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International Student and Scholar Services

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UD: Your Home Away From Home

The University of Dayton is a welcoming, inclusive community that includes more than 1,000 international students from over 60 countries. Your talents and perspectives are deeply valued and an essential part of the University.

International Student and Scholar Services is dedicated to fostering your academic, professional and intercultural development. As you make UD your home-away-from-home, our friendly, dedicated team is here to support you. We offer a variety of services, resources and programs to help you transition to life in the U.S. and thrive on our campus.

You are Welcome Here

At the University of Dayton, you belong. We are committed to creating a campus where everyone is welcomed, valued and supported.
New Student Arrival and Orientation

Overview and Important Dates

New students must arrive in Dayton before the mandatory international student orientation begins.

Orientation Dates
Fall 2025
  • August 15: University housing opens; this is the earliest you can move in.
  • August 20: International student orientation. Attendance is required.
  • August 25: Classes begin.
Spring 2026
  • January 7: University housing opens; this is the earliest you can move in.
  • January 7-9: International student orientation. Attendance is required.
  • January 12: Classes begin.
View Sample Orientation Schedule

Before You Arrive
Complete the Pre-Orientation Course

The ISSS pre-orientation course contains important information about academics, culture, living in Dayton, immigration and more. It is designed for students who have yet to arrive in the US but want to get an early start on understanding what life will be like in Dayton. ​You will receive login instructions for the Canvas platform from the ISSS office six weeks prior to orientation.

Activate UD Login

Check your personal email address for a message from UD Information Technology (UDit). They will send your official username and a link to activate your account with a password that meets the system criteria. 

Can't find the email or need help? Contact helpdesk@udayton.edu or call +1 (937) 229-3888.

Request Airport Transportation

ISSS offers free transportation from Dayton International Airport to and near campus. This service is provided 30 days prior to the start of orientation. Request this service at least 7 days in advance of your arrival.

Secure Housing

If you are not required to stay on campus, you are responsible for finding housing on your own. ISSS does not arrange housing for students. 

If you would like to stay in on-campus housing, visit the UD housing website.

If you are looking for housing off campus, consider these resources:

If you do not have housing when you arrive in Dayton, you may need to stay somewhere temporarily. To find temporary accommodations, consider these options:

Use UD's address – 300 College Park, Dayton, Ohio 45469 – to help refine your search.

Complete Health Requirements

All students are required to submit evidence of immunizations and other medical requirements.

Register for Classes

Each department handles registrations slightly differently.  You will have time to speak with your academic department during orientation. If your department pre-registers you or you are able to register yourself, you can view your schedule in Porches. Having trouble? Refer to this helpful guide.

Purchase Health Insurance

To protect your health, safety, and finances, the University requires international students to possess health insurance coverage for you and your family. Coverage must meet University standards, be active while you are enrolled (including vacations), and be verified every semester. After arriving, you will be asked to submit your health insurance information to our office through Porches on the International page using this guide.

Your health insurance must meet these standards:

  • Cover at least a minimum of $250,000 per condition.
  • Have a deductible of $500 or less per individual.
  • Provide $50,000 or more for medical evacuation to your home country.
  • Provide $25,000 or more for repatriation (removal of remains after death) to your home country.
  • Be in effect for the entire time I am enrolled at UD, including vacations, for myself and dependents.

Some popular insurance providers among UD international students*:

*This list is provided as a courtesy and is in no way an endorsement. Students are free to choose a health insurance plan that best suits their needs and meets the requirements above. 

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Plan:
  • Access to doctors
  • Access to specialists
  • Pre-existing conditions coverage
  • Emergency and hospital care coverage
  • Regular physicals and healthcare screenings coverage
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) access
  • Additional benefits
  • Cost

The US healthcare system is one of the best in the world but it is also one of the most complex and expensive. Protect your health and finances; purchase a health insurance plan!

After You Arrive
Attend International Student Orientation

Attending international student orientation is required of all new international students. See the section below to learn about the important topics and activities at orientation.

Obtain Student ID Card

A UD student ID card (or FlyerCard) is necessary to access campus buildings on campus and other important services.

Submit Contact and Health Insurance Information

Immigration regulations require international students to submit a local phone number and address to ISSS. Additionally, ISSS requires students to certify they possess adequate health insurance coverage and submit emergency contact information. 

You will submit this information during international student orientation. 

Activate Your Cellphone

Having a U.S. phone number will help you stay safe and access important services. We urge you to activate your cellphone and obtain a U.S. phone number as soon as possible after arriving in the U.S. 

