Admitted International Students - What's Next?

Now that you have been accepted, you can follow the next steps to become a Golden Bear.

• STEP 1: Pay the $300 Deposit (Undergraduate) OR Confirm Your Enrollment (Graduate)

  Undergraduate Students and Exchange Students:

  Pay your non-refundable $300 Advanced Registration Deposit (ARD) to confirm your enrollment and start the immigration steps. After you view your decision letter, you can pay the ARD online through your applicant status portal.

  Questions about paying the ARD should be directed to the Office of Student Accounts at  studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or +1 610-683-4133. 

  Graduate Students:

  To accept your offer of admission, return to the applicant portal. You will see your admissions offer listed in the upper-right corner. Use the pull-down option to submit your decision.

• STEP 2: Complete Immigration Steps (F-visa & J-visa only)

  For Students Requesting an F or J Visa:

  New International Students:

  Step 1: Submit documents for Kutztown to issue a Form I-20 (F-visa) or Form DS-2019 (J-visa). 
  Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee.
  Step 3: Schedule a Visa Appointment and Prepare for the Visa Interview. 

  Transfer International Students:

  Step 1: Submit documents for Kutztown to issue a Form I-20 (F-visa) or Form DS-2019 (J-visa). 
  Step 2: Submit a SEVIS Transfer-In Form to request your current school to transfer your SEVIS Record to Kutztown University. 

  Detailed instructions for each immigration step with additional information is provided on the Immigration Requirements webpage. If you have additional questions, email international@kutztown.edu. 

• STEP 3: Login to your Student Portal and Check your KU Email

  Your KU student email account will be created about 24-72 hours after KU receives your Advanced Registration Deposit (undergraduate and exchange students) or you confirm your enrollment (graduate students). Your KU email address is your user ID with “@live.kutztown.edu”

  Your KU email is the official email that campus offices will use to communicate with you once you arrive to campus. The student portal, called MyKU, is where students can access their bill, course schedule, and other important information. Access your student portal and student email account by clicking the gold/yellow K YOU button on the Kutztown University website navigation bar, and then clicking the icon you want for MyKU or email. Your login will be the user ID and password you received by email. 
  
  If you have any difficulty signing into your email account, contact Information Technology at helpcenter@kutztown.edu or call their office at +1 610-683-1511. 

• STEP 4: Housing and Meal Plans

  Undergraduate Students

  First Year / Freshman  are required to live in the residence halls for the first two years of study or until they earn 60 credits. Incoming international students with fewer than 30 credits will live in a traditional residence hall. Students with more than 30 credits may live in the suites or apartments on campus.

  Transfer students who have 48+ earned transfer credits, or have completed 2 years of higher education at another institution, or have obtained an Associate Degree are released from the requirement to live on campus.

  Do you want to live off-campus? You need to apply for an exception to the Residency Requirement. Students will need to apply for an exception if they wish to live off campus. Apply on the Residency Requirement webpage. 

  Exchange Students

  Exchange students who wish to live on campus must indicate this on their application. Housing will be automatically assigned for them. 

  Graduate Students

  Graduate students may choose to live on or off campus. Students who wish to live on campus must email housing@kutztown.edu with their request.

  Room Selection Process

  1. Complete Advanced Registration Deposit to Kutztown University.
  2. Completion of My College Roomie profile (My College Roomie will open on April 1st).
  3. Roommate matching with roommate pair in My College Roomie software.
  4. Room selection with matched roommate pair in your MyKUHousing account.

  My College Roomie Profiles can be found here.
  Residency exception information can be found here.

  On-campus housing contracts are for one academic year (Fall and Spring terms). Only Exchange students are permitted to have single semester housing contract. Students admitted for a Spring term will have a single semester housing contract.

  Questions about housing and residence life should be directed to the Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services Office: +1 610-683-4027, housing@kutztown.edu.

  Meal Plans

  View meal plans, locations, and more here. To select a meal plan, access  mykudining.kutztown.edu using your student ID and password.

  Email kudiningservices@kutztown.edu if you have any questions. 

