Overview

Welcome! The International Student & Scholar Services office looks forward to meeting you in person when you make one of your first stops when you come to the International Center to check in with us. Don't forget to bring along your immigration documents and those of any dependents.

Cultural Adjustment

Taking every opportunity to learn about and experience your new environment can ease the process of cultural adjustment. Learning about the host culture, taking initiative in building relationships, understanding the norms and expectations of the academic or work environment, as well as familiarizing oneself with the normal stages of culture shock are all part of the knowledge that can lead to assimilation and balance.

Weather

Louisville is located on the northern limit of the humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid with mildly warm evenings. The mean annual temperature is 56 Fahrenheit (13 Celsius), with an average annual snowfall of 16.4 inches (41 centimeters) and an average annual rainfall of 44.53 inches (1131 mm). The wettest seasons are the spring (season) spring and summer, although rainfall is fairly constant all year round. During the winter, particularly in January and February, several days of snow can be expected, allowing for winter sports. Winter temperatures range from 27 to 43 (−3 to 6) and summer temperatures range from 66 and 86 Fahrenheit (19 and 30 Celsius). However, in any season, temperatures can vary widely day by day, because of Louisville's location where many fronts often converge. Severe weather is not uncommon; the area is prone to almost all types of non-tropical weather extremes, including tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, ice storms, and extreme heat and cold.

Clothing

You will need both warm and cool weather clothing for the Louisville area. In the summer, lightweight clothing is recommended. In the fall and spring, medium-weight clothing including a raincoat and/or a jacket should keep you comfortable. In winter, heavy clothing and coats are recommended.

Electricity

The voltage used in the United States for small appliances is 110-V (60 cycles), not 220-V (50 cycles). If you bring appliances that use 220-V to 240-V, you must use a converter. Converters are available for purchase; however, they can be expensive, sometimes costing as much as a new appliance.