Coming to UND

To receive a SEVIS Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for Academic and Language Students, you must submit:

• A scan of your passport
• A completed Certificate of Finances

After receiving your Form I-20, sign it to accept the terms and conditions listed on page 3.

You are responsible for requesting shipment of your Form I-20. Once the form has been shipped, the UND International Center is not responsible for its delivery.

J-1 students will receive a DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. Sign the bottom of the page to accept the terms and conditions listed on page 2.

You must pay the SEVIS fee before your visa interview.

You can pay the SEVIS fee by:

• Credit card
• Check or bank draft from a U.S. bank
• International money order
• Western Union

Apply for your visa as early as possible to allow enough time before you travel to the United States and begin classes.

Review the U.S. Department of State website for information about applying for a student visa. To find the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, visit the U.S. Embassy website.

To gain access to many of the systems you'll need as a UND student, you must activate your student account within the North Dakota University System.

To claim your NDUS account:

1. Go to UND.edu/claim.
2. Find your student ID number (also known as your EMPLID) on your acceptance letter or by following the steps under the Find My EMPLID menu.
3. Once you have your student ID number, click on Claim Your Account.
4. Follow the steps as indicated.

Once you've claimed your NDUS account, you won't have to repeat the process. Make sure to keep your username and password in a safe and secure place. You'll use this username and password for other UND systems, such as housing, class registration and financial aid.

Questions?

NDUS Help Desk
1.866.457.6387
helpdesk.ndus.edu

Personal Email Account

Please check the personal email account that you used on your admission application frequently for communications from the University regarding financial aid, housing, confirming your enrollment, Orientation, course registration and more. You'll continue to get reminder emails about these next steps to your personal account from the Office of University Admissions until your first semester at UND begins.

UND Student Email Account

As you get closer to beginning classes at UND, you'll start to get emails from other campus departments to your official UND student email account. It's important to check this account frequently so you don't miss communications from the University.

After you've claimed your NDUS account, follow the directions to log into your UND student email account. 

Once the semester begins, all communications from the University will be sent to your official UND student email account.

Questions?

UND Tech Support
701.777.6305

For degree-seeking students, contact your advisor to make a plan for course registration.

Note that advising typically takes place for the upcoming semesters during the following months:

• Summer/Fall Semester = March/April 
• Spring Semester = October/November

Identify Your Advisor

• Your advisor's name and email is listed in your admissions letter in your admissions application.
• You can also find your advisor information in Campus Connection > Academic Progress > Advisors and Advising Notes.

Check Academic Catalog

• View a full list of classes for your program and identify what classes you will be taking in the Academic Catalog.

Permissions Numbers

• Some courses require a meeting with an advisor to get a course permission number.
• You'll need to contact your academic department to get the permission number.

Timeline

Registration for semester-based courses typically begins during the following months:

• Summer/Fall Semester = April
• Spring Semester = November
• Review the Academic Calendar for registration dates

Prepare to Enroll

• Campus Connection is the system that you'll use to register for classes. After you've claimed your NDUS account:
  • Go to Campus Connection
  • On the login page, enter your user ID (e.g., firstname.lastname) and password
  • Click Sign In
• View your specific day and time to register in Campus Connection:
  • Manage Classes > Enrollment Dates
  • Your registration date and time is based on your student status
  • You may register for classes anytime on or after your registration date and time
• Every semester, you must electronically sign the Financial Obligation Agreement in Campus Connection before you'll be able to register for classes.
  • Within Campus Connection > Manage Classes > Sign Financial Obligation Agreement

Register

• Identify what classes you will be taking in the Academic Catalog.
• On or after your class registration date and time, follow the specific step-by step process to register for your classes.

All newly admitted on-campus and online students must provide required immunization documentation or request an approved exemption.

Required Immunization Documentation

• Two (2) doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccination.
• One (1) dose of Meningitis vaccination given after the 16th birthday (if age 21 or younger).
  • Accepted brands of Meningitis vaccine include Menactra, Menveo and MenQuadfi.
• International students: You must also complete Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment electronically on your MyHealth Patient Portal. You are strongly encouraged to get your required immunizations prior to coming to the United States. 

See the Student Health Services website for complete details on how to upload your immunization records electronically or request an exemption.

Questions?

Student Health Services
701.777.4500
UND.studenthealth@UND.edu

International students are required to have health insurance while attending UND. Most international students are required to purchase the North Dakota University System health insurance plan unless they qualify for and receive an approved waiver.

Review the health insurance information to learn about coverage, costs, enrollment and waiver requirements for international students.

