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 activities.

Pre-Arrival Webinars

New F-1 Visa First-Year Undergraduate Webinar for Students & Families, Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 7:00 AM (PST)

New F-1 Visa First-Year Undergraduate Follow-up Webinar for Students & Families, Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 7:00 AM (PST)

New J-1 Visa Exchange Students; Information Session, Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 7:00 AM (PST)

New F-1 Visa Undergraduate Transfer & Graduate Students; Information Session, Friday, July 19, 2024 at 7:00 AM (PST)

All new students will receive targeted emails with instructions explaining how to sign up, along with links to join the web sessions. 

International Student Orientation & Check-In

New F-1 First Year Undergraduate; Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 8:15 AM

New F-1 Visa Undergraduate Transfers; Thursday, August 22, at 10:30 AM

New J-1 Visa Exchange Students; Friday, August 23, 2024 at 9:00 AM

New F-1 Visa Graduate Students; Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10:15 AM

All sessions listed above will begin with check-in at the International Student Center.

For F-1 Visa Degree-seeking Students:

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:

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 Fall 2024 semester:

ISC Welcome Lounge: August 19, 20, 21 
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!
Bowling Activity: Friday, August 23rd
12:30- 2:30 PM - Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
  • Come join us at Aztec Lanes for bowling and more fun with international students. Shoe rental is provided.
F-1 Employment Info Session: Tuesday, August 27th
10:00 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.
Finding Affordable San Diego: Wednesday, August 28th
10.30AM - 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:  Thursday, August 29th
2.30PM - 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.
ISC Social Hour: Friday, August 30th
12:00 - 1:30 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!

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.