Current Students

Student life at Fairfield University supports the Jesuit tradition of caring for the whole person by providing opportunities that engage students in meaningful activities designed for their living and learning experience. Along with meeting lifelong friends, Fairfield provides a rich opportunity to grow as a whole person with the help of mentors, professors and community members.

In this vibrant community with over 100 clubs and organizations, there are countless activities to choose from. Whether it is participating in an intramural sport, Broadway trip, Fairfield@Night event, attending athletic games or quintessential events like Red Sea Madness, Alumni & Family Weekend, Presidential Ball or Midnight Breakfast there is always something to do.

Student Services

Fairfield's campus provides serene beauty, while its modern buildings provide state-of-the-art technology and the resources you'll need to complement your classroom experience.

Student Engagement

The Office of Student Engagement seeks to underscore the development of the whole person, and particularly assist students in their transition and exploration at Fairfield. Student Engagement empowers students to work together to build community, lead ethically, and value differences.

Professional Development

We are committed to helping undergraduate students throughout their professional development process. Comprehensive services are available through the Career Center that include career counseling, career readiness programs, leadership and professional development offerings, and on and off-campus recruiting opportunities.

Health & Wellness

Fairfield University Health & Wellness involves three key areas for students: Fitness & Recreation, Counseling & Psychological Services and the Health Center.

Getting Involved

At Fairfield, we have over 100 student-led clubs and organizations—ranging from honor societies to academic-focused clubs to political and cultural clubs—where students gain first-hand experience in leadership, organizational development and management, decision-making, diversity, and event planning.

Technology Resources

The ITS department at Fairfield University understands the vital role technology plays in the teaching and learning experience. Our mission is to provide our integrative thinkers with competitive, reliable, innovative, and sustainable technology to support teaching, learning, research, collaboration, and service.

There are three ways that F-1 International Students may be employed in the United States: on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training, and Optional Practical Training.

J-1 exchange students may seek employment as a part of their exchange program, on campus or via Academic Training. J-1 students should schedule a meeting with the office to discuss the requirements and limitations.

Under U.S. federal immigration law, all F-1 and J-1 status holders are required to register and complete full-time studies each semester during the student's academic career. Fairfield University considers full-time registration for undergraduate students to be 12 credits. However, a student may be authorized for a reduced course load in certain extraordinary circumstances.

Please contact the Office of Student Engagement via e-mail at international@fairfield.edu or by phone +1-203-254-4110  if you believe you may require a reduced course load for the upcoming semester.

Special Notes and Limitations

• The Office of Student Engagement - International Student Life must receive applications no later than the student's registration date or withdrawal date from a course.
• Failure to receive prior approval for part-time study is a violation of an international student's lawful status in the United States.
• You are only allowed to file for RCL once per degree or academic level
• When filing a RCL due to a certified illness or medical condition, you are allowed to file for a total of 12 aggregate months during any one course of study. You must re-file for RCL before each term, as required.

If, for any reason, there are questions that the Office of Student Engagement - International Student Life is not able to answer, or you are seeking to change your immigration status, we recommend that you consult an immigration attorney.

Please keep in mind that not all who claim to be immigration attorneys are certified and entitled to advise you. Fraud is very common in this field. Make sure to check credentials and references from the immigration lawyer you are seeking to work with.

While Fairfield University is unable to make specific recommendations on the choice of an attorney, we recommend visiting the lawyer locater service of the American Immigration Law Association (AILA) to find attorneys in the region who are AILA members and who practice in the field of immigration law. Visit www.ailalawyer.com for more information.

These attorneys are neither approved nor endorsed by Fairfield University.

The Office of Student Engagement - International Student Life is located in Barone Campus Center: Room 96. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST. You can reach us via e-mail at international@fairfield.edu or by calling +1-203-254-4110.