cell phones
One of the first things many of you will want to do after you have arrived is to call home to let your family know you are safely here. The best way to make an international call, unless you have a cell phone that works in the U.S., is to use a telephone card.
Instructions are generally printed on the back of the telephone card. You will typically dial a toll-free number, (the initial call is free of charge from any pay phone). You will be asked to enter the PIN number on the back of the card, and then you will be asked to dial the number.
- To make a call in the United States, dial 1+area code+number. (For example, the number you will call to let us at Vassar know you have arrived is 1-845-235-9967).
- To make an international call, dial 011+country code+area code+number. It’s obviously a good idea to write down these complete numbers before you leave home.
- There are also online phone cards you can use to call home. To purchase one, go to EnjoyPrepaid.com.
There will be some computers available with Skype installed, so that you can contact home shortly after arrival at Vassar. You may choose to create a Skype account before arrival.
If you wish to purchase a cell phone for long-term use, there are several options available. You can buy a pre-paid phone from one of the major retailers in Poughkeepsie for around $15 and then continue charging your account. If you want to become part of a plan, then you should be prepared to pay a fee of around $400 to the company as a guarantee, in lieu of either a Social Security Number and/or credit history in the US. Usually this sum is refunded at the end of a one-year contract. Some international students get organized and purchase a family plan together. Do not worry if this sounds confusing. We will cover cell phones during International Student Orientation!
Q: Are there directions available to Vassar from the three major New York airports?
A: Students who elect to use public transportation should follow the directions below from their arrival airport to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Poughkeepsie. Be prepared to spend up to two hours from your flight arrival time in New York waiting to be cleared through U.S. Immigration and Customs.
Transportation from the Airports to Grand Central Train Terminal
JFK Airport to Grand Central Train Terminal
Go Airlink provides shuttles from JFK to Grand Central. You can find customer assistance at the Ground Transportation Desk in every terminal and ask about the shuttle and schedules. You can also check the schedules or book tickets online at http://www.goairlinkshuttle.com or http://www.nyairportservice.com. The fare is roughly $15 one-way for a shared shuttle.
If you have a round-trip ticket on a New York Airport Service shuttle from Grand Central, you will still have to go to the Ground Transportation Desk and you will be automatically upgraded to the shared shuttle.
You can also take a taxi to Grand Central. You can find a taxi 24 hrs a day at the taxi stands in front of the terminals by following the signs to “Ground/Land Transportation.” The fare should be approximately $50-55, and the ride should take 40-60 minutes.
Newark Liberty Airport to Grand Central Train Terminal
At Newark Airport, follow the Ground Transportation signs to “Olympia Airport Express” Buses. Take the Manhattan shuttle to Grand Central Station. They depart every 20-30 minutes between 4:00am and 11:00pm and the fare is $14. The bus into Grand Central takes about 50 minutes depending on the time of day (longer during peak hours).
If you arrive any earlier or later than this, you will need to take a taxi to Grand Central. You can find the taxi stand by following the signs to “Ground Transportation.” The fare should be approximately $45, and the ride should take about 40-60 minutes.
LaGuardia Airport to Grand Central Train Terminal
Go Airlink provides shuttles from LGA to Grand Central. You can find customer assistance at the Ground Transportation Desk in every terminal and ask about the shuttle and schedules. You can also check the schedules or book tickets online at http://www.goairlinkshuttle.com or http://www.nyairportservice.com. The fare is roughly $15 one-way for a shared shuttle. The bus into Grand Central takes about 40 minutes depending on the time of day (longer during peak hours). If you have a round-trip ticket on a New York Airport Service shuttle from Grand Central, you will still have to go to the Ground Transportation Desk and you will be automatically upgraded to the shared shuttle.
You can also take a taxi to Grand Central. You can find the taxi stand by following the signs to “Ground Transportation.” The fare should be approximately $25-35, and the ride should take 20-30 minutes.
