Before you arrive
Welcome to the Academic Accelerator Program at University of Kansas!
Soon you’ll be on campus. How exciting! There is a lot to consider before you arrive. While moving to a new country can be intimidating, we’re here for you. Follow the seven steps below to make sure you have everything in place before you board the plane.
Select Your Advisor
We have a team of dedicated personal advisors whose job it is to make sure all your questions are answered and to ensure you have a smooth transition to the university.
Before you start on any of the steps below, contact your local personal advisor. Simply select your region of the world below, and send your advisor an email, Skype, WhatsApp, or WeChat message. We look forward to meeting you very soon!
North America
Latin America
Africa
South Asia
Southeast Asia
China
Middle East North Africa
Europe
Russia Central Asia
What to do before you arrive on campus
- Apply for Your Visa
- Submit Your Flight Details
- Pay Your Tuition and Fees
- Complete The Required Forms
- Set Up Your KU Online ID and Create Your Email Alias
- Complete Housing Contract and Select Your Meal Plan (Undergraduate Students Only)
- Submit your Immigration Documents in iHawk
- Prepare for Math and English Placement Exams
You should apply for your visa as soon as possible. It requires an interview with the U.S. embassy and can sometimes take several weeks to schedule.
Please visit usembassy.gov to learn more about scheduling your visa appointment. The website also has information on what to expect and the documentation you will need to take with you for your interview. Here are other links that might be helpful to you: visa appointment and processing wait time, visa photo requirements, visa application and I-901 Fee and study in the states.
Notify your personal Enrollment Advisor of the date and Embassy of your visa appointment.
Check out two videos below that will help you on how to apply and prepare for your visa interview.
Download this useful Immigration Guide to help you learn more about the process for getting your F-1 visa.
When purchasing your ticket to Lawrence, Kansas, plan to arrive on or before your scheduled move-in day. Once you book your flight, visit accelerator.ku.edu/flight to enter your flight itinerary and confirm your free airport pickup. These important details will help the campus team prepare for your arrival and make your big day go as smoothly as possible.
Move-In Dates
| PROGRAM | MOVE-IN DAY |
|---|---|
| Fall 2018 | August 6, 2018 |
| Spring 2019 | January 7, 2019 |
Making your payment in full two weeks before you arrive will help avoid delays with enrollment. Before you begin, please make sure you have your acceptance letter in front of you, as you will need to refer to the information in the letter.
Choose between two ways to submit payment for tuition and fees:
- Flywire by Peer Transfer: Please visit KUAAP flywire portal to complete the transfer process. Please note that you can not use a U.S. credit card or U.S. bank account.
- Wire transfer: Find the wire transfer information on your offer letter. When making the transaction, be sure to include the student’s name and birthday.
You will need to complete and submit the following forms before your arrival.
All KU Academic Accelerator Program incoming students are required to have a KU ID and email set up before they arrive on campus. You will need to complete this before you leave your home country. Here are the instructions on how to create your ID and email.
All KU Academic Accelerator Program incoming students are required to submit a housing preference form and a housing contract and select a meal plan before they arrive on campus. You will need to complete these forms before leaving your home country.
Clicking of the links below to view step-by-step housing contract instructions for your intake term:
Housing Contract Instructions for Spring 2019
All KU Academic Accelerator Program incoming students are required to submit all of the immigration documents prior to enrolling in classes. Use these this video or the paper instructions on how to submit them. Begin the process here.
All KU AAP incoming students are required to take a math and English placement exams once they arrive on campus. (Graduate students are only required to take the English Placement exam) You can begin preparing for the exam with by watching this helpful video.
Helpful Resources
Next Steps Brochure
This useful brochure is full of information on your I-20 paperwork required for your visa, what you should pack, and other tips to prepare you for your arrival to the KU campus.
Immigration Guide
This guide will help you learn more about the process for getting your F-1 visa and arriving in Kansas.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
Check off everything on this list to ensure you have completed all the steps before you arrive and bring everything you need to the KU campus.
Orientation Schedule
Here’s an example of what your orientation schedule might look like. During orientation, you will receive a full campus tour, see the sights around Kansas, and get to know your fellow international students!
Academic Calendar
Plan ahead! This calendar tells you when class starts and ends, and when holidays and exams are happening.