Resources for International Students
Resources for current UConn students on a student visa (H2/J1) who are not citizens of the United States.
Admitted International Student Checklist
Congratulations on being accepted to UConn! So what's next? This checklist on the Office of Admissions website outlines next steps for admitted international students.
CLAS Advising for International Students
The CLAS Academic Services Center coordinates all academic events for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and provides supplemental advising for international students. During their first semester at UConn, international students must visit the Center to make changes to their schedule. Students are also encouraged to schedule an overview appointment with a Center advisor within a month of their arrival. Additionally, students must visit either their academic advisor or a Center advisor prior to their registration appointment during their first semester at UConn.
A registration hold preventing students from enrolling in classes will be placed on their accounts and will only be removed after students have met with advisors.
It is important to note that international students must remain registered for at least 12 credits to remain in compliance with their visa requirements.
International students may drop below 12 credits under very limited circumstances. For questions regarding a student’s eligibility to drop below 12 credits, please contact the Office of International Student & Scholar Services.
Note: Dropping below 12 credits is not guaranteed and students should continue attending all classes until they receive permission to drop below 12 credits.
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) supports the greater internationalization of UConn through the development and delivery of services and programs that help our international students. ISSS is responsible for organizing international student orientation, planning events designed to aid students’ social transition, and providing help regarding students’ immigration status.
The ISSS website has a comprehensive list of resources and programs for international students on topics like academic help and acquiring health insurance.
English Language Resources
The ability to communicate with the people around you is of vital importance. If a student is a non-native speaker, the lack of familiarity with a given language may be a source of discomfort and an inhibitor to building strong relationships and successful transition.
Below are a few English language resources, on and off-campus that can help students strengthen their English language skills and abilities.
Local In-Person Resources
Writing Center
The Writing Center provides free tutoring and writing workshops designed to help students become stronger writers. This is a great resource to help students in ENGL 1003, 1004, 1010/1011 classes, and any class that requires writing a paper.
Vernon Regional Adult Basic Education (VRABE)
VRABE provides free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for students in the surrounding towns of UConn Storrs. Students have the opportunity to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing with their peers while receiving guidance from a teacher. Classes are available during the fall and spring semesters and require picture I.D. for registration purposes.
Cross-Cultural Connections
Cross-Cultural Connections is a resource for international students to help improve their English speaking skills as well as ease their transition into the American and UConn culture. It helps students bridge cultural gaps and fosters more open-minded individuals. Students are matched in a 1-on-1 format and they meet at mutually convenient times. Partners meetings are flexible and the time commitment is between 1 and 2 hours per week.
Online Resources
BBC Learning English
BBC Learning English is an online tool that offers help with vowel and consonant pronunciations, colloquialisms, and general English language. This free resource is a great way for students to improve their English vocabulary and practice their English using guided pronunciation.
EduFind
EduFind has a great English grammar guide that can help students learn parts of speech as well as how to use parts of speech when writing and speaking.