New Student Checklist

Orientation Dates

Welcome to the University at Albany! International Student Orientation is required for all new F-1 and J-1 students.  Orientation for students starting in Fall 2024  will begin online in June and continue in person from Tuesday, August 20, 2024- Friday, August 23, 2024.

Students who will live on-campus will schedule a move in appointment with the Office of Residential Life after housing assignments are released in early August. New international students living on campus may move in on Monday, August 19 or the morning of Tuesday, August 20 (please note there is no Orientation programming on August 19, it is a move in day only). Prior to move in students must complete all health requirements.   If you arrive before your move-in date please arrange for a hotel.

 

New Student Checklist

Please complete the below checklist prior to your arrival at the University.  Applying for a visa may take time; as you are waiting for your visa please complete the other items on your checklist.  If you are having difficulty completing any items prior to arrival please contact ISSS for assistance.

Pay Your Enrollment Deposit
  • Paying your deposit is the first step to become a student at UAlbany. You can access your UAlbany online account 1-2 business days after paying the deposit.
  • Inbound undergraduate exchange and study abroad students working through the Global Academic Programs office (Jacqueline Ledermann) do not need complete this step.  Please follow the instructions from Global Academic Programs.
Apply for a F-1 or J-1 Visa
  • Review information about how to apply for a F-1 or J-1 visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
  • You will need to pay the DHS I-901 fee at least 3 business days prior to your visa appointment.
  • You can complete the other items on this pre-arrival checklist while waiting for your visa appointment.
  • This step is required for students who were issued an I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1).  Students in other visa categories should follow the requirements for their visa category.
Set Up Your MyUAlbany and University Email Accounts
Complete all University Health Documentation Requirements (MMR)

Students must submit required health documentation to the University. Health documents must be submitted and approved by Student Health Services before a student can register for Orientation, enroll in classes, or sign up for on-campus housing.  

It is critical that you submit these documents as soon as possible or let ISSS know if you are having difficulty with completing these requirements. These documents can be submitted through the Student Health Documentation Portal in MyUAlbany or by emailing the documents to [email protected].

Requirements include:

  1. MMR Immunity: New York State Public Health Law requires college students to submit proof of immunity to the diseases measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).  Please review the MMR documentation requirements and other information on Student Health Service's website.
  2. Meningitis Requirement: New York State Public Health Law requires college students to receive and acknowledge receipt of information on Meningitis. Students must read the Meningitis Disease Fact Sheet from the New York State Department of Health then log in to MyUAlbany and select the Meningitis link under the Required Agreements section. 
  3. Required Health Form: The Required Health form must be completed by the student and does not require a physician evaluation. The form is found at the Pending Forms link on the Student Health Portal. The student will be notified if other tests are necessary to satisfy the Tuberculosis requirement.  If Student Health Services determines you need to be tested for TB, you’ll receive an email with further instructions (please check your albany.edu email account). Please review the Health Form & TB documentation requirements and other information on Student Health Service's website.
  4. The University Student Health Service Permission to Treat Under 18 form should be submitted for students who are under 18 years of age.
Register for In-Person Orientation

Fall 2024 International Student Orientation is required for all F1/J1 students starting classes at UAlbany this Fall.  It will begin online in June and continue in person Tuesday, August 20- Friday, August 23.  Registration will open in May for students who have paid their enrollment deposit and submitted all required health forms.

  • Undergraduate Freshmen/First Year Students - Register Here
    You will attend international orientation sessions and University freshman/first year orientation sessions.  Registering for Orientation is the first step to being assigned an academic advisor and registering for classes.  An academic advisor will contact you after you register for Orientation to help you set up your class schedule. There is a New Student Fee that will be charged to your account for Freshmen/First Year Orientation.
     
  • Undergraduate Transfer Students - Register Here
    You will attend international orientation sessions and University transfer orientation sessions.  Registering for Orientation is the first step to being assigned an academic advisor and registering for classes.  An academic advisor will contact you after you register for Orientation to help you set up your class schedule. There is a New Student Fee that will be charged to your account for Transfer Orientation.
     
