Current Students

These pages linked on the navigation toolbar on the right provide you with useful information about U.S. immigration regulations regarding maintenance of your visa status, employment on the F-1 visa, and generally how to adjust to life in the U.S.A.  Please know that the ISO is here to help you with your immigration needs, but you are responsible to maintain your own documents so they don’t expire and to be aware of how your academic decisions and visa regulations impact each other.

Please click here to review the F-1/J-1 International Student Regulations. 

As an F-1/J-1 student, there are many required reporting responsibilities that you must communicate to the ISO. It is incredibly important to keep your immigration documents secure and up to date. Here are some important tips to remember: 

  • Once you arrive on campus and have completed immigration check-in with the ISO, you will be issued a new “Continued-Attendance” I-20. 
  • Keep all of your I-20s/DS-2019s because you may require copies of all previously issued I-20s/DS-2019s in the future for immigration applications like OPT. 
  • Make sure you consult the About Your SEVIS Record page to review the circumstances when you must be in contact with the ISO. 
  • Be certain that your passport is valid at all times and that your I-20 dates and signatures are up to date. 

The ISO is a helpful resource for all international students. The decentralized nature of U.S. American universities, as well as government offices, can seem confusing at first, but the ISO can help you determine where you need to go for what you are hoping to accomplish. Feel free to visit the office or to contact us with any questions that you may have. 

International Student Pre-Arrival Guide (pdf)

International Student Handbook (pdf)

Forms, Letters, and Requests

Immigration

Life at University of New Haven 

Many international students find very noticeable differences between classroom culture in the U.S. and in their home countries. Below you will find some common characteristics of classroom culture in the U.S.:

1. Academic Structure

An undergraduate student usually enrolls in four or more 3-credit courses a semester in order to maintain full-time (12 credits) standing.   Graduate students usually enroll in three (3 credit) courses a semester in order to maintain full-time (9 credits) standing.  You will be assigned a Faculty Advisor who will assist you with choosing your courses, discuss your overall academic plans, and answer any general academic questions.

2. Classroom Procedures

During the first week of classes, the instructor will hand out a syllabus, which will outline the course objectives, required textbooks, chapters to be covered, due dates for assignments, attendance policy, and the grading policy. The syllabus will include the instructor’s office location and contact information. One major difference students find is that grades are based on weekly assignments, papers, and projects rather than on exams only.

3. Expect Diverse Teaching Styles

Professors may use lecture, class discussion, or both. Most classes meet on a regular schedule once, twice, or three times a week.  The teaching style of the professor can determine the amount of student participation in each class. Some instructors prefer a more formal style of lecture with a possible question and answer period in the end. Others prefer a more conversational style and encourage interaction throughout the class. When expressing your views in class, be ready to share, explain, and possibly defend your ideas in a respectful manner.

4. Ask If You Don’t Understand

If a student is confused about something in the class, it is expected that he or she will ask the professor before or after class. If the issue requires a longer conversation, the student may make see the professor during office hours. In U.S. academic culture, there is no shame associated with not understanding something in the course, even if it has been presented in a class lecture. Professors respect students who work hard towards fully understanding the material, so don’t wait until just before the exam to seek clarification. Ask as soon as you realize that you don’t completely understand the material. 

5. Attendance Matters 

Your course instructor will inform you of the attendance policy at the beginning of the semester. Regular attendance is expected of all students. It is likely that attendance will affect your grade. Missing more than two classes or being excessively tardy could result in a lowering of your final course grade. If you must miss a class, email your professor before the class meets to let him/her know of your absence.

6. Participate in Class 

Many professors encourage class participation and often expect it. In some courses, it is a part of the overall grade. It is okay to participate in class, even if you disagree with your professor or classmates. Show respect by acknowledging your professor’s point of view and then offering your own for consideration.  If you feel hindered to participate because of your English proficiency, we strongly advise you to discuss this issue with the professor and the International Student Advisor.

7. Expect More Examinations and Assignments 

The number and types of examinations and assignments throughout the semester differ from one course to another. The instructor will tell you how many examinations and assignments to expect in the course and the material each will cover. If you are unfamiliar with any of the types of exams or assignments requested by the course you are taking, please contact your professor for clarification. Some classes do not have a final exam but require instead the completion of one or more long papers. Make sure you review the class syllabus carefully to understand what the instructor’s exact requirements for the course, how they are graded, and when they are due.

