Pre-arrival guide

You will be getting important emails to your unique Suffolk.edu email address. To log in to your Suffolk inbox you will need your credentials. You will get two separate emails from Suffolk Access, one will provide you with your Student ID and the other your Username. You should receive these emails soon after confirming your place. Check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see the emails.

Once you get your credentials, this resource will help you log in to your Suffolk email account.

Apply for your F-1 visa right away. To start the process, you will need to use the Form I-20 that will be sent to you by either Ryan Osborne-Krause, INTO Suffolk DSO/Evaluator, at ryan.osborne-krause@suffolk.edu or from Stella Cho, INTO Suffolk DSO/Evaluator, at stella.cho@suffolk.edu

We offer a variety of visa support services through PASS, our Pre-Arrival Success Services program.

How can PASS help you?

• Attend one of our information and preparatory workshops. We offer different types of virtual webinars and workshops about the F-1 visa process. Check out our events page.

• Register for one-on-one visa interview prep with a PASS advisor.

• Read more about the steps to applying for a US F-1 Visa.

Living on campus? All Suffolk International Direct, International Year One, University Transfer Program, and Academic English + International Year One students are required to live on campus. Limited on campus housing options may be available for Integrated Master's Program and Academic English only students.

Students interested in on-campus Housing should complete the Housing Preference Form. Please be advised that housing type is not guaranteed. We will do our best to accommodate housing preferences submitted by July 1 for fall or December 1 for spring.

Students who submit housing deposits will be sent their housing information prior to move-in. Housing messages come from Suffolk Residential Life (SU Res Life).

Living off campus? Most Integrated Master's Program and Academic English only students who are over 21 years-old and graduate students live off campus. Based on availability, on-campus housing may be available. Suffolk University has a verified free off-campus housing portal listing available accommodations and a roommate matching platform. This platform can be accessed by incoming and current Suffolk students. Go here to start looking at options for your off-campus housing. If you still have questions or need help, email us at INTO@suffolk.edu.

Login with your Suffolk credentials. Go to the Suffolk Student Health Portal to upload your immunization records. You will see instructions on how to upload your immunization documents. Please note, these must be uploaded in order for you to be registered for your classes.

Pay your full tuition before arrival. For online payment and wire information, please refer to the links on your offer letter, or go here.

To support your arrival, please go to the arrivals portal to submit your flight details. We offer limited airport arrivals only for flights landing on 5 or 6 January. Here you can indicate in the Portal whether you’d like a ride to campus or to your off-campus accommodation. This is available to you at no cost.

Arriving early? If you are arriving early and would like to book a hotel, this website recommends hotels close to Suffolk University's campus at a preferred rate for Suffolk University students. If you have any questions about arriving early, please email into@suffolk.edu.

Throughout your time at Suffolk, you will use the Suffolk Canvas platform to access important information for many of your classes. Go to the Canvas platform and make sure you can log in using your university credentials.

Are you enrolled in an International Direct, Undergraduate Transfer Program or International Year One program? If so, you are required to take the math placement exam, please follow the instructions below:

• Access the exam through the Suffolk Canvas platform.

• Click Canvas in the navigation bar at the top of the page (if the page does not load, make sure you disable your pop-up blocker).

• In the 'My Courses' box, you should see a link to the Math Placement Exam. Read through the on-screen instructions and begin.

Need help with the math placement? Call the ServiceDesk at +1 617-557-2000 or email servicedesk@suffolk.edu.

Massachusetts has four distinct seasons, so pack for all types of weather. Bring a heavy coat, warm layers and rain gear for winter, and lighter clothing for the warm summer months.

You must have hard copies of the following documents: electronic copies are not accepted at the Port of Entry. Keep your mobile phone in your backpack, not in your pocket or in your hands.  

• Original Form I-20 

• Valid passport with a valid F-1 visa stamp 

• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt 

• Proof of funding for your tuition fees and living costs (including sponsor letter if applicable)  

• Updated billing statement from the university showing fees have been paid for the semester/term 

• Health forms and immunization documentation 

• All medical prescriptions written in English 

• Official transcripts or test scores 

• Laptop computer – turned off 

If you are unable to obtain a visa before the start date for which you have been admitted, email us immediately. You may defer your start to another intake and apply your deposit to the next semester, or you may request a refund if your visa was denied.  

You should arrive during move-in week.  

Timing requirements for F-1 students:  

Arriving early: As an F-1 student, you are allowed to enter the US up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20. Check your I-20 for the earliest arrival date. If you arrive early, you will need to arrange your own transportation and accommodation.  

Arriving late: If you arrive after the start date listed on your I-20, you may be denied entry to the US. A late arrival letter may be issued to you from your university, but this does not guarantee entry. When booking your flights, remember to plan around your move-in date.  

We’re here for you. Our Student Services team is experienced in helping international students transition in living and learning in the US. Come talk to us anytime.