  • Graduate Students (Master's, PhD, & Graduate Certificate) - Register Here
    You will attend international orientation sessions and any sessions organized by your academic department.  Please contact the academic advisor listed on your acceptance letter to register for classes.
     
  • Exchange  & Study Abroad Students - Register Here
    You will attend international orientation sessions and are also welcome to attend the University's transfer student orientation sessions as well. Exchange students have the option to attend University Transfer Orientation as well. Please work with your advisor, Jacqueline Ledermann, to register for classes.

If you encounter problems registering for Orientation please contact Orientation and Transition Programs at [email protected]. To sign in for Orientation you will use the email and password you created when you applied to the university.

Arrange for Housing

On-Campus Housing 

New international students living on campus may move in on Monday, August 19 or the morning of Tuesday, August 20 (please note there is no Orientation programming on August 19, it is a move in day only).  Prior to move in students must complete all health requirements. If you arrive before your move-in date please arrange for a hotel. 

Off-Campus Housing

  • Students living off-campus should review our page on Off Campus Housing 
  • ISSS cannot arrange off-campus housing for students; students must find their own housing. 
  • Arrange for a place to stay before arriving to Albany.  You may need to use a temporary accommodation (like a hotel or other short term rental) while looking for a place to live.
Upload your photo for your ID Card
  • Upload your photo at least two weeks before you arrive so that your ID card is ready for you. Students living on campus should review the section for "ID Card Ordering for New Resident Students." Students living off campus should review the section for "ID Card Ordering for New Commuter Students."
  • You can keep a virtual ID card on your phone using the Mobile ID App.
  • ID Card gives students access to the bus, on-campus housing, dining plans, and other campus resources.
Participate in International Online Orientation (June-August)

International Online Orientation will cover a different important topic each week. The Online Orientation will take place from June-August. Students are expected to complete all components of Online Orientation prior to arrival for in-person Orientation in August. Review the access instructions and the weekly schedule.

Online Orientation will take place on Brightspace, the University's online learning platform which you will also use for classes. Access will be granted in late May/early June for new students. 

 

Online Orientation (June-August)

Online Orientation covers a different important topic each week from June-August. It takes place on Brightspace, the University's online learning platform, which you'll also use for classes. You are expected to complete all components of Online Orientation prior to arrival for in-person Orientation on August 20.
 

Online Orientation Schedule

  • June 3-7 - Introduction, Visas & Arrival
  • June 10-14 - Housing
  • June 17-21 - Immigration Policies & Regulations
  • June 24-28 - Academic Success
  • July 1-3 - Student Code of Conduct
  • July 8-12 - Cultural Adjustment & US Race Relations
  • July 15-19 - Finances & Paying Your Bill
  • July 22-26 - Personal & Online Safety
  • July 29-August 2 - Health Care & Insurance
  • August 5-9 - Campus Engagement & Activities
  • August 12-16 - Career and Professional Development

Online Information Sessions (on Zoom)

New students can join these sessions on Zoom to ask questions to an ISSS staff member

  • Friday, June 7 at 9:00am (EDT)
  • Friday June 21 at 9:00am (EDT)
  • Friday, July 12 at 9:00am (EDT)
  • Friday, August 9 at 9:00am (EDT)

Zoom links will be emailed to you to join.  Please log in using your UAlbany Zoom account.


 

Here is an instructional video to get you started:

Post-Arrival: Complete the New Student Arrival Reporting EForm
  • After you arrive to the United States you must complete the New Student Arrival Reporting EForm and upload copies of your passport, visa, I-20, and I-94.  
  • Graduate Students with a Graduate Assistantship or Teaching Assistantship position: International students are automatically enrolled in International Insurance through UnitedHealthcare, but certain eligible Graduate Assistant (GA)/Teaching Assistant (TA) employees have the option to opt-in to employment-based insurance through the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP) instead.  If you are eligible for this other plan and intend to enroll you must provide a copy of your Social Security card, as well as additional documentation such as a copy of your birth certificate or passport. If you do not yet have a Social Security Number/Social Security card please complete the following steps as soon as you arrive to the U.S. to help speed up the enrollment process with SEHP:
    1. You must be enrolled in classes full-time and report a SEVIS USA address (i.e. where you are living in Albany)
    2. Submit your New Student Arrival Reporting EForm to active your F-1 program. 
    3. Also submit the Social Security Status Letter EForm (including a copy of your GA/TA offer letter) to request a letter from ISSS which you can use to apply for a SSN.  There may be up to 3-10 business day waiting period from when your F-1 record is activated by ISSS to when the Social Security Administration receives your information in their federal system and can allow you to apply for a SSN.  
Post-Arrival: Review Available Resources Page

The Available Resources page has information to help you after arrival.  This includes information on opening a bank account; applying for a social security number (if eligible); driving in the US; academic and language support programs; local restaurants and attractions; and more.

