Helpful Hints

Salisbury, Maryland is located in the Eastern Standard Time Zone. When it is noon in Greenwich, London, it is 7 a.m. in Salisbury. The United States generally does not use 24 hour clock. The phrase "a.m." is used from midnight until noon, and the phrase "p.m." is used from noon until midnight. Examples: 07.00 is 7 a.m., and 15.00 is 3 p.m. Twice a year, the last weekend in October and the first weekend in April, the time is changed by an hour to incorporate the seasonal use of daylight savings. Those changes are widely advertised in the newspapers, radio and television. Be sure not to miss it, so you can reset your clock and be on time for classes.

Domestic letter stamps currently cost 49 cents per ounce, international stamps cost $1.20 for first ounce and vary for each additional ounce depending on destination; domestic post cards cost 21 cents each, international post cards cost 70 cents each.

When you arrive in Salisbury, you should have a list of emergency contacts in the United States (if you have any) and abroad. Please hand it to your International Student Advisor as soon as you arrive.

Be prepared that your first month in the United States is likely to be the most expensive, since you will not be able to take everything you need, and might forget some things. The first month might be twice as expensive as the others.

Speed limits are strictly enforced in the United States; maximum speed is 55 to 65 miles per hour, depending on the state. NEVER drive after drinking alcoholic beverages!!!

Each state has a minimum age below which it is a crime to sell or consume alcohol. In Maryland, that age is 21.

The United States' electrical system uses 117 volts, 60 cycles (hertz). If you are bringing appliances from home, they are probably designed for Europe's electrical system which uses 220 volts. You will need to purchase a transformer and plug adapter that can handle the wattage of the particular appliance that you bring with you.

The University campus, although very safe, is not exempt from crime. Students and visitors should take the following precautions:

Avoid walking alone during hours of darkness. University Police provides an escort service to anyone who is uncomfortable walking alone in the dark
Do not leave valuables or personal belongings unattended
Always keep your room/apartment and car locked
Keep a copy of all your documents/records. In case anything gets lost, you will have the copy to refer to.
The written word is strict. Read thoroughly and understand before signing documents such as leases and contracts.
Although most places will accept travelers' checks, some cash may be necessary, to purchase food or books.
The Chamber of Commerce is an office providing information about the city of Salisbury and the points of interest in the area. It is located on East Main Street, (410)749-0144.
Peninsula Regional Medical Center is available for emergencies and extended medical treatments. For detailed listings and specialists, please refer to the local phone book.

Major holidays, which afford extra time off, include:

January 1 - New Year's Day
January (third Monday of the month) - Martin Luther King Day
March/April - Easter
May (last Monday of the month) - Memorial Day
July 4 - Independence Day
September (first Monday of the month) - Labor Day
November (Thursday before last weekend of the month) - Thanksgiving Day
December 25 - Christmas Day

Other customary holidays are Valentine's Day (February 14), St. Patrick's Day (March 17), Mother's Day (second Sunday in May), Father's Day (third Sunday in June) and Halloween (October 31).

Each student should have a current copy of SU's Policies and Procedures Handbook, which contains a lot of very important rules, regulations and additional helpful hints regarding the University and the Salisbury area. It can be obtained in the office of International Student Services or the Vice President of Student Affairs Office located in the Guerrieri University Center room (410) 543-6080.