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Home > Future Students > Enrollment > International Students > Getting Started

International Students - NOVA Checklist

1. Get Settled

  • Find a place to live. NOVA does not have on-campus housing. If you need to find housing in the area, check our off-campus housing information.
  • Arrange for transportation to the college. 
  • Open a bank account

2. Check In

Visit the international student advisor on the campus as soon as possible to get  information on the orientation session, placement testing and the registration process. Bring your I-20, I-94 and passport to the NOVA campus to check in.

3. Take English Placement Tests

If you are beginning the intensive ESL program, you will take a test given by the ESL department.
If you have completed a freshman composition course at a U.S. college or university, you may show their transcript to a counselor who will determine if a test is required.

If you are beginning the associate degree program, you will take the English Placement test given in the campus Testing Center.  This placement test is required of all students to determine the level at which you will begin your studies. This placement test is required even if you submit TOEFL scores with your application.

  • Tests are given at each campus testing center
  • Photo ID and Student ID (found on your NOVACard) are required
  • Allow approximately two hours for each test

4. Take a Math Placement Test

It is strongly recommended that students beginning the associate degree programs take the math test to find their level. You will not be required to take math in the first semester and will be eligible retake the test after the first semester.

5. See a Counselor

The counselor will interpret your test results and help with academic planning before you enroll in classes.

6. Enroll for Classes

Enroll online with NOVAConnect or call 703.323.3770 or 703.330.3770 (Prince William County). First-time students are encouraged to enroll in SDV 100 or another student development course during their first semester.

7. Pay Your Tuition

Pay online by credit card through NOVAConnect or call 703.323.3770 or 703.330.3770 (Prince William County). When you enroll for classes, you must pay by the payment deadline. Unpaid classes may be dropped from your schedule.

8. Check Your Enrollment Schedule

Print a copy of your enrollment schedule from NOVAConnect or call 703.323.3770 or 703.330.3770 (Prince William County) to check your classes and payment status.

  • Verify that you are enrolled in the correct courses
  • Print a copy of your enrollment schedule every time you make a change

9. Buy Your Books

Print your schedule of classes and take it to your campus bookstore or buy your books online.

10. Buy a Parking Permit

You can buy your parking permit online through Parking Services using your credit card 24 hours after you enroll for classes. You can also pay for a permit by cash or check at any of the campus Parking Services offices.

  • Parking permits are required for all semesters/sessions of enrollment
  • Permits are required for all vehicles parked in all lots (except parking meters and hourly pay lots)
  • Student permits are valid only in "B" lots
  • To use the parking garages at the Annandale and Medical Education campuses, you must have a NOVACard ID and a parking permit
  • Hourly pay parking is available in the garages for those without a current permit and ID card

11. Get Your NOVACard Student Identification

Get your free NOVACard 24 hours after you enroll for classes. It also serves as your library card and can be used for copying and on campus and a variety of discounts.

12. Activate Your Email Account

Activate your free email account.

  • To protect your privacy, instructors may only use a student's official NOVA email address
  • You will receive updates on course changes and other pertinent information through your NOVA email account

13. Explore

Learn more about the services and activities at Northern Virginia Community College: