Getting Started

What To Do First

  • Contact your employer and sponsor. (check to see if you already have housing)
  • Register your United States address in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS).
    • You must register within 10 days of arriving in the United States.
    • Failure to register will result in the cancellation of your visa!
    • Be sure to report your address and room number.
  • Call your family and friends.
  • Find Housing (see Housing page).
  • Apply for your Social Security card.
  • Get a bank account.

Making Friends

As you know, every country has many cultural differences. It will be easier for you to make friends and enjoy your stay if you understand some of the following customs:

  • Introduce yourself by your first name.
  • Greet people with a handshake.
  • Dress and act very casually, especially in Lake Delton.
  • Use greetings like "Hello" and ask "How are you?"
  • Respect personal space. Generally, we stand about one arm's length away.
  • Be on time for your appointments, arriving 15 minutes late is considered rude.

Follow Dells J-1 Facebook page here.

Vendors

The following vendors can help you with items you may need during your stay.

Grocers 

  • Walmart (General merchandise and grocery store, also sells bicycles)
    130 Commerce Street
    Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
    608-253-3590
  • Maurer's Market (Grocery Store)
    216 Washington Avenue
    Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
    608-253-8313

Buying Bikes

  • Walmart: www.walmart.com
  • Bicycles: 110 N Judson Street - Located behind the Lake Delton Post Office 608-697-1525

Mailing

  • Lake Delton Post Office
    49 E Adams Street
    Lake Delton, WI 53940
    608-253-4793
  • Wisconsin Dells Post Office
    310 Minnesota Avenue
    Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
    608-254-6412

Cell Phone

  • Verizon- Z Wireless (Contract and Prepaid)
    1010 Wisconsin Dells Parkway S
    Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
    608-678-2223
  • US Cellular - Cell Plus (Contract and Prepaid)
    69 Commerce Street
    Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
    608-253-9380
  • Radio Shack (Prepaid) 
    421 Wisconsin Dells Parkway
    Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
    608-253-9999
  • Walmart (Contract and Prepaid)
    130 Commerce Street
    Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
    608-253-3590
  • Rescue Tech Mobile (Cell Phone Repair)
    69 Commerce Street Number 6
    Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
    608-678-2282
  1. What is a rental deposit? How much is it?
  2. Is the weekly rent the total price for renting the apartment?
  3. What to do with a paycheck from my job?
  4. What should I do if I get injured at work?
  5. When is the best time of the day to apply for a job?
  6. Can I work without a Social Security Card?
  7. Who do I contact if there is a problem with my housing?
View All