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 required activities.

New F-1 Visa First Year Undergraduate Virtual Session 1; Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 at 7:00am PST (VIRTUAL LINK-COMING SOON)

New F-1 Visa First Year Undergraduate Virtual Session 2; Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 7:00am PST (VIRTUAL LINK-COMING SOON)

New F-1 Visa First Year Undergraduate; Thursday, August 21st, 2025 at 8:15am in Storm Hall

New F-1 Visa Undergraduate Transfers; Thursday, August 21st, 2025 - Time TBD

New J-1 Visa Exchange Students; Friday, August 22nd, 2025: 9:00am - 12:00pm in Storm Hall

New F-1 Visa Graduate Students; Friday, August 22nd, 2025: 12:30pm - 3:00pm in Storm Hall

REGISTRATION LINKS - COMING SOON

Checklist for F-1 Visa Degree-seeking Students:

• Purchase Required International Student Health Insurance Policy 
• Complete Mandatory ISC Online Module (before August 22nd) (2025 module will be release on July 18)
• Attend New International Student Immigration and Welcome Check-In (August 21 and 22)
• Enter US LOCAL Address in my.SDSU - (by August 22nd) - this is required by the US Government  to make your SEVIS record Active.

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. If you will enter the US via a land border, please carefully check the information provided for Entering the US via a land border before you travel

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.

Checklist for J-1 Visa Degree-seeking Students:

• Purchase Required International Student Health Insurance Policy 
• Complete Mandatory ISC J-1 Exchange Online Module (before August 22) (2025 module will be release on July 18)
• Attend New International Student Immigration and Welcome Check-In (August  22)
• Enter US LOCAL Address in my.SDSU - (by August 22) - this is required by the US Government to make your SEVIS record Active.

What to Bring to New Student Immigration Check In and Welcome Reception:

• 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. If you will enter the US via a land border, please carefully check the information provided for Entering the US via a land border before you travel

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 2025 semester:

• 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. Just stop by to say hello!

• After orientation, the International Student Center is excited to welcome our new international students with a casual, fun-filled bowling, pool, games event at Aztec Lanes. It’s a great opportunity to relax, make new friends, and connect with fellow students in a friendly, laid-back environment. No experience necessary—just come ready to have a good time! 

• Join us for a fun and informative session designed to help you maximize your time and budget while studying in San Diego. It's also a chance to meet other students you can explore San Diego with!

• 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, and more. No registration is needed. Just come along!

• 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.

• 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.