Admitted LL.M. Students

Welcome to our community of innovative thinkers, dedicated professors, and distinguished scholars. The overarching mission of Penn State Dickinson Law is to develop graduates equipped with the legal knowledge, practical skills and professional outlook necessary to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. For more than 190 years, Dickinson Law graduates have included distinguished attorneys, judges, government and corporate leaders, and legal educators. You are now part of this long and proud history of distinction.

Upon admission, there are many important next steps. Consider the following carefully.

NOTE: The following information is oriented to 2024-2025 incoming students.

Acceptance Confirmation and Seat Deposit Requirements

Beginning in 2025-2026, students who are sponsored (e.g., SACM, Fulbright, etc.) and students nominated by partner institutions of Penn State Dickinson Law must confirm enrollment by submitting an Enrollment Confirmation Form. For all other students, a one-time, non-refundable confirmation deposit of $250 is required to confirm attendance, which will be credited toward the cost of tuition upon matriculation. Please proceed to pay the seat deposit here.
 

International Immigration

Once enrolled, international students will receive notice from iStart, Penn State’s immigration management system for international student and scholar advising. Each student will receive a message from Pre-Arrival Admissions that will explain what is needed regarding immigration compliance. Once the student has submitted the necessary documentation into iStart, an I-20 (assuming an F-visa type) will be sent within 2-4 weeks. The I-20 is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” that allows a student to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Students on other visa types, including J-1 visas, will require different paperwork but the visa process itself is generally the same.

International students are supported by the Office of International Students and Scholars at Penn State Global for all immigration matters.
 

Penn State Account

One matriculated (generally one month prior to arrival), Penn State will provide instructions on how to set up a Penn State Account. This allows admitted students to log into Penn State’s student information system, learning management system, and any secure pages on the Dickinson Law website. LionPATH is Penn State’s student information system where students view transcripts, access financial aid information, pay tuition bills, schedule courses, etc. Canvas is Penn State’s learning management system where students organize their courses, manage assignments, communicate with professors and classmates, view grades, etc.
 

Orientation

Dickinson Law regularly holds a series of pre-arrival orientation meetings to discuss key topics such as course offerings, how to register for classes, academic expectations, financial considerations, student life, bar exam considerations, etc. During the week prior to the start of classes each semester, Dickinson Law holds a required, in-person student orientation. Students receive a pre-arrival handbook and welcome orientation handbook with detailed information on surviving and thriving in law school.

2024-2025 Orientation Guides

• LL.M. and Exchange Student Pre-Arrival Orientation Guide, Fall 2024
• International and Graduate Student Welcome Orientation Guide

2024-2025 Pre-Arrival Orientation Meetings

• July 9, 2024, 9:00 to 10:30 ET, Pre-Arrival Orientation #1
• July 23, 2024, 9:00 to 10:30 ET, Pre-Arrival Orientation #2

2024-2025 Welcome Orientation

• August 20-23, 2024 — LL.M. and Exchange Student Orientation Schedule

Student Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students. Each international student will be automatically enrolled in the Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). To waive out of this requirement, one must submit a waiver request at the start of the semester documenting proof of insurance coverage that meets Penn State’s insurance requirements. SHIP does not cover visual or dental insurance. Direct questions to the Student Health Insurance Office at UHS-insurance@psu.edu.
 

Cost of Attendance

For a breakdown of costs, including tuition, fees, books, and living allowances, visit Cost of Attendance. To reduce living expenses, most students establish a personal budget, opt to live with a roommate, shop at discount food stores, walk or bike to classes, bring their meals to school, and more. Penn State offers student discounts on software, computers, clothes, and much more.
 

Housing

Students are responsible for securing their own housing. To assist with housing, the University maintains extensive housing information on its website.

As on-site housing at University Park is limited, advanced planning is encouraged. LL.M. students may want to consider graduate housing options at White Course Apartments, an on-site community of the University offering apartments for single students and students with families. Those interested in off-site housing should see University Park’s Housing. Click on “online classifieds” search for available housing, a roommate, or a list of local realtors.

The Carlisle location does not provide on-site housing. There is reasonably priced housing within walking distance of Penn State Dickinson Law. View database of available housing and apartments. Please also see the Housing Guide, Fall 2024.
 

IT Essentials

Penn State offers many Information Technology (IT) resources to help students get the most out of their time at Dickinson Law. Get started here. 

Within Penn State Dickinson Law, the Office of Informational Technology is available to assist with technology questions. Questions may be directed to DickinsonLawIT@psu.edu.