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 activities.
New F-1 First Year Undergraduate; Friday, January 17 at 1.30PM - 4PM
New F-1 Visa Undergraduate Transfers; Friday, January 17 at 1.30PM - 4PM
New J-1 Visa Exchange Students; Friday, January 17 at 1.30PM - 4PM
New F-1 Visa Graduate Students; Friday, January 17, at 1.30PM - 4PM
Checklist for or F-1 Visa Degree-seeking Students:
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Purchase Required International Student Health Insurance Policy
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Attend New International Student Immigration and Welcome Check-In (January 17)
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Enter US LOCAL Address in my.SDSU - (January 17) - 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:
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Your passport
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Your I-20
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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 or J-1 Visa Degree-seeking Students:
- Purchase Required International Student Health Insurance Policy
- Complete Mandatory ISC J-1 Exchange Online Module (before January 17)
- Attend New International Student Immigration and Welcome Check-In (January 17)
- Enter US LOCAL Address in my.SDSU - (January 17) - 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:
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. 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 Spring 2025 semester:
ISC Welcome Lounge: Thursday, January 16 from 11AM - 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. Just stop by to say hello!
- Join us for a fun trip to historic Old Town - the birth place of California. Right after ISC Orientation, we will hop on the trolley and head to this historic park to enjoy the delicious food offerings, cute shops and interesting exhibits. It's a great opportunity to hang out with your fellow international student who also just arrived, and get familiar with local public transport; the start of many San Diego adventures.
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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!
Employment Info Sessions for F-1 and J-1 Exchange Students: Date/time TBC
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.