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Information for Newly Admitted Students

You've made it! Welcome to Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Billiken family. This exciting time will no doubt be filled with questions. Use the information below as a guide, and reach out if you need assistance. We are committed to supporting you during your journey at SLU. 

Your Next Steps

1. Access and Navigate mySLU

The portal is your comprehensive online resource. As a new Billiken, you'll use it to apply for housing (undergraduate students only), check your SLU email, view billing information, and more.  

Get Started

  1. Find your SLU Net ID, which is located in your Billiken Gateway portal under "My Application Info" on the right side of the screen. 
  2. Activate your SLU Net ID and password by following these .
  3. Log in to mySLU using your SLU Net ID and newly created password. Consider adding to the bookmarks bar on your browser. 

Need help? Contact SLU IT professionals at 314-977--4000 or ask@slu.edu

2. Obtain Your I-20 or DS-2019

The I-20 and DS-2019 are both documents that certify your eligibility to apply for a visa. You need an I-20 (also referred to as a "Certificate of Eligibility") to apply for an F-1 student visa, and a DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 exchange visitor visa. 

To obtain your SLU I-20 or DS-2019, you must upload the following documents to your (undergraduate students) or (graduate students):

  1. A color copy of your passport.
  2. A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding your study at SLU. This might be from you, your parents, a scholarship agency, or someone else. . 
  3. A letter from your sponsor's bank verifying that funds will be available for your duration of study at SLU. The available amount must at least total the funds needed for your first year, including any scholarships you may have received. 

Learn more about submitting your required financial documents

If you are currently an F-1 student enrolled at another U.S. university, submit this transfer form along with the required documents listed above. 

Once your documents have been verified, you will receive a confirmation email. Your I-20 or DS-2019 will be processed within seven to 10 business days and sent to you electronically. 

Your I-20 Checklist

3. Begin Your Visa Application Process

Once you have received your I-20 or DS-2019, you can apply for your visa. 

Learn more about obtaining your visa

Dependent Visas

The Office of International Services can also provide support in bringing your family to the U.S. while you study. Your spouse and children (unmarried and under 21) are eligible for a dependent visa; parents, siblings and other extended family members are not. 

Learn more about dependent visas

4. Confirm Your Enrollment

The enrollment deposit ($350 for global graduate students and $500 for undergraduate students) secures your place for the upcoming semester and should be submitted once you have decided to attend SLU. The deposit can be fully refunded if you submit proof of visa denial.

Deposit Now

5. Submit Your Transcript

First-Year Undergraduate Students

Submit your final, official high school transcript with a graduation date and/or a copy of your graduation certificate. If necessary, provide an English translation. 

Undergraduate Submission Options

  • Drop off in person at DuBourg Hall, Room 119
  • Mail to SLU's Office of Admission, 221 N. Grand Blvd. Room 149, St. Louis, MO 63103
  • Have your high school counselor send it using a secure electronic submission system

Graduate Students

Submit all final, official university transcripts. If necessary, provide an English translation. 

Graduate Submission Options

  • Drop off in person at DuBourg Hall, Room 119
  • Mail to SLU's Office of Admission, 221 N. Grand Blvd. Room 149, St. Louis, MO 63103
  • Have the university send it using a secure electronic submission system

6. Provide Proof of Health Insurance

You and your dependents must have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in the U.S. You have two coverage options.

Option 1: Private Insurance

Before or shortly after your arrival, enroll in an insurance plan from an agency in your home country, a U.S. agency or your embassy. You must provide proof of this insurance by submitting the SLU health insurance waiver form

Please note: If you fail to provide proof of insurance, you will automatically be enrolled in and billed for SLU's University Health Plan. 

Option 2: University Health Plan

SLU's University Health Plan coverage will begin on your first day of class. You may purchase supplemental health insurance to cover the time period during which you've arrived in the U.S. but have not yet started at SLU. 

Learn more about supplemental health insurance

Questions? Contact the SLU Student Health Center at SHC@health.slu.edu. 

