International Admitted Student and Scholar Information

Admitted students in the College of Law’s LL.M., S.J.D., and Exchange programs, along with invited Visiting Scholars, are encouraged to review the information below pertaining to pre-arrival details and instructions that will help to ensure a smooth transition to Syracuse University and the College of Law. Unless otherwise indicated, the information below should be applicable and helpful to all incoming students and scholars. 

STEP 1: Set Up Your Student Account

  • Active your NetID: Please allow 24 hours following your admission in order for the system to allow you to “Activate your Syracuse University Net ID.” If you are unable to activate your NetID, please try using a different internet browser or clearing your cache before trying again. If you are still experiencing issues, please email our SU IT services department (help@syr.edu) for assistance. In your email, be sure to include your 9-digit SUID number. You will use your NetID to access your MySlice and other school accounts. (Save or bookmark these websites in your internet browser!) 
  • Pay Your Seat Deposit (LL.M. and S.J.D. students only): If your admission letter indicates a deposit is due, follow the Deposit Payment Instructions. 
  • Know Your Dates: Visit the Calendars & Schedules page to view the Academic Calendar and learn important dates (first day of class, exam periods, breaks, etc.) for the upcoming academic year.

STEP 2: Do You Require a Visa or English-Language Training?

  • Proof of Financial Support: To obtain your I-20 or DS-2019, international students, including Canadian applicants, must submit proof of sufficient funding to cover the cost of attendance for at least one academic year’s expenses. You can reduce this amount by any scholarship you may have received from Syracuse University College of Law. For candidates seeking to bring dependents (spouse or children), please be prepared to show proof of an additional $10,000 per spouse and $5,000 per child.  Acceptable proof is a bank statement, bank letter, and/or a signed letter of support from any funding sponsor(s) that includes the U.S. dollar amount of support showing funds sufficient. Documents may be sent to llmadmission@syr.edu. Invited scholars should refer to the cost information sent separately by the University with J1 visa application materials. 
  • English-Language Training (LL.M. students only): If your admission letter requires that you study Academic English or Legal English before enrolling in the College of Law, please contact the English Language Institute.

