Visas & U.S. Entry
- Education USA
- Locate your U.S. consulate
- Visa processing times
- US-VISIT
- U.S. Customs & Border Protection
- SEVIS I-901 Fee
Activate Email Address
- Go to https://midas.odu.edu/.
- Click Create MIDAS Account
- Proceed as instructed using your University Identification Number (UIN) for your Student ID. This process will also activate your student email.
- Once your email is activated, visit https://mail.google.com/a/odu.edu.
- You can access your student email through the myODU portal.
Arrival Assistance / Important Dates
- Arrival Assistance
- Semester Calendar & Important Dates
- Campus Directions
- International Student Organizations
Housing
- 1208 Virginia House (q1)
- 4603 Elkhorn Ave.
- Norfolk , VA 23529
- 757-683-4283 (office)
- 757-683-4863 (fax)
- housing@odu.edu
If planning to live ON campus...
Learn more about the various housing options, agreements, terms & conditions. Reminder: Students must activate their ODU Email/MIDAS account before proceeding with the online Housing & Dining Application.
Apply early, as on-campus housing is in high demand!
If planning to live OFF campus...
The majority of international students choose to live off-campus, and there are many options available, however, it will take effort on your part to choose suitable accommodations. It is highly advised to not enter into any contractual agreement until you have arrived in Norfolk.
Required Health/Immunization Records
Student Health Services requires proof of several immunizations. It is less expensive to take care of this requirement before you leave your home country.
Undergraduate Students
- 1012 Student Success Center
- Norfolk , VA 23529
- 757-683-3428 (office)
- 757-683-5858 (fax)
- preview@odu.edu
Register for PREVIEW. Freshman (1st year) undergraduate students and those intending to major within the College of Business & Public Administration (Freshman & Transfer) are required to attend PREVIEW, ODU's one-day undergraduate academic orientation where classes are selected. Preregistration is required.
Transfer students (possessing at least 24 transferrable course credit hours) are strongly encouraged to attend PREVIEW. If not attending, you must independently contact an academic advisor within your intended program of study to schedule an on-campus appointment.
All new undergraduate students are required to complete the Writing Sample Placement Test (WSPT). The test is administered at the on-campus Testing Center, and results are required before your scheduled PREVIEW date.
To accurately determine transfer course credit, transfer students must submit official English translations of all course descriptions taken at post secondary institutions.
Graduate Students
Students are encouraged to contact their academic department in advance to schedule an on-campus advising appointment.
Recipients of graduate assistantships requiring classroom instruction must attend the Graduate Teaching Assistantship Institute (GTAI). Additionally, non-native English speakers must take the SPEAK test. Contact your graduate program director for GTAI and SPEAK test registration.
All employment paperwork related to Graduate, Research or Teaching Assistantship eligibility is processed by International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). Planning your date of arrival is very important, as you must physically reside in the United States for at least ten days before a Social Security Card application can proceed. Note ISSS offers an early check-in schedule for students receiving assistantship awards.
TOEFL Examination
- 1108 Dragas Hall
- 757-683-4424 (office)
- 757-683-4640 (fax)
- elc@odu.edu
Students admitted with the condition of full-time English language instruction must check-in on campus directly with the English Language Center (ELC). An on-campus TOEFL examination is administered the week prior to the beginning of classes. Students admitted into the BRIDGE program are also encouraged to take the institutional on-campus TOEFL. Preregister in person at the English Language Center.
Campus Check-In
- 2007 Dragas Hall
- 757-683-4756 (office)
- 757-683-6198 (fax)
- intlstu@odu.edu
Upon campus arrival, all new or returning international students beginning a new program must check-in with International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). Course registration can proceed only after you have checked-in with ISSS and consulted your academic advisor. Be prepared to present the following information or documents:
- Current U.S. address (even if temporary)
- Passport & I-94 Card
- F-1/J-1 SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (F/J visas only)
- All visa documentation (I-20, DS-2019 or proof of visa status change)
- Award letter (with all required information) if receiving a GA, TA or RA assistantship
- Any outstanding academic documents indicated on your admission letter (original transcripts, diplomas or test scores)
Orientation
The Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) conducts a mandatory orientation for all incoming international students. Sessions provide crucial information on topics such as ISSS services, health insurance requirements for F and J visa holders, personal safety, banking in the U.S., ODU's honor code and academic expectations. Because orientation is so important, failure to attend will result in a block on course registration in future semesters.
In addition to the mandatory orientation, consider other programs/event dates that may require attendance during the week prior to classes.
