ARRIVING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - NEXT STEPS
PREPARING FOR YOUR MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE
The Office of International Programs and Services is here to help you prepare for a successful transition to the U.S. and university life. This includes helping you understand and secure the necessary documentation you and your family members will need to enter the U.S as an international student and maintain your status once you have arrived. Please contact the office with any additional questions at International.Services@Millersville.edu.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:
STEP 1: ACCEPT ADMISSION AND CONFIRM INTENT OF ENROLLMENT (OBTAIN INITAL I-20 OR DS-2019)
- Accept your offer of admission by contacting the International Admissions office at InternationalAdmissions@Millersville.edu
- Should you require an F or J visa to attend Millersville University
- Access your Application Status Page: https://applygrad.millersville.edu/apply/status
- Complete the ‘Source of Funds’ form: https://applygrad.millersville.edu/register/sourceoffunds
- Provide ‘Proof of Funds’ that addresses the amount detailed on your Financial Cost Sheet (found on your application portal)
- Provide a copy of your passport (and for those of each of your dependents)
- Access your Application Status Page: https://applygrad.millersville.edu/apply/status
- Immigration documents
- I-20 will be released on your application status page.
- DS-2019 for the J students are included in the admission documentation mailed to admitted students. Double-check the documents for any errors.
STEP 2: PROVIDE OFFICIAL &/OR COMPLETE TRANSCRIPTS AND TEST SCORES
**This step pertains to all degree-seeking students to Millersville University**
- If you provided a copy of your official documentation to Millersville University directly at the time of admission, you will need to provide official copies to Millersville prior to enrollment.
- No materials provided to Millersville directly by you via email can be considered “official”
- Digital Transcripts can be provided to Millersville University at internationaladmissions@millersville.edu. All emails accounts must be verifiable and clearly hosted/associated with the institution originating the transcripts.
- Transcripts from domestic institutions can be sent to MU via parchment – regardless of degree, please select the ‘graduate college’.
- Only physical copies that are in an envelope sealed by the institution that issued the documentation, with that seal unbroken, can be considered official
- Materials provided directly to Millersville from a NACES or AICE evaluation company can be considered official
- All materials must in your native language must be accompanied by an English translation. Translations can be obtained from a NACES or AICE evaluation company or an ATA Certified Translator.
- Final copies of transcripts must be provided to Millersville University by your home institution, even if official materials were provided to Millersville at the time of application.
- Official English Language Test Scores are required to be provided to Millersville university if they were not verified at the time of admissions.
Failure to provide these materials to Millersville prior to enrollment your first term at MU, will result in a hold placed on your account preventing future registration.
STEP 3: PAY SEVIS FEE or SEVIS TRANSFER (F & J VISA)
- Immigration documents (I-20 or DS-2019) are included in the admission welcome packet mailed to admitted students. Double-check the documents for any errors.
- Pay the REQUIRED SEVIS Fee online at fmjfee.com.
- Students already in the U.S. on a student visa should complete the Transfer In Form with their current immigration officer and email it to International@Millersville.edu to start the process of transferring their SEVIS record.
STEP 4: SCHEDULE VISA APPOINTMENT AND PREPARE FOR A SUCCESSFUL VISA INTERVIEW (F & J VISA)
- Complete Form DS-160.
- Schedule an appointment at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy to apply for the F-1 or J-1 student visa. You can look up your local embassy or consulate online. Visit state.gov for more information on applying for a visa.
- Wait times for visa appointments can differ. The Travel.State.Gov website allows you to check wait times for your local embassy or consulate online.
- Notify IPS with your visa appointment date.
- Review the visa appointment Practice Questions.
- Read NAFSA’s 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa.
- Bring your SEVIS fee receipt, Millersville University admission letter, official bank statements, I-20 or DS-2019 Form, and passport with you to this appointment.
STEP 5: ACCESS MU ACCOUNTS
If you are in the U.S.:
- To set up your MU account, go to https://myaccount.millersville.edu
- Choose the First time Account Setup and follow the instructions provided and make sure to write down all usernames and passwords.
- Upon the first login, you will need to set up authentication. You will see a page that says, "More Information." This is where you will put in your text number and off-campus personal email address. MU IT recommends using the phone application called Microsoft Authenticator to authenticate. If you see an option to use the application, IT recommends you follow the instructions provided.
If you are outside the U.S.:
- To set up your MU account, go to https://myaccount.millersville.edu
- Select "Forgot Password"
- Enter your MU email address
- Verify your account with your personal email address that you used when you applied.
- Then set up a password for your account.
General Notes:
- Once you are able to access your account, you may upload a picture online for your student ID card. You can learn how and other information about using your student ID card here.
- If you have any issues in the process, please contact MU IT Services at Help.Desk@millersville.edu where someone will assist you.