Approximately three to four weeks before the start of your first semester at UND, you'll receive an email to your UND student account with instructions on how to complete a mandatory online training program that covers topics such as:

• Sexual violence
• Alcohol and drugs
• Fire safety
• Campus policies

Please discuss the implications with your family prior to coming to campus.

Student Technology Requirements

Whether you’re taking courses in the classroom or online, it’s important to have the right technology and equipment.

Visit the University IT website for an overview of student technology requirements. 

Free Software

As a UND student, you'll receive Microsoft 365 Apps for free, which includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, Outlook and more.

You may install Microsoft 365 Apps on a maximum of five (5) home or personally-owned PCs / Macs and on a maximum of five (5) mobile devices. Office mobile applications are accessible on iPhone and Android phones.

Technology Support Services

Get acquainted with University Information Technology and the support services they provide to students through the UND Tech Guide.

The U Card is your official UND identification and credential card. Carry it with you at all times.

Your U Card provides access to many campus buildings, library resource materials, printing funds, as well as entrance to the Wellness Center, dining services and all athletic events.

Order U CARD

When ordering your U Card, make sure you follow the photo requirements or your photo will be rejected and you will need to resubmit it.

Make your housing arrangements before arriving in Grand Forks. Whether you choose to live on campus or off campus, you are responsible for securing your housing before you travel. 

The International Center recommends that students consider living on campus, especially during their first year at UND.

Living On Campus

After claiming your NDUS account, you can apply online for campus housing.

UND offers two on-campus housing options:

• Residence halls for traditional student living. If you plan to live in a residence hall, follow the housing application timeline for your entry term. 
  • If you'll need housing during winter break, consider requesting Brannon Hall. It is the only residence hall that remains open year-round.
• Campus apartments, which are available to apply for year-round. 

Early Arrival

• If you plan to arrive before the regular residence hall move-in date to attend Orientation,  you'll also need to request early arrival housing.
• Registration for early arrival housing is available before each semester.
• Instructions for requesting early arrival housing will be sent about a month before the semester begins.
• Be sure to apply for your residence hall assignment before then, as the early arrival request is separate from your housing application. 

Questions?

UND Housing & Residence Life Office
701.777.4251
housing@UND.edu

Living Off Campus

If you choose to live off campus, you'll need to arrange your housing independently before arriving. The International Center is unable to assist with finding off-campus housing. 

You can explore off-campus housing options through local rental listings, online housing groups and recommendations from other UND students.

Preparing to study in a new country involves more than completing paperwork. These resources can help you learn what to expect before you arrive and make your transition to UND easier.

Grand Forks Resources

Check out resources for living in Grand Forks, including where to shop, transportation options, things to do, places of worship and much more. 

Safety & Well-Being

Review safety and well-being resources to learn about adjusting to U.S. culture, coping with cultural shock, preparing for North Dakota winters and finding support at UND.

International Peer Mentor

Through UND's International Peer Mentor Program, you will be paired with a current UND student. Your mentor will contact you shortly before your arrival to answer questions, share advice and help you prepare for life at UND.

English Conversation Sessions

The International Center offers free English Conversation Sessions to help you build confidence and fluency in a friendly setting. Sessions are open to international students and their dependents age 18 and older.

Complete the English Conversation Sessions Sign-Up Form to participate.

EducationUSA Pre-Departure Guide

Education USA, a U.S. Department of State network, offers a free pre-departure guide with practical information about studying in the United States. The guide covers topics such as preparing for travel, understanding U.S. culture and getting settled after you arrive.

You may enter the United States a maximum of 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.

To ensure you can participate fully in International Student Orientation, we recommend arriving in Grand Forks at least one day before orientation begins. This will give you some time to get settled and begin to recover from jet leg.

Once your travel plans are finalized, share your arrival details with your International Peer Mentor. 

You can reach Grand Forks by airplane, train and bus.

Air Travel

Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) is served by Delta Air Lines and Allegiant Air. Delta offers multiple flights each day from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP),  while Allegiant provides seasonal or limited service from select destinations.

Train

Amtrak serves Grand Forks with two daily trains: around 1 a.m. from the West Coast and around 5 a.m. from Chicago.

Because train service is limited, we recommend making reservations in advance. 

Bus

Jefferson Lines, in cooperation with Greyhound Bus, serves Grand Forks. Bus schedules are limited, so plan your travel accordingly.

Getting to Campus

The International Center offers free airport pick-up from the Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) for two weeks before fall and spring International Student Orientation. If you plan to use this service, complete the Airport Pick-Up Form with your arrival information.