7. Provide Your Health History and Immunization Record

You must provide your immunization record and complete a health history questionnaire. You cannot register for classes until you've received all required immunizations. 

Download your required health forms

8. Obtain an Official SLU ID Card

You'll use your SLU ID to access locations and services across campus, including buildings, parking, meal plans, printing and more. 

Submit your photo online; you'll receive your ID upon your arrival to campus. 

Submit your SLU ID photo

9. Enroll as a Full-Time Student

Full-time enrollment (12-18 credit hours per semester) is required during the academic year. Dropping below this requirement can only be authorized by the Office of International Services. 

If you are at risk for dismissal, you will be required to meet with an international advisor. 

Learn more about full-time status

Additional Next Steps: Undergraduate Students

1. Submit Your Housing Contract

Housing contracts open Feb. 3 and can be accessed via after your enrollment deposit is processed (24-48 hours). 

What To Know

  • If you submit your contract as soon as possible, you're more likely to receive your top choice. 
  • SLU considers mutual roommate requests. Enter your requested roommate's information through Roomiez on ERezLife. Your roommate much confirm the request through Roomiez. 

Please note: Your housing contract is legally binding. Edits can be made after contract submission and will not affect your original submission date. 

Learn more about SLU housing and meal plans

Hotels

If you need temporary accommodations when you first enter the U.S., consider one of the many hotels near campus. Ask about SLU discounts when booking. 

Hotel Options

2. Complete Your Placement Test(s)

SLU's placement process ensures you start your first semester in the appropriate classes. Complete your test(s) as soon as possible so your academic advisor can pre-register you for classes. 

Completion Deadlines

Spring semester: by Jan. 13

Summer or fall semester: by May 15

Learn more about course placement

3. Update Your Email Address

Did you apply to SLU using your high school email address? If so, contact your admission counselor using a personal address before your high school email becomes inactive. 

4. Review Your Financial Aid Offer

Check your SLU and/or personal email for a message from the Office of Student Financial Services containing a link to view your financial aid offer. 

  • Accept the terms and conditions.
  • Accept or decline the offer.
  • Make payment arrangements.

Additional Next Steps: Graduate Students

1. Explore Your Housing Options

On Campus

SLU provides on-campus apartments for graduate, law and medical students at Ignacio Hall and Robert May Hall, both of which are immediately adjacent to the SLU campus. 

Campus Housing

Off Campus

SLU is located in a thriving, urban area with plenty of rental options. The University has partnered with College Pads to create an off-campus housing marketplace, which is a great resource for finding apartments and prospective roommates. 

  • Research costs associated with living off campus, such as rent, utilities and parking. 
  • Read housing contracts carefully.
  • Be aware of applicable and housing laws. 

Hotels

You are encouraged to secure housing before entering the U.S. If you need temporary accommodations, consider one of the many hotels near campus. Ask about SLU discounts when booking. 

Hotel Options

2. Explore Your Meal Plan Options

Students who live in on-campus apartments or commute to campus can choose from several meal plans. 

Meal Plans

 

Important Dates and Enrollment Timeline

Deadlines for Spring 2025 

Enrollment Step Deadline Additional Information
Completed application received Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 Students must have a completed application on file by this date.
Be admitted to SLU Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 Students must receive their official admission letter by this date.
Submit financial documentation Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 Last day for students to submit or upload financial documents and passport copy.
Deposit deadline Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 All students must pay non-refundable deposit in order to register for classes. 
Final date to issue I-20 Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 This is the final day we will issue I-20s for Spring 2025 (as students need time to get the visa).
Application Defer Request Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 Students must request to defer from fall term to spring term by this date. 
Have Visa approved Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 Students must have a visa approved by this date (in SEVIS) in order to be registered for classes.
In-person orientation Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 This is an in-person orientation for all new international students.
Deadline to arrive on campus Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 Students must report to SLU's Office of International Services by this date.
Last day to transfer in Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 Students who have been admitted to SLU but enter the USA with an I-20 that is not from Â鶹´«Ã½ cannot request to transfer to SLU after this date.
Last day to register and first day of classes Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 This is the last day students will be allowed to register for class.