Pre-arrival guide

After confirming your enrollment offer, University Technology (UT) will email you your uLogin ID and student identification number. 

Next steps: 

1. Visit the activation portal for detailed instructions 

2. Select "activate my account" to access your login credentials 

3. Keep your student ID number secure for future reference 

For further assistance, contact International Student Orientation.

Important: Apply for your F-1 visa immediately after receiving your documents. 

Required documents: 

• Form I-20 (sent by arogers4@drew.edu) 

• Valid passport 

• Financial documentation 

• SEVIS I-901 fee payment 

Need visa support? Join our Pre-Arrival Success Services (PASS) program for expert guidance.

Are you living on campus? Here’s how the on-campus housing process works.  

• Pay your housing deposit through INTO Pay (link provided in your offer letter) 

• Check housing assignments

• Ensure payment is completed before arrival 

Are you living off campus? Here’s how the off-campus housing process works.  

Graduate students seeking off-campus accommodation can contact International Student Orientation for local housing recommendations and support. 

Visit Submitting your forms to read about required immunizations and other important health information. 

Next, download and complete the required immunization form and physical exam form. 

Finally, upload or submit this form online on Drew health portal. You may also bring the completed immunization form with you to the International Student Orientation if you are unable to submit it online before departure. All immunization records MUST be in English. 

Pay your full tuition before arrival. For online payment and wire information, please refer to the INTO pay links on your offer letter. If you have questions, please reach out to the International Student Orientation. 

Please provide your flight details through our arrivals portal so we can schedule your airport transfer.  

Airport transfer options: 

• Newark (EWR): Complimentary campus transfer 

• JFK and LaGuardia (LGA): $100 transfer fee  

Airport pickup is only arranged during the official orientation days. Please note that JFK Airport is currently undergoing construction, which may make it difficult to be picked up.

Arriving early? If you are arriving early and would like to book a hotel, the following website recommends hotels close to the Drew campus. 

Select programs may require a math placement test. Please read our tips below if this applies to you.  

Helpful tips for the math placement test:  

• Check your Drew email: You will receive details in your Drew email account if a math placement test is required  

• Highly recommended: Complete your math placement test before arrival 

• For further assistance: Contact International Student Orientation and read more details here. 

Stay up to date with upcoming university deadlines and learn more about Drew pre-arrival through weekly emails from iso@drew.edu that go out every Wednesday.

Connect with other new international students—and some current students—by joining the orientation WhatsApp group, the orientation WeChat group or both. Invitations to each group chat are included in the weekly International Student Orientation pre-arrival emails.

New Jersey's climate has four seasons, ranging from an average of 4°C in January to 30°C in July. You can expect some snow in the winter months and plenty of sun and humidity in the summer months. It is important to have clothes to accommodate the four different seasons. There are plenty of nearby places to purchase any additional items as needed.  

You must have hard copies of the following documents: electronic copies are not accepted at the Port of Entry. Keep your mobile phone in your backpack, not in your pocket or in your hands.  

• Original Form I-20 

• Valid passport with a valid F-1 visa stamp 

• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt 

• Proof of funding for your tuition fees and living costs (including sponsor letter if applicable)  

• Updated billing statement from the university showing fees have been paid for the semester/term 

• Health forms and immunization documentation 

• All medical prescriptions written in English 

• Official transcripts or test scores 

• Laptop computer – turned off 

If you are unable to obtain a visa before the start date for which you have been admitted, email us immediately. You may defer your start to another intake and apply your deposit to the next semester, or you may request a refund if your visa was denied.  

Plan to arrive: You should arrive on the first day of the International Student Orientation. We will help you move into your room on campus.

Timing requirements for F-1 students:  

Arriving early: As an F-1 student, you are allowed to enter the US up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20. Check your I-20 for the earliest arrival date. If you arrive early, you will need to arrange your own transportation and accommodation.  

Arriving late: If you arrive after the start date listed on your I-20, you may be denied entry to the US. A late arrival letter may be issued to you from your university, but this does not guarantee entry. When booking your flights, remember to plan around your move-in date.  

We’re here for you. Our Student Services team is experienced in helping international students transition in living and learning in the US. Come talk to us anytime. Drew is your home away from home.