Incoming Student FAQs

How do I maintain my nonimmigrant status?

If you answer yes to all of these questions, you should be in status. If you need clarification or think you may out of status, please make an appointment with an OISS adviser as soon as possible.

• Did you check in with OISS when you arrived in the U.S.?
• Do you have a valid passport?
• Are you registered for a full course of study?
• For those who work off campus, did you follow the necessary immigration guidelines?
• Did you notify OISS of a change in your address?

F-1 Students: Please refer to Tulane's Office of International Students and Scholars' (OISS) maintaining visa status page for F-1 students for more information.

J-1 Students: Please refer to Tulane's Office of International Students and Scholars' (OISS) maintaining visa status page for J-1 students for more information.

Best Practices for Status Maintenance (F-1/J-1)

• Be aware of everything you need to do to maintain your status and take it seriously, even small things like updating your address.
• Know Your Rights as a non-citizen in the US (info on OISS website or from the ACLU).
• Ask OISS (or TULAP) anytime you aren’t sure about something related to your status – don’t ask your friends.
• Keep a folder of your important immigration documents.
• Set very restrictive privacy settings on social media so that DHS/DOS won’t be able to go fishing for information there.
• If you’ve applied to USCIS, check case status online regularly.
• Check the specific requirements at your embassy/consulate anytime you need to get a new visa stamp and review information about preparing for a nonimmigrant visa interview (on the OISS website).

While you are at Tulane, there are many opportunities for student employment across a variety of departments. Find information here on necessary documentation and protocols for employment while on an international visa.

F-1 Students: OISS's Employment in F-1 Status page has information on SSN application, on-campus jobs, circular and optional practical training, and tax information, etc.

J-1 Students: OISS's Employment in J-1 Status page has information on SSN application, on-campus jobs, academic training, and tax information.

Incoming exchange students are encouraged to obtain a US State ID for ease of identification within the US, especially useful in domestic travel, banking, and age verification scenarios. Acquiring a State ID involves visiting a local Department of Motor Vehicles office with necessary identification and residency documentation. The process also includes a small fee and once completed, a temporary ID is issued with the official one arriving in the mail shortly after.

For more tips on how to get a state ID, refer to the Sojourning Scholar's Page for State ID Cards.

Students are not required to open a bank account. Doing so can be a very personal decision, and so we encourage each student to research the best options for themselves. Please visit the OISS website for recommendations: https://oiss.tulane.edu/node/300/getting-started/banking

On-campus bank:

The Financial Spot: Liberty Bank in Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life Suite 103

What is needed to open an account(s) at Liberty Bank & Trust?

International students – Copies of supporting documents

• Passport/Student VISA
• F-1 or J-1 Documentation (I-12 or DS-2019)
• Tulane ID

Students can make an appointment on their Tulane University Landing Page or by scanning the QR code below.

As a Freeman Exchange student, you are unable to register for courses on your own. Staff in the Freeman Abroad Office register you into courses based on your enrollment requests.

To better understand the types of courses you can request enrollment into, we suggest referring back to previous semesters on the Schedule of Classes Website and referring to pages 12 through 14 of the Exchange Student Welcome Guide emailed to you from Freemanabroad@tulane.edu.

Final course schedules are not posted until approximately two weeks before registration time, which is in early April for Fall Semester and early November for Spring Semester.

Students should not submit the Schedule Request Form until the final course schedule for the correct semester has been posted.

Once your class schedule is completed and you receive notification from our office, you may wish to change your enrollment (add or drop classes). To do this, you can complete the request enrollment changes online survey. Exchange students cannot add or drop classes on their own. Note: changing a class schedule (taking the same class at a different day/time) still requires you to drop one section of the class and add the other. You still must complete the request enrollment changes online survey to swap sections. 

First you should check the academic calendar for your semester at the Tulane Academic Calendar. The regular registration period usually lasts until the second week of each semester. After that date, you cannot add classes unless there is a special circumstance. The deadline to drop classes is different, so be sure to check the academic calendar for your semester. 

