Orientation

Welcome to San Diego State University!

The International Student Center (ISC) is excited to welcome you to SDSU! The ISC hosts numerous mandatory and optional activities for new students on F-1 and J-1 visa status to help you better understand your visa requirements, how to navigate life at SDSU, and to make new connections with your peers and the SDSU community.

If you are a new F-1 or J-1 student, please review the below mandatory and optional activities.

New International Student Check-In

Check in at 8:45 AM on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

For F-1 Visa Degree-seeking Students:

• Complete Arrival Requirements Checklist:
  • F-1 Undergraduate Degree-seeking Student Requirements Checklist
  • F-1 Undergraduate Degree-seeking (Upper Division Transfer) Student Requirements Checklist
  • F-1 Graduate Degree-seeking Students Requirements Checklist
• Complete Mandatory ISC Online Module:
  • Complete the required online F-1 Immigration Module by January 30, 2024.
  • Remember to log in using your name and RED ID. Do not log in as Guest or there will be no record of you completing this module.
• Attend New International Student Check-In & Reception:
  • As part of your F-1 immigration requirements you must report to the International Student Center after arrival in the U.S. and SDSU. To meet this requirement all new F-1 students are required to attend the New International Student Check-In and Reception. Please review the date, time, location, and what to bring. Register here for this required event.
  • Important: Check-in begins at 8:45 AM and will continue until 9.30 AM. During this time, there will be a resource fair and breakfast will be provided. Please arrive BEFORE 9:30 AM. 
    • Date and Time: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 8:45 AM. Location: International Student Center

What to Bring?

During the Check-In and Reception session we will review the below documents together:

• Your passport
• Your I-20
• Copy or screenshot of your I-94. After you enter the U.S., an electronic record of your admission, known as the I-94, will be created. Retrieve a copy of your I-94 from the CBP website, using the "Get Most Recent I-94" link.

A Resource Fair will be held for all international Students during the Check-In and Reception. The Resource Fair will provide access to critical resources for new international students such as banking services, phone carriers, transportation, and more.

F-1 Degree-seeking students: Please note you may have additional orientation requirements through New Student & Parent Programs, and if you are a Graduate student through your Graduate Academic Department.

For J-1 Visa Exchange Students:

• Complete J-1 Exchange Students Arrival Requirements Checklist.
• Complete Mandatory ISC Online Orientation by January 30, 2024.
• Attend New International Student Check-In & Reception:
  • As part of your J-1 immigration requirements you must report to the International Student Center after arrival in the U.S and SDSU. To meet this requirement all new J-1 students are required to attend the New International Student Check-In and Reception. Please review the date, time, location, and what to bring. Register here for this required event. Important: Check in begins at 8:45 AM and will continue until 9:30 AM. During this time, there will be a resource fair and breakfast will be provided. Please arrive BEFORE 9:30 AM.
    • Date and Time: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 8:45 AM. Location: International Student Center

What to Bring?

During the Check-In and Reception session we will review the below documents together:

• Your passport
• Your DS-2019
• Copy or screenshot of your I-94. After you enter the U.S., an electronic record of your admission, known as the I-94, will be created. Retrieve a copy of your I-94 from the CBP website, using the "Get Most Recent I-94" link.

A Resource Fair will be held for all international Students during the Welcome Check and Reception. The Resource Fair will provide access to critical resources for new international students such as banking services, phone carriers, transportation, and more.

ISC Activities and Info Sessions:

The ISC hosts optional activities and information sessions for F-1 and J-1 students. Below is a schedule of offerings this coming Spring semester:

• ISC Welcome Lounge: January 10, 11, 12
  1:00 - 3:00 PM, International Student Center Lounge

  • Come talk with ISC Staff and Student Assistants to learn about ISC and SDSU services and resources, San Diego activities, and ask general questions about SDSU or San Diego. You may also do an early document check with a team member. Be sure to bring your I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students), passport, and visa. No registration is needed. Drop by anytime!

• Social Hour: January 19
  12:00 PM, International Student Center Lounge

  • Spend some time with the SDSU International Community at the ISC! This is the perfect space to meet new people, play some games, enjoy light refreshments, music, and more! No registration is needed. Drop by anytime!

• Finding Affordable San Diego: January 24
  11:00 AM, International Student Center Lounge

  • Join us for an informative session designed to help you maximize your time and budget while studying in San Diego.

• J-1 Employment Info Session: January 30
  2:00 PM, International Student Center Lounge

  • Considering employment while you are here at SDSU? Attend this info session to learn about the rules and regulations for your J-1 visa status.

• F-1 Employment Info Session: February 7
  11:00 AM, International Student Center Lounge
  
  • Considering employment while you are here at SDSU? Attend this info session to learn about the rules and regulations for your F-1 visa status.

Get Connected with the ISC on Social Media

Stay up-to-date on reminders, deadlines, events, and other SDSU information through @sdsu_international on Instagram and Discord: ncaph2Nhnp.