Auburn University - Montgomery

Visiting your child at AUM means routing through Atlanta (ATL, ~147 mi) for the widest international connections, or finding a connecting flight into Montgomery's own MGM. Plan the US visitor visa well ahead.

Getting from ATL to campus

Visitor visa for parents

Indian parents need a B1/B2 visitor visa. First-time interview waits are long and vary sharply by consulate, so city choice matters - you may book at ANY US consulate in India, not just your home city.

• Plan 8-12 months ahead, especially for graduation - graduations do NOT qualify for emergency/expedited appointments.
• You can book at any consulate in India; many families fly to Chennai to save months versus Mumbai or Delhi.
• The dropbox (interview waiver) window shrank from 48 to 12 months in 2025 - most parents with older expired visas now need a full interview.
• Visitor stays are up to 6 months per visit, set by the officer at entry on the I-94.

Just admitted to AUM? Most Indian students enter on an F-1 academic visa (DS-160 fee $185 + SEVIS I-901 fee $350). J-1 is for exchange programs (SEVIS $220), M-1 for vocational study. Spouses/children come on F-2/J-2/M-2 dependent visas. You can enter the US up to 30 days before your program start date. For Fall 2026, Indian F-1 applicants must interview at one of five US consulates in India.

Arrival checklist

• Look for a connecting flight into Montgomery (MGM) if fares work - it is closest; otherwise route via Atlanta (ATL).
• From ATL (~147 mi), take a Greyhound bus to the Montgomery Intermodal Center, then a short taxi/rideshare to AUM.
• Confirm arrival arrangements with AUM's international office, especially for orientation timing.
• Confirm student baggage allowance with your airline.
• Carry your I-20, SEVIS receipt and financial documents in hand luggage for US immigration.

Montgomery, home to Auburn University at Montgomery, is among the most affordable cities in this set - about $950-1,450 a month all-in sharing and cooking. Alabama's low cost of living keeps rent down; a car is useful as transit is limited.

Monthly cost of living in Montgomery (a student estimate)

That's roughly $11,000-17,000 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.

Finding accommodation

AUM students share apartments near the east Montgomery campus; the city is car-oriented and inexpensive.

• Montgomery Transit (the M) is limited - a car helps.
• East Montgomery keeps you near the AUM campus.
• Summers are hot and humid - budget for AC.

Working part-time

On an F-1 visa you can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during term (full-time in breaks). Off-campus work needs authorization - CPT during study, OPT after (up to 12 months, +24 for STEM degrees). You cannot freelance or work off-campus without approval.

Safety & student support

Montgomery and its Auburn University at Montgomery campus areas are generally safe by US standards; use normal awareness at night.

• Auburn University at Montgomery runs a security escort, safety app and (often) campus shuttles - save the campus safety number.
• The campus and main student areas are busy and well-populated.
• Awareness varies by area; the campus east side is quieter - a car helps at night.

Indian community & food

Montgomery has a small Indian community; students find basic groceries locally, with larger desi scenes in Birmingham or Atlanta.

Indian grocery stores

• A few Indian/Asian grocers in Montgomery carry spices and staples.
• Mainstream Publix and Walmart stores stock a basic international aisle.
• Birmingham (~1.5 hrs) or Atlanta (~2.5 hrs) for a wider desi selection.

Student community

• Montgomery-area Indian groups run Diwali and Holi events.
• A Hindu temple serves the broader community.

• A few Indian restaurants in Montgomery.

Cost & living figures for Montgomery last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.