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.
For F-1 visa degree-seeking students:
- Arrival Requirements Checklist
- F-1 Undergraduate Degree-seeking Student Requirements Checklist (Coming July 2023)
- F-1 Graduate Degree-seeking Students Requirements Checklist (Coming July 2023)
- Complete Mandatory ISC Online Orientation
- Complete the online F-1 International Student Immigration Orientation by September 1, 2023 (link will be provided in July 2023).
- 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 are located below:
- Date and time: Saturday, August 18, 2023. Time TBD at SDSU’s Storm Hall.
- Registration Link (Coming July 2023)
- 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 are located below:
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 by visiting the CBP website and clicking on "Get Most Recent I-94" and following the steps.
A Resource Fair will be held for all international students. 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:
- Arrival Requirements Checklist
- J-1 Exchange Students Arrival Requirements Checklist (Coming July 2023)
- Complete Mandatory ISC Online Orientation
- Complete the online J-1 Exchange Student Orientation by September 1, 2023 (link will be provided in July 2023).
- 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 are located below:
- Date and time: Friday, August 18, 2023. Time TBD at SDSU’s Storm Hall.
- Registration Link (Coming July 2023)
- 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 are located below:
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 by visiting the CBP website and clicking on "Get Most Recent I-94" and follow the steps.
A Resource Fair will be held for all international students. 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: August 16, 17, 18.
- 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!
- International Student Center Social Hour: Friday, August 18
12:00pm - 1:30pm, International Student Center Lounge- A campus wide Welcome Week activity! 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 needed. Drop by anytime!
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