For admitted students
Congratulations on your admission to VCU. The Global Education Office wishes to ensure your smooth arrival and transition to VCU. This website should be used as a guide for pre-arrival planning and preparation by students who have completed the appropriate admissions documents and have been admitted into an academic program. In addition, be sure to visit the Get started page for detailed orientation and arrival information or contact Amanda Velez with questions.
What should I do before I arrive to VCU?
- Notify us that you plan to enroll at VCU by sending an email to Alica Hodges. Please include your full name and V-number (found on your acceptance letter).
- To defer admission, please contact International Admissions directly at (804) 828-6016 or vcuia@vcu.edu.
- For information on student transfer credit from other universities, email international credential evaluator Mas Mastriyana.
- Submit all required documents listed on your acceptance letter to International Admissions prior to arrival to prevent receiving administrative holds that could delay your course registration.
- Obtain a student visa by following your U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s instructions and paying the I-901 SEVIS fee.
- Visit your doctor in your home country and request that he/she complete the VCU Certificate of Immunization or provide you with an official immunization document in English, which should include all dates of required immunizations. Learn more »
- Find your eID, create your password and log into your VCU email account.
- The VCU eID is the username used, along with your corresponding password, to give you access to many VCU electronic services via eServices. Your eID is not your student number (V-number). Your eID is an alphanumeric set of characters that is usually a combination of your last name and initials.
- Memorize your V-number
- Your official VCU student identification number (known as the V-number) is listed in the upper right hand corner of your acceptance letter. It is extremely important to memorize this number or keep a copy of it with you as you will need it for housing, library use, computers, gym and many other VCU related activities.
- Register online for the English Language Placement test, if listed as a requirement on your VCU acceptance letter.
- Arrange transportation to the VCU campus from the airport or bus station where you will arrive. Please note that the Community Connections staff is available to pick up students arriving in Richmond for a $10 fee. Students must submit a transportation request form at least two weeks before their arrival.
- Make temporary housing arrangements in Richmond.
- Consider your long-term housing options and plan to arrive early enough to secure your housing before International Student Orientation.
- Complete the online Math Placement Test (required for all undergraduates).
- Read the selected Summer Reading Program book, which will be used for discussion in different settings during your freshman year (undergraduate freshman only). While you will not be provided with a copy of this book until International Student Orientation, VCU encourages students to read the book before August, when possible.
- Review important orientation dates before making travel arrangements.
- Transfer students should register online for new student orientation.
What should I do after I arrive to VCU?
- Attend International Student Orientation (this orientation is required for F and J visa holders; however, students with other visa types may also find it useful to attend). Contact Amanda Velez with any questions about this orientation.
- Notify Immigration Services that you have arrived by presenting your immigration documents to us in person (there will be a specified time to do this at International Student Orientation).
- Attend New Student Orientation (undergraduate students only) and register for courses with your academic adviser.
- Attend Graduate School Orientation (graduate students only).
- Get your VCU student ID card at the VCU Card Office. Note: you must first register for classes before getting your VCU Student ID Card.
- Finalize housing arrangements. International students are encouraged to contact the International Student and Scholar Programs staff Pam Haney for off campus housing assistance or Amanda Velez for on campus housing assistance.
- Sign up for VCU’s text messaging alert system.
- Register your computer with the VCU Police.
- Pay tuition and fees to VCU Student Accounting.
- Request a GRTC student transit pass. GRTC passes are free for all full-time students at the Parking and Transportation Office.
- Purchase health insurance
- Submit the certificate of immunization or official immunization document to University Student Health Services.
- Complete the PPD skin test (Tuberculosis Skin Test) at University Student Health Services.
- Note: Student Health Services does not accept tuberculosis (TB) tests done outside the U.S. You must get the TB test at Student Health Services after you arrive. Learn more »
- Review helpful hints for maintaining your J-1 or F-1 visa status regularly.
- Check your VCU student email regularly for updates from GEO or VCU.
- Read the VCU Insider Student Handbook and Resource Guide.
- Familiarize yourself with the university student Honor System
Information for late arrivals
Visa and flight delays are sometimes unavoidable. If you are unable to report to VCU by the program start date listed on your visa document, notify International Admissions immediately of your planned arrival date. Generally, arrivals through the course registration deadline can be accommodated; however, you should make every effort to arrive before the mandatory International Student Orientation. If you are unable to attend orientation, notify Amanda Velez immediately. Late arrivals will find the registration process very challenging and missed orientations must be made up. Those unable to arrive by the registration deadline will have to defer their admission to a future term.
Resources
Academic resources
- VCU Academic Calendars
- Schedule of Classes
- VCU Records and Registration
- Honor System
- Register for classes (for undergraduates this takes place after your initial meeting with your academic adviser during orientation)
- Changing your major
- Core curriculum
- International Student Academic Success Program
Tuition and fees
- General tuition payment information
- Tuition and fees
- Domicile (residency) information
- Residency – frequently asked questions
Immigration
- GEO immigration services
- Visa information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of State
- Paying the SEVIS fee (DHS site)
Miscellaneous