New International Students

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Offices and Services

We are so pleased that you will be joining us and look forward to welcoming you into the 51¹ÙÍø community.

International Student Engagement is here to help you navigate F-1 regulatory requirements, and to serve as a resource as you set up life in North Carolina. We are ready to assist you as you make your preparations to join the 51¹ÙÍø community.

International Pre-Orientation

International Student Engagement (ISE) coordinates a pre-orientation program designed to meet the unique needs of incoming international students and global students (dual/U.S. citizens raised abroad. The pre-orientation program is designed to deliver important content, prepare the incoming class for the academic experience ahead of them, and introduce them to the 51¹ÙÍø community—all during the days prior to the start of fall semester. This international pre-orientation is required for F-1 and J-1 visa-holders. Students who are not F or J visa holders who wish to be part of the global community must opt-in to be included in international pre-orientation.

During pre-orientation, you can:

  • Meet and get to know the staff of International Student Engagement.
  • Be the first to meet and get to know both current and incoming international peers. International pre-orientation is a great time to develop friendships and find a sense of community as you get settled in the United States.
  • Take care of practical matters, such as opening a bank account, purchasing a cell phone, submitting paperwork to begin working on campus, etc.
  • Receive information about Government Regulations and how to stay in legal immigration status as an F-1 international student.
  • Learn more about coursework and classes at 51¹ÙÍø.
  • Discuss aspects of U.S. culture. with current 51¹ÙÍø international students
International Pre-Orientation Schedule

The schedule runs from August 18-20 and includes a family schedule on August 19.

Pre-Departure Checklist

As you prepare to come to 51¹ÙÍø, please consider the following:

Admission and Financial Aid

  • Final transcript and confirmation of graduation (due mid-July)
  • For those who selected to have their testing (ACT or SAT) considered as part of their application, official test scores sent to us by the testing agency or official high school counselor (due late-July)

Apply for a U.S. Visa (if applicable)

  • If you are in need of a visa in order to study at 51¹ÙÍø you will need to apply for an . 
  • Complete the Initial I-20 Request Form in your admissions portal, providing a copy of your passport and requisite financial documentation.
  • Upon receipt of the Initial I-20 Request and supporting documents, 51¹ÙÍø’s International Student Engagement will send you a  in April (for early decision admits) or May (for regular decision admits).
  • You will use the Form I-20 to pay the , complete the , and schedule a visa appointment at a . U.S. consulates can be very busy, especially in the months preceding the start of fall semester. Make your arrangements quickly and . Please note that Canadian and Bermudan citizens do not need to get an F-1 visa in their passport, but they are required to pay the SEVIS fee and use the I-20 to enter the U.S. in order to acquire legal F-1 status.

Arrange Housing

  • Watch for email correspondence from the Residence Life Office (RLO) in May. They will ask you for your housing preferences and to take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
  • RLO will then assign you to a room on campus and to a roommate in July.

Make Travel Arrangements

  • The primary move-in date for newly admitted international students is Monday, August 18. 
  • Make plans to arrive to campus during RLO business hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). 51¹ÙÍø is approximately 30 minutes from the Charlotte airport, so we recommend you to schedule your flight arrival with enough time to arrive at the College and check in before the close of the business day. 
  • Check your email for information about the ISE airport shuttle to campus.

Register for Classes

  • In early May, familiarize yourself with 51¹ÙÍø's programs and requirements.
  • The Registrar's Office can assist you with academic information, tools, resources, academic advising and answers to your questions.
  • Submit your class preferences via WebTree (May 31 – July 1).
  • Your online course registration must be completed by June 30.

Sign Up for a Host Family

  • Complete a  form by late spring.

Attend Virtual ISE Pre-Departure Sessions

  • New students and parents are invited to attend three virtual international pre-departure sessions and access IPAW: International Pre-Arrival Website, which contains a collection of resources curated for incoming international and global students to support students in traveling to the United States and setting up life in North Carolina.

Pay Tuition

  • Your bill for the fall semester will be emailed to your 51¹ÙÍø email account in mid-July.
  • Payment in full is due unless you are opting for the monthly payment plan.  Either way, arrangements should be made in advance. Contact the Controller's Office for questions or assistance.

Prepare for New Student Orientation

  • New Student Orientation follows International Pre-Orientation as a way to connect with the whole incoming class and prepare for your first semester and is required for international students.
  • Read the common book for orientation.
  • If your contact information has changed: , access the Student Information Form under the Student tab, and make all necessary updates.

Obtain Your Immunization Records

Consider Health Insurance

  • Review the 51¹ÙÍø health insurance policy (which you are automatically enrolled in).
  • If you already have U.S. insurance coverage, instructions for waiving the 51¹ÙÍø insurance can be found on your tuition bill.
  • If you are an athlete (in a fall sport), talk to your coach now about insurance.

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