RH Smith school of business's Pre Arrival Guide

1. Introduction to The Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Smith School of Business is a recognized leader in management education and research, with a particular focus on the role of technology in business today. The school's academic programs provide an in-depth education in fundamental business disciplines, such as entrepreneurship, finance, management and marketing, integrated with cross-functional concentrations such as e-service, e-commerce, telecommunications, financial engineering, supply chain management, and global knowledge management. Because of the forward-looking research projects, executive education, and corporate partner programs, the school is an invaluable resource for businesses, government, and over 30,000 alumni worldwide
The Smith School was one of the first business schools in the country to introduce cross-functional MBA concentrations that promote the breadth and depth of skills needed by managers today. The list of elective e-business courses - including supply chain management, electronic commerce, financial engineering, technology management, and global knowledge management - is one of the most extensive offered by top business schools. With more than 47 courses related to e-business and 40 percent of degree requirements set aside for elective courses, students can create a personal program of study to meet their unique interests and career goals.
The School has completed the expansion project designed to nearly double the available space, adding new classrooms, career services facilities, computer labs, and high-tech research and teaching centers.
The School also recently launched the Netcentricity Business Laboratory, a one-of-a-kind facility where students can explore the convergence of e-commerce, financial trading, and supply chain management within a seamless distributed environment. The lab, deployed with partners Sun Microsystems, Oracle, TIBCO Software, Cisco Systems, and EDS, makes possible first-hand experience for today's networked business practices.
Finally, Smith provides a benefit that few schools can match: living and learning in one of the most dynamic high-tech areas in the country, the Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia/Baltimore techway. The region is the telecom capital of the world, rich with start-ups, info-tech and bio-tech ventures, and international trade. Smith school partnerships with organizations here offer cross-fertilization of experience and understanding of real-world business challenges.


2.Prior to Arrival
Getting a Visa to come to United States Along with this brochure or shortly thereafter, you should receive the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitors, commonly known as the DS2019 form, from the Office of International Education Services. Please note that the process of your application and the issuing of the IAP-66 may take up to four weeks. To apply for your student's visa take the DS2019, letter of admission, valid passport, and evidence of financial support to the nearest United State Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Health Insurance and Immunization In order to study in the United States, you will be investing a considerable amount of time, energy and
money. To protect yourself and your investment in an education, it is important that you maintain good physical and mental health. It is common for students experiencing changes in climate, diet and other habits, to encounter some health problems. The University Health Care Center can provide you, your spouse and your children, or other family members with limited medical care and health education (additional fees may be involved for dependants).
However, a major health problem or accident involving hospital or specialist's treatment will be very costly and require care by an off-campus medical provider. For these reasons, each student must carry health insurance. Additionally, we highly recommend that you purchase health insurance for any dependents. It is important to understand the specific conditions of a policy and the extent of its coverage, especially since most health insurance plans in the U.S. do not cover all medical expenses. If possible, it is advisable to have medical, dental, and optical checkups at home to correct any problems before leaving. Over-the-counter medications are available, but it can be confusing to know which one to purchase; it is advisable to bring sufficient medication that you are taking or anticipate needing.
Upon arrival we will explain the health insurance requirements for F-1 and J-1 students who are not covered by graduate assistantship insurance benefits. You may apply for health insurance coverage at that time. J- I students with assistantships will need to buy a supplementary repatriation and medical evacuation policy to comply with the Federal Health Insurance Regulations. All students must bring complete health records for themselves and their dependents. Records of immunizations (TB, NUAR, DPT, etc.), x-rays, and skin tests should be carried with you to provide to the Health Center with an accurate summary of your health situation. The enclosed "Immunization Form" must be completed by your physician. Failure to submit the required records to the Health Center may lead to a registration block (that is, you may not be able to register for classes in the following semester).

3.Orientation to College Park & Washington, D.C.
The University of Maryland at College Park is located in the Greater Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan Area, a region that provides an exciting mix of international and local people with a variety of interests, and a variety of recreational activities.
College Park is relatively quiet; there are several places to go with friends right along Route 1, most notably the Cornerstone and Santa Fe, but for something different, people head downtown.
There's a Lot to See Don't assume that just because so many of the city's attractions sit next to each other on your map of the Mall that you'll be able to see them all in one fell swoop. Distances are greater than they appear and you'll do plenty of walking in any of the major museums. Our advice: Choose what interests you, see it in depth, and come back to see what you've missed on another trip.
