Information for Newly Admitted Students
You've made it! Welcome to Saint Louis University and the Billiken family. This exciting time will no doubt be filled with questions. Use the information below as a guide, and reach out if you need assistance. We are committed to supporting you during your journey at SLU.
Your Next Steps
The mySLU portal is your comprehensive online resource. As a new Billiken, you'll use it to apply for housing (undergraduate students only), check your SLU email, view billing information, and more.
Get Started
- Find your SLU Net ID, which is located in your Billiken Gateway portal under "My Application Info" on the right side of the screen.
- Activate your SLU Net ID and password by following these step-by-step instructions.
- Log in to mySLU using your SLU Net ID and newly created password. Consider adding auth.slu.edu to the bookmarks bar on your browser.
Need help? Contact SLU IT professionals at 314-977--4000 or ask@slu.edu
The I-20 and DS-2019 are both documents that certify your eligibility to apply for a visa. You need an I-20 (also referred to as a "Certificate of Eligibility") to apply for an F-1 student visa, and a DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 exchange visitor visa.
To obtain your SLU I-20 or DS-2019, you must upload the following documents to your Billiken Gateway portal (undergraduate students) or SLU Grad Applicant portal (graduate students):
- A color copy of your passport.
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding your study at SLU. This might be from you, your parents, a scholarship agency, or someone else. View a sample letter of support.
- A letter from your sponsor's bank verifying that funds will be available for your duration of study at SLU. The available amount must at least total the funds needed for your first year, including any scholarships you may have received.
Learn more about submitting your required financial documents
If you are currently an F-1 student enrolled at another U.S. university, submit this transfer form along with the required documents listed above.
Once your documents have been verified, you will receive a confirmation email. Your I-20 or DS-2019 will be processed within seven to 10 business days and sent to you electronically.
Once you have received your I-20 or DS-2019, you can apply for your visa.
Learn more about obtaining your visa
Dependent Visas
The Office of International Services can also provide support in bringing your family to the U.S. while you study. Your spouse and children (unmarried and under 21) are eligible for a dependent visa; parents, siblings and other extended family members are not.
The enrollment deposit ($1500 for global graduate students and $500 for undergraduate students) secures your place for the upcoming semester and should be submitted once you have decided to attend SLU. The deposit can be fully refunded if you submit proof of visa denial.
Global Graduate Students: If you receive your F1 visa for Saint Louis University, you will be required to pay this deposit within 48 hours of receipt of the visa or your I-20 will be canceled.
First-Year Undergraduate Students
Submit your final, official high school transcript with a graduation date and/or a copy of your graduation certificate. If necessary, provide an English translation.
Undergraduate Submission Options
- Drop off in person at DuBourg Hall, Room 119
- Mail to SLU's Office of Admission, 221 N. Grand Blvd. Room 149, St. Louis, MO 63103
- Have your high school counselor send it using a secure electronic submission system
Graduate Students
Submit all final, official university transcripts. If necessary, provide an English translation.
Graduate Submission Options
- Drop off in person at DuBourg Hall, Room 119
- Mail to SLU's Office of Admission, 221 N. Grand Blvd. Room 149, St. Louis, MO 63103
- Have the university send it using a secure electronic submission system
You and your dependents must have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in the U.S. You have two coverage options.
Option 1: Private Insurance
Before or shortly after your arrival, enroll in an insurance plan from an agency in your home country, a U.S. agency or your embassy. You must provide proof of this insurance by submitting the SLU health insurance waiver form.
Please note: If you fail to provide proof of insurance, you will automatically be enrolled in and billed for SLU's University Health Plan.
Option 2: University Health Plan
SLU's University Health Plan coverage will begin on your first day of class. You may purchase supplemental health insurance to cover the time period during which you've arrived in the U.S. but have not yet started at SLU.
Learn more about supplemental health insurance
Questions? Contact the SLU Student Health Center at SHC@health.slu.edu.
