Journey to NKU

On Campus

Register for housing at the University Housing Webpage.

All first-time freshmen are required to live on campus during their first academic year. (More information about the First-Year Residency Requirement and a list of exemptions can be found on the University Housing website). 

In order to submit the on-campus housing application, you will first need to set up your NKU email address at password.nku.edu. Please refer to the second email you received after your NKU Letter of Admission for a 4-letter code that you were given. You will need this code in place of an SSN in order to fully register your new NKU email address. Once you have done this, you will be able to log into the NKU Housing Portal with your NKU username (the part of your NKU email before the @nku.edu).

The deadline to submit your housing form is May 1. However, keep in mind that the sooner you apply for on-campus housing, the more likely it is that you will receive your first preference. International students do NOT have to pay a deposit in order to apply for housing, but once you submit your housing application, you are locked in a contract. Learn more about housing here.

Off Campus

These off campus housing options are NOT part of Northern Kentucky University. However, if you are a graduate, transfer, or non-traditional student (21 years of age or older) interested in living off campus, please visit these resources below:

• Highland Heights Apartment Guide
• Cold Spring Apartment Guide
• Ft. Thomas Apartment Guide
• Off Campus Housing List

International Health Insurance

All international students are required to purchase health insurance through NKU that meets USCIS regulation requirements, and students are automatically enrolled and billed at the beginning of each semester. Do NOT purchase insurance in your home country prior to arriving at NKU. No foreign-based health insurance coverage will be considered for a waiver. Health insurance through NKU costs an average of $1,533 per year and is included in the annual cost of attendance on an NKU I-20.

For more information on our comprehensive international student health insurance plan, you can read through our Health Insurance Requirements. 

Buying your ticket to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airport (CVG) is only the first step. Read through our Getting to NKU guide to read about important things to bring, as well as how to get to campus when you land.

Fall 2024 students should plan to arrive between August 10 and August 14 in order to participate in International Student Orientation on August 15, as well as mandatory Immigration Check-in on August 13 and 14. The first day of Fall classes is August 19.

You will be required to show documents to the Customs and Border Patrol officer when first entering the United States. Be sure to keep the following documents on hand:

• Valid Passport and U.S. Visa
• I-20 
• Evidence of financial resources (such as the financial support documents you used to get your I-20 or F-1 visa)
• Admissions letter to NKU

1. Be prepared to go through U.S. customs after you arrive in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security website has a great description of what you will expect during this process.
2. If you are not planning to sign up for an airport pickup with NKU, you will need to arrange for a family member, friend, or supervisor to meet you at the airport if you can. If not, there are a few options for getting to campus:

• If arriving in the designated time frame and you are headed to campus housing, you may request to use our Airport Pick Up service free of charge. To request airport pick up, fill out the Airport Pick Up Request Form found on Step 4 of your Next Steps.
• Make a reservation upon arrival through Airport Executive Shuttle service (roughly $50 - $60 USD). Use RED Phone located in Baggage Claim near carousel #4.
• Take a taxi cab (roughly $50 USD). At most hours these are available just outside the airport terminal.
• Utilize a ride share service ($50+ USD). Both Uber and Lyft are popular within the U.S., but keep in mind, cost is much higher late at night or early morning.
• Regardless of which transportation option you choose, you will need to give your driver your dormitory address. 
  • Callahan Hall: 3510 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, KY 41076
  • Commonwealth Hall: 20 Campbell Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41076
  • Kentucky Hall:  20 Campbell Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41076
  • New Hall: 5133 Carroll Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41076
  • Northern Terrace: 3510 Alexandria Pike, Highland Heights, KY 41076
  • University Suites: 30 Campbell Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41076

Plan your arrival date in Cincinnati/Highland Heights so that you will have time to:

• Rest for a day or two
• Shop for necessities
• Setup living arrangements
• Secure your NKU AllCard which is used to enter your dorm, ride the shuttle and pay for your meals on campus
• Attend international student orientation
• Attend your graduate program’s orientation
• Register for classes

Once you arrive on campus, try to familiarize yourself with the local area. ISSS has information about many resources that can help you when you first get here. Check out our Life at NKU page to learn more about housing, transportation, finances, health & insurance, American culture - and more!

While we know you do you best to prepare, things happen, and sometimes unforeseen circumstances can arise. If you miss your connecting flight, your itinerary has changed, or any other event causes you to arrive later than expected, read the information below to find out what to do.

If you miss a connecting flight or your flight itinerary changes...

• Communicate these details to whomever is picking you up as soon as possible, and, if necessary, make other arrangements to get to campus from the airport.It is helpful to download and utilize WhatsApp to communicate directly with your driver prior to leaving your home country and while you are making your way to NKU. Ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are popular options, but you can also call a local cab company if needed to take you to your accommodation.  
• Note: WISH (Welcoming International Students Home) trusted community volunteers kindly assist NKU newly-arriving international students by picking them up and bringing them to their dorms, but rides must be pre-arranged at least 2 weeks prior to arrival. Please contact isss@nku.edu if any or cancelations occur; however, keep in mind that the office is not open after hours or on weekends. 
• If living on-campus, call your residence hall to let them know that you will be arriving late. 
• If living off-campus, you will need to arrange private transportation to your apartment. 
• Some students find it helpful to stay in a nearby hotel if arrival is very late. The closest hotels to campus can be found here.

If you know you will be arriving after orientation...

• Notify ISSS immediately. Orientation is required for all incoming international undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students, and you are expected arrive on time to take care of mandatory US immigration tasks. 

Undergraduate:

In order to register for classes, an international undergraduate student must first complete the mandatory Online Orientation Modules. These modules will walk you through important information to best prepare you for your advising appointment as well as your overall journey at NKU.

Once a student has completed the modules, they will be put in touch with an academic advisor who will work with them to schedule an appointment for class registration. 

Graduate:

Graduate students will need to work with their program director to register for their first semester's classes.

Exchange:

Exchange students who will not be participating in AELP will need to complete the Exchange Student Course Selection Form that was emailed to you by Anne Perry. If you did not receive this form, please email Anne Perry at perrya@nku.edu.