Welcome to UWF!
UWF International Affairs welcomes international students from over 70 countries. This resource guide includes important information for J-1 exchange students. 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 an email with your steps and a scanned copy of your DS-2109. Print all pages of the document, and sign/date in ink. You need a signed, printed copy for your visa appointment and for travel. | 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. | |
Apply for your J-1 VISA | There are several steps to apply for a J-1 visa. You need your DS-2019 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 | You are able to enter the US up to 30 days before your program start date. You can see this date on page 1 of your DS-2019. | |
J-1 Check-in | All exchange 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 an email to confirm that your check in is complete. Learning Agreements and Other FormsIf your home university needs forms completed to confirm your courses, arrival or completion of classes, please email them to international@uwf.edu or drop them off at the International Center. US Phone NumberJ-1 students must have a US phone number to maintain their status.
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Health Insurance | As an exchange student to UWF, you are required to have health insurance that meets the State of Florida requirements - these requirements are higher than the basic J1 visa insurance requirements. PLEASE NOTE: Travel insurance policies or policies that state they meet minimum J1 visa holder requirements for insurance in the US DO NOT MEET State of Florida requirements for international student insurance. There are 2 options for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. Option 1The UWF Policy with LewerMark Student Insurance.Payment Deadline: August 28UWF F-1 students are automatically enrolled. The fee for this policy is added to your UWF student account. You must pay this fee in full by August 28. Failure to comply with the payment deadline will result in immediate removal from all class enrollment. Click here for 2023-2024 FeesPayment options:
Option 2Use your Own Insurance PlanDeadline: August 15 Submit a waiver request form by August 15, 5 pm Central Time To submit the waiver request form: Click Here If your waiver request form is not approved, you must pay for the UWF policy. Please note that ISI, ISO and many other less expensive plans will not be approved. Check carefully before purchasing! Click here for more information on using your own insurance Email waivers@lewer.com if you have additional questions about submitting a waiver request form. | 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 | |
Arrive in Pensacola | international@uwf.edu | 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. | You are able to enter the US up to 30 days before your program start date of August 17, 2023. 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 | Exchange students work with their advisor at the home institution to select courses. Please review this guide carefully for more information on how to register for courses at UWF. Registration Guide for International Exchange Students at UWF | We recommend that you register for classes as soon as possible. Exchange students are not required to have an advising PIN. J-1 students must enroll in at least 12 credit hours with at least 9 in-person credits. | 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 fills up quickly. We recommend that you submit a housing contract as soon as possible for Fall 2023 or Spring 2024. There will be limited rooms available. Room assignments will be made in the order contracts are received. 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. The Global Living Community on the UWF Campus There are several openings in the Global Living Community for new students arriving in Spring 2023. It is important to submit a housing contract as soon as possible to become a part of this unique housing community. You must first complete your exchange application to be eligible. |
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. Vacation Homes & Condo Rentals - Airbnb - Airbnb | 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.. | |
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. | ||
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. |