Welcome to UWF!
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.
Who do I contact? | What are my next steps? | Additional Information | |
Proof of Financial Resources | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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:
Resources to understand US Healthcare and Insurance UWF Student Health Services Frequently Asked Questions Local Urgent Care and Emergency Room Facilities
Overview of the US Healthcare System for International Students | |
Transfer your I-20 to UWF | 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 EntryArrive 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. If you are confirmed to live on campus, enter the building number or the name of your residence hall. If you are living off campus, be sure to have the correct street address. |
Who do I contact? | What are my next steps? | Additional Information | |
Academic Advising&Course Registration | Newly Admitted First-year Students Newly Admitted Transfer Students Newly Admitted Graduate Students Academic Advising Information for Current Undergraduate 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
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. |
Immunizations | UWF Student Health Services can assist you with questions about completing your immunization requirements. | Please upload your documents before you contact Health Services. This allows the immunization team to review your details. | |
Housing | 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. |
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 | These local hotels may offer special rates for UWF. Ask for the UWF rate when booking. | 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. |
For more information, you can also visit Essential Campus Services
Who do I contact? | Overview | More Information | |
Nautilus Card(UWF Student ID Card) | 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 | 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 | 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. | 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 | UWF Postal and Passport Services operates a full-service U.S. Post Office in the University Commons (Bldg. 22).Pages on this Topic | ||
Dining Services | 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. |