Before you arrive
Welcome to the University of Kansas!
Soon you’ll be on campus. How exciting! There is a lot to consider before you arrive. While moving to a new country can be intimidating, we’re here for you. Follow the eight steps below to make sure you have everything in place before you board the plane.
Select Your Advisor
We have a team of dedicated personal advisors whose job it is to make sure all your questions are answered and to ensure you have a smooth transition to the university.
Before you start on any of the steps below, contact your local personal advisor. Simply select your region of the world below, and send your advisor an email, Skype, WhatsApp, or WeChat message. We look forward to meeting you very soon!
North Asia
Middle East/North Africa
Russia/Central Asia/Eastern Europe
UK and Western Europe
North America
Latin America
Africa
South Asia
Southeast Asia
China
What to do before you arrive on campus
You should apply for your visa as soon as possible. It requires an interview with the U.S. embassy and can sometimes take several weeks to schedule.
Please visit usembassy.gov to learn more about scheduling your visa appointment. The website also has information on what to expect and the documentation you will need to take with you for your interview. Here are other links that might be helpful to you: visa appointment and processing wait time, visa photo requirements, visa application and I-901 Fee and study in the states.
Notify your personal Enrollment Advisor of the date and Embassy of your visa appointment.
Check out two videos below that will help you on how to apply and prepare for your visa interview.
Download this useful Immigration Guide to help you learn more about the process for getting your F-1 visa.
When purchasing your travel ticket to your new city, plan to arrive on or before your scheduled Arrival date. Please visit Important Dates page to plan your arrival accordingly.
We are so excited for you to join us on campus! To ensure a smooth transition to your new home, plan to arrive to the Kansas City International Airport (MCI).
Making your payment in full at least two weeks before you arrive will help avoid delays with enrollment. Please refer to your statement of fees for the balance due and Applicant ID.
Submit payment for tuition and fees:
- Flywire by Peer Transfer: Please visit International KU flywire portal to complete the transfer process. Please note that you cannot use a US credit card or US bank account.
All students are required to have a KU ID and email set up to access the first part of International Student Orientation from home, before arriving to campus. Here are the instructions on how to create your ID and email.
All incoming students are required to log in to iHawk, respond to pre-arrival questions, and submit all the e-forms as directed.
After you received your final admissions letter and 7-digit KU ID number, you must submit your housing request and contract in the KU Student Housing portal. Your final admissions letter provides instructions for accessing your KU ID number online at https://world.ku.edu/arrive. Directions to complete the housing application process are available online at https://housing.ku.edu/apply. KU Housing does its best to place you in your preferred housing option, however based on availability, your preference is not guaranteed.
The $50 application fee is included in your deposit payment. There is no additional cost to you to apply for housing. Please indicate you are eligible for an admissions fee waiver as needed.
Housing placements are assigned on a first come first serve basis.
Additional information about campus housing options is available at https://housing.ku.edu/affordability
Students living off-campus must work directly with the property manager for the off-campus location.
All incoming students must send their final transcripts from high school and any university-level coursework. If you have taken any additional tests, send those official results (e.g. SAT, ACT, IB, A/AS Levels, AP).
Option 1: Mail your final official transcripts* and/or test scores directly to the address listed below before you arrive.
Option 2: Bring your final official transcripts* and/or test scores with you to KU and deliver them to the address listed below when you arrive.
KU International Admissions
1450 Jayhawk Boulevard, Room 126
Lawrence, KS 66045
*Final official transcripts must be in an envelope that was sealed by your school. This applies to both options above.
Contact your local personal advisor for additional options to submit your final academic documents.
Prepare for life in the US
You can set up a US bank account and sign up for a US phone plan before leaving your home country with our trusted provider, Ellis.
Helpful Resources
Pre-Arrival Checklist
Check off everything on this list to ensure you have completed all the steps before you arrive and bring everything you need to the KU campus.
Academic Calendar
Plan ahead! This calendar tells you when class starts and ends, and when holidays and exams are happening.