Pre-Arrival Checklist for International Students

Now that you have been accepted into Marymount University, follow the steps below to stay on track for your upcoming semester.

1. Set up and log into your Marymount account

Go to the Student Account generator and follow the instructions to establish your MU credentials. You will then be able to use your student ID number to access Marymount systems. Your MU credentials will give you access to Marymount’s Portal which contains all the applications you will need as a student, including your new Marymount Outlook email account, Canvas, Workday, Handshake, MU Engage, and much more. NOTE: to create your MU credentials or to register for classes, you must first be admitted for the current (or upcoming) term and you must have already paid an enrollment deposit to Admissions (it may take 3-5 business days for your enrollment deposit to be posted and clear the system).

2. Submit documentation via the ISSS portal to request a Form I-20 (F-1 students only)

Once you are officially admitted to the current (or upcoming term), paid your enrollment deposit, and waited 3-5 business days, then you will receive an invitation in your Marymount student email account to access ISSS portal, where you will be able to submit an online request for your Marymount issued I-20. When submitting your request for an I-20, you must include a copy of your passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date to the U.S.), completed and signed Marymount Declaration of Finances form, and proof of funding documentation. Additional documents may be required. Learn more by clicking one of the links below:

3. Submit required medical information to the Student Health Center

Marymount’s Medical Forms are to document health information that all admitted students must provide before beginning study at Marymount University. Find additional information, including immunization requirements, on the Student Health Center webpage.

4. Get ready for class registration

Your academic advisor offers important support during your student experience. An academic advisor assists students to plan class schedules, recommends courses, and works with the Registrar’s office to evaluate transfer transcripts. Academic advisors work with students to monitor degree planning and progress, with the goal of graduating on time.

Undergraduate students may directly contact the academic advisor assigned to their program; more information is available on the Academic Advising webpage.
Graduate students will work directly with their faculty academic advisor or department chair; graduate students should contact their specific department for their academic advisor.

After you have contacted your academic advisor, register for classes through Workday.

5. Pay your SEVIS fee (Initial I-20 students only)

All F-1 visa applicants are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of $350. The purpose of the fee is to help cover the administration and maintenance costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You must pay the SEVIS fee before applying for your F-1 visa. Pay your SEVIS fee here. Your SEVIS ID number can be found on the top left portion of your I-20; your SEVIS ID starts with the letter N. Please note that Marymount’s school SEVIS code is WAS 214F00223000.

6. Schedule your F-1 Visa appointment (Initial I-20 students or students needing to renew F-1 visa)

Once you have your Marymount issued I-20 and you have paid your SEVIS fee, we recommend that you schedule your visa appointment as soon as possible. It can take some time to get an appointment. As part of the visa application process, an interview at your local U.S. embassy or consular section is required. The waiting time for an interview appointment can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. Read about documents needed for your appointment and tips for the interview.

7. Arrange for on-campus housing or find housing off-campus

Students must arrange their own housing while studying at Marymount University.

Undergraduate students are required to live on-campus all 4 years. If you are over 21 or if you have family who live within commuting distance of Marymount, you may apply for an exemption to this requirement.
Graduate students and students over 21 may apply for housing at Ballston Campus Apartments or at off-campus housing.

Once you have paid your enrollment deposit and generated your MU portal account, you may submit your on-campus housing application.

For more information, contact Student Living and Residential Experience.

8. Sign up for your orientation sessions

Students must register for two separate orientation events.

Orientation #1 – you must attend the following ISSS orientation

All F-1 students must attend a mandatory new international student orientation. Hosted by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), this orientation is for undergraduate, transfer, and graduate students as well as for students who changed their status to F-1. It is a full-day of information and activities that includes required ISSS and SEVIS/immigration check-in.

+ Orientation #2 – attend one of the following:

New undergraduate students should plan to attend the general Marymount University orientation for all first year in college students.
Transfer students (transferring from another U.S. school) should plan to attend the general Marymount University orientation for transfer students.
Graduate students will receive information about orientation programs directly from their department or college.

Please register for your orientations as soon as possible so that we can prepare for your arrival.

9. Read the Pre-Arrival Guide

We are currently updating this information. The pre-arrival guide will be available on/about July 22, 2024 for Fall 2024.

10. Pay Your Tuition & Fees

Go to Workday via your MU Portal to pay your tuition or to set up a payment plan. Please review Workday instructions before starting. If you have questions, contact Student Financial Services at saccount@marymount.edu or (703) 284-1490.

11. Purchase your plane ticket once you have your visa

Once you have your F-1 visa issued within your passport, book your flight to the U.S. Plan to arrive NO EARLIER THAN 30 DAYS BEFORE YOUR PROGRAM START on your I-20. Please read arrival information before making your final plans.