Before you arrive

1. Schedule a free visa information and preparation session with your personal Enrollment Advisor.
2. Check that the details on your I-20 are correct (including your date of birth) and make sure your name is the same as it appears on your passport.
3. Prepare the documents you will need to take to the embassy when attending your visa interview.

1. Complete your Visa Application.
2. Pay your I-901 (SEVIS) fee.
3. Visit usembassy.gov to learn more about scheduling your visa appointment, what to expect when you arrive, and the documentation you need to take with you.
4. Notify your enrollment advisor of the date and embassy of your visa appointment.
5. Watch these videos to help you apply for your visa and prepare for your interview:

Other links that international students find useful:

• Visa appointment and processing wait time
• Visa photo requirements
• Studying in the US

After you obtain your F-1 visa, please submit a copy to ISSS through iEagle > New Student > IAP & MAP Program > Submit a copy of your visa and passport. This will ensure that ISSS can reach out to you regarding the post-arrival process that you must complete as an F-1 student.

Making your payment two full weeks before you arrive will help avoid delays with enrollment.

Before you begin, please make sure you have your offer letter in front of you, as you will need to refer to the information in the letter.

Flywire by Peer Transfer: To submit international and domestic ACH payments via American University’s Flywire portal

• Flywire payment options include international wires, international credit cards, and other country specific payment options.
• Flywire guarantees the best exchange rates, offers 24/7 multilingual customer service, and provides payment tracking and an instant payment receipt.
• Flywire will be accepting U.S. bank accounts.

Please be aware that if you do not pay your balance as indicated on your statement of fees by the payment deadline, the following may occur:

• Late payment fees may be charged.
• You may have your scholarship and/or waivers rescinded. In such cases, you will be responsible for the full cost of your program.
• You may encounter delays or other issues enrolling and registering for classes.

Please note students should also log into Eagle Service to pay their Dining fees.

Make sure AU has an up-to-date list of your emergency contacts. To update, visit  the academics tab on the student portal. Please note, if you are under 18, your parent/legal guardian must be your primary contact.

It is important that the university always has your most up-to-date personal and emergency contact information. Students should review and update their contact information at the beginning of each semester.

Your information can be viewed when completing your housing application (as a new student)

To make updates to your information:

a. Login to the myAU Portal.
b. Under Personalized links, search for Contact Information – Students.
c. Click the corresponding link that appears in the results.
d. Click Change next to the information you want updated.
e. Follow the instructions on screen to complete the change.

Please note that if you are under 18, your parent/legal guardian must be your primary contact.

If you have taken Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), A Levels, or other placement or leaving exams, please request that those results be submitted to American University’s Office of Admissions to receive placement credit (if applicable).

American University will accept a maximum of 30 credit hours from one or a combination of Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate, CLEP subject examinations, or other AU-approved test credit. All exam scores must be received by the American University Office of Admissions no later than the end of the second enrolled term. Exam scores more than six years old will not be accepted for credit. Advanced credit exams may be applied toward the major or minor, or as elective credit.

For more information, see test credit applicability to AU Core Curriculum. You can also visit our exam credit page for complete details.

AU recognizes that students may use names other than a legal name to identify themselves. Students who would like their chosen name displayed across many AU systems are invited to submit a chosen name using the process linked here in the Learn More button.

The first step to submitting your chosen name is through Eagle Service. Select “User Profile” on the top-right corner. Then, click on the “Edit Personal Identity” button. Adding your chosen name, pronouns, and gender identity here (all optional) will initiate the different technology and campus systems to update your display name. Please note, it takes approximately 24-48 hours for all campus systems to update.

If new students update their chosen name in Eagle Service prior to July 1st, new student’s One Card (AU ID) will be printed with the chosen first name. If the chosen name is updated after July 1st, new students can email idcards@american.edu and request a new card with their chosen name as long as the old card is returned.

Updating a chosen name in Eagle Service updates the display name for a student’s email address but does not automatically update a student’s username (i.e. cz1234a). The first letter of a student’s email address can be changed with a request submitted to the Office of Information Technology Help Desk at helpdesk@american.edu.

Please note: The chosen name is not a private name. Your chosen name will display across many campus information systems, so, faculty, staff, and fellow students will be able to see and refer to you by your chosen name. However, not  all AU systems have current capacity to display chosen name. For a full list of systems where legal or chosen name show up, and for an FAQ, go to our Chosen Name and Gender Identity Website.

Once your high school degree has been posted, please submit your final high school transcript to the Office of Admissions by June 30

If you elected to self-report your standardized test scores as part of your admissions application, a condition of your admission to AU is to provide an official score report after submitting your enrollment agreement.

Please submit an official score report to the American University Office of Admissions by June 30. If official scores are not received by June 30, a hold will be placed on your account, preventing you from registering for spring courses.

There are two ways to submit an official score report:

a. Request an official score report to be sent from either the SAT or the ACT, whichever you self-reported on your application.

Have your school counselor send the official scores to Enrollment’s admissions representative.

Should you have any questions, please reach out to your admissions representative.

