51ÁÔÆæ

Next Steps After Your Admission

• Review the required items in your . New requirements may be posted here, so be sure to check the portal regularly. 
• Accept your admission in your . 
• Pay the $200 International Student Processing Fee. 
• Get your I-20 (or DS-2019) and apply for a visa.   
• Set up your ePantherID. Use your ePantherID to login to all 51ÁÔÆæ systems. Use your Campus ID (991-xx-xxxx) from your official admission letter to . 
• 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 51ÁÔÆæ email. All important information from 51ÁÔÆæ will be sent to your 51ÁÔÆæ email address. Check it frequently. Go to the 51ÁÔÆæ main website > Quicklinks > Email. Log in with your ePantherID@uwm.edu and password, and open Outlook.
• Access your . You’ll use your PAWS account to enroll in classes, update your personal information, and view and pay your tuition. Go to the 51ÁÔÆæ main website > Quicklinks > PAWS. Log in with your ePantherID and password.
• Join us on social media to connect with other 51ÁÔÆæ international students.
  • WhatsApp â€“ Connect with other new international students and get important information from 51ÁÔÆæ leading up to your arrival on campus: 
    • Fall 2026 groups: , 
  • Facebook â€“ Connect with new and current international students for guidance, meet other students from your home country or academic program, look for roommates, and more: .
  • Instagram – Follow 51ÁÔÆæ’s Center for International Education  to learn about campus events, programs and resources. 
• Explore scholarships and funding opportunities.

Planning Your Arrival

• Determine which orientations you will need to attend: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) or Graduate (Master’s or PhD) 
• Register for classes. 
• Make your housing arrangements.  
• Consider your initial and ongoing expenses upon arrival to the U.S. View additional considerations for students with assistantships. 
• Plan transportation to 51ÁÔÆæ’s campus.
• Prepare your final transcripts.
• 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. 
• Tell us your visa results and arrival plans. Login to your to provide details about your visa appointment date, visa results and arrival plans.
• 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.

After You Arrive at 51ÁÔÆæ

• Complete arrival check-in.
• Pick up your PantherCard (student ID card) and activate your bus pass.
• Set up a U.S. bank account.
• 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 .
• 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. , , and don’t require a Social Security number. Or, prior to your arrival.
• 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 51ÁÔÆæ in-person must be on campus by the first day of classes. If you cannot be here on that date, you must request to defer your admission through your .

DEADLINE: The deadline to request a deferral is the first day of classes for your currently admitted term. Priority processing will be given in the order requests are received, and to those who already have I-20s.