I Have Been Admitted, What is Next?

Students living on campus are required to have a meal plan. We recommend exchange students choose the U Gold plan, which includes unlimited Cafeteria Meals Access, $200 Plus dollars per semester, and 1 Meal Exchange per day. The meal plan will be uploaded to the students' APSU IDs, which will be used to pay for meals at all dining locations on campus.

You should have received a Certification of Immunization Form with your welcome package. You need to complete that document and send/email it to APSU Health Services. The State of Tennessee requires that all students, including exchange students, entering institutions of higher education submit proof of:

• Health insurance is strongly recommended. You can buy the insurance online before you come to APSU or as soon as you arrive. See APSU Insurance Recommendations for more information.

• Two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)  immunizations.

• Chicken pox immunization.

• A negative tuberculosis test from within 30 days of your arrival to the United States (BCG not acceptable), or a letter from your doctor stating that you are TB free.

• Students who are 21 and under must also have received a meningitis shot within the last 5 years. This shot can me administrated at APSU Health Services once you arrive on campus, but will cost $125.

A student who has not submitted the requirements above will not be able to attend classes. For more information contact the APSU Health Services Department. More>>

 

Please read all the information below thoroughly and watch the course registration tutorial below as we have answered the most frequently asked questions. If you still have questions regarding course registration, please do not hesitate to contact our office. 

How many courses do students normally take?

Students normally register for at least 12 credit hours at APSU. Twelve credit hours is considered full-time enrollment.

What does 12 credit hours mean?

Each credit hour represents one hour of course time during the week.

1 credit hour= 1 hour of class time/ week

3 credit hours= 3 hours of class time/ week

4 credit hours= 4 hours of class time /week

Most courses at APSU are 3 credit hour courses. 4 courses worth 3 credit hours= 12 credit hours. In other words, if you enroll in a 3 credit hour course, this means your class will meet for three hours during the week. If you enroll in four 3 credit hour courses, then you will be in class for 12 hours during the week and you have met the 12 credit hour full-time requirement.

How many hours of coursework am I required to enroll in?

Due to your J-1 visa status, you are required to enroll in at least 12 credit hours. Please check with your home institution exchange coordinator and verify the number of hours required at your home institution.

What is the maximum number of hours I am allowed to enroll in?

The maximum number of hours you are allowed to enroll in is 15 hours.

Can I take APSU online classes?

You can take APSU online courses, but will be responsible for the additional fees associated with these courses. These courses are not covered in the tuition waiver exchange students receive. Online courses are identified as web based courses in Self-Service. Exchange Students are limited in the number of online courses they can take due to federal regulations. 3 hours of the 12 hour full time requirement can be satisfied with online classes. The other 9 credit hours of full-time enrollment must be completed with traditional coursework.

ISEP Students: Students participating in the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) are prohibited from taking online courses due to ISEP restrictions.

COURSES THAT ARE LISTED AS “RODP” ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO EXCHANGE STUDENTS

How do I log-in to APSU One Stop and look up classes?

Your admission packet has instructions on how to log-in to APSU One Stop. Once you have entered One Stop follow the instructions below to check for available classes. Make sure you choose the right term (fall or spring) since you can ONLY choose classes that are available during the term you will be here.

1. Select Web Self-Service
2. Select Student
3. Select Registration
4. Select Look Up Classes
5. Select Fall Semester 2018 Term and click Submit
6. Select Subject and click Course Search. Next you should be able to see all the classes available during that term under that subject, including the classes you have been approved for.

How do I know which level a course is?

APSU courses are numbered to identify the level of difficulty.

• 1000= 1^st year, introductory course
• 2000= 2^nd year
• 3000= 3^rd year
• 4000= 4^th year
• 5000= graduate level coursework

How do I know when a course is offered?

Courses have specific meeting times each week. The specific meeting time is indicated using the following system:

MWF	Monday, Wednesday, Friday course. The course meets at the time listed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week.
TR	Tuesday, Thursday course. The course meets at the time listed on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.
M	Monday course (only meets on Mondays at the time listed).
T	Tuesday course (only meets on Tuesdays at the time listed).
W	Wednesday course (only meets on Wednesdays at the time listed).
R	Thursday course (only meets on Thursdays at the time listed).
F	Friday course (only meets on Fridays at the time listed).

 

Am I allowed to take any level of course?

Students who wish to take 3000 or 4000 level coursework are often required to show proof of pre-requisite knowledge. Pre-requisite knowledge is defined as an adequate understanding of the lower-level content in that specific academic area.

Example: Accounting II

Students wishing to take Accounting II must show adequate pre-requisite knowledge of Accounting I.

An academic transcript showing courses already completed in the area of studies will sometimes be requested before allowing permission for students to take upper division coursework.

Can I request a course which is listed as full?

No. Due to fire code regulations we are restricted from overfilling the classrooms; however, you may check regularly to see if any seats open in the course and notify our office if a spot becomes available. It is important to note that often courses fill quite quickly and open seats can be filled within a few minutes.

When will I receive my course schedule?