- Students attending Millerville on an F visa will be eligible for steps 6, 9 & 10 once confirmation that the visa has been awarded has been received by IPS staff.
STEP 6: CHOOSE HOUSING
- Millersville University freshman and any degree-seeking student with fewer than 60 credits must live on campus. Read about on-campus housing here.
- The Office of International Programs and Services will work with exchange students regarding their specific housing option(s).
- Information on exceptions to the on-campus housing requirement can be found on the MU Housing website.
- If you are approved to live off-campus refer to the off-campus housing options.
- Complete this form to confirm your housing choice.
- Students attending Millerville on an F visa will be eligible to reserve housing once confirmation that the visa has been awarded has been received by IPS staff.
STEP 7: SUBMIT HEALTH EVALUATION FORM TO HEALTH SERVICES
- The Health Evaluation Form is required of all students attending Millersville University. Find additional instructions for completing the form HERE.
- Students will not be permitted to attend classes at MU or live in university arranged housing without completing them.
- All forms must be completed in English or be submitted with a certified translation.
- Completed forms should be sent to Millersville University Health Services (hservices@millersville.edu), as is outlined in the packet.
STEP 8: PURCHASE HEALTH INSURANCE
- All Millersville students are required to have health insurance.
- Access the Health Insurance Form for insurance requirements. You will see more information about our recommended health insurance provider, ISO insurance. If you choose a different provider, you will have to complete a waiver and submit the necessary documents to prove you are insured.
- International student athletes and students participating in intramural or club sports must purchase an insurance plan that covers these activities.
- Insurance coverage start date should be your arrival date in the U.S., or the start of orientation if you currently live in the U.S.
- Read more about health and wellness while at Millersville.
STEP 9: FIND YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR AND REGISTRATION
- Students can find their academic adviser via their MAX account. IPS will send you more detailed instructions on this through email.
- Transfer students will create their own schedules and can refer to these instructions for guidance in registering.
- Students attending Millerville on an F visa will be eligible for registration once confirmation that the visa has been awarded has been received by IPS staff.
STEP 10: PAY MU BILL
Millersville University has partnered with TransferMate to provide seamless international payments through your online student account.
- Students should pay their bill in full before arriving to Millersville.
- Log into your Student Account Manager (SAM), select Make A Payment, choose TransferMate from the dropdown menu of Payment Type options, and follow prompts.
- Payments will not be applied to student accounts until funds are received. TransferMate is intended as a payment method for university billed charges only.
- For a more detailed step-by-step guide, click here or watch this video.
- TransferMate offers 24/7 customer support in multiple languages CONTACT TRANSFERMATE.
- Additional payment options can be found on the Office of Student Accounts website
STEP 11: COMPLETE CHECK-IN AND ARRIVAL FORM
- Let us know when you plan to check-in with IPS before the start of orientation by completing the Arrival Form.
- Check the orientation website to monitor important arrival dates and information, plan accordingly
- Access your MyGlobalMU Portal to upload your immigration documents.
STEP 12: PREPARE FOR INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION
- Participation in International Student Orientation is a mandatory visa requirement.
- All students should complete the online orientation for a first introduction to Millersville by January 1 (spring start) August 1 (fall start). Online orientation does not replace taking part in on-campus orientation before the start of the semester.
We look forward to meeting you soon!
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IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTATION
To enter the U.S., you will need the following documents:
- Millersville University I-20 Form for F-1 students or DS-2019 Form for J-1 students
- A valid F-1/J-1 visa* (the visa sticker in your passport) issued by the U.S. embassy/consulate in your country of origin
- A valid passport
- Your SEVIS fee receipt
- A letter of admission from Millersville University
* Canadian citizens do not have a visa sticker in their passports.
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ENTERING THE U.S. AND THE I-94 FORM
Please be advised that you may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the start date listed in section 5 on your I-20 or on your DS-2019.
The United States Customs and Border Protection tracks your proof of legal visitor status to the U.S. and recent travel history. This information is saved through your I-94 number/record. It is advised that you keep a copy of your most recent I-94 record after each entry to the U.S., which you can find on the I-94 website. Select “Get Most Recent I-94" to access your record.
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DEPARTING AND RE-ENTERING THE UNITED STATES
When you re-enter the United States, you should expect more thorough screening procedures at airports and other ports of entry. Your identity and the validity of your visa and immigration document I-20 or DS-2019 will be checked against U.S. law enforcement databases.
You may also be subject to in-depth questioning about your immigration status, travel history, the purpose of your visit, background, and other issues, and potentially inspection of personal belongings and luggage, photocopying of documents, etc. You can potentially be delayed by a “secondary inspection” if you do not have proper documents, had some previous immigration problem or error, or simply fall under certain criteria or circumstance.
