Pre-arrival guide

After you confirm your offer, you will receive an email from yuan.zhou@slu.edu with your unique university record number. Check out this guide to learn how to use the SLU Net ID that was emailed to you to access your mySLU accounts.

Apply for your F-1 visa right away. To start the process, you will need to use the I-20 form that will be sent to you by one of our international admissions counselors.

We offer a variety of visa support services through PASS, our Pre-arrival Success Services.

How can PASS help you?

1. Attend one of our information and preparatory workshops. We offer different types of virtual webinars and workshops about the F-1 visa process. Check out our events page.

2. Register for a one-on-one visa interview prep with a PASS advisor.

3. Read more about the steps to applying for a US F-1 visa.

Living on campus? If you are required to or choose to live on campus, make sure you pay your deposit. You can do this through INTO Pay, your unique link on your offer letter, or you can go here.

Want to know your residence hall assignment? In order to get your housing assignment details, you need to submit your official Housing Contract. Log in with your SLU credentials and complete the INTO SLU New Student Housing Contract/INTO SLU Grade Student Housing Contract. Once you are assigned, you can also find your housing assignment details on the same page.

Living off campus? Saint Louis University offers many off-campus living options for students who are not required to live on campus. If you would like assistance finding a place to live, please click here or contact Andrea Zhou, assistant director of student experience, at yuan.zhou@slu.edu

1. Visit the SLU Student Health Center webpage to read about required immunizations and other important health information.

2. Students should submit proof of required vaccinations on SLU’s vaccination portal.

3. You may also bring the completed immunization form with you to orientation if you are unable to submit it online before departure. All immunization records must be in English.

Pay your full tuition before arrival. For online payment and wire information, please refer to the links on your offer letter or go here.

Arriving early? If you are arriving early and would like to book a hotel, the following website has a list of recommended hotels close to campus.

• All first semester undergraduate students are required to complete the math placement test. If you have any questions, please contact Hailey Choi at hailey.choi@slu.edu

• All incoming undergraduate and graduate students are required to take the SLUWE test. If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Edris at jerry.edris@slu.edu. Please complete all tests as soon as possible to ensure timely registration.

Talk with Student Experience staff and student workers on social media. You can find them on WhatsApp, Line, KakaoTalk (ID: +1 314 536 0055) or WeChat (ID: andreazhou106).

Missouri experiences four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from about -2°C in January to around 24°C in July. You can expect cold winters, hot and humid summers, and pleasant spring and fall months. It's important to pack clothes that cover both the cold and the heat. St. Louis has plenty of stores where you can pick up anything extra you might need.

You must have hard copies of the following documents. Electronic copies are not accepted at the Port of Entry. Keep your mobile phone in your backpack, not in your pocket or in your hands.  

• Original Form I-20 

• Valid passport with a valid F-1 visa stamp 

• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt 

• Proof of Funding for your tuition fees and living costs (including sponsor letter, if applicable)  

• Updated billing statement from the university showing fees have been paid for the semester/term 

• Health forms and immunization documentation 

• All medical prescriptions written in English 

• Official transcripts or test scores 

• Laptop computer (turned off)

If you are unable to obtain a visa before the start date for which you have been admitted, email us immediately. You may defer your start to another intake and apply your deposit to the next semester, or you may request a refund if your visa is denied.  

You should arrive during move-in week.  

Timing requirements for F-1 students:  

Arriving early: as an F-1 student, you are allowed to enter the US up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20. Check your I-20 for the earliest arrival date. If you arrive early, you will need to arrange your own transportation and accommodation.  

Arriving late: if you arrive after the start date listed on your I-20, you may be denied entry to the US. A late arrival letter may be issued to you from your university, but this does not guarantee entry. When booking your flights, remember to plan around your move-in date.  

We’re here for you. Our Student Services team is experienced in helping international students transition to living and learning in the US. Come talk to us anytime.