Newly Admitted International Students

J-1 Students are required to request a DS-2019.

F-1 Students are required to obtain an I-20. First, you must pay your I-20 Application Deposit. I-20 documents will only be issued following the receipt of your I-20 application deposit. While non-refundable, this deposit will be returned to your UMW Student Account upon successful matriculation.

• F-1 student visa instructions for degree-seeking students who have been issued an I-20.
• J-1 visa instructions for exchange students and Visiting Language Instructors who have been issued a DS-2019.
• Changing status? Email cie@umw.edu if you are in the US in another immigration status and would like to change to F-1 or J-1.

• You may enter the U.S. up to 30 calendar days before the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019. The start date is found in the Program of Study box on the I-20 or #3 on the DS-2019.  Campus housing is not available until the official UMW check-in date.  Students arriving prior to the check-in date will be responsible for their own transportation and lodging.
• You must arrive in the U.S. on or before the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
• If your travel will be delayed, causing you to arrive in the U.S. after the start date, you must notify CIE.
• If you plan to travel home during an academic break, or return home at the conclusion of the academic year,  do not depart the U.S. until after your final exams are over.  Final exams take place the week after classes end.  Undergraduates can consult the academic calendar for this information. Graduates should contact their department before making travel plans, as exam schedules vary.  Make sure you have your I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel authorization!
• If you live on-campus, consult with Residence Life about when housing is open or closed during breaks and holidays at various times during the academic year, as you may need to make other housing arrangements for these periods.

• Set up your UMW NetID password and student e-mail account. Once you know your NetID, change your netID password.
  • Degree-students > your NetID is sent directly to your personal email.
  • Exchange visitors > CIE will email your Net ID to you.
  • Set up your email account > Office 365. Your username will be your NetID followed by @mail.umw.edu; your password will be the same as your netID password. If you have questions, visit the Information Technology website or contact the IT Help Desk.
  • Login to Banner (located at the top menu bar next to myUMW). Banner SSB is the student information system.
  • Login to myUMW (located at the top left corner of the main UMW webpage).  MyUMW is your primary resource for UMW student clubs, campus organizations, and extracurricular activities.
  • Submit your EagleOne ID Card photo (if you are selected to start during the Fall semester).  Your EagleOne ID card serves as your residence hall access key and your meal card; it can also be loaded with EagleOne cash and used for purchases at many locations on and off campus.  Visit the EagleOne Card website > read the Online Photo Submission Guidelines > submit your online photo.  If you experience difficulty, email eagleone@umw.edu.

First Year Students (F-1 Visa):

First Year Students should check your email for instructions. Refer to the New Student Guide.  The Academic Catalog is useful for learning UMW’s General Education and major/minor requirements. You will have an opportunity to add courses or make changes to your schedule during Orientation.

Students admitted for their first semester will receive an email invitation to complete the First-Year Student Questionnaire, in which you will select your First-Year Seminar (FSEM) and other courses your are interested in taking.

Transfer Students (F-1 Visa):

Transfer Students are students who have previously studied at another university. These students work with our Transfer Student Advisor, Charles Tate, to register for courses.  You will have another opportunity to add courses or make changes to your schedule during Orientation.

Exchange Students (J-1 Visa):

• Exchange Students are non-degree students who are studying at UMW for one semester or one academic year as part of an exchange program.  Exchange Students are not eligible to register for classes online; they must email their preferences to cie@umw.edu using the Course Registration Form.   Exchange Students will not be registered for courses until late June-July for fall students, and around mid-November for spring students.
  • To select courses for your study term, refer to the Schedule of Courses available in Banner (UMW Credentials must be established before access can be given to this page).
  • Exchange Students should expect to take 1-2 upper level (300-level) courses in their field of study, and another 2-3 course outside of their discipline.
  • 400 level courses are typically closed to exchange students. You may request permission to take a 400 level course, but there are no guarantees your request will be approved.
  • Avoid courses coded FSEM, LRSP, BLST, NURS, and EDUC.
  • Provide transcripts to show you have the necessary prerequisites for the courses you wish to take.
  • Be sure to review your list of courses with your home university advisor to make sure the credits you earn at UMW will transfer.
  • There will be a two week period starting from your arrival to campus through the first week of classes during which you can make changes to your course schedule.

• Visiting Language Coordinators are required to register for a minimum of 9 credits, and eligible for 12 credits per semester. 

If you have questions about registration, visit the UMW Registrar website or contact CIE.