You will need to complete and submit the following forms before your arrival.

• Immunization Form
• FERPA Disclosure Form (Optional)
• AMU Liability Waiver

Submit your proof of vaccination by following these instructions. Upload your documentation as soon as you receive your final dose. Please remember that it takes two weeks after the final dose to be fully immunized. Receiving your final dose and uploading documentation by August 1 ensures that you will be in compliance by August 15 and approved for campus presence.

For International Direct students only:

To ensure the health and well-being of our students, the Shorelight/American University International Accelerator Program offers a comprehensive health insurance plan specifically tailored for international students. Please take a moment to review the plan and see how it can fit your health needs. To purchase this plan, read and complete the form here.

Some of the medical plan’s highlighted benefits are:

• ACA Compliant, includes medical evacuation and repatriation coverage through Travel guard
• There is no pre-existing condition limitation or exclusions
• Access to Cigna’s nationwide PPO provider network
• An unlimited maximum benefit per plan year
• Prescription drug coverage
• Office Visits are a $10 Copay
• Urgent Care is a $10 Copay
• Emergency Room visits are a 10% coinsurance, after deductible (and waived if admitted)
• Emergency Transportation (Ambulance) is a 10% coinsurance, after deductible
• Student Health Center Benefit: Claims are paid at 100% for covered medical services when rendered at the Student Health Center.

Regarding the dental plan, there is an adult dental benefit embedded in the medical plan through Wellfleet. Students can see any dentist of their choice and the providers can submit for direct reimbursement to Wellfleet at the address below. This is a basic dental plan and it include 100% coverage for preventative care, including exams/cleanings and x-rays, Fluoride TX, tooth sealing, as well as 75% coverage for X-rays for dx purposes (non-preventive), Fillings, Tooth extraction, Root planing, Periodontal Scaling and Root canals. Unfortunately, orthodontics is not covered.

VSP Vision Care Benefits:

• The plan provides coverage for a vision exam, once a year for a $10 copay. The plan also provides coverage for either glasses or contacts, but not both.
• For glasses, there is a $150 allowance toward the frame and a $25 copay for materials. For contact lenses, there is a $150 allowance toward the lenses with a $60 lens fitting copay.

Additional information about the medical, dental and vision benefits can be found in the navigation menu on the left-hand side of the page at http://www.universityhealthplans.com/American

During your first login to a Duo-protected system, you will be required to complete the Duo enrollment process. Most account holders will need to enroll a mobile device in Duo. Use the instructions below to enroll a mobile phone or tablet in Duo.

If you’ve already completed the initial Duo enrollment process, please instead refer to documentation on updating or managing duo devices.

What is Duo Mobile?

Duo Mobile is an app for your smartphone or tablet simplifies the process for authenticating to your AU account. Duo Mobile offers the most flexibility for authenticating to your AU account by providing users a one-tap prompt to respond to, or renewable security codes. Duo Mobile does not rely on SMS or phone call capabilities, making it ideal for situations where you may not have cell coverage or wifi access, including traveling internationally.

Can’t Download DUO Mobile? If your phone cannot download Duo Mobile, you can still authenticate using a phone call or text message. See the available alternatives to using the Duo Mobile App, which includes details on the other types of devices that the enrollment process can accommodate.

Self-Enrollment

a. During the first enrollment, users will receive a brief introduction to the Duo platform. Click Next to proceed through the introduction.
b. After the introduction, select an enrollment option. We strongly recommend Duo Mobile, for enrolling a mobile device.
c. In the field provided, enter your phone number and click Add phone number. If you are setting up Duo Mobile on a tablet, click I have a tablet to proceed.
d. Confirm the phone number appears correct, then verify ownership of your phone by having DUO call or text you a verification code. Enter the code, then
click Verify.
e. With your phone number added, follow the on-screen instructions to download the Duo Mobile app to either your iOS or Android device.
f. A QR code will display on-screen. Open the Duo Mobile app to scan the displayed QR code to complete the Duo Mobile setup.
g. You’re now enrolled in DUO. Click Continue to enroll other devices or complete
your first Duo authentication.

The One Card is many things in one: your university ID, your way to access campus facilities, and a convenient way to dine on campus and a range of other services.

Please upload a photo before the deadline, if possible, to avoid lines. Your One Card will be distributed during Move-in (for residential students); during orientation sessions; or can be picked up at the One Card office (MGC 123).

Photo Requirements

a. Do use a light, solid white or blue colored background.
b. Do submit a color photo.
c. Do submit a photo that is at least 300 x 375 pixels.
d. Do submit a photo that is less than 2 MB.
e. Don’t include personal belongings, other people, pets, silly faces, or hands.
f. Don’t look away from the camera or obscure a front view of your full face and shoulders.
g. Don’t wear sunglasses or hats (with exception of religious head coverings).

For more information, please visit: https://www.american.edu/studentaffairs/onecarddining/get-one-card.cfm

Once you book your travel, visit accelerator.american.edu/arrival/ to enter your travel itinerary and confirm your free airport pickup if required. Airport transfer is available at both Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Reagan National Airport (DCA) airports. These important details will help the campus team prepare for your arrival and make your big day go as smoothly as possible.

