Checklist for International Students

Return your New Student Enrollment Confirmation form and $200.00 deposit to hold your place in the major you selected.

If you haven't already done so, secure your I-20. The Certification of Finances Form must be completed in order for the University to issue this document to you.

As soon as you receive your I-20 from UMass Boston, secure your nonimmigrant visa (F-1/J-1). The US consulates and/or embassies may require an in-person interview so leave plenty of time. Visit the International Student Services website for more information.

Make sure you have a valid passport. Your passport must be valid six months into the future at all times.

If you are in the United States (transfer students), attend Welcome Day on the first Saturday in April. This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to meet faculty, staff, and current students.

Search for potential scholarships using free online search services (such as fastweb.com and wiredscholar.com). You can also search the university scholarship site.

Soon you will receive information with instructions about the New Student Orientation program. International students are required to attend the International student Orientation held at the beginning of each semester. The schedule of orientations is usually posted at www.iss.umb.edu before the start of each semester. Remember, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) requires the all individuals in F-1, J-1, or M-1 (student) status pursue a full course of study for the duration of their status.

Return your immunization records to Health Services (mandatory immunization or proof of immunity: 2 doses of MMR, Tetanus within 10 years and completion of Hepatitis B immunization series).

Enroll in the Undergraduate Health Insurance Plan. Every full-time student enrolled in a certificate. Diploma, or degree granting program must participate in a qualified student health insurance program or in a health benefit plan with comparable coverage. All international students must purchase the University's student health insurance plan unless the student is embassy-sponsored. Under state law, foreign insurance plans are not acceptable.

Be in the loop! After you receive your UMass Boston I.D., you can go to Customer Service Center and get your username and password for your free, life-long email account. The Customer Service Center is located on the Upper Level of the Quinn Administration Building and is open Monday through Friday 7am to 10pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm.

If you are currently enrolled at another college or university, have the Registrar's Office send an official transcript to UMass Boston (Office of Undergraduate Admissions) once your final grades are posted. You also need to fill out the top portion of a Transfer Report in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and submit it to the International Student Office of the school you are transferring from. This procedure is absolutely necessary in order for your SEVIS record to be transferred to UMass Boston. You will not have an I-20 unless your record is transferred to UMass Boston in a timely manner.

Buy your text books. Books are usually available two-three weeks before classes begin. (Tips- Don't write in them until you have attended classes in case the book has changes, know your professor's full name, save your receipt and note the return deadline date on your calendar).

If you don't currently have housing close to campus let our Office of Student Housing help you find a place to live this fall! Visit them online for housing referral services, roommate referral and matching, house and apartment rental listings, including sublets, and special rates and services at Harbor Point apartment complete, adjacent to the campus.

Make plans for transportation to campus and from campus (commuter rail, MBTA, drive, car pool, etc.). Visit Parking and Transportation website for more information.

Don't forget to check the academic calendar for the first day of class. See you then!