Students must complete the Housing & Dining Services Agreement
Room assignments are made on a space-available basis.

First-year degree-seeking (F-1) students will be assigned on-campus housing based on information provided in the housing portal. These students are also required to participate in the Eagle Unlimited Meal Plan.

Exchange visitors (J-1) are usually assigned to Mason Hall. Mason Hall has air-conditioned rooms with suite (shared) baths. There is a shared kitchen, laundry facilities, and study lounge are located in the building. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, oven, sink, refrigerator, and microwave. For your dining plan, CIE recommends selecting the 225 Block Meal Plan. 

• Learn more about the residence halls, floor plans, amenities.

Purchase bedding and linens for your room at least four weeks prior to your arrival, as bed linens are not provided!  You can order through the UMW Bookstore or a vendor of your choice, such as Amazon.  Be sure to order XL Twin size sheets. Use your name on the order and ship to:

Center for International Education
Lee Hall, 434
1301 College Ave.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Email cie@umw.edu if you have packages that are expected to arrive in the office prior to your arrival to arrange for pick-up.

Any additional items you may need for your room can be purchased after your arrival. There are many stores located a short drive from campus in an area called Central Park.

Submit your UMW Health History, Immunizations and TB Screening Form  BEFORE you arrive to the US.  The Immunization Record must be signed by your doctor and promptly emailed to healthcenter@umw.edu along with a copy of your immunization records. You can also submit the forms via the Student Health Center Portal.

If you are a UMW Student Athlete there are additional steps to take with the Athletics Department. Please contact Athletic Training for more information.

Visit the International Student Medical Insurance page for more information including deadlines, policy costs, benefit information, and more.

Your tuition & fees, housing, insurance fee, and meal plan charges will be charged to your UMW Student Account. Check your UMW Student Account by logging into EaglePay. Learn about your options for Methods of Payment. International students can make international payments electronically via Flywire. 

Authorize Payers to make payments on your personal account.  We highly recommend you give the person responsible for your finances viewing and payment privileges in the EaglePay system. Payment plans can be arranged in EaglePay as well.

Refer to the UMW Student Accounts Billing Information website for more detailed information.  The list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is especially helpful. 

Do not send payment until you receive a bill from UMWbills@umw.edu or the balance appears on your student account on EaglePay. Billing questions should be addressed to UMWbills@umw.edu.

Port-of-Entry Considerations (the airport or border where you officially enter the US)

• Be prepared to present the following documents:
  • Passport
  • F-1 or J-1 Visa (located in your passport)
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • Admission or invitation letter from UMW
  • Receipt of SEVIS fee payment
  • Financial documentation (such as bank statement, scholarship details, etc.)
  • US Customs Declaration Form (you should receive this on your flight to the US)
  • A digital photo and fingerprints will be taken, and then your passport will be stamped and annotated F-1 or J-1 and D/S.  D/S stands for “duration of status,” meaning you may stay in the U.S. as long as your documents are valid and you maintain your visa status.
  • Note: If you have any problems entering the US, call CIE at (540) 654-1434. On weekends and after 5pm, call (WhatsApp) +1-540-445-1731 to reach the 24/7 emergency line.

Date of Arrival: All international students will be informed of their arrival date in their Welcome Letter from the Center for International Education. Before this date, housing is NOT available on-campus. If you are a student athlete arriving earlier than the date in your welcome letter for training, please consult with your coach about early arrival plans! Students on J-1 and F-1 visas are allowed to enter the US 30 days prior to the date listed as their program start date on the DS-2019 or I-20.

Airport Recommendations: CIE recommends flying into Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). However, there are other regional airports including Baltimore Washington International (BWI) and Richmond International Airport (RIC). You could consider flying into an airport farther away, such as JFK in New York and getting a connecting flight or train (Amtrak) to the region.

ALL international students must complete the Airport Arrival & Emergency Contact Information Form prior to arrival.

F-1 international students are responsible for getting from the airport to the UMW Fredericksburg campus on their own. There are many transportation options available:

• Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are easily accessible from any of the regional airports. Budget about $100 -$150 for this transportation option. CIE recommends downloading and setting up the app on your mobile phone prior to your arrival in the US.
• Fredericksburg, VA has a train station about a 20 minute walk from campus, serviced by Amtrak and the commuter rail line, the VRE. Cost options vary.
• You could take a taxi from the airport to campus but know that this cost is likely to be more expensive compared to Uber/Lyft.

