Information for New International Students
SUCCESS
Feel the energy and excitement of a university where students come first and your
success is our priority.
At UVU, we are committed to small class sizes where your instructors know you by
name. Here, you’ll have opportunities to research with your instructors, engage in
community service and participate in leadership organizations.
LOCATION & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Many students choose UVU for its ideal location and employment opportunities.
International students can choose from many different jobs if they choose to work
while studying here at UVU. An advantage of UVU is that international students are
permitted to work as soon as they are registered for classes. According to government
regulation F-1 visa students are permitted to work 20 hours each week while they attend
school full time, and can work up to or more than 40 hours each week while on their
semester vacation or break.
Known for its values-based community, UVU’s campus is recognized as one of the safest
in the country and is home to one of the world’s largest LDS Institute programs. Utah
Valley is also rich in culture and the arts with many local museums and venues for
theatre, music and other artistic performances.
Within 20 miles, you’ll enjoy access to rock climbing, skiing, hiking, mountain biking,
water recreation and more. UVU is located just 80 kms south of Salt Lake City, allowing
the students to be close to an International Airport as well as the history, culture,
and outdoor recreation that Salt Lake City offers.
ESL - ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
The Utah Valley University has a Second Language Program designed to help non-native
English speakers develop fluency in both spoken and written English.
The courses in the ESL Program are designed to help students:
... who need English for job improvement and new opportunities
... who need to develop English language proficiency in order to attend an American
college or university
... who need English for use in business, industry, and personal employment
Students are placed, according to ability, into one of four levels, ranging from
basic to advanced. They progress from level to level by demonstrating mastery of the
skills and concepts appropriate to their level of study.
All students study a curriculum consisting of:
- grammar (both written and spoken)
- reading
- writing
- listening (for both conversation and academic purposes)
- conversation (which includes pronunciation, stress, intonation, and vocabulary)
- vocabulary
A great benefit for UVU is that students who complete the ESL program or pass the English Proficiency Exam are automatically eligible to register into regular degree seeking classes. There is no additional application fee involved.
FREE TUTORS
Here on campus there are many services for FREE tutoring. The Math Lab provides tutoring for all UVU students in a relaxing, friendly atmosphere, helping students with homework. The Writing Center offers help to student with correcting papers and essays as well as teaching basic writing skills. UVU also offers free online tutoring for biology, chemistry, and physics classes. Also available to students are the Peer Tutoring Services which provides academic support in a safe and friendly setting for all UVU students.
CAMPUS
A distinguishing characteristic of UVU is its unique architecture. Built with students
in mind, UVU’s campus offers indoor walkways between each of the university’s main
buildings (a favorite feature during cold, winter months). UVU is also known for its
serene grounds featuring fountains, ponds, trees and manicured lawns. In the student
commons area, you’ll find big screen TVs and pool tables for both relaxation and mingling
with friends between classes.
Our campus is always growing. The new library, or Digital Learning Center (DLS),
opened July 1st, 2008. The 190,000 square foot building combines traditional library
services with cutting-edge technology complete with study rooms, computer labs, expanded
collections and an extended hours area.
ATHLETICS
Wolverine athletics are a highlight of campus life and a source of school pride for
both students and the community. The University’s 8,500-seat arena is home to both
men’s and women’s basketball, and a baseball facility adjacent to I-15 is home to
Wolverine baseball as well as the Orem Owlz, a minor league affiliate to the Anaheim
Angels.
At UVU, spectators enjoy the University’s 13 competitive sports including the only
collegiate wrestling team in Utah. There are also more than 25 intramural sports teams
and many club teams for you to participate in.
UVU also offers intramural and extramural club teams in sports like fencing, hockey,
lacrosse, rugby, soccer and many others. For a complete list, visit www.uvu.edu/clubs.
HOUSING
Whether you’re looking for game rooms and a swimming pool or more q uiet and simple
living arrangements, you’ll find yourself surrounded by both at UVU. Although there
is no on-campus housing, many apartment complexes offer free shuttle service to get
you to and from school, while others are located within walking distance. If you choose
to live farther away, simply ride Utah Transit Authority (UTA) buses with your valid
student ID.
Visit the UVU housing Web site at www.uvu.edu/housing, or call the Campus Housing office at (801) 863-8659.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
UVU offers a quality education at an affordable price.
There are more than 32,000 students enrolled at UVU.
The Utah Valley Community offers many employment options and social activities.
UVU has a 58% male, 42% female student population.
The University keeps class sizes small to give a more personalized learning experience.
UVU students come from all 50 states and 79 countries.
