Minneapolis-St. Paul ELS Center
Minneapolis-St. Paul ELS Center
Welcome to the Minneapolis-St. Paul ELS Center at the University of St. Thomas!
Here you’ll find all of the resources you may need to enjoy an amazing English learning experience at the Minneapolis-St. Paul ELS Center!
Bookmark this page so that you can easily find it any time.
Use the Language button to translate to your preferred language.
Minneapolis-St. Paul ELS Center Campus Tour
Before you arrive
Student Digital Setup Guide
Set up your digital account and your personal ILSC Education email account. This will give you access to Microsoft 365 and your myELS application.
Visit the Digital Setup Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Online English Assessment
Six weeks before your Start Date, you will receive an invitation to complete the ELS Academic English Placement Test. This online test will assess your English reading, writing, vocabulary, listening, grammar and speaking skills and will take about 60-75 minutes to complete. We use these test results so we can make sure to place you in a class that is appropriate for your level.
Arriving at the Airport
If you are coming from an international or a domestic flight, you will be arriving at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Here are some transport options from the airport.
Airport Pickup – by request
If you have requested Airport Pickup (APU), a private transport company staff member will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. For international flights, your driver will be in the International Lobby. For domestic flights, the driver will be in the Baggage Claim area. Look for the ELS logo and your name.
Center Registration and Orientation
On your Start Date (usually a Monday), you are required to attend your school for registration and an Orientation Session. You will be able to meet other new students, the academic team and the campus support. You can ask questions and get all the information you need for a successful study experience. If you have not completed a placement test, you will take it then.
What to Bring on your first day:
- Your Passport.
- A copy of your Form I-20 (if applicable).
- Funds to pay all remaining fees at ELS if they have not already been paid.
- Your completed Important Forms, which will be needed on your first day of class.
- Proof of medical insurance (if not purchased through ELS).
See the Arrival Information Page to download your Important Forms
Have you completed all your pre-arrival tasks? Do you have all your required documents? Are you ready to start studying? Check the list for your campus so that you can start as soon as you arrive.
Studying Now
Reception and Facilities
Minneapolis-St. Paul ELS Center is located on the Minneapolis Campus of the University of St. Thomas at 1000 La Salle Ave., Terrence Murphy Hall, Suite 444, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55403.
Learn English at the Minneapolis-St. Paul ELS Center where you can connect with American students at the University of St. Thomas. The university campus spans St. Paul and Minneapolis, allowing students to experience the charm of both cities while enjoying the university’s rich history and beautiful urban campus characterized by historic architecture and modern facilities.
All ELS students can use the campus libraries, gymnasiums, workout centers, sports facilities as well as the student unions and dining facilities. Students can also use the health center if they are in need of medical attention or routine medical assistance.
First Day of Class
On the Tuesday morning of your first week, find your classroom and teacher’s name in your timetable in the myELS app. Join your class on campus and meet your new classmates. Remember to bring your school supplies and your lunch. If you don’t pack a lunch, you can eat in the cafeteria or walk to one of the 20 restaurants right outside the door.
Check out the Activities Calendar to join in, have fun and meet new people, all while practicing your English.
What to Bring
Bring any school supplies you need, such as pens, notebook, phone/tablet/laptop. If you like, you can bring your lunch or dinner, snacks, and water bottle, especially in summer. There is are multiple convenience stores on the campus, and within a 15 minute walk, there are two grocery stores, a major department store, three professional sports stadiums, and nearly 100 restaurants all within a 15-minutes walk.
Student Services
Access your ELS Student Email Inbox
Access your @ilsceducation.com inbox
You can also find the link in your myELS app.
Visit a Student Advisor
For help with:
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- Cultural support
- Changing programs
- Extensions
- Withdrawal / Cancellation
- University pathways
Academic Pathways
Are you a Pathways Student? Are you interested in Pathways?
Check out the Pathways page for more information
Accommodations
Housing in Minneapolis-St Paul
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Homestay
Host family students look forward to eating dinner in the evenings with their host families, celebrating holidays and other traditions with them, and having the opportunity to practice their English with them every day. Host families assist students in finding their way to the Center on the first day, and teach them how to use the bus system, as needed. Students who choose to live with host families are able to learn more about American culture than those who live on their own.
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Student Residence
Minneapolis-St. Paul Student Residences offers a comfortable and convenient living experience in Minneapolis, perfect for students studying at the nearby University of St. Thomas. The shared two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments are fully furnished with essential appliances and furniture, including a desk and chair for students’ educational needs. The residence is also conveniently located close to popular grocery stores and restaurants. Students can easily access both St. Thomas campuses in only 24 minutes by bus or 16 minutes by bike.
Housing availability and confirmations are contingent on university and/or provider approval and are subject to change.
Contact The School
Remember the Emergency Number in the United States for Police, Ambulance or Fire is 911.
Useful resources
Health and Support
ELS students can access the Health Resources and Mental Health support available at the university campus. Talk to your student advisor for more information about the University of St. Thomas Center for Well-Being.
Surveys:
- Which surveys you will receive
- When you will get them
Safety and Security
For information on:
- Emergency numbers
- Harassment
- Consent
Explore Minneapolis and St. Paul, the “Twin Cities”
ELS Website
Explore the city of Minneapolis
Explore the city of St. Paul
Explore the Twin Cities
Metro Transit, Public Transport in the Twin Cities
Information on:
- Living in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Local resources for banking, shopping and entertainment
- Public transport and walking around
Technology
Resources for:
- Activating your Microsoft 365 account
- Microsoft 365 Account – free for all students
- myELS app
- Tech FAQ
- Accessing your ILSCEducation Outlook Inbox
FAQ
Find answers to the most common questions about ELS. Contact your agency or the school directly if you still need assistance.