International Student Orientation Programming

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 make new connections with your peers and the SDSU community. 

If you are a new F-1 or J-1 student, please review the mandatory and optional activities below.

For degree-seeking & J-1 exchange students: 

New students beginning Spring 2023

• Arrival Requirements Checklist:
• J-1 Exchange Students Arrival Requirements Checklist  (studying at SDSU 1 or 2 semesters on a J-1 visa) Spring 2023
• F-1 Undergraduate Degree-seeking Student Requirements Checklist (pursuing a full degree at SDSU)
• F-1 Graduate Degree-seeking Students Requirements Checklist  (pursuing a full degree at SDSU)
• Complete Mandatory ISC Online Orientation:
• J-1 Exchange Students: Complete the online J-1 Exchange Student Orientation by January 16, 2023.
• F-1 Degree-seeking students: Complete the online F-1 International Student Immigration Orientation by January 16, 2023
• Attend New International Student Check-In & Reception. 
• As part of your F-1/J-1 immigration requirements you must report to the International Student Center after arrival at SDSU. To meet this requirement all new F-1/J-1 students are required to attend the New International Student Check-In and Reception. Please review the date, time, location, and what to bring. Registration links are located below:
• Date and time: Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Check in at 9:30am at SDSU’s Storm Hall.
• Registration Link
• What to bring:
• Your passport
• Your I-20 (F-1 students) / DS-2019 (J-1 students)
• 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 by visiting the CBP website and clicking on "Get Most Recent I-94" and following the steps.
• Resource Fair: A Resource Fair will be held during the Check-In & Reception to provide access to critical resources for newly admitted international/exchange students such as banking services, phone carriers, transportation, and more.

ISC Activites and Workshop:

The ISC hosts optional activities and workshops for F-1 and J-1 students. Below is a schedule of offerings this coming Spring semester.

• ISC Welcome Lounge: January 11, 12, 13.
• 1:00 - 3:00pm, International Student Center Lounge. Come talk with ISC Staff and Student Assistants to learn about ISC and SDSU services and resources, and San Diego activities, and ask any general questions about SDSU and San Diego. You may also do an early document check with a team member. Be sure to bring your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, and visa. No registration is needed. Drop by anytime!
• Bowling at Aztec Lanes: January 17
• 2:30pm, Aztec Lanes. All new Spring 2023 international and exchange students are invited to go bowling on campus at Aztec Lanes after the New Student Check-In & Reception. This is a great way to meet other new students! Please RSVP here to attend this event.
• International Student Center Social Hour: Friday, January 20
• 12:00pm - 1:30pm, International Student Center Lounge
• 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, music, and more! No registration is needed. Drop by anytime!
• F-1 Employment Authorization Information Session: Tuesday, January 31 at 10am, International Student Center Lounge
• Learn about the rules and processes for on-campus and off-campus employment and internships as a new F-1 student. This workshop helps you to avoid unauthorized work violations. Topics include eligibility for off-campus jobs, how to qualify for a Social Security Number, and a brief overview of off-campus work authorizations Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• J-1 Exchange Employment Information Session: Friday, February 3 at 10:30am, International Student Center Lounge
• Learn about the J-1 rules and processes for on-campus and off-campus employment and internships as a new J-1 Exchange student. This workshop helps you to avoid unauthorized work violations as a J-1 Exchange student. Topics include how to qualify for a Social Security Number for on-campus employment, and a brief overview of work authorization Academic Training.

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