• STEP 5: (Academics) Take Placement Tests or Submit Final Test Scores (Undergraduate Only)

  Undergraduate Degree-Seeking Students:

  Only degree-seeking, undergraduate students need to complete the following:

  • Taking the Aleks Math Placement Assessment is mandatory for all new students. This will guarantee proper placement in a math course if your major requires it. Visit Aleks Math Placement Assessment.
  • Taking the CAPE Language Placement Assessment is optional. Before enrolling in a French, German or Spanish course, unless you have no prior experience in the language, you should complete this diagnostic tool to evaluate your language skill level. This assessment will indicate the recommended level of the language you choose to study. If you place into and take a course at a level beyond 101 and pass with a C or better, you will get free credits (up to 9) for the previous levels. The placement diagnostic typically takes less than 20 minutes depending on your level of fluency. Visit Language Placement Assessment. 
  • Submitting Advanced Placement, IB, CLEP, A Level scores is optional. If you have taken these exams you may be eligible to receipt transfer credit. Submit your scores to RegOffice@kutztown.edu. Timely submission will assure you are placed in the appropriate classes.
• STEP 6: (Academics) Find Your Academic Advisor and Class Registration

  Undergraduate First Year / Freshman Students

  An academic schedule will be created for you prior to the start of the semester.  An Academic Advisor will be assigned by the first week of classes. Your schedule can be viewed through MyKU once it is available.

  Undergraduate Transfer Students

  An academic schedule will be created for you prior to the start of the semester based on the academic transcripts and the course-by-course evaluation you provided. It may take some time for all of your transfer credit to be processed. Your schedule can be viewed through MyKU once it is available. If you think there is an error in your course schedule based on courses you have previously taken, you can reach out to The Center for Academic Success and Academic Excellence at success@kutztown.edu. An Academic Advisor will be assigned by the first week of classes. 

  Exchange Students

  You will be asked to provide a list of preferred classes on your application. Provide any advising notes from your home university advisor (Ex. What is required for them to approve your KU courses). 

  You do not have a traditional Academic Advisor at Kutztown as you are a non-degree student. Your advisor-on-record will be Dr. Steve Lem (lem@kutztown.edu). The International Office will share your preferred classes and information with Dr. Lem who will work with you to create your class schedule. An academic schedule will be created for you prior to the start of the semester based on these preferences and can be viewed through MyKU once it is available. Changes can be made through the first week of classes. 

  Graduate Students

  Shortly after accepting your offer of admission, you will receive an email with your advisor’s name and contact information. Once you receive their contact information, you can begin to discuss your curriculum plan prior to registering for classes. You will need to register for classes after you meet with your Academic Advisor. 

  Once you communicate with your advisor, registration for classes is completed through MyKU. Once in MyKU, select the enrollment tile on the "KU Student Homepage"

• STEP 7: (Health and Wellness) Purchase and Submit Proof of Health Insurance

  All international students at Kutztown University are required to carry adequate health insurance during all periods of time the student is authorized to be in the U.S. by an immigration document issued by the University. Healthcare is expensive in the U.S., and international students are responsible for any costs associated with their physical or mental health. Note that most health insurance plans in the U.S. do not cover all medical benefits like prescriptions, dental, and vision. 

  Requirements: 

  • Health insurance policies must be purchased through a company that sells insurance in the U.S. 
  • Medical Benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of Remains in the amount of at least $25,000
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of at least $50,000
  • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

  Important Insurance Terminology:

  • Annual/Per Event Maximum: Refers to the maximum amount insurance will pay towards your medical bills that are eligible for coverage. After this limit is reached, you will be responsible for 100% of the remainder of your bills in the specified timeframe.
  • Deductible: The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. Example: $1000 bill with a $200 deductible = Means you pay $200 before the insurance plans pays $800.
  • Copay: A copayment or copay is a fixed amount for a covered service, paid by a patient to the provider of service before receiving the service.
  • Premium: A specified amount of money that the insurer receives in exchange for its promise to provide health insurance to an individual. Basically, the price you pay per month for your health insurance plan.
  • In-Network vs Out-of-Network: A provider network is a list of the doctors, health care providers, and hospitals that an insurance plan contracts with to provide medical care to its members. These providers are called “network providers” or “in-network providers.” A provider that isn't contracted with the plan is called an “out-of-network provider.” Out-of-Network providers may not be covered by your insurance plan. 