Uber, Lyft and local taxi services are also available from the Grand Forks airport, train station and bus depot.

Flying into Fargo

If you are unable to fly into Grand Forks and arrive at the Hector International Airport (FAR) in Fargo instead, you will need to arrange transportation to Grand Forks, about 70 miles (110 km) away.

Options to get to Grand Forks include taxi or rideshare services, which can be costly, or Jefferson Lines bus service. Bus schedules are limited, and the bus stop is about 15 minutes from the Fargo airport.

• If you won't be able to move directly into your permanent housing, make arrangements for a place to stay when you arrive in Grand Forks. 
• If you will be living in a UND residence hall or campus apartment:
  • Confirm your move-in date with Housing & Residence Life Office.
  • Request Early Arrival Housing from the residence halls if you will be arriving before the regular move in date.

If you are unable to stay in campus housing the first night, make a reservation in one the hotels located near campus.

If you are unable to arrive in Grand Forks in time for International Student Orientation, you may need to request permission to arrive late or defer your admission to the next semester. 

Understand Your Program Dates

UND determines program dates based on the North Dakota University System academic calendar.

• Your initial session start date is the first day of classes listed on the Academic Calendar.
• Your program start date is the date of the International Student Orientation, typically one to five days before classes begin.

You may not enter the United States more than 30 days after the program start date.

Once the program dates have passed, they cannot be changed. If you are unable to arrive within the permitted timeframe, you will need to defer your admission to a future semester. 

Request Permission for a Late Arrival

Late arrival permission is not guaranteed. Only faculty and academic advisors can determine whether it is possible for you to arrive late and still enroll full time as required by federal law.

Faculty are not required to accommodate a late arrival or help you catch up on missed coursework. Depending on how late you arrive, approval may require faculty to provide additional academic support, such as:

• Adjusting course deadlines
• Allowing incomplete grades
• Scheduling additional one-on-one meetings
• Helping you access tutoring or other academic support

If your faculty and academic advisor determine that you can arrive late and meet full-time enrollment requirements, you should obtain written documentation of their approval and carry it with you when entering the United States.

Permission to arrive late does not exempt you from International Student Orientation requirements. Orientation provides important information about the regulations and restrictions of F-1 status. Even if you arrive late, you are responsible for understanding and following all F-1 regulations and requirements.

Defer Your Admission

If you cannot arrive in time for International Student Orientation and are not approved for a late arrival, you will need to defer your admissions to the next semester.

• Undergraduate students: Contact admissions@UND.edu
• Graduate students: Contact your academic department to complete the Move Admission Request Form.

All F-1 and J-1 students are required to complete the SEVIS registration after arriving in the United States.

You must complete the SEVIS registration and Commitment to Maintain Status Form within 30 days of the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Review the SEVIS Registration Process for instructions and the forms you'll need to complete.

International Student Orientation is mandatory for new international students beginning in the fall or spring semester.

During Orientation, you'll learn important information about maintaining your F-1 status, including the regulations and requirements you must follow while studying in the United States. 

Check the International Student Orientation website for the date, time and additional information about your upcoming orientation.

Graduate Students

The School of Graduate Studies also offers an online orientation for new graduate students as well as welcome events 

Visit the Graduate Student Orientation website for more information.

You'll use a variety of different student systems throughout your UND experience. Before classes begin, familiarize yourself with these main systems and how you will use them. 

Campus Connection

Campus Connection is the system you'll use to manage your student account information, including registering for classes, managing your financial aid and paying your bills. 

Before classes begin, make sure you go to Student Self Service within Campus Connection to:

• Review your class schedule.
• Complete your emergency contact information. 
• Add/update your student cell phone to receive UND texts. 

Blackboard

For many of your courses, Blackboard will be an important and useful tool. Blackboard is an online system that gives you access to your course information, including syllabi, grades, handouts, presentation, quizzes and exams.

It is important to check Blackboard regularly for course updates.

Hawk Central

Hawk Central is a tool that helps you do the following:

• Create personalized graduation plans with your academic advisor.
• Track your degree progress.
• Plan your course schedule each semester.
• Find people and offices around campus who can help you be successful, such as your instructors and academic advisor. 
• Schedule an appointment with an advisor.

How to Login

To access Campus Connection, Blackboard, Hawk Central and other systems you'll use as a student:

• Select "Logins" at the top of any page while on the UND website.
• Click the appropriate link.
• Follow the login instructions.
• Most often, you'll use your NDUS account information (e.g., firstname.lastname and password).