For all application and payment deadlines as well as move-in and program start dates, Please visit our profile on Shorelight.com for important dates

Discounted Flights

Book your flights through StudentUniverse and benefit from exclusive discounts for students! Get the best deals when you need them and benefit from 24-hour risk-free cancellation.

StudentUniverse has exclusive deals to get you the lowest possible airfare. Use this page to search for the best deals: https://www.studentuniverse.com/travel-services/Shorelight/affiliate/flights

Book discounted flights here.

University College (UC) is American University’s oldest and largest full-year living-learning community for first-year students. UC students live in first-year residence halls alongside their Complex Problems classmates, creating a supportive academic and social environment. Students are placed on residence hall floors based on themed cohorts of UC Complex Problems seminars, creating an integrated living and learning experience with shared community events throughout the academic year.

UC is open to all first-year students from all schools and majors who live on campus and who are not already participating in another living-learning community. Best of all, there are no additional fees to be a part of the UC program!

Students who are part of University College (UC) will be able to:

• Engage actively in their Complex Problems seminar
• Participate in events and trips hosted by UC faculty and staff that connect students to the AU and DC communities.
• Build meaningful relationships with UC faculty, staff, and peers.

For more information, please visit the University College (UC) website.

Skip the lines on your first visit to our fitness centers. In order to gain access to our recreational sports and fitness centers and programs, you are required to register. Make your first visit more seamless by submitting your registration online.

Recreational Sports and Fitness, a unit within the Department of Athletics and Recreation, provides facilities and programs designed to meet a variety of needs and interests of the American University community. Memberships are available to University students, faculty, staff, affiliates, and the neighboring community.

An AU RecFit membership includes the use of the Jacobs Fitness Center, Cassell Fitness Center, Congressional Fitness Center, Reeves Aquatic Center, Bender Arena, and our outdoor facilities. Members also have the opportunity to participate in services including club sports, intramural sports, group exercise classes, personal training, and wellness programming.

All new members must complete a registration form in order to gain access to Recreational Sports and Fitness facilities and services. Registration forms are also available at the front desk of all fitness facilities.

For assistance with these forms, please call 202-885-6267 ext 3 or email recfitness@american.edu.

New at AU? Access for new students will begin during Welcome Week.

Log into your Future Eagle Portal to submit you your enrollment agreement and housing deposit.

i. Click “View Decision”.
ii. Scroll down to the bottom of your admissions letter.
iii. Click “Next Steps” to begin the enrollment process.

Pay with an E-check or CC
Housing and roommate information will be available via the portal July 15 (for  fall) and December 15 (for spring).

For further information, please contact:

Housing and Dining Programs
202-882-3370 or housing@american.edu

Office of Admissions
202-885-6000 or admissions@american.edu

A website with access to virtual tutors, career advisors, and online resources to help you throughout your university studies

Getting ready to study abroad can be challenging! Would you like some help with that?

Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success (CAS) has many free resources for you! For example, you can watch a quick webinar on Culture Shock and Mental Health, or take a short eLearning course on Obtaining Your Visa, Understanding Health Insurance, Major & Career Exploration, and so much more.

If you wish you could just ask a real person a question, you can also use the Live Chat button to reach one of our highly-trained support staff, or you can schedule a Zoom session with one of our friendly Student Success Coaches, Professional Tutors, or Career Services staff—all of whom are experts at helping international students with anything from pre-arrival support and campus life to academic subject areas and career guidance.

Don’t wait to activate your free account at CAS—you are eligible as soon as you pay your university deposit

How to register:

a. Click here or scan the QR code to find our Home page.
b. Click the orange “Sign up now” button to request access.
c. On the signup form, type your given name and family name as you are registered at your university.
d. Type any email address that your university has on file for you (it can be a personal or university email).
e. Create a password with at least one special character and 6-50 characters total.
f. Type your password again. Write it down or save it in your browser.
g. Type the full name of your university, not the abbreviation. Your status must be checked.
h. Check the first box to accept the Terms & Conditions (feel free to read those first).
i. Check the last box if you wish to receive emails from us.
j. Click the large orange button that says, “Start your learning journey.”

After you register:

• After self-registering, you’ll receive an email within two business days to let you know that your account is approved (or if not, how to fix the problem). Just follow the link to log in!
• Check your spam folder if you don’t see our email within two days—or just return to the Home page linked above to try logging in with your email and password. If you encounter any trouble, just use the Live Chat button at the bottom of our Home page.

If you were pre-registered:

• Some students may be admin-registered at the request of their university to save you the trouble of signing up.
• If you get an email from Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success saying that your account has been created, just follow the link to complete your registration. You only need to create your password and check the boxes (Steps 5-10 above).
• If you are told that you were admin-registered, but you can’t find our welcome email, just go to our Home page, click “Sign up now” and complete Steps 3-10. If you can’t guess the right email or how your name was entered, use our LiveChat to get help.