8. Take Advantage of Office Hours

If you are confused about something in the class, it is expected you will ask the professor before or after class. If the issue requires a longer conversation, you may make an appointment to see the professor during office hours. In U.S. academic culture, there is no shame associated with not understanding something in the course, even if it has been presented in a class lecture. Professors respect students who work hard towards fully understanding the material, so don’t wait until just before the exam to seek clarification. Ask as soon as you realize that you don’t completely understand the material. 

9. Understand Academic Integrity 

Academic integrity is one of the most important concepts to understand in U.S. academic culture.  Even innocent violations can have very serious effects on your academic career. The consequences for cheating, plagiarism or other academic misconduct can range from being given a failing grade on a paper, exam, or course, to being suspended from the university, or worse yet, you could be asked to leave permanently.  Keep in mind that failure to maintain your full-time student status impacts your immigration status, too. More information about academic integrity and policies can be found in the Academic Catalog. Please keep in mind that cheating or plagiarism of any sort is never tolerated and could be grounds for suspension. 

10. Do Not Cheat or Plagiarize 

Cheating is when you have someone else write your papers or take-home exams, or you get answers from others during exams. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to copying from another student’s examination; allowing another student to copy from your examination; using outside materials on an examination that are not authorized for use during the test; writing notes to take into a closed-book examination; collaborating on a project that was intended to be the work of an individual student. Plagiarism is submitting other people’s work as your own, whether you use entire phrases and sentences verbatim, or if you paraphrase someone else’s work without proper attribution. It is important to learn the appropriate footnoting and bibliographical conventions for your academic disciplines. Contact your professors to find out what citation style they prefer for each particular course.

Academic Expectations and Tips for Students

Course Syllabus

Expect to receive a syllabus for each course. The syllabus outlines the course’s objectives, the material to be covered, and lists due dates for assignments, examination dates, texts to be purchased or obtained from the library, and the professor’s name, office location and office hours. Keep the course syllabus for the duration of the course. Pay close attention to instructions given at the beginning of the course about how the class will be conducted and how grades will be determined.

Blackboard- Online System

Most professors utilize “Blackboard,” an online system provided by the University of New Haven for communication and information sharing. Professors may choose to post the course syllabus, course documents, articles, assignments and/or grades, among other things, on Blackboard. Use your university username and password to log in. You can access Blackboard via the MyCharger portal.

University Writing Center

The University Writing Center provides free, high-quality tutoring to undergraduate and graduate students as they write for a wide range of purposes and audiences. Tutors are undergraduate students studying Biology, Communications, Criminal Justice, National Security, Engineering, English, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Legal Studies, Marine Biology, Music, Nutrition, and Psychology.  We operate on the ground floor of the library in a cozy corner right next to the Center for Learning Resources. To make an appointment, you can visit our reception desk, just to the left after entering the library or locate us on MyCharger under Academic Resources. You can also use the following link to our scheduling system http://www.newhaven.mywconline.com

Center for Learning Resources (CLR)

The Center for Learning Resources (CLR) provides tutoring for math, science, business, and other disciplines. They offer a graduate and undergraduate peer tutoring program, helpful workshops, a computer lab, and more. The CLR is located in the lower level of the Marvin K. Peterson Library and you can make an appointment by visiting https://clrstat.newhaven.edu/​ 

Center for Student Success

The Center for Student Success helps get you connected by providing one-on-one advising, helping students develop strong academic skills, referring students to campus resources, and offering helpful workshops on topics like time management, note-taking, or study strategies. Their office is located in Maxcy 106 and they can be found on MyCharger.

Once international students have confirmed visa acquisition with the admissions office and have received a University of New Haven username and password, it is also time to decide on where to live. Students can choose to live in University-sponsored housing or to find their own housing. Information about University-sponsored housing for both undergraduate and graduate students can be found on the webpages of the Office of Residential Life. Navigate the SECTION menu at the upper left of the page.

On-Campus Housing:

There are many benefits to living in on-campus housing. While it may seem more economical to obtain off-campus housing, there are many advantages to living on-campus summarized below. 

