Newly Accepted Students

Newly Accepted Students

Welcome to Rowan University!

After a non-U.S. citizen student has been admitted to Rowan and has confirmed their intent to enroll, the International Center will reach out to them with detailed instructions on how to proceed with assessing their visa needs. 

In brief, the order of events after a student is admitted to the university for students requiring an F-1 visa is as follows:

If you are a J-1 exchange student, please visit our J-1 Exchange Visitor Page for more information.

COMPLETE YOUR I-20 APPLICATION:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Bank statements will now be accepted if they are dated no older than 12 months for the I-20 application. We previously required bank statements to be dated within the last six months. This change is being made to accommodate students who may not be able to access their banks as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns.

The I-20 Application verifies your F-1 student status and allows you permission to study in the U.S. at Rowan. In order for the International Center to issue an I-20 on your behalf, you must be first accepted to Rowan. Students who didn't start the I-20 process: Please download our I-20 application and start filling, collecting and sending required documents to rowanic@rowan.edu as soon as possible.
Students who already started the I-20 process: Please contact the International Center to confirm that your I-20 request has been received and is complete or if you should have any questions concerning your I-20 please contact us at rowanic@rowan.edu.

Note: The above I-20 application is only for Stratford Campus students ( SOM, GSBS). Glassboro campus students are required to complete the I-20 application in their portal. 

Once issued your I-20 will be sent to you by email with the international advisor electronic signature. You have to print it and sign it in blue on page 1.

PAY YOUR SEVIS FEE
International students applying for an F-1 status are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. Please do so prior to visiting the U.S. Embassy. The I-901 SEVIS Fee for F international students will increase from $200 to $350 on and after June 24,2019. 

  • Go to fmjfee.com. It is extremely helpful to watch the updated tutorial .  This tutorial guides you through each step of the required I-901 SEVIS Fee payment process, highlighting the information you must input and what you must do once you have completed payment. The tutorial also clarifies instructions for making payments through the Western Union payment process. 
  • Important reminders highlighted in the tutorial:
    *Regulation requires all prospective F students to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before the U.S. Department of State issues them a visa to study in the United States.
    * The I-901 SEVIS Fee is different from the fees for visa services issued by the Department of State.
    * F students must pay their I-901 SEVIS Fee in order to study in the United States, to remain compliant and to maintain their student status.
    * F students must print their I-901 SEVIS Fee payment receipt to present as proof of payment at their visa interview and to enter the United States at a U.S. port of entry. Showing an email notification alone will not be sufficient.
    *The SEVIS ID on the payment confirmation receipt must always match the SEVIS ID on the student’s most current Form I-20, unless the F student is considered a border commuter student. If the SEVIS ID is different, please email sevis@ice.dhs.govto confirm if a new I‑901 Fee payment is required.
  • REMEMBER: When you Access Form I-901, you must have an I-20 from Rowan in order to complete this form. Be sure that you enter your personal information exactly as it appears on the I-20. To complete the form I-901, you must enter the Rowan School code of NEW214F00278000 for Glassboro and NEW214F00278001 for Stratford Campus (Rowan SOM and GSBS). You must also enter your SEVIS ID number, which is printed on the top left hand side of the I-20. It starts with the letter “N”.

 

APPLY FOR NONIMMIGRANT VISA, DS-160
You must submit a completed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application:  for all nonimmigrant visa categories. Read Carefully complete details about student visas . You should have your passport and SEVIS ID numbers available while completing the DS-160. All answers must be in English, using English characters only, with the exception of providing your full name in your native alphabet. If you submit your application in any language other than English, it will be denied, and you may be required to submit a new application. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for further details.
Note: After you have completed the DS-160, you will need to print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.

 

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE US EMBASSY
Apply for your visa as soon as possible! Please schedule an appointment at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country to obtain your F-1 student visa.

Please read information about nonimmigrant visa application fees. Applicants must pay these fees as directed prior to their visa interview, and they must bring the receipt to their interview. Read through all information provided online by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that you will be visiting prior to your interview . At your interview you will need to provide:

What to bring to your embassy appointment:

  • Acceptance Letter
  • Supporting Financial Documentation
  • I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt
  • Signed I-20
  • A valid Passport
  • DS-160 Confirmation Page
  • Photo

Please carefully read all the details of required and additional documentation  

Additional Documentation may be also required. Your academic preparation, such as: 


  • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
  • Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study;
  • How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.