There are many options to choose from. You can find those in our pre-orientation course, or do your own research.

Open a Bank Account

If you plan to work at any time in the U.S., having a local bank account is necessary. Students often open an account at one of the banks near campus. You can view local banks in our pre-orientation course.

Go Shopping

A free shopping trip to Walmart is scheduled during orientation. Walmart is a popular store that carries groceries, clothing, houseware and more.  

Additionally, ISSS offers discounted Lyft rides to new students for the first few weeks of the term. Lyft is a popular ridesharing app in the U.S. You'll receive a code which will provide a $4-5 discount on each one way trip. Some limits apply.

Watch your email for more details about these transportation options. 

Complete the Post-Orientation Course

New students are also required to complete our post-orientation course. Consisting of several online training modules, the course is a review of the information presented at orientation and an introduction to new topics that we didn't have time to cover. 

You will receive notification by email when the course opens (typically within 1-2 weeks after classes begin).

International Student Orientation

All new students must attend Bridges international student orientation, the official welcome program for new students. At orientation, you will:

  • Meet other students
  • Learn about important university offices and services
  • Meet with representatives from your academic departments
  • Undergo a medical screening
  • Learn about important immigration requirements

Attendance is required and will be tracked throughout the program. Missing part of all of orientation may prevent you from registering for classes and/or violating your immigration status.

Refer to the section above for orientation dates. You will receive more information about orientation, including detailed schedules, as the date

Health Requirements and Insurance
Immunizations

To protect the health of everyone on campus, the University requires students to submit evidence of vaccinations and other medical history. 

To do this, students must download and complete the health requirement form. Information must be verified by a physician in your home country and submitted before arriving to Dayton.

Health Insurance

International students are required to have adequate health insurance coverage during their entire time at UD. Insurance should be active upon your arrival.

To protect your health, safety, and finances, the University requires international students to possess health insurance coverage for you and your family. Coverage must meet university standards, be active while you are enrolled (including vacations), and be verified every semester. After arriving, you will be asked to submit your health insurance information to ISSS. 

Immigration

Prepare the following documents before traveling:

  • An I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
  • A F-1 or J-1 visa
  • A valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Receipt of I-901 fee payment

Review our guide for additional details about these important documents, including how to obtain a visa and how early you can enter the US.

Enrollment requirements

Immigration regulations require F-1 and J-1 students to enroll for a full course load each semester. Students starting in the summer must also enroll full-time.

The table below indicates the number of credits to enroll in to be considered full-time. This varies by academic level and program.

Most of your classes must be in-person. Only a maximum of 3 credits of online courses can be applied towards the full course load requirement.

Enrollment requirements

Type of student

Number of required credits

Undergraduate students
Bachelor’s degree programs

12 credits each term

Graduate students
Master’s, doctoral, and other post-undergraduate programs

6 credits each term
Exception: 12 credits for Juris Doctor (JD)

Certificate programs

12 credits per term for undergraduate certificate programs;
6 credits per term for graduate certificate programs.

Intensive English Program (IEP) students

18 credits each IEP term
Living in the U.S.

Obtaining a Driver's License or State ID

You must have a driver's license and insurance to drive a car in the U.S. Failure to comply with these requirements could have immigration and criminal implications.

Beginning June 2025, all non-residents* wishing to apply for a driver's license will first receive a temporary permit. A temporary permit does not allow you to drive on your own. You will be required to take 24 hours of Ohio-approved driver training courses (in-person or online), drive 8 hours with a driving instructor and complete 50 hours of practice driving supervised by a licensed adult, prior to scheduling your driving tests and receiving the driver's license.

Please visit the Ohio Traffic Safety Office website to learn more about this requirement.

*Citizens of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan with current driver's licenses from their country are exempt from the training requirements and should present their license at the time of application.

How to Apply

  1. Newly arrived students should contact ISSS to confirm that their SEVIS record is active before applying for a driver's license. Additionally, new students should wait at least 10 days after arriving in the U.S. before applying for a license.
  2. Prepare required documentation. Take the following documentation with you to the knowledge and driving tests:
    1. Passport
    2. U.S. visa
    3. I-94
    4. I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students)
    5. A recent bank, utility, cellphone, or credit card statement that clearly shows your name and current address
  3. Take the knowledge test. Read the Digest of Ohio Motor Laws to prepare for the written exam. Schedule an appointment online at the facility at 6134 Chambersburg Rd., Huber Heights, OH 45424. The facility's phone number is 937-233-7211; hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. When you pass the test, you will have your photo taken and the temporary license will be mailed to your home address.
  4. Complete the training requirements.
    1. 24 hours of Ohio-approved driver training education in-person or online. Search for “Class D Driving Schools” or “Class D Online Courses”.
    2. 8 hours of practice with a driving instructor at the school selected.
    3. 50 hours of driving, including at least 10 hours of night driving, with a licensed driver age 21 or older. Use this affidavit to document the hours.
  5. Take the driving test. The driving test is administered at the facility located at 6134 Chambersburg Rd., Huber Heights, OH 45424. The facility's phone number is 937-233-7211; hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Schedule an appointment online. When you pass the test, you will have your photo taken and the driver's license will be mailed to your home address.

