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Welcome to UWF!

Excerpt

UWF International Affairs welcomes international students from over 70 countries.  

This resource guide includes important information for F-1 students who have been admitted to UWF. 

International Affairs and the university also provide information by email.  

It is important that you check your email regularly.

If you have any questions, please follow up with the contact listed below.



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Who do I contact?

What are my next steps?

Additional Information


Proof of Financial Resources

international@uwf.edu



Request an I-20 

The first step is to submit a copy of your passport and proof of financial support for your study program.

When this is complete, you will receive your I-20 by email.

If you plan to transfer your I-20 to UWF, please review Steps to Transfer an I-20

We recommend that you complete this step as soon as possible so that you can schedule a visa appointment. 

If your plans change, please email international@uwf.edu with details.


Scholarships and Funding Opportunities

Awards and Scholarships: Undergraduate

International Affairs Scholarships and Linkages

Graduate Funding Opportunities

Additional Scholarship Information 

Please note that F-1 students are not eligible for federal work study and some types of aid or scholarships. It is important to read the eligibility requirements for each opportunity.



Apply for your VISA


 international@uwf.edu

Schedule a Visa Appointment

There are several steps to apply for a visa. You need your I-20 to make the appointment.

Please consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website for information for that location.

If the earliest visa appointment is too late for you to arrive on time:

1  Schedule the first available  appointment 

2. Follow the instructions to schedule an emergency visa appointment

You can find more information on the  website of your embassy or consulate

Four Steps to Help You Apply for a Visa 

Five Ways to Prepare for your Visa Interview

10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa This resource also has videos available through some US Embassy websites.


If you have a valid F-1 visa, you may use it to enter the United States.

F-1 Check-in

Check In Steps for F-1 Students

All new international students, including transfer students, must complete check in with UWF International Affairs.

Most of the check in steps can be done before you arrive in Pensacola.

After you complete check in, you will get a new I-20. 

This I-20 shows CONTINUED ATTENDANCE. This means that you are enrolled and studying at UWF.



Health Insurance

international@uwf.edu 

Maintaining Required Insurance as an F-1 or J-1 Student


You can enroll in a Pre-approved insurance plan by the UWF.

OR

You can Use your Own Insurance, as long as you complete a waiver form by the deadline.

After the posted waiver deadlines:

  • alternative insurance WILL NOT be accepted.
  • Students will need to enroll in the IFS plan for UWF students. 

Resources to understand US Healthcare and Insurance

UWF Student Health Services Frequently Asked Questions

Local Urgent Care and Emergency Room Facilities

  • If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER).
  • For non-emergency care, visit Student Health Services, an urgent care or doctor's office.

Overview of the US Healthcare System for International Students



Transfer your I-20 to UWF

international@uwf.edu 

Contact your current international student advisor. 

They need a copy of your admission letter to transfer your I-20 to the University of West Florida.

Transferring a Form I-20 to UWF 

This page has Transfer Instructions and the UWF SEVIS school code.

Email international@uwf.edu to inform the advising team that you will be transferring your I-20.

Arrival at a US Port of Entry



Arrive in Pensacola

international@uwf.edu 

You should always present your I-20 to a Customs and Border Protection Officer when you arrive in the US and state to the officer that you are entering as an F-1 student.


Arrive in Pensacola

If you arrive by plane, you can take a taxi, Uber or Lyft to your room.

UWF International Affairs is not able to provide airport pick up.

If you plan on using bank cards and accounts from abroad, make sure they will work in the U.S. before travel. You will only need cash for food, taxi services, and emergencies. Do not travel with large amounts of cash. After you have your new address, you may open a checking account at a local bank.


I-94 Arrival Form

The Form I-94 shows your current admission to the U.S. You must print a new copy each time you arrive in the U.S. Contact International Programs immediately if your I-94 does not show D/S or Duration of Status for the Admit Until Date.

Check out Study in the States for more information and the link to print your I-94: F-1 Students: Remember to Check for “D/S” on Your Form I-94.


UWF Campus Map

If you are confirmed to live on campus, enter the building number or the name of your residence hall.

Google Maps 

If you are living off campus, be sure to have the correct street address.



