New Exchange Student Overview

Next Steps After Your Admission

• Review the required items in your application portal. New requirements may be posted here, so be sure to check the portal regularly. 
• Accept your admission in your application portal. 
• Get your I-20 (or DS-2019) and apply for a visa.   
• Set up your ePantherID. Use your ePantherID to login to all UWM systems. Use your Campus ID (991-xx-xxxx) from your official admission letter to activate your ePantherID. 
• Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA is a dual-authentication system required to keep your data secure. Set up MFA and read the information under FAQ > International Students. Bring the device with MFA with you to the U.S. to prevent problems logging in later. 
• Access your UWM email. All important information from UWM will be sent to your UWM email address. Check it frequently. Go to the UWM main website > Quicklinks > Email. Log in with your ePantherID@uwm.edu and password, and open Outlook.
• Access your PAWS account. You’ll use your PAWS account to enroll in classes, update your personal information, and view and pay your tuition. Go to the UWM main website > Quicklinks > PAWS. Log in with your ePantherID and password.
• Join us on social media to connect with other UWM international students.
  • WhatsApp – Connect with other new international students and get important information from UWM leading up to your arrival on campus. See the Exchange information session slides or contact Sue Conway for link to the current group.
  • Instagram – Follow UWM’s Center for International Education Instagram page to learn about campus events, programs and resources. 

Planning Your Arrival

• View Calendars & Schedules to help plan your time at UWM. Please note: You should plan to stay in Milwaukee through the end of your final examination period for the term. 
• Register for classes. Follow the instructions from Sue Conway regarding enrolling for classes and contact her if you have any issues enrolling. 
• Make your housing arrangements.  
• Consider your initial and ongoing expenses upon arrival to the U.S. View additional considerations for students with assistantships. 
• Download the I-20 (or DS-2019), print a hard copy, and sign and date it. A digital copy is not sufficient. You will need the hard copy I-20 (or DS-2019) for passport control when you get to the U.S. port of entry. 
• Upload a photo for your PantherCard (student ID card).  
• Pack for your arrival, understand what to expect at the airport and check the local weather forecast.

Entering the U.S.

• On arrival: The non-immigrant visa stamp in your passport allows you to apply to enter the United States in a specific immigration category (status). Your J-1 visa stamp notifies immigration officials at your point of entry into the U.S. that you wish to enter the U.S. in the J-1 Student category. If granted permission to come into the U.S. for the purpose of being a student, your DS-2019 will be returned to you, and may or may not be stamped by immigration. 
• I-94 form: I-94 forms are now almost exclusively completed online. We will provide you with instructions on how to print the form when you arrive. You should keep it with all of your immigration paperwork. If you enter the United States at a land or sea border, you will receive a paper I-94 form.  Be sure to keep this with your documents. 

After You Arrive at UWM

• Complete arrival check-in.
• Attend orientation. Please see your admission letter or admission emails for the date and location of Exchange Orientation.
• Pick up your PantherCard (student ID card) and activate your bus pass.
• Pay your tuition by the first day of classes.
• Understand important information about your health insurance and medical records.
• Find food and other essentials near campus.
• Purchase your textbooks.
• Get a U.S. cell phone plan. Visit a cellphone provider in-person to get service to your cell phone from home or purchase a new one. Cricket Wireless, Mint Mobile, T-Mobile and Verizon don’t require a Social Security number. Or, set up an eSIM via Mint Mobile prior to your arrival.
• Optional next steps:
  • Set up a U.S. bank account.
  • Get an on-campus job.
  • Apply for a social security number.
  • Get a Wisconsin state ID or driver’s license.

Students Who Are Unable to Arrive

International students planning to attend UWM in-person must be on campus by the first day of classes. If you cannot be here on that date please contact Sue Conway or overseas@uwm.edu.