Incoming Students

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST ROSSIES!

We are excited to welcome you as a member of the Rossie community and look forward to supporting your academic journey.

Heading off to St. Kitts to start your DVM program at Ross Vet is an exciting time. As you prepare for your move to campus, we encourage you to review all University emails and communications carefully. We have outlined all the information you will need to make your move as stress-free and successful as possible. 

Important Dates

students walking through hallway
  • January 1: Deposit Due
  • February 1: Flight Information Due
  • No later than April 27: Arrival in St. Kitts
  • April 28 – May 2: New Student Orientation
  • May 5: First Day of Class 
  • May 12: White Coat Ceremony
Three student veterinarians talking to each other
  • April 15: Deposit Due
  • June 1: Flight Information Due  
  • No later than August 24: Arrival in St. Kitts
  • August 25 – 29: New Student Orientation
  • September 1: First Day of Class  
  • September 8: White Coat Ceremony
RUSVM Campus Sign
  • September 1: Deposit Due
  • October 1: Flight Information Due
  • No later than December 28: Arrival in St. Kitts
  • December 29 – January 2: New Student Orientation
  • January 5: First Day of Class 

Before You Travel

Arrival in St. Kitts 

Your student visa will be processed by the Ministry of National Security in St. Kitts AFTER you have arrived on the island. Colleen Govia, an RUSVM student experience team member, will manage this process for all new students. You will be asked to submit your passport and it will be returned to you with an official student visa stamp affixed to it. The visa will be valid for the duration of your studies on the island. 

For any questions or concerns about the student visa process, please contact Colleen Govia at cgovia@rossvet.edu.kn

Bringing Your Family?

Ross Preparatory School (Ross Prep) is a Birth-8th grade U.S. accredited school for children of students at Ross Vet, faculty, and the greater St. Kitts community. You will discover that this is a very special place—where your child will make memories that last a lifetime.

Ross Prep – Now Enrolling Flyer

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Bringing Your Pet? 

You are welcome to bring your pets with you to St. Kitts, but the process is a bit complicated. Animals must meet all importation requirements, and students should be sure the animal—like the student—has a return airline ticket. Review the full process and requirements below. 

Your Arrival in St. Kitts 

St. Kitts Entry Requirements 

Travelers are required to submit an online customs and immigration form before arrival in St. Kitts. Before your trip, please complete the Immigration and Customs Form.  

Arrival at the Airport 

Global air travel can sometimes be impacted by delays and cancellations. Keep an eye on your flights and know your backup options to ensure you arrive in time to settle in.  

At the airport: 

  • Take the Visitors line to get to Immigration 
  • Have your passport ready to show Immigration Officer 
  • From the Immigration desk, go downstairs to Baggage Claim 
  • If traveling with a pet: keep your pet crated. The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) will meet pet owners in the Baggage Hall to inspect the pet. Please wait for CVO to arrive. 
  • Take luggage across to Customs check point in the Baggage Claim Hall 
  • Baggage porters are available just behind Customs desks; the cost is usually $2 USD per bag 

Transportation 

Rossies that have submitted their travel information and are arriving on the scheduled arrival weekend will be greeted by Ross Vet staff and Orientation Leaders at the airport. 

  • Students and their guests may be taken from the airport to campus for check-in.
  • From campus, students and VIPs (those staying with the student in St. Kitts during their study) will be taken to their housing. Guests not staying in St. Kitts long-term must arrange for their own transportation.
  • If arriving with family/guests, students may also travel with guests to their housing using local taxis. If you will be arranging your own transportation, please let your Orientation Leader (OL) and Ross Vet staff know.
  • Please be sure to connect and check-in with Ross Vet staff at the airport; they will be waiting outside baggage claim to welcome you. 
New Student Orientation Schedule

Daily activities within the orientation schedule are subject to change. An email will be sent to you closer to your arrival confirming your orientation schedule. 

Day 1 

  • Breakfast 
  • Welcome to St. Kitts presentation 
  • Safety and Security presentation 
  • Island Tips 
  • Lunch 
  • Afternoon free! 

Day 2 

  • ID Photos 
  • Registration check-in 
  • Campus Tours 

Day 3 

  • Breakfast 
  • Parents and Family Meeting 
  • Financial Planning 
  • Lunch 
  • Student Success 

Day 4 

  • Island orientation & tour 

Day 5 

  • Breakfast 
  • 1st semester iPad training 
  • Vet Prep Meeting 
  • Expectations session 
  • SAVMA (Student Government) Welcome 
  • Lunch 
  • Registration & Check-in 

Day 6 

  • Orientation Reggae Beach Day 

Day 7 

  • Time on your own/Rest day 

Day 8 

  • First Day of Classes 

Still Have Questions? 

We’re here to help! Email Bill Bingham (bbingham@rossu.edu) or Justin Taras (jtaras@rossu.edu) with any questions about your transition to St. Kitts.