• The UMW Fredericksburg campus address is:
  • 1301 College Ave.
  • Fredericksburg, VA 22401
• Campus Map.

First year F-1 Students will need to pick up their EagleOne ID cards and residence hall room keys from Eagle Landing (#1 on the campus map). The front desk is staffed 8am-10pm daily. If you plan to arrive outside of this timeframe, please email cie@umw.edu to arrange for key pick-up PRIOR to arrival.

Should there be any problems with check-in, you can proceed to 1127 Emancipation Hwy in Eagle Village, location of the UMW Public Safety Office, and ask for assistance. In an emergency, they can phone the CIE emergency phone number and give you access to your residence hall.

CIE will provide transportation for J-1 Exchange Students (and VLI/VLCs) from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to the UMW Fredericksburg Campus IF you arrive during the indicated arrival window as stated in your welcome letter.

• Upon your arrival at the airport, you will connect with your shuttle driver from Chop Chop Shuttle Service.
  • After collecting your luggage, please exit to the main welcome hall and call or WhatsApp the shuttle driver at +1-703-906-6939 and notify him/her that you are through customs.
    • Follow the ramp up to the Departure Level and go outside through the glass doors to the waiting area by Door #1. The shuttle driver should have told you what type of vehicle to look for. You must look for the van/vehicle and wave to get the driver’s attention. If you have any problems, please call or text the number above.

J-1 international students will be greeted by CIE staff upon arrival to campus and residence hall room keys and EagleOne ID cards will be distributed at that time.

Keep the following phone numbers with you in case of complications or emergency:

Center for International Education (CIE): +1-540-654-1434 (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday); cie@umw.edu
CIE WhatsApp: +1-540-445-1731

International Student Orientation is designed to ease your transition to studying and living in the United States. It is an opportunity to review immigration, academic, financial, and other practical matters.  International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new F-1 and J-1 visa holders. CIE will inform you via email of the date and time for this meeting prior to arrival. This meeting generally takes place in the days between arrival and the weekend before classes begin.

International Student Orientation is separate and in addition to the First Year Orientation hosted by First Year Programs.

The following links include important information, resources, and services for international students at UMW.

• University Police – The University of Mary Washington Police Department provides a safe and secure living, working, and learning environment to the University’s students, employees and visitors, with equal protection under the law and in accordance with University policies and regulations.
• Tuition and Fees – Look here for a list of current tuition and fee schedules.
• Student Accounts – Contact this office about billing of tuition, housing fees, dining charges, and other University fees; invoicing third-party payers; processing refunds to eligible students; and handling all inquiries concerning these transactions.
• Office of the Registrar – Services available in the Office of the Registrar include registration, transfer credit evaluation, final degree audit, cancellations and withdrawals, leave of absences, enrollment and degree verifications, veteran certification and issuing of transcripts.
• Community Service Opportunities – The Center for Community Engagement offers a variety of ways to volunteer in Fredericksburg and the surrounding area.
• Talley Center – The Talley Center offers crisis intervention, consultation, community referrals, training, and educational outreach programs to the entire UMW community.
• Honor System at UMW – UMW maintains a proud tradition of honor on both campuses. Each campus maintains a student-run Honor Council with elected student officers and representatives.
• Housing and Dining – The Office of Residence Life provides assistance when it comes to residence halls and meal plans. Choosing the right hall and meal plan is crucial to a student’s experience on campus.
• Transportation – Throughout Fredericksburg, there are numerous ways of getting around. This site will provide all necessary information in terms of transportation in the area.
• Eagle Essentials – This nifty booklet has everything you could need, from how to get involved on campus to resetting your password. Consult this publication when you have any questions and it will direct you to the right information.
• UMW Student Handbook. The Student Handbook is for undergraduate students at UMW. It has all the essential facts about our University mission, policies, where to go for information, student activities — you name it. The Handbook contains important information regarding University services as well as student conduct and judicial and honor processes.
• Student Health Center and Campus Recreation – Student well-being is our primary concern. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by visiting our Fitness Center and getting involved with Campus Recreation. When feeling unwell, make an appointment with the Student Health Center to consult with licensed medical professionals.
• Student Activities – Getting involved on campus is a sure way to make your time on campus exponentially better. The Office of Student Activities and Engagement can help you find the perfect club or organization for you.
• Fredericksburg Local Attractions, Lodging, and Dining – Fredericksburg, VA is rich in history and provides the perfect setting for a college town. Use this website to find what Fredericksburg offers.