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International Student Orientation

Fall 2024 International Student Orientation

Monday to Thursday, Aug. 19–22, 2024
Location - University Student Union - Campanile Room 169A

We will conduct an in-person orientation for international students for Fall 2024. International Student Orientation will begin on Monday, Aug. 19. We will post finalized dates, schedules and resources for all orientation activities in the near future and send this information to you via email. Our International Student Orientation (ISO) is different from the New Student Orientation (NSO) program. NSO is a registration day that allows you to register for classes. Our ISO is a program that provides important information that will help you with your cultural transition to the U.S., South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã, Brookings and South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University. Please plan to attend our mandatory International Student Orientation program.

The information below should help you plan your first steps as an SDSU Jackrabbit. Please review the information below and contact us should you have any questions.

International Student Orientation/Check-in

The Office of International Affairs hosts a mandatory International Student Orientation to provide essential information to prepare for life at SDSU. During orientation, you will:

  • Meet the International Affairs staff.
  • Meet other international and American students.
  • Learn about Brookings, South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã.
  • Get information about your visa and how to remain in legal immigration status.
  • Get a student ID, complete your health screening, finalize housing arrangements and more.

For transportation from the to SDSU in Brookings:

  • Schedule arrival by August 19, 2024.
  • Note: orientation begins August 19, 2024.
  • Request confirmation that transportation is arranged.

Check-in will be completed during orientation. Arriving early? Check-in at the Office of International Affairs, Hilton M. Briggs Library 119. Attend New International Student Orientation beginning Aug. 19.

You will need:

  • Passport
  • Visa
  • I-20 or DS2019
  • I-94 (typically stapled in your passport)
  • Graduate Assistant Offer Letter
  • SDSU Admission Letter

You will also need to complete an address form and the Statement of Responsibility. Graduate students who have been offered a Graduate Assistantship will be given information on obtaining a social security number at check-in.

NOTE: You must complete your check-in process with the Office of International Affairs no later than 30 days after your program start date. If you do not, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to register you in the SEVIS system in a timely manner. If this is not done, you will lose your legal status in the U.S.

Virtual Orientation Presentations/Videos

Undergraduate

  • Let us know that you have received yourvisa.
  • Complete Placement Testing –
    • If you have SAT scores, please directly to SDSU using school code 6653. If you have ACT scores, please directly to SDSU using school code 3924.
      • Students without ACT or SAT Scores will take an Accuplacer Placement Exam to ensure they register for English or Reading class that align with their skills in those areas. You will receive an email from international admissions providing instructions on how to sign up for an Accuplacer exam time through Examity proctoring service.
      • Students with an ACT or SAT score will not need to complete Placement Testing. You will receive an invitation to sign up for an NSO Session. During an NSO session, you will learn more about SDSU and meet with an academic advisor to register for classes.
  • Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
    • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
      • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136.
      • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number).
      • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check.
      • .
      • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
  • Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.
  • Check expiration date of current visa.
  • Email Kirsten to have class registration opened and get connected with an academic advisor.
  • Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
    • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
      • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136.
      • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number).
      • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check.
      • International Payments through .
      • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
  • Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.
  • Submit Official College Transcripts to our International Admissions Team.
  • Transfer Your SEVIS Record
    • SDSU does not have a SEVIS Transfer Form. As a result, please take the following information to your current international advisor to request your SEVIS transfer:
      • SDSU acceptance letter.
      • SDSU SEVIS School Code: SPM214F00264000.
      • Contact Information:
        • Office of International Affairs.
        • Email: SDSU.IntlStud@sdstate.edu.
        • Telephone: 605-688-4122.
        • Address: 1300 N Campus Dr., Hilton M. Briggs Library Suite 119, Brookings, SD, 57007.
    • You will receive an email invitation to sign up for an NSO session to learn more about SDSU and meet with an academic advisor to register for classes.
  • Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
    • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
      • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136.
      • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number).
      • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check.
      • .
      • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
  • Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.
  • Let us know that you have received your visa.
  • Begin the (WES) evaluation process.
  • Submit an Official WES evaluation to the international admissions team.
  • Complete Placement Testing –
    • Students without ACT or SAT Scores will take an Accuplacer Placement Exam to ensure they register for English or Reading class that align with their skills in those areas. You will receive an email from international admissions providing instructions on how to sign up for an Accuplacer exam time through Examity proctoring service.
    • Students with an ACT or SAT score will not need to complete Placement Testing. You will receive an invitation to sign up for an NSO Session. During an NSO session, you will learn more about SDSU and meet with an academic advisor to register for classes.
  • Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
    • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
      • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136.
      • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number).
      • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check.
      • .
      • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
  • Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.
  • Let us know that you have received your visa.
  • We will be working with you on a case-by-case basis for class registration.
  • Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

