International Students at Gala

Making Widener Your Second Home as an International Student

Access the resources and information you need to settle in at Widener and in our area—so you can take advantage of everything your international experience has to offer.

Living on Campus

An essential part of feeling comfortable in a new environment is knowing how to accomplish routine, everyday tasks independently—checking mail, using a bank account, navigating to wherever you need to go. Widener's on-campus resources make it easy to do just that.

widener students get assistance at writing center

Access Wellbeing Support Resources

Moving to a new country can be stressful. At Widener, we want you to feel a sense of belonging and fully supported as can navigating the college experience. All students have access a number of wellbeing resources to help you throughout your journey—from mental and physical health to academic support and more.

My Wellbeing

Post Office widow with student worker

Send Mail

Our on-campus post office located on the lower level of the University Center can take care of many of your mailing needs. You'll be assigned a mailbox when you first come to campus and you should get in the habit of checking your mail often. Let family and friends know your post office box number so they can correctly address your mail. The post office can send international letters for you but cannot provide passport services, USPS money orders, or international package mailing.

Homecoming Sponsor TD Bank

Access Banking Services

On-campus, you can access an ATM in the lobby of Old Main near Campus Safety and a full service TD Bank is a short walk from campus across from Lipka Hall at 1410 Providence Ave. International exchange rates will apply.

Widener Mascots post with Widener Bus that reads PRIDE. RIDE. with lion graphic

Get Around Campus

Widener's Pride Ride bus shuttle service is a free service available to all students. You can hop on one of our many campus routes for a quick ride to a campus location, call Campus Safety (610-499-4200) for transportation to local medical facilities, or reserve a spot for a scheduled trip to local shopping, pharmacies, eateries, and malls.

Explore the Greater Philadelphia Area & US East Coast

Philadelphia Philly skyline with train

Travel Tip: Take Public Transit!

Widener is close to multiple SEPTA (the region's public transit agency) buses and train stations, all of which can take you to local destinations like Philadelphia, Media, Swarthmore, or major transit hubs connecting to New York, Washington D.C., Boston, and more.

If you plan to travel locally to a place not well-served by public transportation, Uber or Lyft are great options. Like a cab that you order in advance, these ride-sharing services allow you to request a ride at a moment's notice.

international students in philadelphia

Find Things to Do

Widener's location in a metropolitan area means adventure is at your fingertips—the possibilities are nearly endless. Whether you plan to explore cultural sites and world-class cuisine in Philly, soak up natural beauty at nearby nature trails, or catch live sporting events, you'll find plenty of opportunities to try something new and, most importantly, have fun. 

Helping International Family & Friends Stay Connected

Planning a Visit

Do you have international family and friends eager to visit you at Widener? Be sure they thoroughly review all State Department information before planning the visit for a seamless welcome. A B2 visa allows them to visit the U.S. temporarily. Some citizens from specific countries may be able to travel without a visa through the Visa Waver Program. 

Want more info about public transportation, directions to campus, nearby hotels so family and friends can be cozy and close? 

Explore Visiting Campus FAQs on our Pride Families site

Sending Mail & Care Packages

Widener's on-campus post office provides convenient, secure mail delivery options to students. Family and friends can also send the gift of bedding and linens or snacks, treats, and more! Students can receive mail at:  

Student’s Name 
WU BOX #: _____ 
WIDENER UNIVERSITY 
1 UNIVERSITY PL 
CHESTER, PA  19013-5792 

Visit the post office website for more FAQs

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