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QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS?
If you have specific questions regarding the entry process for international students please contact International.Services@Millersville.edu.
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LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
BUS
International students can use the Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA) to access local buses. MU students may access the MU Xpress, MU Park City Xpress and Route 16 at no charge by showing their student ID cards, which students receive during International Student Orientation. It is important to know that there can often be delays for bus routes in the United States so be sure to leave a bit early.Note: These bus routes are only active during the fall and spring academic terms, and are generally not provided during holidays.
MU students who would like to travel to other locations on RRTA's buses will need to transfer bus lines. Students can show their student ID cards for the base fare on Route 16 and MU Park City Xpress and ask the driver for a transfer slip. When you transfer to another bus, give the driver the transfer slip and additional money.
AMTRAK TRAIN
There is an Amtrak train station in Lancaster city, about 10-15 minutes from campus. The Lancaster station is connected to the Philadelphia station. From the Philadelphia station, students can access, New York City, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.TAXI/RIDE SHARE
Students can use Uber, Lyft, or other local taxi services. Many of these require the use of a smart phone and require downloading a phone application. -
OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
Immerse International: Immerse was founded in 1987 to be a multicultural community where international students can thrive in personal relationships, professional development and spiritual formation. They are not part of Millersville University. Click HERE for more information.
Most rooms are double occupancy. The leases/contracts are for 12 months, but shorter terms can be arranged upon request. 25% of the residents are American students that have expressed interest in making friendships with international students. Utilities, WiFi, Cable TV, and meals/self-service food is included.
Student Lodging Inc.: This company is an off-campus housing provider many Millersville students use. SLI strives to give students more freedom than residence hall living, but keep the safety and security as close as possible to the standards on-campus. Their properties are all within a close proximity of MU. Click HERE for more information.
Manor House Apartments: Apartments can be found in the vicinity of Millersville University’s campus. Manor House offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with options for fully furnished apartments. The complex comes with several amenities like a community swimming pool, 24/7 fitness center, and community center. Click HERE for more information.
Millers Crossing Apartments: Apartments can be found in the vicinity of Millersville University’s campus. The complex comes with different amenities like a tennis court, community swimming pool, and fitness center. Click HERE for more information.
Other Options: There are a number of shared local apartments; many are in walking distance to MU’s campus. If you decide that you wish to live in an apartment, you will be solely responsible for contacting your landlord, arranging your deposit payment which will be due before you arrive in the US, your check-in day, obtaining furniture, finding roommates, etc.
*Keep in mind that off-campus apartments are typically unfurnished so you would be responsible for purchasing and transporting furniture once you arrive.
If you live at Immerse International, food items are provided in the student kitchen for self-service meals.
If you are in an apartment you will be responsible for cooking meals on your own. There is a John Herr’s grocery store within a 20
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SELECTING COURSES
Once you have your Millersville student ID and login information you may begin selecting courses. To research courses for the specific term you want to study at Millersville, you need to access the Registrar's Website.
The above link brings you to the Registrar’s Office website. Under WEB SCHEDULES you can look up courses by subject, department, or other categories. Our office recommends looking up courses by using the Search by Subject.
The Academic Calendar is also listed on the Registrar's Office website. You can view important semester dates, as well as access the university course catalog. The catalog provides an entire list of courses at Millersville with short course descriptions.
To search courses:
- Select Search by Subject
- Select the term for the session you need to register for.
- Select the subject by scrolling through the subject list.
- Select the appropriate course type (Undergraduate or Graduate Courses) and All Courses.
- Click Submit. You will then see the list of all courses offered in that subject during the term you selected.
Classes will appear in a chart with the following information:
- CRN number,
- Course code indicating the subject,
- Credits,
- Course title,
- Days and times,
- Location building and room number (You may see “TBD” To Be Determined, which means the location may be updated closer to the start of the term),
- Name of the professor,
- The number of open/available seats.
- The final column is only necessary for degree-seeking students, it will indicate which general education attributes are assigned.
Important Notes:
- The words course and class are considered to have the same meaning.
- Be sure to communicate with your academic advisor(s) at Millersville University (or for Exchange and Visiting students, be in contact with your academic advisor at your home university) so that they approve the classes you are planning to take.
- After the start of the academic term, you only have 1 week to add or change class schedules.
- To find out more information about what is taught in each course, you may click on the title for a short description.
Prerequisites & Corequisites:
Under the course title in red text, important notices are listed about the class, including if there are any required prerequisite courses. Prerequisites are classes that students must take before they are allowed to take another course. For example, you cannot take an upper level Spanish Language course if you have not taken the beginner level Spanish Language course. Corequisites are classes that must be taken at the same time.