Note: Be sure to present the original documents, not copies. To better prepare for your visa interview, please read through the “10 Points to Remember When Applying for a US Visa” prepared by NAFSA.

Note: You must NOT use your student visa to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before the start of your program. Also, DO NOT enter the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 status (tourist) as it is considered fraudulent entry.

 

ENROLL/ MATRICULATE
Undergraduate Students: Please make sure you enroll after your acceptance. The new enrollment confirmation form is available in the application portal. If you would like to defer your acceptance to the next semester, please request a revised Acceptance Letter from Admissions for the term you plan to enroll by sending an email to international@rowan.edu and make sure to copy rowanic@rowan.edu. The International Center will revise your I-20 based on the new acceptance letter. 

Graduate Students: Please make sure you matriculate after being accepted. If you would like to defer your acceptance to the next semester, please request a revised Acceptance Letter from the International Center for the term you plan to enroll by sending an email to international@rowan.edu. Make sure to copy rowanic@rowan.edu. The International Center will revise your I-20 based on the new acceptance letter. 

GSBS Students:  Accepted students will receive an enrollment confirmation letter with their acceptance letter.  This should be signed and returned to GSBS along with your matriculation deposit.  If you have questions, please contact GSBS-Stratford@rowan.edu

 

ACTIVATE YOUR ROWAN EMAIL
To access your Rowan email for the first time, follow these instructions for setting up new student accounts.

For additional assistance with username, password and PIN issues, call the rowan University Support Desk at +1 856-256-4400 or email support@rowan.edu

Rowan policy is that, after matriculation, all official correspondence from Rowan University is sent to your Rowan email address. 

For GSBS Students: Students will receive instructions with their orientation packet for obtaining e-mail and network access credentials which is e-mailed to you after we receive your enrollment confirmation letter and deposit.  If you have questions, please contact GSBS-Stratford@rowan.edu

SUBMIT YOUR WELLNESS CENTER REQUIREMENTS
For all students EXCEPT Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS): If you haven't already done so, please submit these forms and records (in English) to the Wellness Center as soon as possible. If you do not complete these requirements, you will not be permitted to begin classes or live on campus.
The required health forms can all be found at the Wellness Center Website.

If you have questions about health requirements, please email wellnesscenter@rowan.edu
For Frequently Asked Questions and important health and insurance information, Please review International Students Health Services details.

 

Health Insurance is Required: Rowan University requires all full time undergraduate and graduate students to have health insurance with a network in South Jersey. The plan must cover general medical care and prescription medications. Note that ALL insurance plans are different. Rowan will automatically enroll you in a plan through Aetna or you can elect to purchase health insurance after your arrival to the US. Do not purchase insurance from your home country since it has limited healthcare coverage in the US. To help you understand the basics of insurance in the US, please view this instructional video. Click here for more information regarding Rowan insurance policies. Students who decide to buy their own health insurance may apply online for a Student Health Insurance Waiver. 

For GSBS Students: You will receive health forms and instructions in your orientation packet which is e-mailed to you after we receive your enrollment confirmation letter and deposit.  If you have questions, please contact GSBS-Stratford@rowan.edu.

 

ARRANGE YOUR HOUSING
For all students EXCEPT Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS): Rowan's policy states that all undergraduate students who are unmarried, under age 21, and not living with a parent or legal guardian are required to reside in University residence facilities until the completion of their second academic year (58 credits). If these conditions apply to you: Please apply for Rowan Housing on this webpage. 

If you qualify for an exemption from the policy, and you don't want to live on campus , you can complete a Mandatory Housing Waiver that is located on MyHousing Portal. You can read more on this webpage.

If you want to live On-campus, please check your On-Campus housing options. The International House is an option for Interntional Students. Click here for an overview of the building and details on room features and amenities. The International House is a learning community and you have to submit an application to be considered to live in the House.

A new housing option that is offered to International students at Rowan is the Homestay option.  The American Homestay Network (AHN) is an affiliate homestay provider of Rowan University. AHN’s flexible homestay packages are designed to welcome international students to the local community and provide a home away from home as students pursue their education in the United States.
Hosts are carefully selected to ensure students are placed in environments that are not only safe and comfortable, but also warm and welcoming, where they can enjoy a shared cultural experience in a local home. Students will be matched with a host family close to campus according to AHN’s world-class standards of best practice. Please click here for more information. 

