I would look into opening a bank account with Charles Schwab. They have had in the past fee-free withdrawals at any ATM, so she can take the $ out over here in shekels and not incur any fees. Please verify as my info is more than 1 year old, and while I believe it still exists, banks are changing their policies all the time. Many Israeli banks have online ability to look up where their ATM machines are located to make it easier for her to find such machines in the beginning when she gets here. After awhile, she will be able to find them just by asking around. I think she should start out with a certain amount of cash to begin with just to make sure that she will be able to get herself to her dorm and manage for a week or so before having to go out to get $ right away.
Also, don’t forget about a cell phone with an Israeli # and something that she can call you also. Everybody lives with their cell phones, but I don’t know if she’ll need 2 phones for this or just 1. Price around. Look in various publications for advertisements about this as I’m sure there are deals being offered.
Just keep in mind that September 1st this year falls out mid-Elul, so Yomim Tovim will be upon her before she even knows it, so don’t forget that list of people she can go to.
Just a side note – BPT, I don’t have any brothers-in-law learning anywhere, so I don’t imagine that that would be a way for him to find us. Where’s he learning? – Don’t worry mods, there are probably thousands of people with siblings learning in various yeshivos in EY, the chances of making any connection based on this is very slim.