Kansas City, Here You Come!
Answers to International Students’ Frequently Asked Questions
Kansas City experiences all four seasons (sometimes all four in the same week!).
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- The average hottest month is July, 90.1ºF (32.2ºC)
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- The average coldest month is January, 22.4ºF (-4.2ºC)
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- On average, it snows 8.3 days and accumulates up to 13.39 inches (340mm) per year. December is typically the snowiest month.
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- On average, it rains 90.8 days and accumulates up to 39.06 inches (992mm) per year. June is the wettest month of the year.
Kansas City is considered a culturally rich city with a cultural diversity that includes African, African American, Asian, Latino, Italian, Irish, German, Native American, Slavic, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern. This rich ethnic fabric of Kansas City continues to grow and prosper. The legacy of these communities is celebrated at attractions throughout the city.
Some of the area community organizations that invite your membership or hold events you can attend include:
Kansas City has a public transportation system (buses, limited light passenger rail, and specialty vans) that is free to all through 2023 at least. We’re the first major city to offer zero fares on all routes. You can access the schedule and get more information at RideKC.org.
The Avila campus is located in a safe, upper-middle-class neighborhood that is friendly to bicycles, scooters, and walking. There are several bike-share and scooter-share companies operating in the city, including RideKCbike.com, Bird Scooters, and Spin Scooters.
The Red Bridge Shopping Center is within walking distance of campus with a grocery store, restaurants, bars, a coffee shop, a public library, a hardware store, and more.
Students at Avila do all kinds of fun activities. Students can attend plays, shows, sporting events, dances, clubs, and more. You can watch or participate in soccer, baseball, softball, American football, volleyball, and basketball. Avila offers many clubs that students can be a part of.
Here at Avila we enjoy introducing new cuisine and expanding our knowledge of culture awareness through different foods. We also have a day dedicated to students and staff called International food fest, where we have a variety of foods from different cultures and give everyone an opportunity to try them. You should also go and check out all of the restaurant that are directed at what you are looking for, below are some articles for you to use a reference.
You can adjust to life in the United States. You should try to be active once you arrive, go to all your classes, and participate in as many campus activities as possible. It will help you meet new people and better understand U.S. culture.
Culture Shock
At Avila University, we recognize that adjusting to life in a new country can be both exciting and challenging. Culture shock is a typical experience for international students when they are exposed to unfamiliar environments and conditions. This natural reaction occurs as they step outside the familiarity of their home surroundings and adapt to new customs, norms, and expectations. You may experience a variety of emotions, ranging from excitement and curiosity to frustration, uncertainty, and even sadness. By understanding culture shock, you can better manage these feelings and make the most of your time at Avila.
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- Your passport and a copy of the passport, valid for six months.
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- I-20 form
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- Non-immigrant Visa
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- Copy of your admission letter from Avila
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- Copy of your financial documents
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- U.S. cash ($50 – $100 is suggested)
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- The emergency contact phone number at Avila University: 1+816.985.6079
For a smooth transition and a more comfortable start to your Avila experience, be sure to bring:
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- Shampoo
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- Toothbrush and toothpaste
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- Deodorant
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- Pillow cover
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- Earphones
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- (1) large towel
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- Soap
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- Your prescription medication
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- Electrical power plug converter
Your time here at Avila is a close reality and now it’s time to select housing. To review your housing options click here. Your online housing application can also be found here. If you don’t want to live on campus, there are a variety of housing options within close proximity to campus. See a preferred list here. Avila recommends that all international students stay on campus as we believe it provides the best option for students who would like to have a fully immersive experience while they study in the US.
•Hi RES International UG – Mandatory 2 years of on campus living
•HI RES International GR – Mandatory 1 semester of on campus living
•Low Res/Hybrid UG or GR – no on campus living requirement but could apply to live on campus.
Avila University has a policy that mandates all new International Graduate Students must reside on campus for one semester. This policy highlights the university’s commitment to supporting students by creating a holistic environment that fosters academic, developmental, and social growth.
Avila’s residence halls are open all year, including all holidays. In addition, an Avila staff member is always on duty in the residencies.
Students can use public computers in different buildings or their own computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc., in the dormitories since each dormitory room is connected to the Internet and has WiFi.
Students can use public computers in different buildings or their own computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc., in the dormitories since each dormitory room is connected to the Internet and has WiFi.
Learn about credit transfers at Sevis Transfer Student Information.
Let us know how we can help
Need Additional Help?
- Academic Related questions (major, class registration, and course selection contact: Mary LeCluyse
- For SEVIS and visa-related questions, contact: Michelle Driscoll
- For housing-related questions, contact: Daniel Capp
- For other inquiries or concerns, contact: Hanen Burkee