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Office of International Services

Health & Safety

Healthcare

All international students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status are required to maintain health insurance throughout their degree program at NC State University. For more information, please visit our health insurance webpage. If you are a J-1 Exchange Visitor, see specific health insurance requirements here.

Students in need of medical attention may visit NC State’s Student Health Center.  The Student Health Center is located on the corner of Dan Allen Drive and Cates Avenue, just across from the Witherspoon Student Center. Please visit their website for more information on their opening hours and appointment times. If you need additional medical attention which cannot be provided by the physicians at the Student Health Center, the physician will refer you to a specialist in the community.

Because J-1 scholars do not pay the student fees that support Student Health Services, they are not eligible to use the Student Health Center. Several doctors offices and urgent care facilities are located close to campus. It is recommended that you ask the doctors office or urgent care facility if they accept your health insurance plan prior to your appointment. 

Hospitals in the United States are generally only used in the case of major medical procedures (surgeries, births), severe illness, or an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. 

Safety

The NC State University Police Department, located off Old Stadium Drive, is responsible for maintaining a safe and pleasant environment in which to live and learn. Concerned with the protection of life and property, the University Police officers enforce both the laws of the State of North Carolina and regulations of the university. Emergency blue light telephones have been placed around campus for your safety. These phones are distinctly marked with a red phone box attached to a white pole with a blue-lighted bulb on top. When activated, you’ll be in immediate voice contact with a Public Safety Officer. The officer will also receive a digital readout pinpointing your exact location.

Emergency Number:

  • 919.515.3000 (on campus)
  • 911 (other areas)

Services and Resources

Safety Escort service: this service is provided by the Campus Police department to all members of the University between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., by calling 919.515.3000. A safety escort officer will meet you at your location and escort you to any location on campus.

NC State Women’s Center: The Women’s Center at NC State University is responsible for providing support, empowerment, education, and leadership development.

Counseling Center: The Counseling Center provides counseling for NC State students experiencing personal, academic or vocational problems.

Student Health Center: The NC State Student Health Center is home to the Student Health Services and the Counseling Center.

Student Legal Services: The Service is aimed at helping students resolve their legal problems with as little disruption as possible to their primary educational endeavors. This office promotes preventative law, enabling the students to make educated choices.