Admitted Graduate Students

What is Lehigh's campus like?

Lehigh University consists of three contiguous campuses covering 2,358 acres. Situated on South Mountain, Lehigh's campus is home to a unique mix of modern, state-of-the-art facilities and historic, ivy covered stone buildings containing 3.6 million-plus square feet of classroom, laboratory, office and living space.

Will I get to have a life?

Lehigh offers more than 200 student clubs and organizations, all of which are open to graduate students. Activities are offered by organizations related to your discipline, as well as cultural organizations, community service, intramurals, and opportunities to just gather (and eat!) in the Graduate Life Office. We also have an active Graduate Student Senate who focuses on ensuring that graduate students have a voice and presence in policy-setting on campus. Graduate school is an intense time in your academic journey, but we strive to ensure that graduate students can continue to be their full selves while at Lehigh.

How safe is Lehigh?

Lehigh is committed to providing a safe living and learning environment that helps each student reach his or her full potential, with a focus on prevention and education. Lehigh police officers patrol the campus in vehicles, on foot and on bicycles. Lehigh also offers walking escorts and a van service. Visit the Student Health & Campus Safety website for more information.

When do I register for classes?

After confirming your enrollment in your Admitted Student Portal, you should begin to think about course registration. We suggest reaching out to your Department/Program office for information on course requirements and timing. In addition, the Registration and Academic Services office has a wealth of information about the academic calendar, registration processes, and other policies/procedures.

What is the faculty-student relationship like?

Lehigh graduate students enjoy a close working relationship with their professors. Many graduate classes have less than 15 students enrolled. Research labs offer a hands-on mentorship environment. Faculty members are committed to research, mentorship, and teaching. Be sure to check out some of the top research stories of the year on our News page.

What types of internships are available?

Many Lehigh graduate students complete internships in companies all over the nation. Many students find internships through their department and faculty. Opportunities are posted through our Handshake platform, and international students have access to Interstride, which provides insight into the companies’ policies on visa status. Visit the Career Services website for more information.

What types of academic services does Lehigh offer to graduate students?

Graduate students can select from any variety of resources designed for their needs. 

We offer writing support through the Graduate Writers’ Studio.  All Lehigh graduate students are eligible to take advantage of resources provided by the National Center for Faculty: Development and Diversity (NCFDD).  The NCFDD provides online tools and trainings designed to help people thrive in the academy.  For multilingual students, the International Center for Academic and Professional English (ICAPE) helps multilingual speakers of English improve their communication skills through classes and workshops.  In addition, the Lehigh Library offers a number of seminars on a variety of topics ranging from instructional technology to tools for dissertation and article writing.Academic Support Services offers support services for students with disabilities, and consultation on academic concerns. Students with documented disabilities who are in need of academic support services can reach out to our Disability Support Services with any questions they might have. In addition, our Graduate Life Office is always there to support graduate students who may just need an ear or some advice. Finally, the Office of Research will provide students access to mentorship resources, training resources, and much more. 

If you are not receiving a fellowship, research assistantship, or teaching assistantship, we do have other opportunities for campus employment:

Some offices will post Graduate Assistant positions in Handshake. These postings are typically posted between May and September, for the upcoming academic year. New Graduate students that have accepted their offer of admission to Lehigh and have an “Active” student status (paid a deposit to attend Lehigh) will gain access to Handshake during the third week of May if they are starting classes in the Summer or Fall semesters. If they are starting classes in the Spring semester, they will gain access to Handshake in late December. If you have Handshake questions, please contact the Center for Career & Professional Development at careercenter@lehigh.edu.

Graduate Life Office: Some departments will inform the Graduate Education & Life Office that they are hiring a GA, RA, or TA and it will be advertised in their Weekly Buzz newsletter and/or their website. Access to issues of the Buzz can be found on the Graduate Student Life website, by scrolling down the menu until you find "Grad Newsletter - Weekly Buzz". 

On-Campus Wage Positions: Some Lehigh Departments post “Wage” positions on Handshake. These positions are hourly positions that are posted by Lehigh Departments. The positions are typically available to students at all grade levels, not specifically Graduate students.

US Citizens and eligible non-citizens may also be eligible for federal education assistance.  Students will need to complete a FAFSA.

I'm an international student, when will immigration and visa materials be sent to me?

Immigration and visa materials will be sent to you by Federal Express or DHL after we receive your enrollment confirmation and paperwork. Please be sure to include any immigration and visa materials that were requested in your admission packet. For more information regarding immigration and visas, please visit the Office of International Students and Scholars website.

As an international student, when should I begin to plan my travel?

Please wait to make travel arrangements until you receive more information about the international student orientation. For more information regarding travel, please visit the Office of International Students and Scholars website.

As an international student, what support services are available for me?

Please visit the Office of International Students and Scholars website for detailed information about the comprehensive international support services available at Lehigh.

When is international orientation?

More information about the orientation process for international students can be found at the Office of International Students and Scholars website. A list of recommending items to bring with you can be found here.

Can I transfer credits from another university?

Lehigh does accept a limited amount of transfer credit from other universities. Transfer of credit from other institutions is the responsibility of the Registration & Academic Services Office. Graduate students planning to take work at other institutions in the United States or elsewhere should initially check with Registration & Academic Services on policies and procedures. In addition, as departments and colleges may have additional restrictions in place, all students should consult with their graduate program director prior to requesting a course transfer. All students considering transferring credits to Lehigh should review the transfer petition.

Any tips on finding housing?

Securing housing in the Bethlehem area can feel like a challenge! Housing options for graduate students typically fall into three categories: University-owned and operated housing, affiliated housing and off-campus rental housing. Lehigh’s Graduate Life Office has put together a few helpful hints on the GLO webpage. We encourage students to connect with other students in their program, as they are often good sources of insider information.

Can I defer my admission?

Most students apply to Lehigh with the intention to enroll in a specific term. Some admitted students, however, choose to delay their enrollment through a deferral. Students looking to defer their admission should contact their College of Admission.