At GRAND CENTRAL STATION:
Transportation from Grand Central Train Terminal to Poughkeepsie via Metro North Train
In the main lobby of Grand Central, purchase a Metro North train ticket to Poughkeepsie. (Be sure to purchase a ticket in the terminal, because they are more expensive when purchased on the train.) One-way fare is $17.00 or $22.75, depending on the time of day. The trains to Poughkeepsie leave about every hour from approx 6:30am to 1:00am (usually on the 45″ or 50″ of the hour). Check the schedules carefully; not all trains are Metro North trains, and not all northbound trains go to Poughkeepsie. You may check the schedule online at MTA.Info/Mnr/Index.html (online, when asked, your trip is taking place EAST of the Hudson River). Poughkeepsie is the last stop on the train, so relax and enjoy the trip!
Transportation from Poughkeepsie Train Terminal to Vassar
At Poughkeepsie, head into the station and out the front doors. (If you have a lot of luggage, there are elevators from the platform.) Outside of the station building, you will find a row of taxi vans. Tell the driver you are going to Vassar College (there is a hospital called Vassar as well), and they will drive you to your residence hall (have the name of your dorm/residence hall with you at all times). The fare will cost about $7 per person and the ride to Vassar should be no longer than 10 minutes. If you cannot locate a taxi, you can call Allen’s Taxi at 1-845-485-2411 or AAA Taxi at 1-845-473-7600. Expect to tip (a dollar or two).
Q: How should I handle money and banking?
A: You should plan to have at least $200 in foreign currency which can be exchanged immediately at any of the airports in the New York area or at most large banks. This money will cover initial expenses such as taxi or bus fares, meals, etc. Be sure that you do not carry large sums of cash with you!
You will want to open a bank account shortly after arrival. When opening a bank account, keep in mind that foreign checks may require 4 to 6 weeks before funds become available. Traveler’s checks are the best way to make initial deposits. Two pieces of identification are generally required to open an account: usually your passport or driver’s license, and your Vassar ID card (which you will receive at orientation). You may want to make arrangements to transfer funds to a bank in Poughkeepsie prior to your departure. You may wire money from your bank at home directly to a bank in the U.S. Transfers take up to 48 hours, and the fees vary from $10 to $30.
The two banks with branches within walking distance of the Vassar campus are First Niagara Bank and Bank of America. At Bank of America there is no fee for the first 6 months (5 years if parents have an account), then a $3.95 monthly fee unless you set up direct deposit. Bank of America requires a minimum of $25 to open an account, but requires no minimum balance thereafter. First Niagara is brand new; the location is converting this summer from HSBC.
First Niagara Bank is located at 1 LaGrange Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. The local branch telephone is 1-845-454-5512. First Niagara will have an ATM located in Vassar’s Student Center.
Bank of America is located at 11 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. The local branch phone number is 1-845-452-2041.
During check-in, representatives from both banks will be able to assist you in opening an account right on the spot!
Q: Is there an International Student Organization?
A: Yes. There is a student-run organization for all international students called VISA, and numerous student-run organizations for particular groups of students, such as the African Students Union, Asian Students’ Alliance, Caribbean Students Association, Poder Latino, the South Asian Students Alliance (SASA), and the Southeast Asian Student Alliance (SEASA). There are also several other organizations with an international focus, such as the Vassar Haiti Project, the Vassar Uganda Project, Save Darfur, LINK (Liberty in North Korea), the Global China Connection, and UNICEF. For more information, visit Vsa.Vassar.edu.
Other Issues and Concerns
Q: Are there cultural differences to expect?
A: Depending on the culture you are coming from, you can expect many differences in the US and at Vassar. The International Orientation program will help familiarize you with some of those differences.
The Vassar campus is very informal in terms of dress and relationships. The social environment at Vassar is an open one. You will encounter students espousing many different viewpoints on religion, politics, personal conduct, and interpersonal relations. While students are certainly not expected to agree with everyone else’s point of view, you will need to be prepared for an environment that is very tolerant of diversity. Respecting such differences is a foundation for the Vassar community. Another difference you can expect is the severe restrictions on smoking in buildings and public spaces in the U.S.