STEP 3: Preparing for Syracuse Law

  • SU Email: You may activate your SU E-mail after we have updated your status to “matriculated” in our system. Activate your SU e-mail address at SUmail. 
  • Orientation (LL.M., S.J.D. and Exchange students only): Our orientation is mandatory. We recommend that students arrive in Syracuse two weeks before the first day of class in order to handle your personal affairs (i.e. apartment, course registration, immunizations, etc.) and to attend orientation activities. Information about orientation will be provided in the weeks leading up to the start of the semester. Visit the Center for International Services webpage on “Living in Syracuse” to learn more about finances & banking, telephone services, driving & transportation, and more.
  • Course Registration (LL.M., S.J.D., and Exchange students only): You will register for courses during orientation. Please review available course schedules and course descriptions before you arrive for orientation. 
  • Academic Rules (LL.M., S.J.D., and Exchange students only): Review and download the College of Law’s Academic Handbook.
  • Housing Information: The College of Law provides a variety of resources that can assist in identifying housing in Syracuse. Please refer to the Syracuse University Off-Campus Housing Finder. We recommend the Westcott Street neighborhood. 
  • Travel & Hotel Information: Daily flights are available from New York City’s airports (JFK or LGA), Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, Detroit, and other cities to Syracuse’s airport (SYR). Train travel from New York City leaves New York’s Penn Station (NYP) to Syracuse’s Regional Transportation Center (SYR). Check train schedules and book tickets on Amtrak.com. Buses leave from New York City’s Port Authority Terminal or Boston’s South Station Bus Terminal and arrive to Syracuse’s Regional Transportation Center. Check bus schedules and book tickets on Greyhound.com or Megabus.com. Local hotels near Syracuse University include the Syracuse University Sheraton, Hotel Skyler, Genesee Grande, Parkview Hotel, Crowne Plaza Syracuse, and the Marriott Residence Inn (Downtown).
  • Transportation & Parking: Students living near campus usually walk or bike to the College of Law. There is a convenient SU Trolley around campus and a regional bus system, CENTRO. Students may rent a local Zipcar. Syracuse has UBER and LYFT. Students who plan to use a personal vehicle on campus must purchase a parking permit from Syracuse University Parking and Transit Services. Students should purchase a permit for Raynor Street Lot, Standart Street West Lot, Henry Street Lot. Please note that space is limited.
  • SU Health & Immunization Requirement (LL.M., S.J.D., and Exchange students only): The Barnes Center at The Arch provides all the University’s services related to health, wellness, immunizations/vaccinations, and health insurance. Use your NETID and password to access the SU Patient Portal. This portal will allow you to submit your immunization records/forms, schedule an appointment, and see other information from the SU student health center. All students must submit records showing proof that you have received immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and the meningococcal virus. We encourage you to obtain these immunizations in your home country. If you already have these immunizations then we encourage you to submit your records via the SU Patient Portal online before you arrive in Syracuse. Students who need immunizations may obtain them at the SU Health Center shortly after you arrive on campus. Students who do not submit immunization records will have a hold on his/her student account preventing you from enrolling in classes until you comply with this policy. All immunization records must be submitted in English or must be accompanied by a certified translation in English. 
  • Student Health Insurance Requirement (LL.M. and S.J.D. students only): Syracuse University requires all full-time students (domestic and international) to carry comprehensive health insurance coverage. A mandatory health insurance fee may be waived if a student has adequate health insurance coverage and obtains a waiver from Barnes Center staff. If you would like to apply for a waiver of this requirement or if you have questions about the Syracuse University Health Insurance Policy and Plan, please visit the Student Health Insurance website.
  • Billing and Tuition Payment Information (LL.M. and S.J.D. students only): Tuition will be charged based on the number of credits you take each semester, which is then reduced by any scholarship indicated on your admission letter. Tuition is due during the first half of the semester and failure to pay may result in late fees and/or a hold on your account preventing you from registering for courses. Tuition notices will be e-mailed to your SU @syr.edu email account. You may view “Student Account” information by using your NetID and password to log into MySlice and click the “View Student Account” link under the “Finances” heading in the “Student Services” box.  
  • Monthly Tuition Payment Plan (LL.M. and S.J.D. students only): Syracuse University has a Monthly Payment Plan that may be available to you. You may contact the Bursar’s Office at bursar@syr.edu with specific questions concerning your student account (include your 9-digit SUID number). Please know that a failure to pay tuition may place a financial hold on your account that could prevent you from registering for courses.
  • Disability Accommodations: Students interested in accessing disability-related accommodations should register with the Office of Disability Services.
  • Laptop: All students must have a laptop for use while enrolled as a student at the College of Law. Students should ensure that laptops meet the minimum system requirements of the Examplify software used on law school exams. Details about these requirements can be found online here.
  • Send Us a Digital Photo: Prior to your arrival, submit your digital photo online via your MySlice account. This photo is required and is important to prepare your SUID card and the class roster. Instructions can be found online here.
  • Suggested Pre-Semester Reading:
  1. Gidi, Antonio & Henry Weihofen, Legal Writing Style (2018) (read more about Professor Gidi)
  2. Various Authors (LexisNexis). Understanding Law School (2004)    
  3. Binder, David, Paul Bergman & Susan Price. Lawyers as Counselors (1990)
  4. Cappalli, Richard B. The American Common Law Method (1997)
  5. Fischl, Richard & Jeremy Paul. Getting to Maybe: How to Excel on Law School Exams (1999)
  6. Levit, Nancy & Douglas O. Linder.  The Happy Lawyer: Making a Good Life in the Law (2010)
  7. Farnsworth, Edward. An Introduction to the Legal System of the United States (1983)
  8. Hegland, Kenney. Introduction to the Study and Practice of Law (1983)
  9. Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)
  10. Levi, Edward H. An Introduction to Legal Reasoning (1949)
  11. Lewis, Anthony. Gideon’s Trumpet (1966)

STEP 4: Arrival in Syracuse

You’re here! Now what? 

  • Original Transcripts (LL.M. and S.J.D. students only): All students are required to submit original transcripts (in English) upon arrival at Syracuse University College of Law. Failure to provide an original transcript may result in the inability to register for courses or removal from the program.
  • International Student Check-In: All incoming international students and scholars holding an F1 or J1 visa should visit the Center for International Services website to complete the online check-in process. Please know that a failure to complete the check-in process may place a hold on your account that could prevent you from registering for courses.
  • SUID Card: All students and scholars (who hold a J1 visa) should upload their photo via MySlice for your SUID card. Unless prepared for you beforehand, go to the Office of I.D. Card Services (located at 111 Waverly Avenue, Suite 111) to obtain your SUID Card. Bring your passport and your SUID number. Always carry your SUID Card on you to access the SU campus. Photo upload instructions here.
  • Dineen Hall/Syracuse University Campus: Your new Syracuse “home,” Dineen Hall is located at 950 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, New York, 13244.  Dineen Hall is located on the west side of Syracuse University campus. The College of Law’s Office of International Programs is located in Suite 217, on the second floor, of Dineen Hall. 
  • Course Syllabi/Textbooks (LL.M., S.J.D., and Exchange students only): After you select courses and complete the registration process during orientation, you will need to access and download the syllabus for each course by logging into Blackboard using your NetID and password. Once you are logged in, click on “Organizations” and select “College of Law Office of Affairs Community.” From the column on the left, select the link to “Course Syllabi.” Review each course syllabus before you start classes. The course syllabus will also identify the textbook(s) that you will need to purchase for the course. You may purchase textbooks online or at the SU Bookstore at the Schine Student Center on Main Campus.
  • Lockers: Each student and scholar will be assigned a locker in Dineen Hall for personal use. You will learn of your locker assignment during orientation. You will need to purchase a combination/key lock to secure your locker.
  • Final Details: During orientation and prior to the start of the academic semester, students should work to address any remaining items pertaining to housing, parking, health insurance, etc. (see the complete list above). Feel free to e-mail llmadmissions@syr.edu with any questions.