In general, you should use the request enrollment changes online survey to change your enrollment. Be sure to fill in all of the required fields. And remember, your student ID number is also called your Splash ID number and is available to you in the portal as well as in Gibson. 

Once you complete the request enrollment changes survey, we will receive a notification and will email you once the action is complete (or if we need further information from you). Be sure to read the instructions on the form carefully and do not request a class that is full, or that you do not have the prerequisites to take. 

To change your enrollment AFTER the add or drop dates (see the online Academic calendar for your term), you must use the Registrar's Office Drop/Add Form. After completing the form, you must work with the Freeman Study Abroad & Exchange staff to be able to submit the request. 

Tulane's Academic Calendar lists official university milestones and events that define the academic terms, such as exam dates, holidays, and registration deadlines, as well as semester start and end dates.

Please refer to the academic calendar for any questions about your semester dates. 

Academic Tutoring and Learning Center (ATLC)

The Academic Learning & Tutoring Center is your partner for academic success. Whether you are looking for a place to study between classes, a tutor for organic chemistry, or a writing coach who understands APA formatting, we can help. 

Appointments for Peer Tutoring and the Writing Center can be booked through the scheduling app, Penji.

Physical Locations

ALTC Learning Studio: All in-person tutoring appointments, writing coaching sessions, and the Math Center drop-in hours happen in the Learning Studio, located in the basement of Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, Suite B01. 

Language Learning Center: Drop-in hours are available for World Languages in Newcomb Hall 408. 

Downtown support for Public Health tutoring is available by appointment at Tidewater 2460. 

Student Organizations

Tulane's 200+ student organizations have educational, military, multicultural, performance, preprofessional, political, Greek, media, religious and service focuses that allow students to find organizations that are tailored to what they are most passionate about. These organizations give Tulanians an opportunity to not only meet others who have similar interests but can help them cultivate new passions that will expand their worldview. With an incredible breadth of student organizations, everyone can find an activity that they will be excited to get involved with.

Freeman School of Business Student Organizations:

There are many opportunities to enrich your education and get involved in a variety of student activities that can help expand your experience as well as your network.

• Undergraduate Organizations
• Graduate Organizations

Tulane University Student Organizations:

The Student Organization Center (SOC) is a space where all Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) can meet, utilize various resources, and is a welcoming space where students can come hang out. RSOs can utilize the space for smaller meetings, poster making for tabling events or marketing purposes, button making, printing/copying of materials, locker storage, and receiving packages. If you want to learn more, scroll below for a specific list of resources we provide.

Interested in starting, leading, or joining a Recognized Student Organization at Tulane? Navigate to the LBC Student Organizations page to get started.

TUPals

TUPals is a program run by the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), an initiative of the Office of International Students and Scholars. The primary mission of TUPals is to help exchange students connect with peers, upper class mentors, and ultimately, the institution as a whole in order to ease the transition to Tulane, make new friends, and succeed academically. For more info about TUPals visit the TUPals website or contact isab@tulane.edu.

Multi-Cultural Student Organizations

Tulane students have formed a variety of multi-cultural student organizations. A great way to adjust and get involved in campus life is by participating in these student organizations. Below are a few examples of such organizations.

• The Tulane International Society (TIS): TIS focuses on bringing an awareness of global affairs to Tulane's campus, especially relating to issues that affect women's lives around the world. They organize discussions, speakers, and culture-sharing events that touch on a multitude of interests and majors, including Public Health, Latin American Studies, African and African Diaspora Studies and International Development. In doing so, they strive to create friendships and connections between international students and the greater Tulane community. TIS ultimately serves as a forum for the exchange of culturally and intellectually stimulating ideas, discussions, and projects. For more information, email tulaneinternationalsociety@wave.tulane.edu.
   
• Indian Association of Tulane University (IATU): Spreading the culture, traditions, and arts of India at Tulane University.
   
• Queer Student Association (QSA): Formerly known as MOSAIC, the LGBTQA student organization seeks to improve the lives of LGBTQ students on campus.
   
