International New Student Checklist - What's Next?

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 Registration Deposit to confirm your enrollment and start the immigration steps. After you view your decision letter, you can pay the deposit online through your applicant status portal.

  Questions about paying the deposit 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 status 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:

  International Students Outside the U.S.

  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. 

  International Students In the U.S.

  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 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. 
  
  Having trouble logging in? Email helpdesk@kutztown.edu explaining the issue.

• STEP 4: Housing and Meal Plans

  Undergraduate Students

  First Year / Freshman are required to live in the residence halls for 2 years or until they earn 60 credits. Incoming 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, 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 for Undergraduate Students

  1. Complete Advanced Registration Deposit to Kutztown University.
  2. Watch this video on how to create your roommate matching profile.
  3. Completion of My College Roomie profile (My College Roomie opens April 1st).
  4. Roommate matching with roommate pair in My College Roomie software.
  5. 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). 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.

  Students living in traditional residence halls must have MyTime Dining Diamond Meal Plan, MyTime Dining Platinum Meal Plan, or MyTime Dining Gold Meal Plan.

  Commuters, part-time students, and students living in apartments and townhouses are not required to have a meal plan, but can opt into having one for convenience. 

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

  ALCOHOLEDU PROGRAM

  The AlcoholEdu program is a two-part program that is a requirement for all new Kutztown University students. Part 1 must be completed before classes begin. You will receive an email with instructions for how to log on to the course, which takes approximately three hours to complete (you can take breaks as you go along). You will need a computer with Internet access and audio capability to complete the program. Visit the Health Promotions website for additional information.

• STEP 5: (Academics) Take Placement Tests or Submit Exam Scores (Undergraduate)

  Aleks Math Placement Assessment (Required)

  Taking the Aleks Math Placement Assessment is mandatory for all new students and is used to determine the appropriate level of math required for your degree. Watch this video to learn how to take the ALEKS Math Placement test. Visit Aleks Math Placement Assessment.

  Students whose transfer credits have been evaluated and transferred to Kutztown as MAT 017 Introduction to Mathematics, or higher, are not required to take the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment. One exception is majors requiring a higher level than introductory math. If you have questions about the mathematics requirement for your program of study, please contact the academic department of your major.

  If you are dissatisfied with your score, you may work in the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module and then retake the assessment (contact the Math Department for details). 

  It takes 72 hours to process your score. For any technical issues with the assessment, contact the Math Department.
  Lytle Hall 227
  (610) 683-4410
  math@kutztown.edu

  CAPE Language Placement Assessment (Optional)

  Taking the CAPE Language Placement Assessment is optional. Before enrolling in a 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. 

  Advanced Placement, IB, CLEP, A Level Exams (Optional)

  You may have already submitted Advanced Placement, IB, CLEP, A Level scores to be admitted by the International Office, but you may also 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) Academic Advisors and Class Registration

  Undergraduate First Year / Freshman Students

  After you register for International Orientation on your Applicant Status Page, you can complete the surveys below. An academic schedule will then be created for you.  An Academic Advisor will be assigned by the first week of classes. Your schedule can be viewed through MyKU once it is available.

  • First Year Seminar Course Topics and Descriptions
  • First Time Student Registration Survey

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

  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 by August 1: 

  1. Consent for Treatment Form
  2. Health History Form
  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
  3. Vaccines / 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:
    • Option 1: 2 doses of the Meningitis ACWY vaccine.
    • Option 2: Select the waiver option and complete a waiver. 

  Costs to Receive Service in the U.S.:

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

  • MMR vaccine: $150.00
  • TDaP vaccine: $65.00
  • TB blood test: $38.00
  • Chest X-ray: Not required for all students. Costs are To Be Determined - Costs may range from $70.00 to $300.00

  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) Submit ID Photo

  You will receive an email to your Kutztown email account 2 weeks prior to International Orientation with instructions on how to submit your photo and link to do so. Submit a photo for your Kutztown ID Card by following the instructions. 

  If you cannot find the email as your orientation date approaches, reach out to kucard@kutztown.edu to receive a new one. Learn more about photo ID submissions. ID cards will be distributed when you check in with the International Office when you arrive to campus or during International Orientation

• STEP 10: (Pre-Arrival) Register for Orientation and Plan for Your Arrival

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

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

  • Designated arrival dates
  • International Orientation dates
  • International Orientation Program schedule
  • How to arrive to Kutztown University - transportation options
  • Where to stay nearby if you arrive early, or if you arrive with family members
• STEP 11: (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 on your applicant status portal after you have registered for International Orientation. 

  For students requesting airport pickup, you MUST provide your flight information and keep our office 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 12: (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. You can also stop by their office during Arrival and Orientation Week. 

  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)

  • 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 bill and pay by credit card or 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 select a payment plan and learn about billing on the Office of Student Accounts website. 

  Note: Students are fined/charged for late payments. Late payment may also cause a hold to be placed on your account (prevents you from registering or requesting transcripts) and students may be dropped from their classes in severe cases - impacting their immigration status. 