You must provide your immunization record and complete a health history questionnaire. You cannot register for classes until you've received all required immunizations.
You'll use your SLU ID to access locations and services across campus, including buildings, parking, meal plans, printing and more.
Submit your photo online; you'll receive your ID upon your arrival to campus.
Full-time enrollment (12-18 credit hours per semester) is required during the academic year. Dropping below this requirement can only be authorized by the Office of International Services.
If you are at risk for dismissal, you will be required to meet with an international advisor.
Additional Next Steps: Undergraduate Students
Housing contracts open Feb. 3 and can be accessed via mySLU after your enrollment deposit is processed (24-48 hours).
What To Know
- If you submit your contract as soon as possible, you're more likely to receive your top choice.
- SLU considers mutual roommate requests. Enter your requested roommate's information through Roomiez on ERezLife. Your roommate much confirm the request through Roomiez.
Please note: Your housing contract is legally binding. Edits can be made after contract submission and will not affect your original submission date.
Learn more about SLU housing and meal plans
Hotels
If you need temporary accommodations when you first enter the U.S., consider one of the many hotels near campus. Ask about SLU discounts when booking.
SLU's placement process ensures you start your first semester in the appropriate classes. Complete your test(s) as soon as possible so your academic advisor can pre-register you for classes.
Completion Deadlines
Spring semester: by Jan. 13
Summer or fall semester: by May 15
Did you apply to SLU using your high school email address? If so, contact your admission counselor using a personal address before your high school email becomes inactive.
Check your SLU and/or personal email for a message from the Office of Student Financial Services containing a link to view your financial aid offer.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Accept or decline the offer.
- Make payment arrangements.
Additional Next Steps: Graduate Students
On Campus
SLU provides on-campus apartments for graduate, law and medical students at Ignacio Hall and Robert May Hall, both of which are immediately adjacent to the SLU campus.
Off Campus
SLU is located in a thriving, urban area with plenty of rental options. The University has partnered with College Pads to create an off-campus housing marketplace, which is a great resource for finding apartments and prospective roommates.
- Research costs associated with living off campus, such as rent, utilities and parking.
- Read housing contracts carefully.
- Be aware of applicable state and federal housing laws.
Hotels
You are encouraged to secure housing before entering the U.S. If you need temporary accommodations, consider one of the many hotels near campus. Ask about SLU discounts when booking.
Students who live in on-campus apartments or commute to campus can choose from several meal plans.
Important Dates and Enrollment Timeline
| Enrollment Step | Deadline | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Your Application | January Start: Nov. 1 March Start: Jan. 1 May Start: March 1 June Start: April 1 August Start: May 1 October Start: Aug. 1 |
You must have a completed application with all supporting documents on file by this date. |
| Receive Your Admission Decision | 1-2 weeks after you’ve completed your application. | You will receive your official admission letter. |
| Provide Financial Documents | One week after you receive your admission decision. | Last day to submit or upload your financial documents and copy of your passport. |
| Confirm Your Enrollment | As soon as possible. | All students must pay a non-refundable deposit in order to confirm their enrollment. After you’ve deposited, you are provided access to your SLU email, submit your housing contract, and more. |
| Receive Your I-20 | One month before classes start. |
Receiving your I-20 on time allows you the opportunity to obtain your visa ahead of the first day of classes. Please note: If you do not receive your I-20, you must request to defer your application to the next term. |
| Receive Your Visa | Two weeks before classes start. | You must have a visa approved by this date (in SEVIS) in order to be registered for classes. |
| Arrive On Campus | A few days before classes start. | You must check in at SLU’s mandatory Welcome Suite by the first day of classes. If you do not check in, you will be dropped from classes and your I-20 will be canceled. |
| Last day to transfer to SLU | One week before classes start. | |
| First Day of Classes | Look for your start date: January, May, August Start March, June and October Start |
This is the last day you will be allowed to register for classes. |
| Your On-Campus Orientation | Find your orientation date here. | This is a required, in-person orientation for all new international students. |