Arrival Assistance:

Pakistan Students Association welcomes all new Pakistani students to the University of South Alabama. Its our primary goal to help new Pakistani Students with Arrival Assistance and accommodation. When you get the ticket confirmed please contact any of the PSA officer and provide him your exact Arrival Time and Date.

Or you can also ask university to assist you with that by filling out this Arrival Assistance Form.

First Things First:

Attend your Orientation. This is very important. Look for housing, please see our Housing Information Section below. Visit University Health Services ASAP. You must have proof of immunization or get immunized prior to registration else you wont be allowed to do so. You also need TB screening done at least 3 days before registration to allow time to interpret the results.

Open A Bank Account:

Most banks require a Social Security Number. But there are some banks near to the university which do allow to open on passport. We recommend Regions Bank on university boulevard, because its at walking distance from university.

English Placement Test:

Upon arrival these students will be given the English Placement Exam during orientation as done with all international students. The results of the test will determine how many English as a second Language courses they will be required to take. Upon completion of all of these courses they will then be allowed to register for regular University courses without having to retake the TOEFL. If the student performs well on the placement test, it is possible that they will be able to take some regular University courses in conjunction with their English as a Second Language courses during their first semester of enrollment.

Housing Information:

Most international students at USA live in apartments off-campus. Rent per month vary depending on how close the apartment is to campus, and how many people share an apartment. Rent for one-bedroom apartments located at walking distance to university would be $450-$550/month (2 persons can share easily), Two bedroom apartments $550-$600/month (4 persons can share easily). Add utilities, phone, car insurance and groceries, and it comes to around $400 to $500 per month (per person). If you decide to live a little away from campus to save some bucks, then you will need to buy a car, because there is no good public transport system in Mobile. However, living a little away from campus may not be for you if you plan to be at the campus library studying late nights or if you plan to get involved in social activities.

University of South Alabama on-campus housing information can be accessed by clicking following links:   USA Dorms, Grove Apartments.

Groceries, halal food, etc:

As far as eating is concerned, students generally eat out. If you will work, hardly you will ever get time to cook . But if you need to cook at home, there are grocery stores near campus, most popular one is the Asian Grocery located at old shell road. They will have everything you need. If you want Halal meat, it is available in town at International Grocery Store, located at Azelia road, but it is nowhere near campus. So you may need to hitch a ride from a friend who owns a car or you may have to buy your own. Depending on how much you cook and how much you eat out, food costs about $150-$200 a month.

On-Campus Job Information:

Most international students who could use some extra cash here work on-campus. That is the only way one can work 20 hours a week in a student friendly environment. It is most convenient too. However, it is wise to settle in during your first semester and get used to life here before you start working. However, do keep in mind that these jobs are few and applicants, many.

Lastly, remember that university life is not just about education, it is also about experience and growing up. A lot of times, you will face problems, sometimes financial, sometimes academic and if you are lucky, you wont face any problems (thats not too probable though ;) . But no matter what the case, never lose sight of what you are here for. Make the best of everything and you will see that hard work and your faith in God, will always go a long way. With these words, I hope to inspire you, just the way I was inspired when I first came here. With best wishes and lots of luck to you.

International Driver License:

Another important thing, try to get international driver's license, Pakistan international driver's license is accepted in Alabama. It will be very helpful.

Important Thing to Keep in mind before booking the ticket:

Make sure with you travel agent that the next flight (connection) after your arrival at the US port of entry is at least after 4-5 hours. Immigration paper work and security clearance easily takes this much time at the port of entry. Many international students who are not aware of this, miss their flight(s).

We hope that this information helps you. Please don't hesitate to contact us for further information.

Sincerely,

President & Cabinet,

Pakistan Students Association (PSA)