• STEP 13: (Pre-Arrival) Submit Final High School or University Transcripts

  Undergraduate: 

  Students who were still enrolled in high school or college/university 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 in college/university when they applied to Kutztown University will need to purchase and request an updated course-by-course transcript evaluation (for international transcripts) or request an updated official transcript (U.S. transcript). 

  View more information on the Transcript Requirements webpage. 

• What does that mean? Kutztown Glossary

  Kutztown comes with its own lingo.  Here's a listing of many of the words you may hear at KU and what they mean.

• What Do I 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 (F- visa) or DS-2019 (J visa)
  • SEVIS I-901 Fee Confirmation of Payment
  • Financial Documents (including any bank statements or scholarship letters)
  • KU Acceptance Letter

  Academic Records: Undergraduate students can bring a physical copy of their final high school or college/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: If you haven't completed the online health forms, you should bring your official documentation of health history, immunizations/vaccines, proof of health insurance. 

  Medical and Personal Items: 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.

  SIM Card: Kutztown partners with CampusSIMS. If your phone uses eSIM, you can arrange with them ahead of your arrival to the US. If your phone uses a physical SIM, you will receive the SIM when you first arrive to Kutztown University to check in or during International Orientation.  

  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:

  Must-Haves!	Recommended
  We recommend that you purchase these items ahead of time and have them delivered to KU: (Your Name) International Office, Old Main 24 15200 Kutztown Road Kutztown, PA 19530 Bedding (Sheet) Twin XL Size  Bedding (Blanket/Comforter) Pillow and Pillow Case Towels and washcloths	We recommend that you purchase these items after your arrival:        Clothes hangers Laundry basket Toiletries Shower shoes/sandals Room decorations University Place - Requires a desk lamp (you can request one from Housing staff) Apartments - Require kitchen utensils and items.

  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 computer labs with printers on campus for you to use. 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 (small shops, markets). 

  Upon arrival, you can open a U.S. bank account to make local banking easier and save money on credit card transaction fees. Many students sign up with PSECU as the bank is on campus. 

  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.

• Buy Books and Other Course Materials

  Find course materials on your Virtual Shelf. 

  Inclusive Access (IA) is a collaboration between your course professors, KU Campus Store, and the publisher of your materials. This was created to provide you with the least expensive way to purchase your materials, combined with the convenience of charging the materials to your tuition. 

• Request Accommodations

  What is an accommodation? Accommodations can focus on your academic, housing or dining needs that will help you succeed at KU. Academic accommodations do not change what you are expected to learn, but they help you learn in a way that works best for you. Examples of academic accommodations include extra time on tests or getting help with writing. These supports make sure you have a fair chance to do well in your studies and thrive while at KU. 

  The Disability Services Office (DSO) manages requests for academic, housing and dining accommodations. To begin the accommodation request process, you must submit the Accommodation Request Form and provide supporting documentation.

  For questions, email DSO@kutztown.edu or call 610-683-4108. 

• Submit Dietary Restrictions

  Dietary accommodation requests, including placement in dorm rooms with kitchens and exemptions from the on-campus meal plan, begin with the Disability Services Office (DSO).

  To be reviewed for dietary accommodations, you must complete and submit the Accommodation Request Form and the Informed Consent to Release Confidential Information Form, allowing the DSO to share relevant documentation with the Dining Services Office. Supporting documentation must also be submitted to the DSO.

  Once all materials are reviewed, Dining Services will contact the student to schedule a meeting to discuss and determine the request. The final decision will be shared with the student and the DSO. Forms, documentation guidelines, and additional details about the process are available at www.kutztown.edu/DSO. For questions, email DSO@kutztown.edu or call 610-683-4108. 

• Connect with your Student Success Navigator (Undergraduate Degree)

  Student Success Navigators are full-time staff members committed to guiding students through their academic journey. As long as you've paid your deposit, you will be assigned a Navigator. You can begin connecting with them starting one week before Orientation. You can find your assigned Navigator in MyKU and Starfish.

  The primary role of the Student Success Navigator is to provide personalized guidance, helping your transition to university life and connect with essential resources to enhance your academic experience. Academic advisors, who are faculty members within a student's major, are assigned at the start of the semester. Until then, reach out to your Navigator for assistance. Navigators work closely with academic advisors to ensure you receive the support you need to succeed.

  Questions?

  Email: success@kutztown.edu 
  Call: 610-683-4007

  Learn more about your Navigator

• Learn About MyKU / D2L / Starfish

  MyKU, D2L, and Starfish are online tools that you will use while at Kutztown. A brief explanation, information and tutorial videos can be found below:

  • MyKU is Kutztown's student online web application that is used for class registration, checking grades, and much more.
  • D2L is Kutztown's learning management system for classwork. Many professors use D2L for specific classes, which allows students to do things like check the syllabus, see grades, submit assignments, and more. 
  • Starfish is a platform that helps you easily connect with your professors and student success resources.