Any housing cancellation should be done correctly. Before you cancel your housing request, carefully read all the policies related to cancellations. If you become a current student and you don’t cancel your housing reservation properly, a cancellation fee might apply to your record which will lead to a hold on you account.

For more information about housing and Off-Campus living: Please contact: housingquestions@rowan.edu or visit the website of Residential Learning and University Housing.

For GSBS Students: GSBS does not offer on-campus housing; however, there are many off-campus living opportunities close to the campus.  For more information, go to GSBS Student Life.

 

GET YOUR MEAL PLAN
For all students EXCEPT Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS). You can check the meal plan options. Check the detailed information about New Meal Plans  . An optional Rowan Card Account is available to all students that gives you the convenience of purchasing power all over the campus without money, checks, or credit cards. 

For GSBS Students: No meal plans are available; however there are on-campus cafeteria options that will take cash and credit cards.  Open for select meal times only.  For more information, go to GSBS Student Life. 

ITEMS TO BRING ON THE AIRPLANE:

  • I-20 for Rowan University
  • I-901 Receipt
  • Valid passport
  • Valid Visa for Rowan University
  • Admission letter from Rowan University
  • Financial support documents
  • Immunization records (with English translations)
  • Medical records regarding chronic medical conditions (with English translations)
  • Airplane ticket(s)
  • Cash, traveler’s checks, or any international bank card (ATM or debit card) We recommend carrying $300-$500 in U.S. currency for travel emergencies (such as problems with flight connections – you might need to spend the night in a hotel, for example)
  • Directions to the International Center (201 Mullica Hill Road, Hawthorn Hall, 3rd Floor, Glassboro NJ 08028)
  • Contact information (telephone numbers and email addresses) for family/friends in the U.S.
  • Contact information for the International Center. email: rowanic@rowan.edu)

 

ARRIVAL INFORMATION & MOVE-IN DAY
MOVE IN day for Fall 2023 is Monday Aug 28, 2023. Please arrive to Residential Learning and University Housing - Savitz Hall-201 Mullica Hill Rd.Glassboro, NJ 08028 directly to pick up your keys. You should arrive between 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. and arrange your own transportation internally to your rooms. 

If you are assigned to Holly Pointe Commons, you will need to get a Rowan University ID to enter your room. If you arrive after 5:00 p.m., you will have to stay at the Marriott hotel in Glassboro and go to Housing on January 11 within business hours to move in to your dorms.

For any questions, concerns or problems related to move-in , please email rowanic@rowan.edu IMPORTANT: Please complete the Pre-Arrival Confirmation Form in your portal. This form must be completed by all newly accepted international students.

Ground Transportation:
Students can arrange their own transportation to Rowan. Please click here for updated information about ground transportation from Philadelphia airport to Rowan Glassboro.

 

MANDATORY ORIENTATION
All Undergraduate and Graduate International students are required to attend the International Student Orientation. Please take note of these important dates for Fall 2023.

Tuesday Aug 29, 2023: Admissions Collection of Documents

Wednesday Aug 30, 2023: Day 1: International Student Orientation ( Mandatory GR and UG) 

Thursday Aug 31, 2023: Day 2: International Student Orientation ( Mandatory GR and UG)

Friday Sep 1, 2023: University Orientation ( Mandatory UG only)

Monday Sep 4, 2023: Labor day- no classes

Tuesday Sep 5, 2023: First day of classes

The International Center staff and representatives from different departments on campus will be present at the orientation to welcome you and provide you with the information you need to start your journey at Rowan.The detailed schedule of the orientation will be posted on this webpage soon. 

Important Information about Placement Tests (Undergraduates Only): All in-person placement tests will take place on the 3rd floor of Savitz Hall. Students also have the option to take the placement tests at home from their computer. Please visit the Testing Center webpage for more information about both options. All students who are required to take the test will be notified via email by the Testing Center. If you have any questions about placement tests, please contact Testing Services at testingservices@rowan.edu or call Lara LeBeau on 856-256-4263 or email lebeau@rowan.edu  for more information.

For GSBS and SOM Students ONLY: the International Center will reach out to all GSBS and SOM International students for more information on Spring 2021 Orientation.

 

PAY YOUR BILL 

For all the details related to how to submit your payment, how to make wire payments, and procedures related to returned check payments, please check the Bursar’s webpage https://sites.rowan.edu/bursar/paymentmethods/generalpaymentinfo.html