International Students & Scholars FAQ
You need to decide if you want to live on campus or off campus. While you are looking, we have limited short-term spaces available. However, you must let us know in advance if you intend to use one of these temporary spaces.
If you choose to live on campus you will need to apply online at Housing and Residence Life. There are several options in campus housing from single rooms to larger apartment-like rooms with kitchen areas. Dormitory space fills up quickly so you will need to apply early. You may call the Housing Office at 502-852-6636.
Many students choose to live off campus. The area near campus is referred to as "Old Louisville." There are many older homes that have been converted into multiple apartments for student living. Finding an apartment may take several days. Once you arrive in Louisville, the International Center will have an apartment guide and a list of available apartments close to campus, which you can use to begin your search for housing.
Due to the fact that healthcare in the United States is extremely expensive, medical insurance is a necessity. Immigration regulations require all J visaholders to carry health insurance. Students who are not J visaholders are not currently required to have health insurance. You are encouraged to research coverage before you come to the United States. If you have a health plan in your home country, it should include $50,000 major medical coverage per illness. If you do not have health insurance from your home country, U of L does have an affordable medical plan available to students. Health insurance is discussed in depth during the orientation session.
What are all of these numbers?
During your time in the United States you will be assigned a variety of numbers. Here is what they mean…
Admission Number is the eleven digit number on the white I-94 Arrival/Departure card you received at the port of entry as you came into the U.S. This is the number assigned to you by Immigration. F1 and J1 students are admitted for duration of status (D/S), which means that there is no expiration date for your legal stay as long as you remain in status. Your legal status is dependent upon you following all of the rules pertaining to your status.
Student ID Number/Employee ID Number is the seven digit number assigned to you by the University of Louisville. This is your identification number for the university only. This number is important when registering for courses.
Social Security Number is a nine digit number given by the federal government. It is necessary for anyone employed in the U.S. To apply for a Social Security Number, you must take your passport, I-20 or IAP66, I-94 card, and a letter from the International Center to the Social Security Office located at 601 W. Broadway. Trips to the Social Security Office will be setup during the orientation sessions each semester.
My visa will expire soon. What do I do?
The visa is a travel document that allows you to board an airplane or ship destined for the U.S. A visa must be valid only to the day you enter the U.S. THERE IS NO EFFECT ON YOUR LEGAL STATUS IF YOUR VISA EXPIRES WHILE YOU ARE IN THE U.S. Once you are in the country, it is the expiration date on your I-20 or IAP66 that is important. It is not a problem if your visa expires while you are in the U.S . The next time you leave the country you will need to apply for a new visa to reenter.
Students on an F1 visa may work up to 20 hours per week on campus while school is in session. Students on a J1 visa may also work 20 hours on campus but must have permission from the International Student Advisor. Upon arrival at U of L, you will be able to search for a job. Positions are often available to international students in the libraries, the computer centers, or in food service. You may also ask in your department or at the Career Center to see if there are any jobs available.
What happens during my first week at U of L?
When you arrive in Louisville you should come to the International Center to check in. Please bring your I-20 or IAP66, your passport, and your white I-94 arrival/departure card to the International Center. You should pick up a new student packet, which includes helpful information as you begin your studies at U of L.
New Student Orientation is scheduled on the Thursday before the start of classes every spring and every fall semester. New students who begin their first semester in the summer should plan on attending the fall orientation session. Immigration rules and regulations will be discussed. Representatives from a local bank will be available to help you open a bank account. Trips to the Social Security Office will be scheduled. You should make every effort to attend the New Student Orientation.
Barn Bargains gives you the opportunity to purchase inexpensive, used items for your dorm room or apartment such as dishes, furniture, and appliances. This sale is generally on Saturday following the first week of classes in the Fall semester and is sponsored by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Shopping Trips are scheduled at various times during the first weeks of the semester. Organized trips are made to department stores as well as grocery stores to help you purchase items you need.
American International Relations Club (AIRC) is a recognized student organization consisting of American and International students. Social activities are planned throughout the year. Every March the AIRC sponsors an International Banquet.
New Student Picnic is planned for the evening of the fall orientation day. Meet on the lawn outside of the International Center for a meal provided by a local organization then spend time talking with other students or playing volleyball and soccer.
Contact Family Program matches new international students with families in the Louisville community. Families and students agree to meet at least once per month. Activities may include visiting the family's home, touring a museum, watching a sporting event, etc.
Tuition and fees should be paid at the Registrar's Office and must be paid within 72 hours (3 days) of registering for courses. Fees can be paid by check or by credit card. For more information you can contact the Bursar's Office at 502-852-6503.
How do I register for classes?
You will need to meet with an academic advisor upon your arrival to U of L. Your academic advisor will discuss any conditions regarding your admission and advise you concerning registration of courses. After being advised, your advisor will enter a code into the computer, which will allow you to register for classes by telephone.