Renewing while on OPT or in Grace Period

If you are in your 60-day grace period and are leaving the U.S. during that period, you will not be able to renew your driver's license after your I-20 end date.

If you are transferring to another university or changing levels (example: from undergraduate to graduate), your driver's license can be renewed with a new I-20.

If you have requested OPT, you can obtain a driver's license with these documents:

Students with EAD
  • EAD
  • SS card, if you have one
  • Proof of Ohio residence
Students with approved OPT but no EAD
  • I-20 showing approved OPT
  • Passport
  • Visa
  • Proof of Ohio residence
  • Letter from employer dated within past 60 days showing current employment
  • SS card, if you have one
Students with requested OPT
  • I-20 with requested OPT
  • Passport
  • Visa
  • Proof of Ohio residence
  • I-797
  • SS card, if you have one

Medical Care and Health Insurance

The US healthcare system is expensive and complicated. To protect your health, safety, and finances, UD requires international students to possess adequate health insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents (if any). Coverage must meet our standards, be active while you are enrolled (including vacations), and be verified regularly. 

Students must submit their health insurance information through Porches. Step by step instructions can be found in this guide.

Your health insurance must meet these standards:
  • Cover at least a minimum of $250,000 per condition.
  • Have a deductible of $500 or less per individual.
  • Provide $50,000 or more for medical evacuation to your home country.
  • Provide $25,000 or more for repatriation (removal of remains after death) to your home country.
  • Be in effect for the entire time I am enrolled at UD, including vacations, for myself and dependents.
Some popular health insurance providers among UD international students include*:

*This list is provided as a courtesy and is in no way an endorsement. Students are free to choose a health insurance plan that best suits their needs and meets the requirements above. 

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Plan:
  • Access to doctors
  • Access to specialists
  • Pre-existing conditions coverage
  • Emergency and hospital care coverage
  • Regular physicals and healthcare screenings coverage
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) access
  • Additional benefits
  • Cost

The US healthcare system is one of the best in the world but it is also one of the most complex and expensive too. Protect your health and finances; purchase a health insurance plan!

Housing
As you begin your housing search, consider:
  • Location: Living close to the University, public transportation, grocery stores, etc. is desirable for most students, but demand is high. If possible, visit the properties you're interested in so you can assess the neighborhood's safety and convenience. Familiarize yourself with UD's campus so you know which areas to search. UD's address is 300 College Park, Dayton OH 45469.
  • Budget: Do a quick search of housing in your desired location using websites like www.zillow.com, www.apartments.com, or a comparable tool. See what kinds of options are available and the costs. 
  • Terms & Conditions: Review the lease carefully. What happens if you end the lease early? Will the landlord pay for utilities (water, gas, electricity) or are you responsible? When is rent due and how must it be submitted? What other responsibilities will you have as a tenant?
Types of Accommodations
On-Campus Housing

UD housing offers the best living spaces, a community environment and award-winning residential curriculum. There are also more opportunities to meet people and make friends, less time spent traveling/from class, and more convenient access to university personnel and resources. An often overlooked benefit of living on campus is knowing exactly who is responsible for the housing and where to go when you need questions answered.

Off-Campus Housing

Living off campus is often less expensive than living on campus. You may, however, have to take greater responsibility for how your apartment is managed and maintained.

ISSS is unable to help you find housing. We do, however, recommend the following tools to aid your search: 

Housing in the U.S. has become more expensive in recent years. See the typical prices of rent in Dayton.

Make contact with apartment complexes and landlords to understand the options. Visit the property and meet the landlord or property manager so you know who you'll be working with. 

What to Prepare

You'll likely need some or all of these documents when applying for off-campus housing:

  • Completed rental application. Each landlord will collect this information differently. Some may have you complete a paper form. Others may have you submit an application online.
  • Social Security Number (SSN). Most international students won't have this. Only students who are working can obtain a SSN.
  • Passport or another form of identification.
  • Previous month's bank statement.
  • Scholarships/funding documents from your college or external organizations, if applicable.
  • A letter of employment if you work on-campus or off-campus, if applicable.

