Pre-Arrival: Once You Arrive at USF

Read below for information on where to go when you arrive on campus for move-in, where you can find more options about orientation, where to get your ID card, and tips for getting additional help with your class schedule.

What to do when you arrive on campus
Degree Program Orientation and Course Advising
Student ID Card
Proof of Immunization
Banking and Cell Phones

What to do when you arrive on campus

If you are living on campus and know which room you have been assigned, go directly to the front desk at the residence hall where you will be living. If you do not know what room you have been assigned, you will need to contact the Student Housing and Residential Education (SHaRE) during business hours (Monday through Friday, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., University Center 5th floor or orl@usfca.edu) for your room assignment. If you arrive when SHaRE cannot assist you, you will need to find alternate accommodations for a place to stay. Look at short term housing options on the SHaRE website.

International Student Orientation (ISO) takes place before the start of classes and is required for all J-1 and F-1 visa holders. At ISO you will have a chance to learn about your student visa status, get tips for academic success and cultural adjustment, get to know campus resources, and more. Please find the ISO dates, location and schedule online as the semester approaches on the ISO website.

Degree Program Orientation and Course Advising

In addition to International Student Orientation, you will also have an orientation for your degree program. Both orientations are mandatory and will help you begin your program with the information you need.

Undergraduate students should attend the New Student Orientation (NSO), which will take place right after the International Student Orientation and before classes start. This program will cover important information about your major and the expectations of your program. During NSO there will be an opportunity for you to speak with an advisor about your course schedule and make changes to your classes as needed. As NSO approaches, details about the schedule will be posted online.

Graduate students should attend the orientation session provided by their department. You should receive information directly from your department about your orientation and registering for classes.

USF One Card

Your One card is your access to campus buildings and can also be your meal ticket if you have a meal plan, as well as your bus pass. Go to the One Card website to pre-order your card online. You will be able to pick it up on campus when you arrive.

Proof of Immunization

Upon arrival to USF, you will want to submit your proof of immunization to the Health Promotion Services (HPS) office as soon as possible. For contact information and details on what to submit, visit the HPS website. All international students will be charged for USF student health insurance, which will show up in your student account. Make sure to update your mailing address in USF connect so that your health card will be sent to your United States address.

Banking and Cell Phones

To open a bank account you will need to bring your Certificate of Eligibility, passport, Admission Record, and cash to deposit. To obtain your Admission Record you can visit the Customs and Boarder Protection website for Arrival Record Retrieval. Request to open a student checking account. You DO NOT need a Social Security Number to open a bank account. If the bank representative tells you that you need one, politely let them know that you know that you do not need one to open account. If they still want one, ask to speak with someone else at the bank. USF does not endorse any particular bank and there are many to choose from. Important things to consider are banking fees, bank locations, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) locations, and wire transfer options with your bank in your home country.

Many students want to get a cell phone soon after arriving at USF. Some cell phone companies require a two year commitment, and some will allow you to pay each month or add minutes to your phone as needed. You will need your passport, Certificate of Eligibility, and Admission Record to start a cell phone plan. You do not need a Social Security Number to apply for a cell phone, but most companies will want to verify your ability to pay the cell phone bill or require an extra deposit. ISSS has written a Vendor Letter 2022 that you can use to help prove your finances.