While this is by no means a comprehensive list of questions we receive from our J-1 exchange students, these are the questions we receive most often.

When will I receive official notification regarding my admission into Southern’s exchange student program?
This depends on when we receive your information from your home university. As a general rule, Southern will make decisions regarding placements within 3 weeks of receiving a prospective student’s file. Please check with either your home institution to determine when your file was submitted.

I’m having difficulties logging into my Banner Student page so that I can submit my housing application, view my courses, and pay my fees. What do I do?
Once you have received official notification of your acceptance into Southern’s exchange program, you will receive a username and temporary password to log into your MySCSU account and Southern’s Banner system. If you experience difficulties, please feel free to either contact Southern’s information technology Help Desk, or contact us at oie@southernct.edu. The Help Desk can work with you to reset your password, and if you’re still having difficulties, our staff can contact the Help Desk on your behalf.

What if I need to enroll in specific courses at Southern in order to graduate or fulfill my academic requirements at my home university?
Our staff will make every effort to enroll you in the courses you request. At times, courses may be unavailable, they may have filled (this depends, of course, on when your file was received), or, the courses you requested may not be offered during the current term. To be sure you are requesting courses from the correct term, please visit Banner Student. We are generally able to enroll students in the courses they need, but we do appreciate flexibility since challenges do occasionally arise.

Where will I be housed during my exchange semester or year at Southern?
Most exchange students will live on campus in the North Campus Midrise complex. This is a co-ed apartment building for upper-level undergraduate students. North Campus Midrise is the home of the “International Living and Learning Community”—an LLC for international and domestic students which emphasizes cultural awareness and inclusivity. While there will be other international students in the LLC, you will be sharing a room with an American student who has applied to participate in the LLC. And while you will be able to purchase food or use your HootLoot ID and meal card in Connecticut Hall, our main cafeteria, you will also have a kitchen so that you can cook at your convenience.

Are there alternate living arrangements available?
Students are encouraged, but not required, to live on campus. For most students, on-campus living will be ideal for practical reasons (transportation to and from campus, distance to shopping, etc.); however, we have had some students request to live off campus. While this is certainly allowed, Southern unfortunately cannot assist with locating or contracting off-campus housing.

I have a medical condition that requires me to have my own independent living space (without a roommate). Does Southern provide such accommodations?
Yes. Please check the following website for information regarding on-campus housing accommodations for students with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions.

Will I be able to have friends or family stay with me in my dorm at Southern?
We advise that you do not plan to have any guests the first several weeks in your dorm at Southern. The first few weeks are a time to get to know your roommate and suitemates, and arriving with a guest or having an immediate visitor can present challenges for everyone. Thereafter, you will be asked to abide by the rules of the complex.

When will I receive my DS-2019 so that I can schedule my visa appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate?
DS-2019s are processed once all required supporting documentation has been submitted, including a J-1 Exchange Visitor Application, evidence of sufficient available funds, and evidence of health insurance. If any documents are missing, the DS-2019 will not be processed. 

How do I waive Southern’s health insurance requirement and the associated health insurance fee?
If your current comprehensive health insurance policy provides coverage for overseas travel that meets U.S. federal minimum requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors (medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness; repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000; expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000; and a deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness – additional details available here) you may request a waiver of the ISO policy through ISO. Contact ISO at waivers@isoa.org.

Is it possible to establish a payment plan with SCSU so that I can pay my student fee bill over the course of the semester?
Yes. Please find information regarding establishing a payment plan on the One Stop website.

I’m having trouble getting my Connecticut State University Student Health Services Form filled out. Is this really necessary in order for me to study at Southern?
Yes! In fact, you will not be able to move into the dorms at Southern until your form, showing evidence of all required immunizations, has been received by our Health Services office. Certain vaccinations are required by state law, so the university must have this information on file before you check in. You can find a copy of the form here.