When it's time to sign a lease, you'll likely be asked to submit the first month's rent plus a security deposit. The security deposit is often equal to one month's rent. Some or all of  the deposit will be returned to you at the end of your lease. Review the lease carefully to understand how and when this money will be returned.

Transportation

UD provides transportation around and near campus during the fall and spring semesters. 

There are two options:

  • Getting around campus. The UD shuttle is offered Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Going shopping. UD has partnered with RTA to provide a Saturday Shopping Shuttle. This shuttle provides free transports to students on Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

ISSS schedules trips to local shopping centers and other popular sites.

Additional Transportation Options

Bike rental

Bicycles can be rented for free from UD's RecPlex.

Public transportation

Dayton's public bus system is called the Dayton RTA. The RTA travels throughout the city of Dayton and to surrounding suburbs.

Rideshares

In addition to Lyft and Uber, Dayton has its own carpooling program. A carpool is an arrangement between 2 or more people to make a regular journey in a single vehicle. 

Car rental

Budget, Avis, and Enterprise are traditional car rental companies with offices in Dayton. An alternative is Turo, which allows you to rent cars from individuals.

Safety
Campus Safety

Visit Public Safety's website to learn more about crime prevention – the basics of personal safety, vehicular safety, bus rider safety, safety at home and around campus, and more.

Scams

While studying in the United States, make sure you understand how to recognize signs of scams that may put you at risk. We continue to see several scams targeting international students, usually through the forms of phone calls or social media messages. 

Never give out your passport number, SSN, credit card number, or other personal information to someone who contacts you over the phone or email. No U.S. government agency will ask for this information over the phone or email. 

U.S. immigration officials will always contact you by an official letter, sent by postal mail, or they may contact you in person with identification.

Phone calls threatening immediate arrest unless you pay them money are a scam. Many scammers will ask you to purchase gift cards or send or transfer money. This is also a sign of a scam.
Immigration Information
An overview of commonly asked immigration questions are provided below. Current students, faculty and staff may learn more about these topics in Porches. If you need additional support, please contact us at isss@udayton.edu.

What are UD's enrollment requirements?

F-1 and J-1 students must enroll for a full course load each term. These requirements differ depending on academic level and program. Some students may qualify for vacation after studying for a specific period of time.

What if I need more time to complete my program? What if I'm unable to enroll full time?

If your I-20 or DS-2019 will expire soon but you have not completed your program, you must request an extension prior to that document’s program end date.

If you are unable to enroll for a full course load, you risk losing your status. There are a limited number of academic and medical exemptions for this requirement.

If you are unable to continue studying because you do not qualify for a reduced course load or for personal or financial reasons, cannot remain in the US. Students who find themselves in this situation may need to request a leave of absence and return to the US to resume their studies at a later date.

Can I have a job?

Are you looking to work on campus? Learn how to search for jobs and obtain the necessary approvals to start your on campus job.

Want to work off campus? Optional Practical Training (F-1), Curricular Practical Training (F-1), or Academic Training (J-1) allow international students to work off campus in jobs related to their fields of study. Each of these have specific requirements and limits and require early planning. 

Whether you’re working on or off campus, you’ll likely need a Social Security Number (SSN) and be required to file taxes in April. 

What happens if I change majors, start a new program or want to switch schools?

Changes to your program of study must be reported to ISSS, including a change of major or program of study, as well as changing schools.

Can I bring my family or friends to the U.S.?

F-1 and J-1 students may add spouses and children as F-2 and J-2 dependents.

In some cases, a visitor visa may be necessary for family or friends if they wish to visit.

Can I travel outside the U.S.?

Are you taking a trip outside the U.S. and returning later to resume your studies? ISSS can provide information about how to prepare for a smooth return.

What if I have violated my status? What if I want to change my status?

ISSS can provide you with additional information about how to regain status after a status violation and/or how to change to another status. 

Connect With Us

If you have questions or need additional information, we invite you to contact us:

  • Email isss@udayton.edu. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response.
  • Visit in-person or virtually during drop-in hours*:
    • Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 2-3 p.m.
    • Tuesday and Thursday: 9-10 a.m.
    • If you are unable to drop-in during these times, you can contact our office to schedule an appointment.

*We recommend visiting virtually to avoid long lines in the office.

Contact Global and Intercultural Affairs Center
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 1701
937-229-3514 email