Pre-Orientation

Make sure the Office of Immigration and International Admissions has all documents including transcripts, test scores, and any college credits earned through dual enrollment, AP courses, IB courses, or while attending another institution. This will help make your class registration process easier.

Your Jag number can be found on your letter of admission. You will need this to log into PAWS and JagMail. PAWS is USA's Personal Access Web System, used by students to register for classes. Here you can find information about your account, housing, transcripts, and personal information. Also, set up your JagMail as soon as possible to receive important university communications.

Please note: Early arrival for campus housing will be on Tuesday, August 13th and Wednesday, August 14th. If you are staying on campus, please be mindful of these dates when booking your flights.

If you are planning to live on campus in the Residence Halls (dorms), please read the following information.

Once you've been admitted to South, you'll use your Jag number and JagMail password to login to My USAHousing and begin your housing contract. Those who complete their contract early will have the largest selection of campus housing locations and types. It is very important that you complete your "early move-in" request in your student housing account once you've received your housing assignment.

ROOM ASSIGNMENTS: Those who complete their contract by March 1 will be eligible to self-select their residence hall and room through the 'Room Selection' process (conducted in My USAHousing), based on availability. Those who complete their contract after March 1 will be assigned by USA Housing.

ROOMMATES: Students have the option of selecting their roommate(s) or receiving a random roommate. If you would like to find a roommate we suggest using the USA Housing roommate search program. The program is inside the My USAHousing portal, as part of your housing contract. All students will fill out a roommate profile and questionnaire as part of their housing application, even if the student does not plan to use the Roommate Search function. Then, it is up to the student (participation is optional) to reach out to others through the Roommate Matching process once it opens.
More information about the application process can be found on USA Housing's Getting Started page. You can find more information on USA Housing's ‘Roommates’ page, including Key Roommate Deadlines and answers to several FAQs.

QUESTIONS? Contact USA Housing at (251) 341-4663 (press option "0"/M-F, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) or send them an email (housing@southalabama.edu).

There are several apartment complexes within walking distance to the University's main campus. Some even include a shuttle service to campus! Below are some links to the websites of apartment complexes nearby. Make sure to contact the leasing office to discuss possible move-in dates. If you will be starting classes in the Spring Semester (January), remember that you will be arriving to Mobile during the holiday season in the United States, and some business change their working hours during this time. 

Central House on Stadium

Traditions at South

Mirage on University

The Social at South Alabama

One Ten Student Living

Robinwood

Four Seasons

Kingswood

New students must submit all three immunization information and records outlined below, through the Student Health Web Portal. Your login is your Jag Number and JagMail E-Mail Password.

• Documented proof of two doses of a measles containing vaccine (rubeola, MR, MMR).  One dose must have been after 1980 and at least one of the doses must have been an MMR. You may provide documented immunity to the measles, mumps, and rubella in lieu of the vaccine.
• Documentation of a Negative TB Skin Test, Chest Xray or Blood Test within the past 6 months.
• Documented proof of the Meningitis Vaccine within the last 5 years.

Please have your Physician fill out the Tuberculosis Screening & Immunization Form for International Students and bring this with you to Orientation!

International students are required to maintain health care insurance while in the US studying. Students may enroll in the University's student health policy or provide insurance from an outside company. If you wish to use your own policy, you must complete the insurance waiver for your policy to be reviewed by Student Health. This waiver can be accessed here.

Insurance waiver deadlines are as follows:

Fall semester - July 1

Spring semester - December 1

Summer semester - May 1

Once you are admitted, use this link at the bottom of this page to sign up for your orientation session. Remember to bring your passport, immigration paperwork, immunization forms (if they have not been turned in), and any transcripts or test scores that may affect your course registration. Also remember to wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes, as we will be walking to different areas of campus. In case of inclement weather, bring a light/rain jacket or umbrella. 

If you would like to change your major, please fill out the Change of Major Form. This form is only for new incoming students. 

Our office offers transportation from the Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) to the student's dorm, apartment, or temporary lodging. Apply for airport pickup by filling out the Airport Pickup Request Form. 

Pensacola International Airport (PNS) and New Orleans International Airport (MSY) are two international airports close to Mobile. Pensacola is just over 1 hour from Mobile by car, and New Orleans is just over 2 hours by car. If students choose to fly in to one of these two airports, they will need to coordinate their own transportation to their dorm or apartment.

In order to sign up for any event during Orientation week, please fill out the Transportation Waiver and submit it to intlservices@southalabama.edu.