Monday, August 19, 2024

TimeActivity
9 a.m.–4 p.m.Welcome to SDSU: Check-in residence halls
Noon–1:30 p.m.Lunch - Picnic (Southwest Student Union)
Welcome: Dignitaries
1–4 p.m.Check-In Paperwork
1–4 p.m.Trip to Walmart, and Cell Phone
5–6 p.m.Dinner, Larson Common
TimeActivity
8–8:45 a.m.Breakfast – Larson Commons 
9–9:20 a.m.Welcome- OIA staff, Peer Mentors
9:20–9:40 a.m.Tuition and Fee Payments 
9:40–10:20 a.m.What you Need to Know (D2L/Self Service/Mystate/ConnectState)
10:20–11:20 a.m.Immigration 101: How to Maintain Your Visa Status 
11:20–11:50 a.m.Work Authorizations in the U.S. – Shared International Employment Services
noon–1 p.m.Lunch, Larson Commons
1–5 p.m.

Presentations Rotation

  • Wellness Center
  • Briggs Library
  • Wintrode Center
  • Career Development
  • Student Activities
  • Math Help Center
5–6 p.m.Dinner, Larson Commons
6-8 p.m.à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Nature Park Social (Transportation will be provided: start at 5:45 p.m.)
TimeActivity
8–8:45 a.m.Breakfast, Larson Commons
9–11:45 a.m.Placement Testing – Undergraduates Only    
noonSSN Applications Due 
noon–1 p.m.Lunch, Larson Commons
1–4 p.m.Placement Testing – Undergraduates Only
3–5 p.m.Resume Workshop - Office of Career Development
5–6 p.m.Dinner, Larson Commons
7–9 p.m.International Ice Cream Social, Good Roots Farm (Transportation will be provided: Start at 6:45 p.m.)
TimeActivity
8–9 a.m.Breakfast, Larson Commons
9–11 a.m.Student Health Clinic
11–11:30 a.m.What to Expect - Advising
11:30 a.m.–noonThumpstart Briefing - Cody Burgraff
noon–1 p.m.Lunch
1–4 p.m.Undergraduate Registration, Various rooms in Student Union 
1–5 p.m.SDSU Graduate Teaching Assistant Orientation, Location TBD
5–6 p.m.Dinner, Larson Commons
6–8 p.m.Downtown at Sundown - (Transportation will be provided: start at 5:45 p.m.)
TimeActivity
8–9 a.m.Breakfast, Larson Common
8:30 a.m.–noon SSN Trip for Graduate Students with Assistantship
9 a.m.–noon Trip to Walmart, Cell phone and Bank (Check-In at OIA)
noon–1 p.m.Lunch, Larson Common

First day of classes!

Last day to drop or add classes.

Tuition payment and fees due.

Health Insurance and Completed Waivers due.

Graduate

  • Let us know that you have received your visa.
  • Establish contact with the Graduate School – The staff of the Graduate School will help you establish contact with your host department and navigate any bureaucracy related to your matriculation to the university.
  • Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
    • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
      • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136.
      • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number).
      • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check.
      • .
      • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
  • Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.
  • Establish contact with the Graduate School – The staff of the Graduate School will help you establish contact with your host department and navigate any bureaucracy related to your matriculation to the university.
  • Submit Official College Transcripts to our Graduate School Admissions Team (if you have not done so already.)
  • Transfer Your SEVIS Record
    • SDSU does not have a SEVIS Transfer Form. As a result, please take the following information to your current international advisor to request your SEVIS transfer:
      • SDSU acceptance letter.
      • SDSU SEVIS School Code: SPM214F00264000.
      • Contact Information:
        • Office of International Affairs.
        • Email: SDSU.IntlStud@sdstate.edu.
        • Telephone: 605-688-4122.
        • Address: 1300 N Campus Dr., Hilton M. Briggs Library Suite 119, Brookings, SD, 57007.
  • Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
    • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
      • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136.
      • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number).
      • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check.
      • International Payments through .
      • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
  • Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival –Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.
  • Let us know that you have received your visa.
  • Connect with – Office of International Affairs and we will help you with everything related to bureaucratic requirements. Please send her an email to introduce yourself! If you intend to study at SDSU for a degree, please send all final and official high school transcripts to Office of International Affairs.
  • Make Payment Arrangements – Tuition and Fees – Please review the tuition and fees rates. International students will be charged a $150 International Student Fee per semester to support the university’s efforts to represent international student interests to university offices, state government and the federal government (e.g. compliance with non-immigrant visa status requirements).
    • Students should make plans to pay their bills using one of the following methods:
      • In-person with check or cash on the SDSU campus in Morrill Hall, Room 136.
      • Over the phone with an e-check (checking account number and routing number).
      • Online on SDePay with a credit card, debit card and e-check.
      • .
      • Students may also arrange for a Payment Plan.
  • Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the . Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

Get familiar with your online accounts

  1. Start with , your storehouse for a personal account and campus information (pro tip: keep your username and password close by).
  2. Activate your (check it often).
    1. Note about DUO: All Jacks email accounts will be secured with DUO, a multi-factor authentication service meant to keep online accounts safe. Students will be prompted to set up DUO upon logging into their Jacks email.
  3. Download . This videoconferencing program is available for PC and mobile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orientation

  • Graduate students: Please contact your academic advisor (email and telephone number listed in your acceptance letter) to develop a plan of study and register for classes for the Spring 2023 semester.
  • Exchange students (Bilateral, ISEP and IREX) - We will work with you on an individual basis to help you register for classes.
  • English Language and Culture Institute students: Please contact OIA.