Academically, you will also encounter a good deal of informality in relationships between students and faculty. It is common for faculty to be on a first-name basis with their students and for friendships to develop outside of the classroom. Moreover, the classes at Vassar will each involve a heavy discussion component, and a willingness to participate in class is essential.
Q: How many international students are at Vassar?
A: International students at Vassar include non-citizens and U.S. citizens alike who have lived in or are from different nations. About 11% of Vassar students hold non-U.S. citizenship. The largest representation of our international students come from: the Bahamas, Canada, China/Hong Kong, France, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Pakistan, Singapore, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
Q: How do I get a campus job and a Social Security Number?
A: Regulations are strict with respect to working for students on a visa. Vassar policy allows for part-time, on-campus employment to a maximum of up to 10 hours a week during the academic year. Prior to working on campus, you will need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). The Office of International Services will arrange an opportunity to obtain your SSN about two or three weeks after you arrive on campus. Since there may be a delay in the issuing of the SSN, the Financial Aid Office will issue you a voucher that can be redeemed for cash to cover your initial weeks’ earnings. (Don’t worry: this is one of the topics we will cover during the orientation).
Q: What about immunization requirements/health insurance?
A: New York State law requires all Vassar students to present documentation of measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) vaccination or evidence of immunity by titre (a blood report demonstrating sufficient antibody concentration). If you have not submitted a completed Health Form with physical examination before the semester begins, it is likely that you will not be able to register for classes. (This form was mailed to you and is also available to download from this website.) If you do not have all required immunizations before you arrive, you will be required to obtain them in the U.S. at your own expense, before registration. Certain immunizations are available at the Vassar College Health Service at a reasonable cost. All students are required to have adequate health insurance, and Vassar has a special group plan for students at a low cost. The insurance plan covers most medical needs, but does not cover basic eye care, dental care expenses, or immunizations. Vassar College Health Service Staff and Barbara Pickett, R.N., are available to answer any of your specific questions at: telephone # 1-845-437-5801; fax # 1-845-437-7135; email: BaPickett@Vassar.edu
Q: How well known is Vassar?
A: Vassar is consistently ranked among the top one percent of colleges and universities in the United States and has been a frontrunner in higher education for over a century and a half. Numerous external ratings have confirmed Vassar’s status as one of the most prestigious colleges in the United States. For example, the annual U.S. News & World Report college rankings list Vassar as one of the top 10 colleges in the United States; The Wall Street Journal named Vassar “one of the new Ivies”; and the Princeton Review rankings recently called Vassar’s students the happiest in the country and our campus one of the two most beautiful.
Q: Will Vassar award credit for my advanced program of study?
A: Students who earn scores of 5, 6, or 7 on Higher-Level International Baccalaureate exams are awarded credit. In the same manner, Vassar grants credit for high scores on certain foreign advanced programs of study such as the GCE/Cambridge A-levels, CAPE exams, the German Abitur, the French Baccalaureate, etc. Vassar also accepts AP credits for scores of 4 or 5 on the AP exams.
Q: How is the weather?
A: Poughkeepsie weather is much like the temperate climate of New York City. Average temperature in the winter months is about 30°F (-1°C), and about 75°F (24°C) during the summer months. The most common lows in winter are around 20°F (-7°C), while the highest temperatures in the summer are around 90°F (32°C). We are not located in a ‘snow-belt’; however, snowfall is the norm during the winter. We do experience all four seasons, so you need to be prepared for both warm and cold temperatures.
Q: Do you have any unanswered questions?
A: Ask away! We are at your service through the spring and over the summer:
Andrew Meade, PHD
Director of International Services
AnMeade@Vassar.edu
Udbhav Agarwal
Administrative Fellow
udagarwal@Vassar.edu