Incoming International Students should read the following information carefully in preparation for attending Duke Law.
- Immunizations
Please follow the directions carefully in the Duke University Health History Form packet and send completed forms directly to Duke’s Student Health Center by June 30 (or as soon after as possible) in the pre-addressed envelope provided. If you have questions, email Student Health Center or visit their website. Youcannot be enrolled in classes unless you show proof of required immunizations. The very latest the forms can be received is August 21. This is a North Carolina state law. Keep a copy of all forms for your own records and bring the copies with you. - Health insurance
Health insurance is essential to protect yourself against the high cost of unexpected illnesses or injuries which might require hospitalization, surgery, or the services of specialists outside the Student Health Center . All students are therefore required to have adequate health insurance. You must purchase insurance provided by the University. Dependents accompanying you at Duke must also have health insurance, either the Duke policy or evidence of alternative insurance. Dental insurance is not included in the stated University insurance policy. Dental care is very expensive in the U.S. as are items such as eyeglasses and many prescription drugs. It is therefore advisable to take care of eye and routine medical and prescription needs before you leave your home country. For information on Duke’s health plan, please visit the Student Health website. In addition, you will need to pay a mandatory student health service fee which covers the cost of routine health care. - International House (not to be confused with International Office)
You will be receiving an email from International House explaining their services, which include a special all-day orientation for graduate and professional international students(you will be able to participate both in the Law School and International House’s orientations. The orientation will offer important information, such as health care and insurance, safety, cultural differences, and other issues pertinent to life in the U.S. In addition, you can find other useful information concerning the programs and services at the International House website, including a helpful pre-departure checklist.. For any acclimation questions you may have, International House probably has the answer. We encourage you to take advantage of their excellent services. - On-Campus Housing
Submit your housing application as soon as possible. You may still apply for on-campus housing; however, international students who applied by the May 1 deadline will be given priority for on-campus housing. Duke’s Housing Office website. - Off-Campus Housing
Durham also has attractive apartment complexes and other housing options not far from the University. They are usually not furnished, but furniture can be rented fairly reasonably or bought. ( Hint:The first floor in the U.S. means the ground floor.) Most students find a car very useful, especially for those occupying off-campus housing. A previously owned car can be purchased for approximately $4,000-$6,000. International House is also an excellent source of information for off-campus housing in Durham. You may visit International House in person or go to their website for some off-campus housing information. - Housing Guide
The housing guide provides information regarding off-campus housing. The Guide lists most places where our students have lived in previous years. Also available is “Tips for Finding a Place to Live” (found at International House’s website). Note the list of housing websites that are referenced including the site for Duke Community Housing. The Duke Community Housing office assists Duke students in finding off campus housing. In addition, there is an apartment locator service which can assist you specifically with apartment searches. This service has information on over 200 apartment communities in the area. You are welcome to visit their new interactive website. - Tips on living in Durham
Please view “Tips for the 2008 LL.M. Class” for information from 2007 LL.M. graduates about living, eating, shopping, recreation, etc. at Duke and in the Durham area. - Computer Information: Please note the memo from the Law School ’s Computing Services Department regarding recommended specifications for computers. More computer information can be found on the website for Computing Services. From this page, there is a link specifically designed for prospective students.
- Tuition and University fees:
An updated Estimated Budget sheet is available. Tuition and educational fees are billed in two installments due respectively in July and December. More information regarding billing and payment can be found on Duke’s Bursar’s Office Website. You may also contact the Bursar's office by email or at (919) 684-3531 for more specific information. Notify Suzanne Brown if your funds are delayed and arrangements will be made accordingly; otherwise, you will be charged a late payment penalty. - Arrival in the U.S.
The Law School orientation for all new students will be held on August 13-17. Attendance is required at orientation sessions. The Law School ’s courses are scheduled to begin August 20. It is a good idea to plan to arrive before August 13 in order to have adequate time to take care of personal arrangements. Your first full week of classes at Duke will be extremely busy. Additional material will be sent about orientation sessions, course registration, the fall course schedule, and so on.
Incoming students: the International Programs office will need to be informed of the date of departure from your home country, date of arrival in Durham, and an address where you can be reached from July to early August. If you will be attending a summer program prior to your matriculation to Duke, please inform Suzanne Brown. Let her know also if you will be reading email at that location.