You have the option to buy or rent textbooks (new, used and/or digital) as well as use financial aid to charge your books at the UND Bookstore. 

There are a few ways to identify your required textbooks and other course materials for the upcoming semester:

1. Campus Connection

• Log into Campus Connection to see your textbook list by class and order directly through the UND Bookstore.
• Click Manage Classes > View My Classes.
• On the bottom, click the blue "Buy My Books" button to pull up the UND Bookstore with all your required materials.

2. UND Bookstore

• Visit the UND Bookstore website to find your textbooks online. You can have them shipped to your residence or pick them up at the store.
• You may also shop in person.

Ordering Textbooks Video

Questions?

UND Bookstore
701.407.0448
UND@bkstr.com

Eligibility

• F-1 and J-1 students may be eligible for on-campus Institutional Employment while attending UND.
• International students are not eligible for Federal Work Study positions.
• Before applying for a job, review employment information to understand your employment eligibility, requirements and restrictions.

20 Hours Per Week

• While classes are in session, F-1 and J-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week in eligible on-campus employment.
• If you have more than one campus job, your combined hours cannot exceed 20 hours per week. 
• Graduate students: Graduate assistantships count toward the 20-hour-per-week employment limit. Contact your academic department or the School of Graduate Studies for information about graduate assistantships.

Find Campus Job Openings

Visit the UND Student Employment website to search for Institutional Employment (Non-Work Study) job openings.

If you have been offered a job, you will need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). International students are eligible for an SSN only if they have evidence of employment. 

Your SEVIS record must be active before you can complete the application process. 

Review Social Security Numbers for application instructions, required documents and information about requesting the necessary employment verification letters.

You may want to open a U.S. bank account after you arrive in Grand Forks to help manage your money and expenses while attending UND.

If you have questions about opening a bank account in the U.S., speak with an advisor at the International Center for more information.

Make a Payment

• View your Campus Connection account to verify that you're being charged the correct tuition rate.
• Review options to pay your bill. Payments can be made online through Campus Connection.
• A reminder that your outstanding balance is due by the following dates to avoid a late fee:
  • Fall = Oct. 15
  • Spring = March 15
  • Summer = July 15

International Payments

If you live outside of the United States and need to make a payment, visit Flywire for directions.

Campus Connection Authorized User

To permit someone else (family member) to view your tuition bill and make payments, you must set up an authorized user in your Campus Connection account.

Questions?

One-Stop Student Services
701.777.1234
onestop@UND.edu

Immigration regulations affecting international students may change. 

Review the Duration of Status Updates for the latest information and guidance from the UND International Center. 

Stay up-to-date with important academic dates and deadlines by checking out UND's academic calendars, which include:

• Semester start/end dates
• Add/drop deadlines
• Financial aid deadlines
• Billing due dates
• Holidays

You can use our interactive academic calendars to save individual dates directly to your own calendar system by clicking on the "Add to Calendar" link. You also can receive email reminders for an event by clicking on the "I'm Interested" button.

Important Dates & Deadlines

1. Visit the UND events calendar.
2. Download the My UND app. Opt into the communication channels that interest you.
3. Follow @UNDstudentlife on Instagram.
4. Add your cell phone number to Campus Connection to receive student life text messages.
5. Watch for the Student Life Weekly newsletter to arrive in your inbox every Monday during the academic year. 
6. Read the Dakota Student newspaper.
7. Tag your social media posts with #UNDproud and see yourself on the UND home page.

Connect with the School of Graduate Studies

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

The School of Graduate Studies sends weekly emails with information pertinent to our graduate student community including deadlines, announcements, events and assistantship opportunities. If you are not receiving the weekly newsletter, please contact gradschool@UND.edu.

International students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but other funding options may be available to help with educational expenses.

Scholarship Central

Now that you're accepted to UND, you can apply annually for 1,400+ scholarships with one application at Scholarship Central from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1 for the following academic year.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are nonfederal loans offered by banks, credit unions, state agencies or schools to help cover educational expenses

International students may explore private education loan options through the FASTChoice tool.

Review eligibility and loan requirements carefully before applying. 

UND Emergency Funding

International students may be eligible for emergency financial assistance through UND, including:

• Open Door Scholarship
• Angel Fund Scholarship

Review the eligibility requirements for each program to determine whether you qualify.

Graduate Student Funding

Graduate students may be eligible for graduate assistantships and tuition waivers. Contact your academic department to learn about available opportunities and eligibility requirements.

UND offers interest-free payment plans to help you break down your total costs owed to UND into affordable monthly payments.