Ditch the Car The city is notoriously difficult to navigate, with brutal commuter traffic, freeway ramps that appear out of nowhere, strange rush-hour restrictions and few central parking facilities. For most tourist attractions, and most dining and nightlife areas, the Metro is your most effective transportation option.
About the Smithsonian Metro Station It's small and often crowded, especially as the museums open and close. Consider other stations for your
itinerary – Capitol South, Federal Triangle, L'Enfant Plaza and Foggy Bottom are all close to popular attractions and likely to be less crowded than the Smithsonian station.
Tour at Night The Lincoln, Jefferson, and FDR memorials are all open at night and staffed by Park Service rangers, as are the Korean and Vietnam War memorials. With all the major attractions swathed in floodlights, the city looks majestic after dark. An added bonus: It's easier to park, and in the summer the weather is much more comfortable at night.
Get Off the Mall There are a number of excellent attractions off the Mall: the National Zoo; the Corcoran and Renwick Galleries; National Geographic's Explorer's Hall; small museums like Hillwood House, the Kreeger Museum, and the Phillips Collection; religious landmarks like the Washington National Cathedral and the National Shrine; and a slew of foreign embassies.
Get Out of Town There are numerous attractions and historic sites in easy driving range of the city. Consider day trips to Annapolis for small-town charm and rich maritime history, Gettysburg or Manassas for Civil War heritage, Harpers Ferry for its history and picturesque setting.
Freebies Not only are almost all of the city's museums and attractions free, there is also a great range of entertainment that won't cost you a dime. The Kennedy Center has a free performance every day on its Millennium Stage, the National Gallery of Art offers a free concert series, the Hirshhorn has its own movie auditorium, and you can always find a free lecture or book signing.
It's Not the Heat... The weather forecast remains fairly constant throughout the summer – hot, hazy and humid with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. If you must come during that time, dress accordingly, move slowly and carry bottled water. Better still, if you have a choice, come in April-May or September-October and experience the best possible weather.
Pack a Picnic Good for your budget -- saving yourself and your family from the mercy of museum cafeterias and vending carts -- a picnic can also offer an excellent respite to take in the city. Try one of these scenic spots: the steps of the Capitol, the Washington Monument reflecting pool, or the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington.


4.Nightlife and neighborhoods - from the Washington Post
Please remember that the drinking age of 21 is enforced, and do not drink and then drive.
With numerous universities, a bustling high-tech corridor and tons of intern positions open every year, Washington always has scores of young people looking for something to do. We have huge dance clubs,
great corner bars and cozy Irish pubs. And in 2000, the subway extended its hours on the weekends until 2 a.m., a boon for the nightlife scene. Because of Washington's diversity, there's something for everyone, whether that's salsa dancing, Ethiopian nightclubs, places to watch European soccer, country karaoke or Persian techno. It might take some legwork, but it's there. We promise.
Adams Morgan Adams Morgan is the key neighborhood for Washington nightlife. Any kind of going-out option you need sits chock-a-block around the intersection of 18th Street and Columbia Road. There are Caribbean and African clubs; a plethora of music clubs, rooftop bars, and just general milling about.
The crowd varies by club, but by and large, most are night owls ages 21 to 35; and if you go by the license plates that fill every parking space within eight blocks, the majority is suburbanites looking for thrills they can't find at home. Word to the wise: Don't drive if you can help it. Parking spaces go quickly. Beware the homeless men who will "help" you find a parking space that you've already seen. Take Metro: Go to the Woodley Park/Adams Morgan station, then board a shuttle, which costs $.25 each way, or make a 10-minute walk.
Capitol Hill/Union Station At Capitol Lounge, a comfy pub and restaurant with a cigar lounge in the basement, there's a chalkboard behind the bar that lists the brands of beer on tap. At the bottom, in bold and underlined letters, is this message: "No Politics!" That's the problem on the Hill, where young congressional staffers, lobbyists and government types gather after business is concluded. Most bars try not to wear their politics on their sleeves, although it's sometimes obvious – Tortilla Coast is home to lots of Republicans, for example. But it's not always so easy. Staffers of all stripes love both the Hawk and Dove and Capitol Lounge, and unless they're toasting the "Nixon's the One!" poster, you can't tell whom they work for.