No, there are no deposit fees required. Once you have registered for classes, a bill will be generated and you will be able to pay for tuition at that point. You can learn more about paying your bill at Billing and Payments.

  • Undergraduates – Friday, Jan. 12
  • Graduates – Contact an academic advisor for permission to arrive late and have your academic advisor email his/her permission (and last date the department will allow you to arrive) to Nur Islamiah Mohamad Fuad for a late arrival letter and/or adjustment of I-20.

Information on academic scholarships can be found at Funding Your Education.

Housing and Residential Life

On-Campus

The Department of Residential Life provides a comfortable, safe and well-maintained living environment for all of our students. The halls are all staffed with both enthusiastic professional and student staff who are eager to assist our residents with the college transition. Our Residential Life Team includes Complex Directors, Residence Hall Directors, Graduate Assistants, Community Assistants, Living-Learning Coordinators and more.

Undergraduate International Students who have graduated from Secondary School less than two years prior to their enrollment at SDSU are required to live in university residence halls upon arrival.

To live on campus at SDSU you must submit the appropriate application along with the application fee. To access the Housing Application, please visit the link below. The following information about our Housing and Residential Life are provided for your benefit.

Students can access the online housing form to apply.

Off-Campus

Check out these sites for more information on apartments in Brookings:

Disclaimer: SDSU does not manage, update, verify or recommend one rental company over another. The links listed above are solely provided for prospective students to gain insight into various housing options within the Brookings community.

If you are interested in a single-occupancy room, you will need to contact the Housing Office to see if this might be available. Housing Residential Email

  • Only students who are planning to live in the residence halls during the academic year are eligible to move in upon arrival.
  • Students who have completed both a housing application and an early arrival housing application prior to arrival and arrive during business hours will be able to move into their room immediately.
  • Students who arrive after hours or on the weekends will need to stay in a hotel until the housing office is open. On the next available business day, our drivers will bring you to the housing office so you can complete a contract (if you have not done so already) and move in.

Local hotel rates are listed below: (When making a reservation, notify the hotel employee that you are an international student at SDSU. This will allow you to receive the discounted rate for the room – saving you money!)

Econo Lodge Inn and Suites
Address: 2515 East 6th Street, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: 605-692-3111
Email: econo@den-wil.com

  • Students can reserve a standard room- double queen-sized beds
  • $70-$101/night – one to two student staying
  • Free Continental Breakfast - Open 5–9 a.m.
  • Restaurant – in Hotel - Open 4 p.m.–1 a.m.

Comfort Suites University
Address: 929 25th Ave, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: 605-692-2882
Email: aaron.dos.sd107@gmail.com

  • Students who plan to stay Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night – $120-$150/night.
  • Students who plan to stay for a week or longer (regardless of the days) – $70/night.
  • Students who plan to stay only on Friday and Saturday night – the rate will be discounted based on availability and any special event that may be happening in Brookings.
  • Free continental breakfast.

Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available throughout campus, and Halal food has recently become available through the convenience stores operated by the dining services team at SDSU. For more information on dining service visit .

Travel/Arrival/Check-In

Students who are currently in the US who have been attending another university will need to request their international office to transfer their SEVIS record to South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University (school code: SPM214F00264000). Typically, you will need to provide your current university with a copy of your SDSU Acceptance Letter. If you have recently graduated, your SEVIS record needs to be transferred within 60 days of your program end date at the previous institution.

Make Arrangements for OIA Pickup Service/Arrival – Make arrangements for travel by completing the Shuttle Service Form. Students will receive an email confirmation following the completion of the form.

is located 50 miles south of Brookings, SD off of I-29. The Sioux Falls Regional Airport code is FSD.

Only students can stay in residence halls. Parents may wish to make reservations at one of the following Brookings hotels:

Econo Lodge Inn and Suites
Address: 2515 East 6th Street, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: 605-692-3111
Email: econolodgebrookings@hotmail.com

Comfort Suites University
Address: 929 25th Ave, Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: 605-692-2882
Email: aaron.dos.sd107@gmail.com

All students – international and domestic alike – are required to provide evidence of receiving two Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations after their first birthday. Learn more about mandatory immunization.