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Who do I contact? 

What are my next steps?

Additional Information

Enrollment Requirements

Students work with their academic advisor to plan their courses.

Academic Advising

Enroll full time your first semester at UWF.

F-1 students must enroll full time during the academic year: fall and spring semesters.

Full time enrollment:

Undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours with at least 9 face-to-face credit hours.  

Graduate students must enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours with at least 3 face-to-face credit hours.

Intensive English Program Students:

Students in the Intensive English Program do not need to register for classes. You will get a class schedule on the first day of classes.


Academic Advising

 &

Course Registration

Newly Admitted First-year Students

Newly Admitted Transfer Students

Newly Admitted Graduate Students


Intensive English Program Students:

Students in the Intensive English Program do not need to register for classes. You will get a class schedule on the first day of classes.

Click here for step-by-step instructions that will help students register for classes in MyUWF.  

We recommend that you register for classes as soon as possible. 

New freshmen students must attend Orientation prior to registration.


Here are some other useful links.

Searching for Course Offerings

Registering for Courses

Academic Dates and Deadlines 

  • Fee payment deadlines
  • Drop and withdrawal deadlines
  • Semester dates and holidays

Enrolling in Getting Started With Canvas Course

Using the Classmate App for Students 

Classmate includes access to your Class Schedule, Detailed Course Information (including location), Syllabus (if available), eLearning (if available), Textbooks (if available), access to register a clicker, viewing the final exam schedule, and waitlist status.

UWF Bookstore


Immunizations

healthservices@uwf.edu

UWF Student Health Services can assist you with questions about completing your immunization requirements.

Immunization Requirements

Immunization FAQs 

Please upload your documents before you contact Health Services.

This allows the immunization team to review your details.


Housing

housing@uwf.edu 

Apply to Live on Campus


Apply now!

Spring 2023 Contract is Live

On campus housing is full for Fall 2022. We recommend that you submit a housing contract as soon as possible for Spring 2023.

There will be limited rooms available. 

Room assignments will be made in the order contracts are received starting in late November

This does not guarantee you a room, and you may also want to look for off campus housing.

Students with a room assignment can arrange a check in date with UWF Housing.


You must submit Immunization documentation through Student Health Services before checking in.

Apartments and dorm rooms do NOT have sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, or study lamps. Although you will want to travel light and can buy these items after your arrival, you may want to bring some non-electrical items with you. Many electrical plugs will not fit U.S. outlets. We suggest you pack at least a towel, a face cloth, sheets, and a pillowcase. You can find additional information on what to pack here.  

If you are not able to arrive to study on campus, UWF Housing will not charge a cancellation fee or hold you to the contract.

See your Off Campus Options

There are many options for students who prefer to stay off campus. 

Use the interactive map to locate rooms or apartments near campus.

Review the lease (contract) carefully before you sign. 

Many leases are for 12 months. 

Some of the housing closest to campus is rented by room. 

Public transportation is limited, so it is recommended to live near campus if you do not plan to have a car.

Temporary housing options

Hotels - Local Discounts

These local hotels may offer special rates for UWF. Ask for the UWF rate when booking.

Vacation Homes & Condo Rentals - Airbnb - Airbnb

Woodsprings Suites - extended stay

Be sure to check the location when making a reservation. 

Many of these locations are not near campus. Public transportation is limited. If you do not have a car, you should stay near campus.




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For more information, you can also visit Essential Campus Services


Who do I contact?

Overview

More Information

Nautilus Card

(UWF Student ID Card)

auxservices@uwf.edu



1. Students may make payment for the ID fee with cash, check or money order at the Cashier's Office.

2. Students bring your receipt showing payment of the fee and a government issued photo I.D. to the Nautilus Card office Bldg.

3. Your photo will be taken and the card printed while you wait.

The Nautilus Card is the official UWF identification card. 

It is also a library card, copy card, building access card, declining balance card and meal plan card.

Payments

stuacct@uwf.edu




Students can pay fees in CashNet or at the Cashier’s Office.

Tuition and Fees Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that some payment methods have additional fees.

