SOLAR is SBU’s online system that you will use frequently.  You will use SOLAR to enroll in courses, pay your bill, request a transcript, receive notifications, etc.  Once you’re accepted, you’ll be given a Student ID and information on how to log-in to SOLAR.
  For more information on SOLAR visit:  http://it.cc.stonybrook.edu/solar

Q1 – What type of applicant am I?
A - At the beginning of the application, for Program Selection select “Study Abroad”.  After completing the general section of the application you’ll be asked to enter Applicant Type, select “International Incoming”.  You will later be guided to select Applicant Type again, select either Tuition Waiver or Tuition Paying, based on your nomination by your home institution.  We will verify this with your home institution.  Entering Tuition Waiver or Tuition Paying incorrect can cause a delay in the processing of your application.

Q2 - What is my Grade Point Average (GPA)?
A - Grade Point Average (GPA) is simply your average grade and performance in all of the courses you’ve completed at university.  This question is a required component.  Please enter your cumulative GPA as accurately as you can.  We use a 0-4.0 system in the United States, with 4.0 being an A+.  For the major GPA you can simply enter “0”.

Q3 – Why can’t I upload a JPEG image?
A - The Apply Yourself application system does not allow JPEG images to be uploaded into the system.  Files cannot exceed 600 KB in size and should be in .doc, .wpd, .rtf, .xls, .pdf, .docx, .xlsx or .txt format. For Macintosh users, please note that the filename must include the appropriate three- or four-letter extension. Also, please do not attempt to upload a document that is password-protected or that contains macros. This will cause the process to fail.

Q4 – What original documents must be mailed to IAPS?

• DS2019 Certificate of Eligibility
• Financial Support Documents (Original Bank Letter or Bank Statement)
• Affidavit of Support (if using a Sponsor)
• Proof of Income (if using a Sponsor)
• Student Health Form (this can be completed upon arrival to SBU)

Q5 – Is there an Application Fee?
A - No.  There is no application fee for incoming international exchange/visiting students.

Q6 – What is a transcript?
A - A transcript is a record of the courses and grades you’ve earned at your current university.  All students must upload a copy of this record.  We do not need the original sent to our office.

Q7 – How do I find my institution under “Current University”?
A - You can search for your university by “country” or by the university name. 

Q8 - In my financial documents, how much money do I need to show to study as an exchange/visiting student at Stony Brook University?

As of 2011 (Cost is subject to change)

*Note that exchange students have tuition waived and only need to show funds for fees, living expenses, and health insurance.

Please be advised that the above estimates represent the MINIMUM amount of money needed to survive at a very modest level on Long Island. Many students will require additional funds. Students planning to bring accompanying dependents must contact International Academic Programs for an additional application, and must provide an additional $6500 per year for their spouse and an additional $3630 per child per year.

Q9 - What financial documents are required?

All students must upload financial support documents showing the amount required in the DS 2019 Certificate of Eligibility.
Proof can be sent in the form of a bank letter or an original bank statement which states your name or your sponsor’s name in English and the amount of funds in the account in U.S. Dollars. Documents must be dated within 6 months of term start date.   The name on the affidavit of support should be the same as the name on the bank letter/statement.  Relationship to student should be indicated and signed by the sponsor.  In addition to uploading them online, originals must be mailed to IAPS.

Q10 – What about the health forms?

All students must complete the health form and submit the original to IAPS. http://www.stonybrook.edu/studyabroad/ay/health.pdf
*Note that this can be completed upon arrival through SBU Student Health Services; however enrollment into courses may be affected. 

Q11 - Do I have to enroll in Stony Brook University’s International Student Health Insurance?

A - Yes, SBU's international health insurance is required for all incoming exchange/visiting students.

Q12 - What is the required TOEFL Score to be accepted to the International Exchange/Visiting Program?

A - 550 PBT, 213 CBT, or 80 IBT. If you do not meet these requirements, you can enroll in the Intensive English Center at SBU. Upon successful completion of IEC, you can become an exchange/visiting student. www.stonybrook.edu/iec

Q1 - How do I pay my tuition and fees?

Exchange/Visiting students can pay all tuition and fees after they arrive on campus.  Because costs will fluctuate until you are registered full time, no payment should be made until you are enrolled in at least 12 credits.  Prior to arrival, you may receive a “tuition and other fees payment due” message- You can disregard this message.  You’re given a few weeks after the start of school to make payment without incurring any late fees.

Q1 - What courses can I enroll in?

Most undergraduate courses are available to you, as long as you’ve completed the necessary pre-requisites (prior course work) at your home university. You can find course listings at:
http://www.stonybrook.edu/registrar/class-schedules.shtml
Upon acceptance you will receive access to SOLAR and can see exact course offerings and times.