• Muslim Students Association (MSA): MSA seeks to gather Muslim students in a variety of religious, social, and educational events, as well as to serve the student body and community at large. Our major events are: providing Iftaar dinners during Ramadaan, lunch meetings to educate the student body about Islam and its relevance to medicine, and an annual “Fast-a-thon” charity drive and banquet.
   
• Tulane African Students Association (TASA): Dedicated to spreading the culture and traditions of the many African cultures represented at Tulane.
   
• Tulane Chinese Student Association (TCSA): Opening a channel of communication for members (mostly Taiwanese), as well as play a meaningful and visible role among other organizations and clubs at Tulane
   
• Tulane Chinese Students & Scholars Association (TCSSA): Dedicated to broadening communication between the Tulane Chinese community and various other cultural, academic and professional communities in the greater New Orleans area
   
• Tulane University Vietnamese Association (TUVA): Committed to exposing and promoting the rich Vietnamese culture to the diverse community of Tulane

Exchange students are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. It is an independent process. You may arrange housing after you arrive, however, some students prefer to arrange housing in advance. Note that if you choose not to arrange housing in advance other exchange students may already have roommates.

On-Campus Housing

On-campus residence hall space is limited. Exchange students are not guaranteed accommodations on campus. On-campus housing information can be found on Tulane University’s Housing and Residence Life website.

Off-Campus Housing

Tulane University does not help students find off-campus housing – this is your responsibility. However, we have provided you with some resources to help you start your search for housing and understand what you need to do next once you find housing. 

Many exchange students live in off-campus apartments located in the neighborhoods around the university. Costs vary but can be more affordable and more comfortable than living on campus. 

Your welcome guide (emailed to you from Freemanabroad@tulane.edu) has information about landlords who regularly rent to exchange students. Students can join the Facebook group for each semester in order to get to know other exchange students who may be looking for housemates. Email us for the link.

In addition, many exchange students have found apartments through Tulane Classifieds Facebook Page, Tulane Off-Campus Resident Association Facebook Page, Craigslist, NOLA.com and the Gambit.

Tulane Housing and Residence Life's Off-Campus Housing Page provides students with tips to help the process go smoothly.

Tulane has two career management centers, the Freeman Career Management Center for business school students, and the NTC Career Services for all Tulane students regardless of major. As an exchange student with the business school, you are encouraged to use the Career Management Center at the Freeman School of Business as it is more tailored to the business field and provides more targeted resources and global networking opportunities that are crucial for a successful career in business.

New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate, which means it generally experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers. Here's a breakdown of the climate in New Orleans:

1. Summer (June to August): Summers in New Orleans are hot and humid, with high temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C). Humidity levels can be quite high, making it feel even hotter. Rainfall is common during this time, with occasional thunderstorms.

2. Fall (September to November): Fall is a pleasant season in New Orleans, with gradually decreasing temperatures. Highs in the 70s and 80s°F (around 25-32°C) are typical. Humidity levels also begin to decrease, making it more comfortable.

3. Winter (December to February): Winters in New Orleans are relatively mild compared to many other parts of the United States. High temperatures generally range from the 50s to 60s°F (10-20°C), and lows rarely drop below freezing. Snow is extremely rare in New Orleans.

4. Spring (March to May): Spring is another pleasant season with mild temperatures. Highs typically range from the 70s to 80s°F (around 20-30°C). Humidity gradually increases as spring progresses, but it's generally more comfortable than the peak of summer.

New Orleans does not experience all four traditional seasons in the same way that areas with a continental climate might. Instead, it has a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, and it's known for its hot and humid summers. Snowfall is exceedingly rare in New Orleans, and when it does occur, it's usually a light dusting that quickly melts.

If you're wondering how to stay in the loop regarding campus activities and events, there are a variety of resources at your disposal. The Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life and the Commons' (LBC) Get Involved Page has information about: 

• STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
• ACTIVITIES + PROGRAMS
• EVENTS CALENDAR

Tulane students can use WaveSync to find and register for events on campus. 

We encourage you to meet with one of our staff as you plan for your time here at Tulane. Virtual appointments are welcome! 

Please visit our website for instructions.