Dupont/West End Dupont Circle has been a popular neighborhood with Washington's gay community for decades. But the neighborhoods around the circle have been growing and diversifying in recent years as well.
The bars along 17th Street, such as JR's, are (and have been) landmarks for gay nightclubbers. The can't-miss stop is and Chaos, which offers a great drag brunch every Sunday morning and drag bingo on Tuesday nights. There is also a cluster of bars along P Street, including the Fireplace, known for its huge fireplace, and Mimi's American Bistro, with its singing waiters. Also near the circle are the Big Hunt, which has almost 30 beers on draft, and Buffalo Billiards, downtown's best (and most swank) pool hall.
South of Dupont, a nightlife hub is forming around the intersection of M Street and Connecticut Avenue.
The West End, which has nothing to do with the one in London, is southwest of Dupont Circle, and might well be called Georgetown East. It's the home of the legendary Brickskeller, which offers more than 800 beers.
Downtown/MCI Center The area around the MCI Center has grown exponentially with real estate development, and the nightlife scene there has become diverse. You'll find steakhouses (Angelo and Maxie's); brewpubs (Capitol City Brewing Company and Gordon Biersch); steakhouses that brew their own beer (District Chophouse); mega sports bars (the Rock and the F Street Sports Bar); and Fado, the largest Irish pub in Washington.
Also around that way, the F Street corridor is home to Platinum, a large New York-style dance club; the relatively new VIP Club, a very upscale four-floor lounge and dance club; and Polly Esther's, a weekend-only club that made its reputation with '70s and '80s dance music, although they play some Top 40 as well.
Georgetown Long considered a must-do area for Washington nightlife, this neighborhood draws on two nearby student bodies (Georgetown and George Washington universities), students who come from area universities to party with those local students, and visitors who go to the clubs and bars after dinner or shopping trips.
Like Adams Morgan, most of Georgetown's nightlife is set around one intersection – in this case, Wisconsin and M streets.
Since Georgetown is essentially the closest thing Washington has to a "college town," you'll find plenty of young people drinking beer in spots like the Rhino Pump House or Garrett's. The Tombs, located within walking distance of Georgetown University, is a traditional spot for students and alumni, although it seldom gets as rowdy as the Rhino. The Third Edition, the bar used as a location in "St. Elmo's Fire," draws a mix of professionals and students; while the happy hour at Clyde's is famous for its half-price hamburgers. Mr. Smith's, another local fixture, offers a great burger and piano players who take requests (a teenaged Tori Amos once tickled the ivories here). In 2001, Modern, Georgetown's first upscale lounge, opened to long lines and mixed reviews from patrons who aren't used to dress codes and $8 martinis.
In the summer, Georgetown is a great place to spend an evening. The bars on the Waterfront – Riverside Grille, Tony and Joe's, Sequoia, Sole – are packed with people enjoying the great views and the cool breeze blowing in from the Potomac River. Tiki bars, located inside Third Edition and farther up Wisconsin at the Deck, are packed.
U Street This street has long held a special place in the Washington nightlife scene, especially for the city's African American population. In the 1920s, this was the "Black Broadway," where a young Duke Ellington and his band performed. In the '50s and '60s, luminaries like Miles Davis and Thelonius Monk played in its clubs. Less jazz is performed here these days, but U Street has a number of great options for going out.
