Do all students live on campus?
What is the Honor Code?
What is the alcohol policy?
What is the smoking policy?
What if I wish to have a car on campus?
What other transportation is available?
How can I get a job?
Where do I go if I become ill?
How do I get health insurance?

Do all students live on campus?

St. Olaf College is a residential college, where nearly all of the 3000 students live in college residence halls and eat together in one dining hall.

What is the Honor Code?

The Honor Code has been in effect at St. Olaf College since 1911.  All tests, quizzes, or examinations are taken under the honor system.  This means that professors are not in the room during tests.  When students complete their test papers, they are asked to sign the following pledge:  I pledge my honor that during this examination I have neither given nor received assistance, and that I have seen no dishonest work.

What is the alcohol policy?

St. Olaf College prohibits the possession or use of alcohol on campus.  The policy reflects the college’s commitment to healthy life styles.  Minnesota law prohibits the consumption or purchase of alcohol for everyone under age 21.  Students over age 21 can purchase and consume alcohol at restaurants and pubs in Northfield.

What is the smoking policy?

Smoking is banned in public buildings in Minnesota.  This includes all buildings on the St. Olaf campus and including all residence halls. If you choose to smoke, you must smoke outside and be at least 10 feet away from the entrance door of a building.

What if I wish to have a car on campus?

A limited number of car permits are available to park on campus.  Applications are available from the Parking Office. International students should have a valid International Driver’s License or may apply for a MN License, please see the ISA for latest information.

What other transportation is available?

Since St. Olaf is a residential campus, many evening and weekend activities are available on campus, which encourage students to remain on campus for entertainment.  For a fee, a bus also runs to Minneapolis/St. Paul throughout the week.  A free inter-campus shuttle leaves every half-hour to Carleton College and other stops in Northfield. Visit this site for more options.

How can I get a job?

Employment opportunities for international students are restricted by visa requirements.  International students on F-1, J-1, and other visas may NOT work off-campus without prior authorization from the USCIS.  (Please speak to the ISA regarding latest Immigration Regulations once on campus.)  International students are permitted to work on-campus.  Maximum work-study grants are approximately $2400 per year.

Where do I go if I become ill?

The St. Olaf College Health Service is staffed by a nurse practitioner who treats students for minor illnesses.  Students pay only for medicines prescribed.  The college has agreements with the Allina Health Services and the Northfield Hospital, both excellent facilities staffed by general practitioners and specialists.  Dental and eye-care clinics are also available in Northfield.  Students who wear glasses or contact lenses are encouraged to bring along their prescriptions.  All medical costs are the responsibility of the student.

How do I get health insurance?

All international students are required to have medical insurance.  While most college students are healthy and rarely need medical care, no one can predict when they will be sick or have an accident.  Medical insurance protects you against large medical bills by paying some of the costs of your medical care.

This requirement may also be satisfied in a number of ways.  Some families have insurance that will cover their children studying abroad.  Certain countries provide coverage through their social security or socialized medical systems.  A policy may be purchased in your own country, or you may purchase the St. Olaf heatlh insurance.  You must provide the college with information about your insurance by August 14th.  The policy must be in effect when you arrive on campus.

During the summer you will receive information about the St. Olaf student health insurance plan, which costs $744 and will be in effect from August 15th of your year of entry through August 14th of the following year.  It will not pay for care related to preexisting illnesses, routine dental or eye treatment, or routine physical examinations.  There is limited coverage for mental health care and competitive athletics.

This St. Olaf Student Health Insurance does NOT cover eye glasses, contact lenses or any eye exams. The health insurance also does NOT cover any dental exams. Please bring with you an extra pair of eye glasses and, if you wear contact lenses, extra contact lenses. Please see your eye doctor in your home country before coming to St. Olaf. Also, please see a dentist in your home country before coming and complete any needed dental work.

If you do purchase the St. Olaf policy, please read these instructions on how to submit a claim (request for insurance company to review your accident or illness and pay all or part of the bill). There is a $100 deductible (an amount you have to pay first) before the insurance company pays 80% of the remaining bill for in-network doctors. Always submit a claim form as soon as possible. In other words, just because you have the St. Olaf Health Insurance does not mean you will never pay any medical bills if you see a doctor.

For more information on St. Olaf College’s Policies and Procedures, please visit.