Orientation
Congratulations on being admitted to the University of South Alabama! Below, you will find Information to guide you as you prepare to come to Mobile. We can’t wait to meet you!
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 for Fall 2025, Passport to South orientation will occur on Thursday, August 14, 2025, 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.
The University of South Alabama has thirty-three residence halls among seven residential communities. Living on campus allows you to meet other Jaguars, have residential community support, and be convenient for everything around campus! One way to make living on campus convenient is for all residents to have a meal plan. These meal plans allow residents to access our dining facilities and other dining locations around campus. The University has a First-Year Residency Policy, which states first-time undergraduate students are required 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 scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, August 12-13, 2025, in the afternoon. This early move-in allows students 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.
Make sure to 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 to 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 August 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, healthy campus, every student must have health insurance and submit immunization documents and a current Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test to Student Health. Here are the Immunization Requirements and instructions for submitting these documents.
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 fiance is Miss Pawla. They are Jaguars.
- South has 17 NCAA Divison-1 athletic programs.
- Mobile’s average temperature is 24C, with at least 220 sunny days and 1.52 meters of rain yearly.
- Summer average temperatures are 35C. Winter average temperatures are 14C.
- 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.