Congratulations on your acceptance to VCU!
Here you'll find a guide for pre-arrival planning and preparation for international students — both undergraduate and graduate — who have completed the appropriate admission documents and have been admitted into an academic program.
In addition to reviewing the information below, be sure to visit the getting started section of the Global Education Office website for detailed Orientation and arrival information. Have questions? Please contact issp@vcu.edu.
Checklist
Before your arrival at VCU, please compete the following items.
Notify us that you plan to enroll at Virginia Commonwealth University by sending an email to vcuia@vcu.edu. Please include your full name and V-number (found on your acceptance letter).
- To defer admission, please contact the Office of Admissions directly at (804) 828-6016 or vcuia@vcu.edu.
- For information on student transfer credit from other universities, email the VCU Transfer Center at transferinfo@vcu.edu.
Submit all required documents listed on your acceptance letter to the Office of Admissions prior to your arrival to prevent receiving administrative holds that could delay your course registration.
Obtain a student visa by following these instructions and paying the I-901 SEVIS fee.
If you have yet to receive the I-20 for your visa application, please contact GEO Immigration Services at GEOIS@vcu.edu.
Visit your doctor in your home country and request that they complete the VCU Certificate of Immunization (or the VCU Health Sciences Certificate of Immunization if you are a health sciences student) or provide you with an official immunization document in English, which should include all dates of required immunizations. Learn more.
Find your eID, create your password and log in to your VCU email account. The VCU eID is the username used, along with your corresponding password, to give you access to many VCU electronic services via eServices. Your eID is not your student number (V-number). Your eID is usually a combination of your last name and initials.
Memorize your V-number. Your official VCU student identification number (known as the V-number) is listed in the upper right-hand corner of your acceptance letter. It is extremely important to memorize this number or keep a copy of it with you as you will need it for housing, library use, computers, gym access and many other VCU-related activities.
Register online for the English Language Placement test if it is listed as a requirement on your acceptance letter.
Arrange transportation to the VCU campus from the airport or bus station where you will arrive.
Make housing arrangements in Richmond.
Prepare your personal computer. All VCU students are required to have one. The university annually sets minimum specifications for computers for each new entering class. Some departments and schools recommend a specific configuration from among the options outlined by the university. Check with your school or college to make sure the minimum specifications are sufficient for your course of study.
Complete the online math placement test (required for all undergraduates).
Read the selected Summer Reading Program book, which will be used for discussion in different settings during your first year (undergraduate first-years only). While you will not be provided with a copy of this book until international student orientation, VCU encourages students to read the book before August, if possible.
Review important Orientation dates before making travel arrangements.
All undergraduate students should register online for Orientation. Parents and family members are encouraged to participate as well.