  • Convenience– Location cuts down on travel time and transportation expenses. Residents in the University-sponsored apartments in downtown West Haven have access to a regular free shuttle service.
  • Simplicity of payments – Utilities including internet are included in the price, so you have one payment rather than multiple bills for rent, utilities (electricity, gas, water, trash removal), and internet access. You can also add on an optional commuter meal plan to eat occasionally at campus dining spots if you wish.
  • Security– Campus Safety officers patrol the facilities daily and are available if needed.
  • Maintenance– Campus facilities staff maintain the property in good shape and respond quickly to make repairs if needed. This includes snow removal in the winter.
  • Residential Life Staff – Community supervisors are trained professionals who are always accessible to help you connect to support services, and help with roommate conflicts, etc. Resident Assistants plan fun programming,

We encourage international students to investigate their campus housing options because having access to campus services can make it easier to concentrate on your academic success. Nonetheless, students can choose to live off-campus as many graduate students do, but they must recognize that they will not have access to these campus services if you opt to do it rent off-campus housing independently

Off-Campus Housing: 

For those who prefer to live off-campus, the ISO has put together some resources to assist you. 

The following apartment search engines are not operated by the University of New Haven. You are responsible to inspect the property to see if it is acceptable to your standards. We suggest you check online reviews on Google or Yelp.

Local Accommodations and Hotels:

The U.S. healthcare system can complicated and expensive. There is no public health option for international students and they can’t access healthcare without a private health insurance policy. For this reason, international students at the University of New Haven are required to enroll in the University medical insurance plan while studying full-time at the university. This helpful video, “Overview of the U.S. Healthcare System for International Students” provides a brief overview of the health care system in the U.S. and why it’s important for international students to have insurance.

Prior to traveling to the U.S.
We recommend international students take care of the following things prior to arrival in the U.S., because certain procedures are not covered under most insurance plans in the U.S.:

  • Review information about international student health requirements and the university’s health insurance plan.
  • Get a dental check-up and get any needed work done
  • Have an eye exam, and if needed, get new lenses. Bring your prescription with you in case you unexpectedly need to replace lenses.
  • Refill your prescriptions and bring the doctor’s prescription with you.
  • Get any required immunizations

Once you arrive in the U.S.
While you are a student at the University of New Haven, the Health Services Center on the West Haven campus offers many free medical services to students and can refer students to doctors or specialists when necessary. With the University insurance plan, students will have access to services provided by a variety of excellent health providers in the area, including the Yale New Haven Hospitals.

Health and Wellness Services:

The Health Services Center
Health Services Center is located on the ground level of Sheffield Hall, which provides health care for UNH students. Health Services will take walk-in students during business hours. However, doctor’s hours are limited. Please check the Health Service’s door for information on hours or call them for daily doctor’s hours or any other information that is health-related. Health Services is equipped to attend to the most common illness and will refer special causes to offsite physicians.

  • Health Services Center Hours

Monday- Thursday: 8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (203) 932-7079

Other health services available on the West Haven campus are:

  • Women’s Clinic
    Health Services also offers a weekly Women’s Clinic. There is a nurse who visits the school once a week for any questions or concerns you may have and offers basic gynecological services and examinations. The Women’s Clinic is by appointment only. Please call Health Services for more information or to set up an appointment.
    Phone: (203) 932-7079
  • Dental Hygiene
    The University Dental Center is located across the street from the main campus on Boston Post Road. This facility trains students to be dental hygienists. The center offers cleanings at reduced rates to the general public to help student trainees practice. The facility is equipped with the latest technology in dental care and instructors who will tend to your basic dental needs. The center will refer special cases to regular dentists in other facilities.
    Phone: (203) 932-6028.
  • Accessibility Resource Center
    Located on the first floor in Sheffield Hall to the right of Health Services, the Accessibility Resources Center offers assistance to students with learning or physical disabilities or those in need of counseling for any reason.
    Phone: (203) 932-7332
    Email: AccessibilityResCtr@newhaven.edu
  • Counseling Center
    Located on the first floor in Sheffield Hall to the right of Health Services, the Counseling Center offers a variety of counseling and psychological services aimed at helping students resolve personal difficulties and acquire the balance, skills, and knowledge that will enable them to take full advantage of their experience at the University of New Haven. Counseling services are free, confidential, and available to currently enrolled students. 
    Phone: (203) 932-7333

A list of other health services in the area can be found here!

It is also helpful to review the following videos regarding health and wellness in the United States:

Click here to learn more about Local Resources. 

