Members of Cardinal Marching Band at the Alumni Picnic during Welcome Week.

Welcome, Global Cardinals!

ISSS is excited to welcome you to the University of Louisville.

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Before You Arrive

1

Prepare for your Visa appointment

  • Review your UofL-issued Form I-20 or DS-2019 for accuracy. Your name must be identical to the name on your passport.
  • Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee.
  • Ensure your passport validity; passport should be valid at all times (six months into the future).
  • Make a Visa Appointment. Students from some countries are not required to obtain a visa. However, the SEVIS I-901 Fee must be paid and you must travel with a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019, I-901 SEVIS receipt, and proof of financials. U.S. consular officers can now issue an F student visa up to 365 days in advance from your program start date.
  • Go to the Student Visa Interview.

2

After the Visa interview

  • Review your visa for accuracy (information must be identical to your passport and I-20 or DS-2019).
  • Make airline reservations and travel arrangements. Plan to arrive a week earlier than what is listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 in order to attend orientation and resource fair events and to find suitable housing. You may arrive in the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

3

Make housing arrangements

With the increase in demand for on-campus housing, it is highly recommended that you reserve a room as early as possible.  

On-Campus Housing

  1. Apply for on-campus housing.
  2. It is recommended that all residents purchase renter’s insurance.
  3. For Early Arrival Housing: Email uoloch@louisville.edu
  4. Move-In Week: You will have the opportunity to schedule your move-in day through the Housing Portal. For more information, visit the University Housing website.

***Off-Campus Housing***: While we encourage all international students to choose on-campus housing, if you decide to live off-campus, please understand that once you sign a lease, you are in a binding legal contract. Please DO NOT sign any lease or agreements until you are certain about leasing the property. Additionally, do not make more than one accommodation arrangement concurrently. If you choose to live off-campus, please highly consider Affiliated Housing through UofL. 

Please note that all first-year students at UofL are required to live on campus.

4

Review your airport pick-up options

Louisville International Airport is approximately 8 miles/13 kilometers from campus. There are options such as a taxi or an Uber ride from the airport to campus costing approximately $20. Find more information on transportation from the airport to the University.

*Note: If there are any changes to your flight and you arrive after business hours, you may call the  the Front Desk to obtain access to your on-campus housing. 

 If you need any other assistance with travel from the airport to campus, please email the ISSS service account. 


 

5

Obtain your Student ID

Please visit the Cardinal Card website for instructions to obtain your student ID. 

6

Access your university account (ULink)

  1. First-time users must go to ULink to create a password to utilize all university systems (Email, ULink, Blackboard, Wi-Fi).  
  2. For any technical difficulties, please contact the Information Technology Services (ITS) Helpdesk. 

Always Hand-Carry Your Important Documents!

Keep the following documents with you at all times during travel to the US: passport, visa, Form I-20/Form DS-2019, I-901 fee payment, class schedule.

Email ISSS with Questions

Upon Arrival

1

Attend International Student Orientation

Find more information on the International Student Orientation.

2

Immigration SEVIS check-in procedure

As soon as you arrive at UofL, you must submit the following documents: a copy of your Visa, I-94, and current local address. 

  • You may submit these documents through your Global Cardinal Portal (“Student Requests” -> “Immigration Check-In").

3

Register and enroll in classes

Undergraduate Students

If you are an undergraduate student and you have not registered for courses, contact the appropriate advising center for your major.

Graduate Students

Graduate students should visit or contact their academic department and be aware of any other orientations or meetings they may need to attend.   

4

Pay tuition and fees

Pay tuition and other fees by visiting the Bursar's Office website. Find more information about Online International Payments on the Bursar's website.

Mandatory International Student Orientation

Check your email for important dates and location for orientation.

Orientation