Q2 - When do I register for classes?

Upon acceptance to SBU, you will receive an instruction email with registration instructions. Students are encouraged to enroll in classes online through SOLAR as soon as possible; we have class size limitations at SBU.

Q3 – How can I register for classes through SOLAR that require prerequisites?

If courses require prerequisites (prior courses completed), you will not be able to enroll through SOLAR.  In the course registration instruction email, you will be given instructions on how to request enrollment in these courses. You will be given a link to complete a “Class Request Form” and submit electronically. Your request will be reviewed by the respective academic department and permission to enroll will be given if available. (Some departments may directly enroll you in the course, while others may issue permission and you must log in to SOLAR and add the course. You need to check SOLAR consistently.)
Important:  We cannot guarantee enrollment into any courses.  Some course permissions cannot be given prior to arrival and students must visit the department upon arrival.  No enrollment assistance can be offered for a “Closed” class. If you request permission into a closed class it will be disregarded.

Q4 – What is a waitlist? Can I be added to a waitlist? If I’m on a waitlist how can I get enrolled in the course?

A waitlist for a course means the class is full and you want to be put on a waiting list to be added to the course if space becomes available.  If a waitlist is available, you may join.  If prerequisites are required for the course, you must submit the online Course Request Form to be put on the waitlist. If space becomes available in the course, you will be automatically registered once you are at the top of the list.

Q5 - How many courses can I take?

All students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits and maximum of 17 credits.

Q6 – What is a “Hold” in SOLAR?

A - Holds & To Do Items appear in the Action Center of your SOLAR Welcome Page.  Students are responsible for reading these items carefully and taking any necessary action. Some items can prevent enrollment access.
Common holds in Solar that can prevent your course enrollment:

To remove these holds, click on the message and it will link to a page instructing how to fulfill the requirement.

Q7 – Do you offer an English as Second Language (ESL) Course?

Each semester we offer an ESL class specifically for exchange/visiting students to help non-English speakers improve their speaking and writing skills. This class is not mandatory.  We will send an email notifying you of the ESL course options and how to request enrollment.

Q8 – SOLAR shows the class as “Open” but it won’t let me enroll- Why?

Some class seats are reserved by the academic departments for SBU transfer or major students; so although the course appears to be open, you may not be given permission to enroll.

Q1 – Do I need to apply for on-campus housing?

IAPS arranges on-campus housing for you. Campus Residences automatically assigns each student a room.  Room assignments will be emailed and posted in SOLAR about 1 week prior to arrival.  You do not get to choose your rooming assignment.  You will most likely share a room with another Stony Brook student. Room changes can only be requested through Campus Residences after arrival and are very difficult to arrange.  Check-in  and departure dates will be sent through email prior to arrival.

Q2 – Do you offer/require meal plans?

Most exchange/visiting students will be assigned to a housing unit that includes a kitchen, so the meal plan is not required. If you are assigned to a housing unit that does not include a kitchen, you will be required to purchase a meal plan.  If you are not required to purchase a meal plan, but would like to you can enroll once you arrive on campus by visiting the Meal Plan Office (Student Union, Room 250) or http://fsa.sunysb.edu/mealplan/

Q1 – Arrival Information:

From the Airport to Stony Brook University:
Students can
- Catch a Taxi to Stony Brook University
- Use a Shuttle Service
- Use public transportation

To use public transportation from JFK Airport:
Students should ride the AirTrain to Jamaica Station.  At Jamaica Station, ride the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Stony Brook Station.

Link for LIRR train schedule: 
http://lirr42.mta.info/

Important Numbers:
-Lindy Taxi Service 631-473-0707, for Airport Service 631-851-0000
-Super Shuttle (Airport Shuttle) 800-258-3826

*Additional information details are in your International Services booklet sent with your DS 2019. 

Q2 – Food Options:

Campus Dining services will be available during limited hours.
http://campusdining.org/opening-hours.php
*please note that meals provided during new international student orientation do not apply to you, as you have not been charged this fee.  You are considered International Exchange/Visiting students.

Seven-Eleven : A convenient store located across from the Stony Brook Station
Domino’s Pizza : 631-751-0330 (they will deliver)

Q3 – Campus Bus Schedule/Map

http://www.stonybrook.edu/transportation/campusbus/index.shtml

Q4 – Banking Information

There are two ATMs available for students on campus, for a different bank a student will have to go off campus.  Seven11 in front of LIRR station has City Bank ATM as well.

Q5 – Cell Phone Information

Students can obtain a cell phone from one of the following locations or they can look at more options by using the websites given below.

Verizon - http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/index.html
AT&T - http://www.att.com/
T-Mobile - http://www.t-mobile.com/
Sprint - http://www.sprint.com/index_p.html