Spring 2013 International Student Orientation
Information for Fall 2013 International Student Orientation will be posted in mid-February 2013.
Click here to register for a Spring 2013 International Student Orientation Make-up Session.
When: Tuesday, January 15th and Wednesday, January 16th, beginning at 8:30am
Where: McLaren Conference Center
Download the detailed International Student Orientation and Welcome Weekend Activities here.
What: International Student Orientation addresses areas of cultural adjustment, academics in the United States, immigration matters, USF and San Francisco resources, and other points of interest. You'll have the opportunity to meet other new students and to ask questions of continuing students.
Attendance on both Tuesday and Wednesday is mandatory and failure to attend the orientation program will result in a hold being placed on your student account which limits your ability to register for classes, access library resources, etc. at the University. Remember that you can enter the country up to 30-days prior to your program start date. As an incoming international student, you need to plan your trip accordingly so that you arrive in San Francisco before orientation begins. If living in on-campus housing, be certain to confirm your housing assignment with the Student Housing Office by phone at +1(415)422-6824 or by email at orl@usfca.edu. They can answer any questions about housing.
**Please note** If your program requirements conflict with the International Student Orientation please email the ISSS office at isss@usfca.edu to schedule an alternative orientation session.
"Undergraduate English Conditional" students (who have not met the English proficiency requirement) will be given an English placement test. Location and other information about this test will be given at International Student Orientation. This test is required for all "English Conditional Admits". If you have questions about this test please contact esl@usfca.edu.
Have questions about travel, visas and preparing for life at USF? Review our Pre-Arrival pages for more information on the visa process, what you will need to bring with you, and transportation options for when you arrive.
The USF-sponsored transportation shuttle from San Francisco International Airport to the USF campus, will be provided free of charge.
Registration for the Spring 2013 airport shuttle service on January 12th-14th is now closed.
International students with confirmed on-campus housing can move-in as early as January 12th, 2013. ISSS recommends coming early and using our airport shuttle service that is available the three days before International Student Orientation. USF Guides will welcome arriving students in the lobby area of the international terminal at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Look for the USF Guides who will be wearing yellow ISSS jackets, holding USF signs, and identified by green & yellow balloons.
Note: The shuttle will only transport students from SFO airport to the campus and will not make any other stops in the city. No one is required to use the shuttle; if you prefer to get to campus as quickly as possible, you are welcome to use alternative forms of transportation.
Undergraduate students are also required to attend the New Student Orientation Program (for both international and domestic students). As the date approaches, the university orientation schedule will be available for viewing at www.usfca.edu/orientation. Graduate students are required to attend their department orientation program in addition to the International Student Orientation (ISO). Please contact your academic department for more information. If your graduate program orientation conflicts with the ISO program, a make-up ISO will be given.
Other Orientation Activities:
A full schedule of Spring 2013 Orientation activities will be available soon.
