Living on campus is the best way to get the most out of campus life! Since Montclair is close to New York City, off-campus housing that is within commuting distance and affordable is very hard to find. While there is reliable public transit to New York City, there are almost no transit options from off-campus apartment complexes to the Montclair State campus.
For these reasons, unless given a waiver by the Office of International Academic Initiatives due to special circumstances, all exchange students are expected to live on campus. International exchange/visiting and NSE students will be given priority placement in our Global Village, which is in one of our best residence halls and very close to the train to NYC. Students will also have access to our Global Belongings Program, a new initiative for the the 2023-2024 year.
Global Village:
The Global Village at Montclair State University will be in Alice Paul Hall for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. We will be launching our Global Belongings initiative, a movement to enrich the lives of students that are joining MSU on exchange or have recently returned from a study abroad program at another institution. The Global Belongings program will include access to a dormitory supply collection for items such as linens, appliances, and home goods for their apartment as well as access to programming for students in this community. Programming opportunities will include events in the residence hall to celebrate cultural heritage, game nights, and excursions into New York City for complimentary cultural and historical trips.
There is an African Proverb that says that “it takes a village” and we hope that by joining us in our global community, you will be able to make meaningful connections with your peers and feel supported as you navigate your experience at Montclair State University.
Additionally:
Students can find more information about the application process, the housing deposit and room selection here.
Students will receive more details in their Montclair State email after they have a “NetID” and pay the housing deposit. Students are responsible for reading the entire housing guide and contractual policies and can contact the Residence Life office if they have any questions.
Students living on campus will be required to move out of campus housing by 11AM on the day after the official semester ends. The J-1 visa allows a 30 day grace period after the last scheduled day of the exam period. International students must depart the US within those 30 days.
Global Belonging Program:
The Office of International Academic Initiatives recognizes that the transition to another institution, let alone another country, can be difficult for students to adjust to. Between being away from home, experiencing culture shock, and often facing language barriers, we recognize that the first few initial weeks at Montclair State University might be difficult for you. With that in mind, our team has now launched the inaugural year of the Global Belongings program.
Global Belongings is a movement to enrich the lives of students that are joining MSU on exchange or have recently returned from a study abroad program at another institution.
The Global Belongings program will include access to a dormitory supply collection for items such as linens, appliances, and home goods for their apartment. Other items include Squishmallows, beddings, and even a limited quantity of furniture. These items are complimentary items donated by the Montclair State University community and are available for a free checkout during the duration of their time at Montclair State University. This is intended to aid students as we understand that studying and living in a new place can be financially burdensome at times. There is no cost or rental fee associated with accessing the items in our dormitory supply collection.
In addition to the Global Belongings dormitory supplies, the Global Belongings initiative is also a movement intended to unify our students within the community. This includes check ins and office hours with Brooke Klinger, Program Associate for Inbound Students and Campus Engagement. There will also be social events for students garnered to celebrate the diversity of the community, to meet their peers, and connect with future students who want to study abroad. Outside of campus life, the Global Belongings initiative will have excursions into New York City for complimentary cultural and historical trips.
New York City Excursions:
The Office of International Academic Initiatives is pleased to offer exchange and visiting students three free excursions per semester to destinations such as Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Greenwich Village, Times Square, Central Park, and Harlem.
We will use the convenient direct train to Penn Station in midtown Manhattan, which gets students from campus to many NYC neighborhoods in less than one hour.
Our valued inbound exchange and visiting students will have their train tickets paid for and will benefit from tours by highly trained and academically qualified tour guides. Not only will you leave these experiences with a better understanding of the area’s cultural framework, but you will also have the opportunity to make once in a lifetime memories with your classmates and the team at the Office of International Academic Initiatives.