 

Please contact [email protected] if you have questions about completing any of the above tasks prior to arrival.

What is UAlbany Video

Get Ahead with Credits from UAlbany

Studying at UAlbany as a visiting student allows you to take undergraduate classes without enrolling in a degree program. Non-degree study is a popular choice for:

  • College students who want to transfer credits back to their home institution
  • High school students who want to get a jump on their college credits
  • Individuals who want to experience the rigors of university coursework before committing to a specific program
  • Individuals who wish to learn new skills to expand job opportunities or for life-long learning or need additional course preparation for graduate or professional school

The credits you earn may then be applied to an undergraduate degree program if you choose to continue your education and apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Graduate Level Non-degree Study: If you want to take graduate courses as a visiting student or non-degree student, please visit the Graduate School for instructions.

Application Instructions
Step 1: Determine if you’re eligible

You can apply to take undergraduate courses at UAlbany as a non-degree student if you are one of the following:

  • A student matriculated at another college or university who doesn’t currently have a transfer admissions application pending with UAlbany 
  • A current high school senior 
  • A high school graduate, or an individual with a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) 
  • A student admitted to another college or University who doesn’t have an undergraduate admissions application pending with UAlbany 
  • A college graduate, or an individual who previously attended another college or university 
  • An individual not affiliated with any college or university 

Former UAlbany Students: If you previously attended UAlbany and are ready to re-enroll, please visit the Undergraduate Readmission or Graduate Readmission pages to get started. 

New UAlbany Students:

  • If you’re entering UAlbany as a new undergraduate student this coming spring semester, you are not eligible to take Winter Session classes this year. 
  • If you’re entering UAlbany as a new undergraduate student this coming fall semester and want to take Summer Session classes, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to update your enrollment date.
Step 2: Submit your application

You must apply online before you can register for classes at UAlbany. You’ll receive an admissions decision via email 1-2 business days after you submit your application. 

Note: You must re-apply for each new semester and/or term. (For example, if you’re admitted for spring non-degree study and want to come back for summer, you must reapply.)

Step 3: Submit required health documentation

Once you’ve received an email confirming your admission, follow these instructions for setting up a NetID and password, which you’ll use to access UAlbany portals.

All students who attend UAlbany, including visiting students and non-degree students, must complete all Immunization & Health Requirements before they can register for classes.

 

Registration Instructions

You may register for up to 19 credits each fall, spring or summer. You may register for up to eight credits each winter.  

Visit the Academic Calendar for Advanced Registration dates and deadlines. Explore our wide range of class offerings on the Schedule of Classes.

If you don’t register for any classes by 11:59 p.m. on the first day of classes, you will be charged a $40 late registration fee to enroll in classes.

 

Step 1: Check your Enrollment Appointment & Holds

Your enrollment appointment is the earliest time you can register for classes.

You can register for classes any time after your appointment begins, within the registration period. However, we suggest you register as soon as possible to allow for the best selection of classes.

Check your enrollment appointment online. (Once you’ve signed in, you’ll need to select the correct semester and click “Continue.”)

We also suggest that you check your holds now. You won’t be able to register until you have resolved any holds on your student account.

Step 2: Plan Your Schedule

Contact us at [email protected] or 518-442-5140 to request a virtual advising appointment to plan your schedule.

During this meeting, you’ll get your Advisement Verification Number (AVN), which you’ll need to register. 

Use the Schedule of Classes to determine which course(s) you would like to take. 

Be sure to read any footnotes or comments added to the course sections you select. You may need to get a permission number from the instructor or department to register for a class. 