It is every student's responsibility to be aware of deadlines as posted in the Registrar's Academic Calendar and CashNet Activity Details page.

A parent portal is available for online payments. Student authorization is required and must be submitted through the student's CashNet.

Payment Plans. The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition, on campus housing, and meal plans at the beginning of each semester..

Transportation

Purchasing a Parking Permit

UWF Trolley Service

Free Passes for ECAT Bus Service

UWF Bike Shop

Parking permits must be purchased online. 

Students and employees should log into My UWF and search for the "Parking Transaction Portal" app, which will lead to the parking E-Business site.

UWF Parking Maps 

Appealing a Parking Citation

UWF Trolley Schedule

Target and Publix are 2.5 miles (3.7km) from campus. Wal-Mart is another option a little farther down Nine Mile Road. You can purchase food, toiletries, clothing, and items for your room or apartment. The UWF Trolley provides transportation to these locations beginning the first week of classes.

Postal and Passport Services

sfarmer@uwf.edu

UWF Postal and Passport Services operates a full-service U.S. Post Office in the University Commons (Bldg. 22).Pages on this Topic

Postal and Passport Services

More information

Dining Services

dining@uwf.edu

UWF Dining Services has 11 dining locations on campus. 

Use your Dining Dollars or Nautilus Card Declining Balance at any one of them.

First year students who live on campus must purchase a meal plan.

For all other students, a meal plan is optional.

Meal plans


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titleF-1 Student Employment Opportunities

The ability for F-1 students to do an internship, work on campus, or do other training is limited by federal regulations.

As an F-1 student, you have the opportunity to work on campus after you complete F-1 check in.

It is required to get the proper authorization before you start any position, both on campus and off campus.

Both paid and unpaid off campus work must have authorization and you must have an updated  I-20 before you start work.



Where do I find information?

What are my next steps?

Additional Information

On Campus Employment

UWF On Campus Jobs

Students may also contact on campus vendors directly such as:

  • UWF Bookstore
  • UWF Dining
  • Chick Fil A and other Argo Galley restaurants
  • Off campus locations are not considered on campus employment.





New students must complete F-1 check in before they begin work.

If you do not have a social security number (SSN), you must apply and receive your SSN before you begin work.

  • You must have a job offer to apply for the SSN.
  • Processing takes 1-2 weeks.

During Fall and Spring semesters, F-1 students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.

  • This is for all on campus jobs combined. 
  • In summer semesters, students may work more than 20 hours per week.



Team Member Recruitment for Notetaker Positions

Tutoring:

Contact departments directly for tutoring positions.

Handshake  in MyUWF 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 

CPT is work authorization for internships, practicums and other training opportunities.

Submitting a Request for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

To comply with federal regulations, the training must relate directly to the student’s major area of study.

In addition, the training must be considered either:

A. Required for the completion of a degree.

B. Attached to a credit-bearing course.

F-1 students are eligible for CPT after they have been  enrolled for 2 semesters. 

For graduate students, you may be eligible earlier if  your program includes an internship or other training as a degree requirement.

Let your academic advisor know that you are interested in an internship. 

Your academic advisor can work with you to see if this is an option for your degree plan.

If CPT is approved, you must have an updated I-20 showing the approved dates prior to beginning work.

Both paid and unpaid training opportunities must be approved through the CPT process.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Post-completion OPT gives F-1 students the opportunity to work in the United States after completion of their degree.

Application Guide and Resources for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Students are eligible to apply 90 days prior to graduation and up to 60 days after graduation.

Please review the resource guide for detailed information. 

You must include an updated I-20 with a recommendation for OPT on page 2 in your application.

OPT can be authorized one time per educational level. Please let your F-1 advisor know if you have previously had OPT work authorization.

Volunteering

Volunteering in the United States

This Study in the States resource page outlines important information for students who would like to volunteer.

“Volunteering is a great way to ‘make a difference,’ to help people where there is need and participate in your community. As an F or M student, you may volunteer while you study in the United States, but you must maintain your nonimmigrant student status by complying with Department of Homeland Security rules and regulations.”

F-1 visa holders may volunteer for public service or religious or humanitarian objectives only. There are no exceptions to these limitations






FAQs

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