The International Services Office distributes a weekly newsletter every Friday. The newsletter includes immigration updates, practical reminders, upcoming events, student features, and more. It is a great way to stay up to date on what is happening on campus and informed about issues important for international students. 

To view the previous International Newsletters, click on the pdf links below: 

Spring 2020 Semester:

Fall 2019 Semester 

Financial and Legal Matters

Click here to learn more about Social Security Numbers and Drivers Licenses. 

Understanding Your U.S. Tax Obligations

International students and scholars in the U.S. have certain U.S. tax obligations. All international students and scholars are required to file a U.S. (federal) tax return even if you do not have U.S. source income. Below are a few things you need to know.

  • If you receive U.S. source income, including wages, stipend, or scholarship funds, you will likely have federal and state tax withheld from your checks (unless you benefit from a tax treaty.)
  • The U.S. tax system is a pay-as-you-go system in that there may be automatic tax withholdings from your paycheck, stipend or financial aid. This means that in some instances your available income will be reduced by the tax withholdings. When you file your annual tax report in April of each year, you will calculate the exact amount of tax due. Some years you may get a refund and in others you may owe additional taxes.
  • The tax year is from January 1 to December 31 of any given year. You file your tax return in the spring of the following year with a filing deadline of mid-April.
  • In addition to filing a federal return, some students and scholars must also file a CT state return. 

Do You Have to File Taxes? Yes!

ALL international students and scholars who were in the U.S. for any period of time during any calendar year must file a federal tax statement, called an income tax return. Some international students and scholars will need to file a state tax return(s). If you did not have any U.S. source income, you will only file Form 8843. Students and scholars must pay taxes if they were employed during the tax year and/or if they received scholarship income over and above the cost of tuition and fees. Some countries have tax treaties with the U.S., so the amount of what is owed varies from person to person.

Depending on how much income you have received, you will owe taxes to the federal government, the state, and city in which you live or work. More detailed information can be found on the IRS website for non-resident aliens. Check the IRS website for possible Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) near you. 

Sprintax Tax Preparation Software for International Students 

Each year the University of New Haven arranges discounted access to a reputable online service called Sprintax for its international students. Sprintax will guide you through the tax preparation process, help you to prepare all of the necessary documents and will check if you are due a refund. ISO recommends you use a reputable service like Sprintax or a qualified tax accountant. Instructions and discount code information will be sent to international students via email in February. Students may also review the Sprintax instructions for students for more information. 

Documents Needed to File Taxes

  • Social Security Number or ITIN Number (if you were employed or received scholarship income toward your living expenses)
  • W-2 Form provided by your employer stating how much you were paid during the tax year and the amount of taxes already deducted from your pay.

You may also receive one or more other forms. If so, you may need them when filing your taxes.

  • Form 1098-T from the University stating the amount of Tuition paid
  • Form 1042-S noting any scholarship income for which you must pay taxes
  • Form 1099 indicating income earned from private contracts or freelance
  • Form 1099 INT indicating interest income from savings accounts
  • Possible others

Possible Tax Forms 

The federal forms for non-resident international students might include:

Connecticut State Tax forms are found at www.ct.gov/drs

West Haven City www.cityofwesthaven.com

New Haven City http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/taxcollector/

Be careful to fill out your tax forms correctly. It is wise to check your forms for accuracy and mistakes before filing your taxes. You will still need to sign and date the forms, attach the appropriate copies of your income statements and follow the instructions given to mail them to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

Keep Copies! 
Remember to keep copies of what you file each year (in case your return gets reviewed and there is a problem or if the IRS audits you in the future).

Disclaimer:

Although the information contained in this site has been reviewed carefully and should be adequate to assist most international students and scholars, it is not a substitute for advice obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or a qualified tax accountant. The International Services Office does not specialize in international tax law and cannot answer questions regarding your individual tax filing requirement. 

In addition, while the tax preparation software, Sprintax, is being provided to help you with your tax filing obligations, you are individually responsible for verifying that the correct information has been entered into the tax preparation software and included on all forms and/or other documents printed or derived from the tax preparation software, and ultimately responsible for any errors or omissions. Be advised that some tax preparation software such as “TurboTax” and “TaxACT” can only generate tax returns for international students who qualify for “resident” tax status, which usually means that you have been present in the United States for at least 5 years. Such software cannot process tax returns for typical F-1 and J-1 Students and Scholars who have been in the United States for less than 5 years. 

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