Additionally: 

  • If you’re a student at another college or university, you should discuss course options with your advisor at your home institution before you register to ensure you have the prerequisites for the course(s) and the credit(s) will transfer back to your school. 

  • If you are a high school student, you will only be allowed to register for 100- and 200-level courses. Registration is handled on a space-available basis, with priority given to students currently enrolled in a college or university. 

Step 3: Register for Classes

  1. Sign into the AVN Verification Portal. Use your Net ID and password.  
      

  1. Click the check boxes to acknowledge that you’ve read and understand the financial terms and conditions for registration at the University at Albany.  
      

  1. Enter your Advisor Verification Number (AVN) into the vacant field next to the appropriate semester or term.  
      

  1. Click “Save.”  
     

  1. Sign into the Enrollment Portal. Use your Net ID and password.  
      

  1. Choose the correct semester or term, then select “Continue.”  
      

  1. Enter the class number. Then, click “Enter.”  
      

  1. View the class in your cart. If needed, enter a permission number and/or change the units. Then, click “Next.”  
      

  1. Confirm the class. Then, click on “Proceed to Step 2 of 3.”  
      

  1. View the results. Then, click on “Finish Enrolling.”  
      

  1. Check the status of your enrollment. A green checkmark indicates successful enrollment. A red X indicates an error occurred.  
      

  1. Click “My Class Schedule” to verify your enrollment. 

Step 4: Add or Drop Classes (if applicable)

Adding a Class 

Add periods are determined by the class session (semester-length, 8 Week, etc.). Visit the Academic Calendar for exact Add deadlines. 

Please follow the instructions for registering for classes above to add a class.

 

Dropping a Class

Drop periods are determined by the class session (semester-length, 8 Week, etc.). Visit the Academic Calendar for exact Drop deadlines. 

Note: You cannot withdraw from a course after the Drop period ends without approval from the Office of General Studies.

If you’re planning to drop a course without swapping it for another, you should first review UAlbany’s Financial Liability policy. You may need to submit a Tuition Appeal Request, if applicable.

If you are still enrolled in a class after the last day to withdraw with a “W,” you are expected to complete the course. Your grade will reflect all work submitted.  

Note: Simply not attending classes does not constitute a drop or withdrawal.

 

How to Drop a Class

  1. Sign into the Enrollment Portal. Use your Net ID and password.  
      

  1. On the “Drop” tab, click the box to the left of the course(s) you want to drop.  
      

  1. Click “Drop Selected Classes.”  
      

  1. Confirm your selection(s) by clicking “Finish Dropping.”  
      

  1. Click the check boxes to acknowledge that you’ve read and understand the financial terms and conditions for Add/Drop at the University at Albany.  
      

  1. Click “OK.”  
      

  1. View your results. A green checkmark indicates the class was dropped successfully. A red X indicates an error occurred. (If an error occurred, click “Fix Errors” to make changes to make changes to your request.)  
      

  1. Click “My Class Schedule” to verify your dropped course(s).

Additional Information
Cost & Billing

Review per-credit tuition and fees. You will be financially liable for any courses for which you register.  

Note: Visiting students are not eligible for online tuition rates and will be charged at the standard rate based on residency status, regardless of course modality.  For current information on billing and payments, please visit E-Pay.

Financial aid is not available for non-degree students. If you are a visiting student from another college or university, please contact your home institution regarding financial aid.

Financial aid is available for degree-seeking UAlbany students.

Learn more about billing at UAlbany.

Academic Expectations & Rules

For academic regulations and course prerequisites, please refer to the Undergraduate Bulletin and/or Graduate Bulletin.  

Visit the Registrar's Office for Grading Information and Transcripts.

Note: Once admitted, non-degree undergraduate students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA). If you don’t maintain a 2.0 GPA and/or fail to complete your courses, you may be subject to dismissal. 

Auditing Classes 

Visit the Course Auditing page for detailed information on formal and informal auditing at UAlbany.

Note: Non-degree undergraduate students should email [email protected] to start the process for auditing.

Contact Us
Office of General Studies
Social Science Building, Room 110

1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
United States

Email
[email protected]
Phone
518-442-5140
Fax
518-442-5149
Office Hours

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Staff Directory