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Getting Started - International Students

1. Get Settled

  • Find a place to live. NOVA does not have on-campus housing.
  • Search our off-campus housing options.
  • Arrange for transportation to the College. 
  • Open a bank account.
  • Purchase a cell phone.

2. Check In

  • Check your email for instructions on how to check in with the Office of International Students using the E-form.
  • Upload your I-20, I-94, and passport and visa pages.

3. Attend F1 Orientation Lab

You will receive an email with how to register and attend this required session where you will learn about your F1 regulations, academic planning, and how to register and pay for your classes.

4. Log into MyNOVA

Here is where you will find your class pages in Canvas, schedule an advisor meeting and find your academic plan in Navigate, and register and pay for your classes in SIS.

5. Meet with your International Student Advisor

You will be assigned an international student advisor on the campus you will be attending. They will work with you on any F1 or academic planning needs.

6. Enroll for Classes

Enroll online with NOVAConnect. 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. When you enroll in 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 a parking permit online through Parking Services using your credit card 24 hours after you enroll in classes. You can also pay for a parking 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 in classes. This ID serves as your library card, it can be used for making copies, getting discounts, and more.

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 NOVA:

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