Maryland and Virginia
Regardless of what you hear, there are nightlife options outside Washington's city limits. Here we'll look at two of the most popular (and most accessible destinations) – Arlington, Va., and Bethesda, Md. Arlington Arlington's nightlife center is Wilson Boulevard, a long stretch of road that runs directly above Metro's Orange Line, giving visitors easy access to its bars and clubs. Get off at Courthouse for Dr. Dremo's Taproom, a divey joint with a great selection of home-brewed beer. Also there are Summers Restaurant, a bar favored by local soccer fans who gather on Saturday mornings to catch the latest action from Italy and England, and Gua-Rapo, a chic lounge that shares ownership (and musicians) with Chi-Cha. One stop farther is Clarendon, a lively neighborhood with a younger crowd. A trio of great live music venues are found here – Iota, Whitlow's on Wilson and Galaxy Hut, although the latter two are also great places to grab a beer and hang out. Mr. Days is great for watching the big game, and the Clarendon Grill is good for burgers and a brew. Across the street is Virginia's first big-time dance club, the deco-style Clarendon Ballroom, which has swing dancing on Tuesdays, electronic and hip-hop on Friday, and happy hours on its rooftop deck. Hop back on the Metro for one more stop and you hit Ballston, where you'll find Carpool, a bar-restaurant-pool-hall-pick-up joint that is always packed with young professionals ready to party. There's another branch of the Rock Bottom Brewery (located in Ballston Commons Mall) and the Rio Grande Cafe (also known as Uncle Julio's), where the free chips are hot and the margaritas are loaded with tequila. Bethesda Not to be confused with Bethesda's vast array of international dining options, most of the bars and clubs seem to be limited to places designed for (and populated by) the "Young Professional" set in its twenties and thirties: Tommy Joe's, Willie and Reed's and the Barking Dog. Sure, there are other options - Uncle Jed's, a roadhouse plopped down in the middle of Bethesda. But alas, the biggest nightlife destination in the Maryland 'burbs lacks a good dance club. The limited options include the large floor upstairs at the Barking Dog, which is sometimes given over to hustle or swing dancers. Griping aside, Bethesda has all the makings of a good night out, especially since so few of the bars ever charge a cover. There's Rock Bottom Brewery, the only microbrewery (and some of the best beer) in town; and the Austin Grill, which is a great place for margaritas and people-watching.

5.Annual Events
One of the most exciting annual events in the area is the Cherry Blossom festival in mid-Spring when Washington, D.C., celebrates the profusion of pale pink flowers. There is almost always a festival, celebration, protest or other event going on downtown.The arts are vibrant in the area, featuring the Kennedy Center (there are free events there
daily), fantastic opera, the Shakespeare Theatre, all the Smithsonian museums (all free, including the zoo), myriad galleries, dance events, and more. Because the area incorporates such diverse cultures, there are many events celebrating countries and festivals (Diwali, Caribbean Carnival, etc). There are also fundraiser events throughout the year. In addition, there are great historical offerings, tours of the White House, monuments to visit, Arlington National Cemetery (where Presidents, including John F. Kennedy) are laid to rest), and architectural walks through Georgetown. Some fun areas of Washington, D.C. are: Dupont Circle, featuring the more avant-garde life of the city; Adams Morgan, with young crowds; the Eastern Market, and Capitol Hill. Georgetown is also alive at night, with plenty of restaurants and bars.
Natural areas abound in the area: the Chesapeake Bay is beautiful and one of the best places for sailing, there are many state and national parks nearby (Great Falls National Park should not be missed – either the Virginia or the Maryland side), and rivers for rafting in warm weather. Possible day trips include going to Baltimore to the Inner Harbor and their fantastic aquarium or a baseball game at Camden Yards, Annapolis to see the colonial architecture and naval activities, Manassas to the Civil War battle grounds, Shenandoah National Park for camping or hiking, and to Ocean City, Rehoboth or any of the lovely Atlantic beach areas.

6.Temporary Housing & Arrival Information
Hotels: When you arrive, you may need to stay in a hotel temporarily. The following are a few hotels within walking distance to the University of Maryland:
Comfort Inn / Park View Inn 9020 Baltimore Blvd. College Park, MD (301) 441-8110www.comfortinn.com
Best Western Inn 8601 Baltimore Blvd.College Park, MD(301) 474-2800www.bestwestern.com
Quality Inn 7200 Baltimore BlvdCollege Park, MD(301)864-5820 www.choicehotels.com
Ramada Limited 9113 Baltimore Blvd. College Park, MD(301)345-4900www.ramada.com
Other short-term housing Alternative arrangements in the Washington Metropolitan area include the following:
 Follin Guest House, 6801 Baltimore Blvd., College Park, MD(301) 277-9633; Costs $35 per person per night or $135 per person per week.
 International Guest House, 1441 Kennedy St., N.W., Washington, D.C., (202) 726-5808, www.bbchannel.com/bbc/p221277.asp; Costs $25 per person per night and $160 per person per week, with a two-week limit on occupancy.
 Youth Hostels (AYH), 1009 11th St., N.W., Washington, D.C., (202) 737-5537, E-mail: dchostel@erols.com; Costs $19 for members and $22 for non-members.