Timing can vary. If you request courses which require pre-requisite knowledge and your transcript is required, then it can take longer to complete your schedule. All exchange students require special permission to register for 2000-4000 level courses. Our office handles all course requests for exchange students and normal processing time for a complete schedule is two- three weeks, but can be longer if special requests are made.

What happens if I want to change my course(s) after enrollment, but before arrival?

It is possible to change your course(s), but please keep in mind it can be quite difficult to change your course and timing is important. Our office must request additional permits to help you with registration and you must verify the change with your home institution coordinator.

What happens if I want to change my course(s) after arrival and classes begin?

It will still be possible to change your course schedule after the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange deadline, but you will be responsible for requesting permits from academic departments and completing the registration process. You will also be responsible for any fees associated with late registration.

If you have any additional questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange and we will be happy to assist you.

After receiving your DS-2019 form, schedule an appointment with the American Embassy to complete your visa interview. Be sure to bring the appropriate documentation with you including your visa application DS-2019 form, your letter of acceptance at APSU, financial statements and any other requirements. Information about student visas, how to apply, required documentation and preparing for the interview is available from the U.S. Department of State. You should also renew your passport if it has an expiration date earlier than your program end date at APSU. This will ensure that you are able to enter and depart the country during your program of study.

All exchange students are required to attend a mandatory Exchange Student Orientation. This orientation usually takes place at 10 AM on the Thursday prior to when classes are scheduled to start. The exact date and time is on the welcome letter you received. Please make sure you make your travel arrangements so that you arrive on campus on time to attend the orientation. Due to university operating times, please try to arrange your flight to arrive on campus before 6:00 PM central time, if possible. 

Additionally, you should send your travel itinerary to the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange with your arrival date and flight information. This information will allow us to support you through the entry process.

Before leaving your country, make sure you notify your banking institution that you will be studying in the U.S. and the time period you will be abroad. Discuss using your debit/credit card in the U.S. and whether it will function. Do not rely solely on your debit/credit card from your home country bank as sometimes these cards do not function in the U.S. Plan to also bring a small amount of U.S. dollars that will provide enough funds to sustain you until you are able to meet with a U.S. banking official to open up an account in the U.S.

 

We also recommend you make copies of your immigration documents including your DS-2019, student visa, passport, financial statement, and acceptance letter to APSU. Leave one copy of the documents in a safe place with a family member as well as our office contact information.

 

The following items should be placed in your CARRY-ON luggage:

• Passport, visa, DS-2019 form, financial statement, copy of APSU acceptance letter and all other supporting documentation

• Airline Ticket

• Travel itinerary to include the following:

  • All flight numbers and ticket confirmation numbers

  • Times of flight departures and arrivals

• Contact numbers for:

  • Shuttle service pick-up at BNA or contact number for the volunteer scheduled for pick-up

  • APSU Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange: (931) 221-6851

  • APSU Office of Housing: (931) 221-7444

  • APSU Office of Public Safety (APSU 24-hour emergency contact number): (931) 221-7786 (Use to reach emergency contact of PDSO or other campus contact after business hours.)

• U.S. currency, include money for food, transportation, and other necessities during your initial days in the U.S.; do not travel with large sums of currency as these can be easily lost or stolen.

• Credit and debit cards

• International driving license

• Prescription medication in original container, back-up supply, and letter from doctor (in English)

• Instructions for treating any allergies or unique medical conditions (in English)

• Extra change of clothing (in case your luggage is lost)

• Reading materials, ear plugs, MP3 players, or other travel comforts.

• Camera

• Sweater/light jacket

The following items should be placed in your CHECKED luggage:

• Copies of all immigration documents including your passport, DS-2019 form, visa, letter of acceptance, etc.

• Seasonally and culturally appropriate clothing, undergarments, shoes and accessories (Tennessee’s climate is classified as humid subtropical with the highest temperatures in the late summer reaching 100-plus degrees Fahrenheit (38°Celsius) and winter temperature reaching lows of 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit (-6°Celsius). Average temperatures fall between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (10° to 27°Celsius) during fall, spring and early summer.)

• Eyeglasses and/or extra supplies of contacts

• Electrical outlet adapters for electronics (voltage in USA is 120V/60Hz, Type A and B sockets)

• Music from home country

• Traditional dress/outfit

• Personal computer software/USB drive

• Photos (family and friends)

• Small items representative of your home and culture

The following items are recommended.

Most of these items can be bought here unless you have a very specific brand you must use. You can also check on-line to see if your brand and type can be purchased here. If you choose to purchase here, make sure to have extra money. If you bring them with you, they should be packed in your checked luggage.

• Bed sheets  (extra-long twin sheets), blanket, pillow and pillowcase

• Towels and washcloths

• Toiletries and cosmetics (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc.)

  • It can be useful to bring a 2-3 day supply in your checked luggage until you are able to purchase more.

  • See TSA guidelines regarding liquids in carry-on baggage.

• Slippers/flip flops

• First-aid kit

• Medicines such as over-the-counter pain reliever, cold/flu, and allergy medicine

Check the Transportation Security Agency website for more information about packing and restricted items