  Tips for Selecting an Insurance Plan:

  • Compare the plans carefully the terminology explained above. A cheaper premium may mean a more expensive deductible. ​
  • J visa holders are required to have insurance by immigration regulations.​
  • F visa holders who live on campus students are required to have insurance.

  For all other students, you have the option of purchasing insurance. ​However, by not having an insurance plan you are risking your physical, mental and financial well-being. ​

  International Student Health Insurance Plans

  ISO Insurance 
  International Student Insurance
  International Student Insurance for Athletes

  Athletic Coverage

  International student athletes and students participating in intramural, elite, or club sports must have an insurance policy that covers athletics. Athletic coverage is not included in all insurance plans and not all sports are covered under all plans, so be sure to choose a plan with the appropriate level of coverage for your particular sport.  NCAA athletes should check with the athletics department to be sure they have sufficient coverage.

• STEP 8: (Health and Wellness) Submit Required Health Forms

  You will need to provide completed health forms and proof of certain immunizations and health tests prior to your arrival at KU. 

  To complete your forms: Visit https://kutztown.studenthealthportal.com (Use the Chrome or Firefox browser)

  Log in using your MyKU username and password. (For example, for the email address TSmith123@live.kutztown.edu, the username is TSmith123). Once you are logged in, click on FORMS on the top of the page.

  Forms to be completed include:

  1. Consent for Treatment Form
  2. Health History Form
  3. Immunizations: 

  • Tdap vaccine taken within the last 10 years. (Tdap stands for Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis) 
  • 2 doses of the MMR vaccine OR proof of immunity by blood test for MMR is acceptable. (MMR stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella).
  • Meningitis Compliance: REQUIRED for all students living on-campus prior to Move-In Day.
    • Option 1: 2 doses of the Meningitis ACWY vaccine.
    • Option 2: Select the waiver option and complete a waiver. 

  Students who are missing any of the required vaccines will have to obtain them at their own expense through Clinical Services on campus. Note: Immunizations should be completed prior to your arrival, as you may be charged U.S. healthcare prices if you need to receive them when you arrive to the U.S. 

  4. Health Insurance (Upload a copy of your insurance plan)
  5. Notice of Privacy Practices (FERPA)
  7. TB Screening Questionnaire. (TB stands for Tuberculosis)
  8. Communication Preferences
  9. Emergency Contact Information

  Additional Information:

  Log-in problems? Call the KU IT Department at 610-683-1511.

  Questions about the forms? Call the Health Center at 610-683-4082, Option 2, or email medicalrecords@kutztown.edu

  If you are an NCAA student athlete (Not the Rugby Club), additional forms are required to be completed. For questions or information related to NCAA athletic requirements, email entriken@kutztown.edu     

• STEP 9: (Pre-Arrival) Register for Orientation and Plan for Your Arrival

  Register for International Orientation through your applicant status portal. Registration will become available around July (fall term start) and December (spring term start). 

  Review the International Orientation webpage for detailed information on the following:

  • Arrival dates
  • Orientation dates
  • Freshman Orientation Program (virtual session dates)
  • Transfer Orientation Program (virtual session dates)
  • International Orientation Program (in-person session dates)
  • How to arrive to Kutztown University (transportation options)
  • Where to stay nearby if you are traveling with family or arriving early
• STEP 10: (Pre-Arrival) Confirm Your Travel and Arrival Plans

  When you confirm your travel plans, complete the International Student Arrival Form through your applicant status portal. The form will become available around July (fall term start) and December (spring term start). 

  For students requesting airport pickup, you MUST  provide your flight information and keep us updated if the information changes. We will reach out to students in early August (fall term) or January (spring term) with pickup times, meeting locations, and additional information and instructions. 

  For students arriving on their own, information will be shared about what days and times the housing office is available to check you in to your assigned residence hall. 

• STEP 11: (Pre-Arrival) Pay Your Kutztown University Bill

  Questions about paying your bill should be directed to the Office of Student Accounts at  studentaccounts@kutztown.edu or +1 610-683-4133.

