Orientation

Congratulations on your acceptance to the University of South Alabama!!

You will first need to activate your Jag Net account.  Once you activate your Jag Net account, you can access your Jag Mail (university-wide email), submit immigration documents, register for Passport to South orientation, access your student account, PAWS, and register for classes.

Passport to South orientation is designed to help new students have a successful start to their academic journey at the University of South Alabama. During this session, you will learn more about the university, campus resources, getting involved, and essential immigration regulations. 

For new incoming Global Jags in Spring 2026, Passport to South orientation will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Student Center. Check-in will begin at 9 a.m. in the Student Center Mall area. Sessions will take place in various locations throughout the Student Center. 

Click here to submit your registration!

The University of South Alabama has thirty-three residence halls, organized into seven residential communities. Living on campus allows you to meet other Jaguars, receive residential community support, and be conveniently located near everything around campus. One way to make living on campus convenient is to have a meal plan for all residents. These meal plans enable residents to access our dining facilities and other on-campus dining locations. The University has a First-Year Residency Policy, which requires first-time undergraduate students to live on campus for up to one academic year. 

Click here to learn more about living on campus and submit your application.

Global USA’s International Student Early Move-In is currently in the works for the upcoming Spring semester. Early on-campus move in will take place before Passport to South Orientation. This early move-in allows students to begin to settle in before attending Passport to South Orientation. 

Wanting to live off campus? When choosing an apartment, you must consider the distance and transportation to campus. Several of these apartment complexes are within walking distance of the University.  Here is a list of student-friendly off-campus apartments. 

Central House on Stadium

Mirage on University

The Social at South Alabama

One Ten Student Living

Robinwood

Four Seasons

Kingswood

Please contact the leasing office to discuss possible move-in dates. If you will be starting classes in the Spring Semester (January), remember that you will be arriving in Mobile during the holiday season in the United States, and some business change their working hours during this time.

Insurance:

All university students must have insurance that meets USA's requirements. A United Healthcare policy is available through the University. If you choose to purchase a policy other than the United Healthcare policy, you must complete the waiver process by December 1, 2025. Requirements are listed on the waiver.  For additional information about the United Healthcare policy, University requirements, or the waiver process, contact Ms. Rhonda Baxter at rbaxter@southalabama.edu.

 Immunizations:

 For the University of South Alabama to maintain a safe and healthy campus, every student is required to have health insurance and submit immunization documents, as well as a current Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test, to Student Health. Here are the Immunization Requirements and instructions for submitting these documents.

*Please be aware that the University will be closed for winter break beginning Friday, December 19, 2025, until Monday, January 5, 2025. During this winter break, many businesses, including apartment leasing offices, will be closed to observe holidays and the new year. 

**Airport Arrival Assistance will not be available on Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026. If you decide to arrive during this time period, you will need to find alternative transportation arrangements. 

Before departing for Mobile, ensure you can access your apartment or on-campus housing. If you arrive before your housing is available, you will be responsible for securing temporary accommodations. Please submit the Airport Arrival Assistance form if you need a ride from the airport to on-campus housing or your apartment. This form must be submitted no later than 7 days before your departure to arrange transportation. You will be required to upload confirmation of your housing arrangements. An email will be sent to your Jag Mail once your arrangements have been confirmed.

You might wonder what life is like at the university and in Mobile, Alabama. Here is some information to get to know your new campus and city.

• The University of South Alabama was founded in 1963.
• Our mascot is South Paw, and his fiancée is Miss Pawla. They are Jaguars.
• The South has 17 NCAA Division I athletic programs.
• Mobile’s average temperature is 24 °C, with at least 220 sunny days and 1.52 meters of rain yearly.
• Summer average temperatures are 35 °C. Winter average temperatures are 14 °C.
• Mobile is the second-largest city in Alabama and home to the 9th-largest shipping port in the United States.
• Mobile is the birthplace of America’s Mardi Gras Celebration.
• Mobile has one commercial airport, Mobile Regional Airport.

 International Student Handbook