Pre-Arrival Checklist
Step 1: Activate your myau.american.edu Account and Regularly Check your New american.edu Email
Step 2: Pre-register for Classes
Step 3: Register for Orientation
Step 4: Immunization and Insurance
Step 1: Activate your myau.american.edu Account
Activating your portal account is easy. Please follow these simple instructions:
1. Go to http://myau.american.edu.
2. Click on “create Your Account,” then on “I am a Student.”
3. Follow the instructions to create your account. You’ll be prompted to enter the seven-digit American University ID number that you received with your admittance letter from the Admissions Office.
4. Complete the quick tutorial to learn about the benefits of using the portal.
5. Access your american.edu email account by logging in to myau.american.edu, then clicking the "Email" link in the top right corner of the screen. Enter the same user name and log-in again.
If you are having trouble activating your account or logging on to the portal, contact the Help Desk at +1-202-885-2250 or via email at helpdesk@american.edu.
Step 2: Pre-register for Classes
Contact your academic advisor in your department for information about the course registration process. It is important to register for your classes before you arrive on campus to start the semester. To access the academic advisor list, please visit http://www.american.edu/provost/registrar/courses/advisorylist.cfm.
Step 3: Register for Orientation
American University provides an extensive orientation program for new students beginning the week before classes start to help make your transition to the university as smooth as possible.
- Undergrad and Undergrad transfer – registration is completed through the myau.american.edu portal.
Step 4: Immunization and Insurance
All students are required to hold American University health insurance unless proof of adequate private health insurance is given. If you do not want university health insurance, you must fill out the waiver on the myau.american.edu portal. For more information visit the Student Health Center website or contact them at +1-202-885-3201.
Students under the age of 26 must show proof of immunizations upon arrival at American University. Students over the age of 26 do not need to submit proof of immunization. Immunization forms can be printed from the Student Health Center website. Immunization records must be in English or accompanied by an English translation.
Step 5: Prepare Your Finances
Tuition Payment is due one month before classes begin. For deadlines and other information, please visit the Student Accounts website. Payments can be made using wire transfers, cash, and check. Credit card payments are not accepted.
Monthly Payment Plans are offered by American University. For more information see the American Installment Plan website or call +1-202-885-3547.
Wiring Tuition Payment is accepted by American University for student payments. Please click here for more information on sending wire transfers.
AU Central: For more information about tuition payment, billing, tuition refund insurance, and other related information, please visit the office of Student Accounts website or call AU Central at +1-202-885-8000.
Travel and Settling-in Costs As a student coming in F-1 or J-1 status, you have demonstrated to the U.S. government that you can finance your education without working in the United States. Before you leave, you should determine how much money you will need for the first weeks of your stay on campus.
Social Security Numbers for Employment and Merit Awards Students authorized to work or receive university graduate merit awards with a work component are eligible for Social Security numbers. Click here for more information.
Step 6: Plan for Housing
One of the most important things you will have to take care of before you start your studies in the United States is finding a place to live. This is an important decision since it will be one of your biggest expenses and will affect your personal and academic adjustment.
- On-campus Housing – Please see the Housing and Dining Web site or contact them by phone at +1-202-885-3370 or email at housinganddiningprograms@american.edu.
- Off-campus Housing– For an extensive list of Washington, D.C., area off-campus housing links, including roommates, group houses, apartments, and more, please visit the ISSS Web site.
- Temporary Housing – Information about temporary housing, including youth hostels and hotels, for students who plan to live off campus and need a place to stay while searching for housing can be found on the Housing and Dining Web site.
Step 7: Prepare for Travel
American University expects you to report to school in time for orientation and to register for classes.
You are allowed to enter the United States no more than 30 days before the reporting date listed on the I-20 (section 5) or DS-2019 (section 3). You will not be able to enter the United States after the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019 document. If you are facing unexpected delays in arriving, it is necessary that you notify the ISSS office as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Please DO NOT enter the United States on a B-2 tourist visa or visa waiver. These visas are not acceptable for the purpose of full-time studies in the United States.
When purchasing your plane tickets, please note the dates from the university’s academic calendar.
Carry the following documents with you on the plane:
- Passport with your F-1 or J-1 visa
- SEVIS form I-20 or DS-2019 (in a sealed envelope – it is important that you DO NOT open this envelope)
- Evidence of financial resources
- Evidence of student or exchange visitor status, such as letter of acceptance, tuition receipts or transcripts
- Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee
- Contact information for International Student and Scholar Services
Inform the immigration officer at the port of entry that you will be a student in the United States to ensure that you are admitted with student status.
Detailed information about Washington, D.C. transportation options and additional arrival information is available here.
Step 8: Check-In at ISSS
Please plan to come by ISSS (International Student & Scholar Services) office after your arrival on campus so we can copy your immigration documents and answer any questions. ISSS is located on Butler 410. You can get to the office by taking the elevator in the tunnel by Bender Arena to the 4th floor of Butler Pavilion. ISSS is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and there is always an advisor available for walk-in appointments.