Your options for a 3-, 4- or 5-month payment plan are determined by the date you sign up. The earlier you sign up, the more you can spread out your payments.

There is a $30 fee for payment plan enrollment.

Payment Plan Options

Keep in mind the following:

• Use our net price calculator to estimate your tuition payment to UND, after any financial aid is factored in.
• If you received financial aid, it will be applied to your bill after the last day to drop/add a course for that semester.
• If you don't have a payment plan in place, you'll need to pay any outstanding balance by the following dates to avoid a late fee:
  • Fall: Oct. 15
  • Spring: March 15

Questions?

One-Stop Student Services
701.777.1234
onestop@UND.edu

Permits are required if you're parking a vehicle on campus. Keep in mind UND is a walkable campus with free shuttle services, so you may not need a vehicle. 

Free Shuttle Services

• Campus Shuttle: Takes you to all major parts of campus, Monday-Friday.
• Aviation Shuttle: Runs 7 days a week between Ryan Hall, Wilkerson Commons and UND Flight Operations at the airport.
• Off-Campus Shuttle: Free citywide bus system with your student ID.  

Overnight 24/7 Parking Permits

• Students living in UND residence halls, apartments or Greek housing have special permit options to park overnight (24/7) in designated campus lots based on their housing assignment.
• Overnight (O) parking permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. For each residence hall, there are convenient and perimeter options. The convenient zones will sell out.
• View the Student Parking Permits webpage for more information about on-campus residence hall and apartment parking. 

Off-Campus Student Permits

• If you're not living on campus, you may purchase a Student Reserved (SR) or Student (S) permit and park in designated lots.
• Parking Ramp permits are also available and sell out quickly. Additionally Overnight (O) and Economy Lot (Econ) permits are available for off-campus students.
• View the Student Parking Permits webpage for more information. 

Purchasing a Parking Permit

• Annual permits are valid from Aug. 16 to Aug. 15 of the following year. 
• You'll be able to access the UND Parking Portal two business days after registering for classes.
• Once you purchase a permit, your license plate serves as your virtual permit.

Questions?

UND Parking Services
701.777.3551
parking@UND.edu

UND’s policy for personal electric vehicles (PEVs), including scooters, skateboards, hoverboards and electric bikes, was created to address fire and other safety concerns.

PEVs are subject to be impounded at the owner’s expense if found inside UND buildings or are parked, charged or stored improperly. There is absolutely no charging in campus buildings and PEVs may only be parked in UND bike racks located at least 20 feet from campus buildings.

All UND students are required to register their bicycles and PEVs. Registration is free and can be done in person at the Office of Safety – 3851 Campus Road.

To register a bicycle or PEV, you will need the following information:

• Serial number
• Description (make, model and color)
• The bicycle or PEV does not need to be with you at the time of registration

Bicycles and PEVs, whether registered or unregistered, are subject to citation and impoundment when violations of storage/charging requirements occur.

Visit the Office of Safety website for more information.

Questions?

UND Office of Safety
701.777.3341
UND.safety@UND.edu

If you're struggling with one of your courses, don't be afraid to ask for help.

Academic Support Services

As a UND student, you have access to a variety of academic services at no additional cost, including:

• Tutoring
• Study skills support

Writing Center

The Writing Center is a place for students to discuss their work in progress with a writing consultant. Common projects consultants can assist you with are:

• Class assignments
• Resumes and CVs
• Application essays
• Graduate theses and doctoral dissertations

Library Services

The Chester Fritz Library offers a variety of services to help you with your classes and research. The librarians are happy to meet with on-campus and online students to provide an orientation to the library and research services available.

UND offers a variety of health and safety information, resources and support for concerns such as:

• Accommodations for students with disabilities
• Mental health
• Public safety
• Policies
• Health and well-being
• Discrimination

Use our interactive SafeUND website to quickly find the help you need.

You may also download the UND SafeCampus mobile app to receive important safety alerts and access to resources.

Graduate Student Resources

The UND School of Graduate Studies offers a variety of resources to support you in your academic and professional careers, including:

• Gershman Graduate Center, which provides a space exclusively for graduate students to connect with their peers.
• Career & Professional Development Workshops, including a variety of topics such as grant writing, crafting presentations and interview skills.
• Thesis & Dissertation Support to help you successfully complete your graduate degree.

Explore the School of Graduate Studies website for more information on all of the resources and support services available to you.

Guide to Graduation

As a UND graduate student, you're expected to review graduation resources and other forms that may be required by your department or program. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the School of Graduate Studies 

Graduate Assistants: Please pay particular attention to the Graduate Assistantship information guiding you to payroll.