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 Student Check-In

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

For F-1 visa degree-seeking students:

  • 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 at 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. Registration Links will be available soon.
    • Important: Check in begins at 8.45AM and will continue until 9.30am. During this time, there will be a resource fair and breakfast will be provided. Please arrive BEFORE 9.30AM. 

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, use the "Get Most Recent I-94" link and follow the steps.

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 newly admitted 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:

  • 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. Registration Links will be available soon. Important: Check in begins at 8.45AM and will continue until 9.30am. During this time, there will be a resource fair and breakfast will be provided. Please arrive BEFORE 9.30AM.

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, use the "Get Most Recent I-94" link and follow the steps.

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 newly admitted international students such as banking services, phone carriers, transportation, and more.

ISC Activities and Workshops:

The ISC hosts optional activities and workshops 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 - 3:00pm, International Student Center Lounge.

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

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, Discord: ncaph2Nhnp, and sign up for our E-newsletter.