FAQs
I am a student at a university that isn’t a partner of USA. Can I still attend as
an exchange student?
Please visit your university’s study abroad coordinator. You may be able to attend
South under a Memorandum of Understanding or as a Direct-Enroll Student. Please have
your coordinator contact our office.
Do I have to pay an application fee?
No, you may get notification about paying for this fee. You may disregard this.
Do I need to have health insurance to be an exchange student?
Yes. You may enroll in the university’s insurance plan or submit a waiver and provide
proof of your personal insurance that must meet South’s requirements. You will receive
more information on this once you apply for admission.
At which airport do I arrive?
In order to be eligible for airport pick up, you must arrive at the Mobile Regional
Airport. Nearby airports to Mobile that are about an hour away are the Gulfport-Biloxi
International Airport and Pensacola International Airport. The Louis Armstrong New
Orleans International Airport is about 2.5 hours away from Mobile. Students must arrange
their own transportation if you are planning to arrive at airports other than the
Mobile Regional Airport.
What types of accommodation are available?
All incoming exchange students are highly encouraged to apply for housing in the campus
dormitories. For options, click here. Housing is assigned on a first come, first served basis, so we encourage you to
do this as soon as you are moved into the second phase of your exchange application.
Note: You cannot apply for housing without an activated university e-mail address
and student number.
Can I live off-campus?
Yes. Some off-campus housing include: Central House on Stadium, Traditions at South, Mirage on University. These options are not affiliated with USA. Students will be responsible for contacting
and applying for this type of housing.
On what date should I arrive? On what date should I depart?
Students are advised to arrive 1 or two days prior to the date of orientation. Please
note that there are early arrival fees for the campus dormitories. J-1 visa students
have a 30 day grace period from their program end date listed on the their DS-2019
to stay in the United States.
What are Jag Bucks?
Jag Pass 450, 300, and 175 provide you with unlimited meals at the Fresh Food Company
which is the campus cafeteria near the dormitories. You have the option of adding
Bonus Bucks which can be used on vendors on campus such as Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A,
Panda Express, Moe's, etc. Bonus Bucks cannot be used at the cafeteria. For a list of vendors, you can click here. On average, a meal for one person can cost about $10-$15 with vendors, snacks and
coffee will be about $5-$8. It would be up to you on how much Bonus Bucks you would
like to have. If you do not use all your bucks at the end of the semester, you will
lose any remaining balance. If you use all your bucks, you can always use a personal
credit card to pay for purchases on campus.
How can I get involved on campus?
Stay tuned to the Daily Digest, the university’s social media pages, or Jaguar Productions.
Where can I do groceries?
Nearby grocery stores include WalMart, Publix, Whole Foods, and Fresh Market.
Can I work while I am a student at USA?
Yes, however this needs prior written approval from the Office of Immigration and
relevant campus departments. Students are allowed to work 20 hours a week on campus
for a student position. Off-campus work is not allowed.
Can I travel while I’m studying at USA?
Yes, you must notify the Office of Immigration regarding any travel that you plan.