Pre-arrival guide

Click here for instructions on how to activate your BlazerID. You will need your unique university student ID (also known as your B-Number). You can find this number on your Confirmation Letter. You can also email us at intouab@uab.edu

Apply for your F-1 visa right away. To start the process, you will need to use the Form I-20 that will be sent to you by intladmin@uab.edu

We offer a variety of visa support services through PASS, our Pre-Arrival Success Services program.

How can PASS help you?

1. Attend one of our information and preparatory workshops. We offer different types of virtual webinars and workshops about the F-1 visa process. Check out our events page.

2. Register for a one-on-one visa interview prep with a PASS advisor.

3. Read more about the steps to applying for a US F-1 visa.

Living on campus?

Students in the programs below are required to live in on-campus housing during their first two semesters of enrollment:

• International Year One (IYO); also known as Undergraduate Pathway students

• Academic English students also applying for IYO

• International Direct (ID) students

Students in the programs listed below are eligible, but not required, to live on campus during their program:

• Academic English only

• Graduate Pathway

• Integrated Master’s Program (IMP)

• Academic English students also applying for Graduate Pathway

You must pay your housing deposit to secure your housing assignment. You can pay the housing deposit through your unique payment link on your offer letter, or you can go to the INTO Pay website.

The move-in date for all students who have confirmed housing assignments is the day before their orientation starts. In order to get your finalized housing assignment details, you must submit your flight details through the UAB Arrivals Portal. Your residence hall assignment will be sent to you via your UAB email.

Living off campus?

• You can search for housing on the UAB Off-Campus Housing website. You will need your BlazerID to log in.

• You can also join the International Student Housing Group Chat.

1. Visit the UAB Student Health Services website to read about the required immunizations and other important health information.

2. Next, download and complete the required immunization form.

3. Finally, upload or submit this form online on BlazerNet. All immunization records must be in English.

4. Click here for the guide on submitting your immunization records.

Pay your full tuition before arrival. For online payment and wire information, please refer to the links on your offer letter or go here.

Go to the UAB Arrivals Portal to submit your flight details so that we can better support you during your arrival journey.

Complimentary airport transfer services for students arriving at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport (BHM) are available before New International Student Orientation (NISO). There are designated pick-up dates for each semester. You must submit your arrival details at least three business days before your departure to receive complimentary airport transfer.

Arriving early? If you are arriving early and would like to book a hotel, please see the university's list of recommended hotels. We strongly encourage you to reserve a hotel within walking distance of the INTO UAB Center.

You will receive details on the ALEKS math placement test as part of your pre-arrival communication. It is highly recommended that you take the test prior to arrival. More information is available here.

Need help with the math placement test? Contact Amy Snow at amsnow@uab.edu with your questions.

Alabama has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild. In Birmingham, January averages about 12°C/2°C (high/low). July averages about 32°C/22°C (high/low). Pack light, breathable clothes and a rain jacket or umbrella. Bring a warm layer or medium coat in case it gets chilly. Comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle and sun protection help year-round. Shops near campus make it easy to buy anything you forget.

You must have hard copies of the following documents. Electronic copies are not accepted at the Port of Entry. Keep your mobile phone in your backpack, not in your pocket or in your hands.

• Original Form I-20

• Valid passport with a valid F-1 visa stamp

• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt

• Proof of Funding for your tuition fees and living costs (including sponsor letter, if applicable)

• Updated billing statement from the university showing fees have been paid for the semester/term

• Health forms and immunization documentation

• All medical prescriptions written in English

• Official transcripts or test scores

• Laptop computer (turned off)

If you are unable to obtain a visa before the start date for which you have been admitted, email us immediately. You may defer your start to another intake and apply your deposit to the next semester, or you may request a refund if your visa is denied.

You should arrive during move-in week.

Timing requirements for F-1 students:

Arriving early: as an F-1 student, you are allowed to enter the US up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20. Check your I-20 for the earliest arrival date. If you arrive early, you will need to arrange your own transportation and accommodation.

Arriving late: if you arrive after the start date listed on your I-20, you may be denied entry to the US. A late arrival letter may be issued to you from your university, but this does not guarantee entry. When booking your flights, remember to plan around your move-in date.

We’re here for you. Our Student Services team is experienced in helping international students transition to living and learning in the US. Come talk to us anytime.