  Fall Term	Spring Term
  Invoices typically sent via email in mid-July.  Payments are due around August 1 (unless you sign up for a payment plan)	Invoices typically sent via email in mid-December Payments are due around January 1 (unless you sign up for a payment plan)

  Notes:
  

  • You will receive an invoice after you receive a course schedule.
  • You can pay your KU bill using the currency of your home country through Flywire. 
  • You can view your invoice and pay by credit card or an electronic check from a U.S. bank in your MyKU student portal. 
  • You can pay by cash or U.S. bank check in person at the Office of Student Accounts. 
  • You can review information about and sign up for a payment plan on the Office of Student Accounts website. 
  • Late payments create fines, students may be dropped from their classes, and/or holds will be placed on their accounts. 
• STEP 12: (Pre-Arrival) Submit Final High School or University Transcripts

  Undergraduate: 

  Students who were still enrolled and taking classes when they applied to Kutztown University need to work with their school to provide their final transcripts. Final transcripts should include the date of completion or graduation and the grades from the last term you took classes. 

  Physical Copy: Students can bring a physical copy of their final transcripts with them to International Orientation. Only physical copies that are in a sealed envelopes, with an unbroken seal , are considered official. 

  Graduate Admissions:

  Students who were still enrolled and taking classes when they applied to Kutztown University will need to complete an updated course-by-course transcript evaluation (for international transcripts/degrees) or request an updated official transcript (U.S. transcript/degrees). 

  View more information on the Transcript Requirements webpage. 
• (Arrival) What to Bring to Campus

  Review items you should bring to campus or plan to purchase when you arrive:

  Travel Documents: 

  • Passport and Visa
  • Form I-20 or DS-2019
  • SEVIS I-901 Fee Confirmation of Payment
  • Financial Documents (including any bank statements or scholarship letters)
  • KU Acceptance Letter

  Academic Records: Students can bring a physical copy of their final high school or university transcripts with them to International Orientation. Only physical copies that are in a sealed envelopes with the seal unbroken, are considered official.

  Official Health Records: Official documentation of health history, immunizations/vaccines, proof of health insurance. 

  Medical and Personal Items: Review these medication tips from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Read more here about medication allowances) Bring your glasses, and/or contact lenses. Medication you would take to relieve pain or a minor cold or illness is over-the-counter in the U.S., meaning you do not need a prescription. You can find these common medications in Pharmacies and some grocery stores.

  Laptop: If you have your own laptop, you can bring it and use it on campus. There is wired internet access in the residence hall rooms and wireless access in the lounges and campus buildings. You are not required to bring your own computer; there are many computer labs with printers on campus for you to use and some are available 24 hours a day. Students can also temporarily check out laptops from the campus Library.

  Outlet and Plug Converters: Purchase an electrical outlet and plug converter for the U.S. from your home country to use with any electric device you bring. The U.S. operates on 120 V and has type A and type B electrical plugs.

  Credit Card and U.S. Currency: Plan to have multiple ways to access your money. Bring a credit card in case you have to quickly pay any fees at the Port of Entry or encounter other unexpected expenses. We also recommend that you travel with at least $100 of U.S. currency to use in places where credit cards are not accepted. Upon arrival, you can open a U.S. bank account to make local banking easier and save money on credit card transaction fees. 

  International Driver’s License: If you plan to drive a car while in the U.S., you could get an international driver’s license in your home country prior to travelling to KU. International driver’s licenses are valid for one year. You may apply for a Pennsylvania State Driver’s License after you arrive if you will study at KU for at least one year.

  On-Campus Housing Items: You may travel a great distance to get to KU and the U.S. and you might not want to travel with everything. KU residence halls have a bed, desk, chair, and closet for every student. You must bring or purchase school supplies and any other items you want for your residence hall room. Visit the Housing & Residence Life Office website to find additional information on what to bring to campus, as well as a list of prohibited items. You may need to purchase the following items after arrival:

  • Bedding (Sheets/linens) for an extra-long twin bed (Twin XL) - This is a unique bed size for universities.
  • Pillow
  • Blanket
  • Clothes hangers
  • Laundry basket
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Toiletries
  • Shower shoes/sandals
  • Desk lamp
  • Room decorations
  • *Apartments have kitchens that will require additional kitchen utensils and items.