Admissions & Pre-Arrival

Admissions Process

Once your International Student Exchange Application and supporting materials have been reviewed by our office you will be notified of your admission status via email. Your acceptance packet will follow and include the following information:

  • Official letter of admission
  • Pre-arrival information
  • Form DS-2019 immigration document
  • Details of the mandatory orientation programs
  • Course schedule (if available at time of admission)

The Study Abroad & Away Office will be your primary contact throughout the admissions and arrival process. Our International Student and Scholar Office can provide assistance if you have questions about immigration procedures or your student visa.

Student Visa

All TU international exchange students must obtain a J-1 visa in order to enter and study in the United States. To obtain a visa you must take your official admissions letter and Form DS-2019 to your local US consulate. It is essential that you understand the requirements for maintaining legal immigration status. Please read the information included in your acceptance packet and review the U.S. State Department website for further instructions.

Reporting Date

You must report to Towson University no later than the date shown on your Form DS-2019 and must bring all required immigration documents to enter the United States. If you will be living in university housing, check here for your move-in date. 

Getting to Towson

The is located near Baltimore. Due to its proximity to the Towson campus, it is highly recommended that students fly into this airport. We do not recommend flying into Washington/Dulles Airport or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. To get to TU from BWI we recommend using a shuttle service or Uber.

Students living on-campus should proceed directly to the Residence Tower on University Avenue when arriving on-campus.

Immigration and Visa Assistance

Please consult the TU International Student and Scholar Office if you have any questions or concerns related to immigration. The ISSO provides assistance in the following areas:

  • Visa applications and immigration related matters
  • Cross-cultural orientation and adjustment
  • Mediation of cross-cultural misunderstanding
  • Success in the U.S. academic environment
  • Understanding and following University regulations
  • Using university services
  • Complying with federal law concerning temporary-visa holders
  • Referrals to community resources
  • Requests from the community for contact with TU's international population
  • Emergency situations involving international students or scholars

Bank Accounts and Credit Cards

It is not necessary for you to open a bank account in the U.S. However, if you will be studying at Towson for a year it may be helpful, especially if you get an on-campus job. There are several banks in the Towson area where you can open an account. PNC Bank is located on the TU campus. You will need a passport in order to open up a bank account. You do not need a social security number. Please notify your bank or credit card company that you will be using your card in the U.S. so they do not place a hold on your account. Also make sure that your credit/debit cards have a 4 digit pin code.