Payments Off-campus rental bills are due on a monthly basis. Before moving into a room or apartment, the first month's rent must be paid. A security deposit must also be paid immediately and is normally equal to one or two months of rent. You must have sufficient money available immediately upon arrival to cover the deposit and rent. It is very important for you to budget for this initial expense. For an average one-bedroom apartment, the first payment would be at least $1000 for a security deposit and first month's rent. Note that a substantially higher rent is charged for furnished and/or short-term leases on apartment units. In addition, you may be required to show sufficient income to lease an apartment. In this case, you can use your bank statement or 1-20 Form to verify your income.
Important: Before you sign a lease, be sure that you understand all the provisions and implications it contains. If you have questions, call the Student Legal Aid Office at (301) 405-5808 or bring a copy of the lease to the office in Room 1221 of the Stamp Union Building.
Arriving by air...
Dulles International Airport: For general information call (703) 572-2700. You may take the WASHINGTON FLYER, telephone (703) 685-1400, to FALLS CHURCH metrorail station. 'Then take the Orange Line train towards NEW CARROLTON; transfer to the Red Line at METRO CENTER. The FLYER also goes to downtown Washington near the FARRAGUT NORTH metrorail station on the Red Line. From either location follow the directions below under "By Train" to get to College Park. Also, there are taxis running from the airport to College Park and the fare is approximately $55..
Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): For general information call (41.... From BWI, there is an AIRPORT CONNECTION bus service that leaves for Greenbelt and the campus. This service requires reservations, which has to be made one day in advance by calling (301) 441-2345. The fare is $20 for a single traveler, but it is cheaper for more than one person travelling together. For more information, you can call 1-800-284-6066. In addition, there is a SUPER SHUTTLE that offers door to door transportation from College Park to BWI. For more information and reservations, call 1-800-BLUE VAN.
Washington National Airport: For general information call (703) 4.... From the airport, take the Blue Line train to METRO CENTER stop, or the Yellow Line train to the GALLERY PLACE stop. From either of those locations, transfer to the Red Line train in the direction of WHEATON. Then follow the directions listed below under "By Train." Moreover, the taxi fare from the airport to College Park is approximately $25. For ground transportation other than taxis, call the WASHINGTON FLYER at
Arriving by train…
The main Washington D.C. train station is called Union Station, and is near the U.S. Capitol building. It is a major train station and a hub for different train lines which arrive from all over the country. One can easily use the METRORAIL system from this location (on the Red Line) to College Park. The METRORAIL is the D.C. metropolitan subway system, which runs until midnight, seven days a week.
To get to the University of Maryland, you should board the Red Line train to the FORT TOTTEN stop, and transfer to the Green Line train in the direction of GREENBELT. However, if you are traveling during rush hours (6:00-9:30 a.m. and 3:00-8:00 p.m. Monday-Friday) you can take the Green Line train from either FARRAGUT NORTH station or UNION STATION or BROOKLAND station but not from FORT TOTTEN station. From either station, get off at the COLLEGE PARK station. Allow 30-50 minutes for travel from Union Station to the COLLEGE PARK station. When making transportation arrangements, be sure to specify which side of the station you wish to be picked up on. If you exit to the left, you will be on the east side. If you exit to the right and go back under the tracks, you will be on the west side closest to Route 1 and the campus. (This is the closest side for walking, which takes 20 minutes without luggage.)
You may use the following from the COLLEGE PARK station to campus:
1. TAXI CAB: It is a good idea to call a taxi about 30 minutes in advance since taxis are not always available and waiting for passengers. The ride to campus from COLLEGE PARK station will cost you around $5-7 plus tip depending on how much luggage you have. Bluebird and Yellow taxi-cab companies may be reached by calling +13018647700
2. METROBUS: Before you exit the Metrorail station, obtain a bus schedule or ask for help from the station attendant in the kiosk for current bus numbers, pick-up times, prices, and which side of the station to go for pick up. Metrobus schedules are also available on campus. For more information on METROBUS call(202) 637-7000.
3. SHUTTLE UM: This is the University's shuttle bus system. Before you exit the station, obtain a time schedule from the attendant in the kiosk, or call(301) 314-2255 in advance for more information. Note that between the COLLEGE PARK station and campus, SHUTTLE UM generally runs from 6.45 a.m. until 12.30 a.m. during the fall and spring semesters. During summer (usually from May 23rd to August 28th), the running hours are shorter and shuttles come less frequently. The shuttle brings people to the Stamp Student Union on campus.

source: RH Smith school of business's Pre Arrival Guide