Program

Checklist for International Students

Verify Personal Information

Verify your personal information with International Services on email notification of admission.

Submit Medical History/Immunization Information*

All applicants who are accepted into USF must submit a completed medical history form, with proof of immunization against measles and rubella to Student Health Services. The necessary forms will be included in the admissions packet and may also be downloaded from the Student Health Services web site.

Florida state law also requires that all international students have medical insurance while attending USF. Medical insurance is available through Student Health Services (see International Student Health Insurance Requirements for complete information). Graduate Assistants are eligible to receive a subsidy from the University to help offset part of the cost of health insurance, making it more affordable to participate in the ßÙßÇÂþ»­ Student Health Insurance Plan.

Plan to Attend International Student Orientation

The International Services Office sponsors an orientation program for international students at the beginning of both Fall and Spring semesters. During this orientation, you will receive valuable information about campus life. For more information, visit the Office of Orientation.

Check-in with International Services

Speak with TESLA program faculty about graduate teaching assistantships/research assistant appointments (if applicable).

Speaking Proficiency

All graduate students whose native language is not English and who are appointed to a Teaching Assistantship must submit a minimum score of 26 on the speaking section of the TOEFL IBT Test prior to accepting the position.

Plan to Attend the International Teaching Assistants Workshop

Register for Classes

Students will work with their TESLA faculty advisor to determine which courses they should enroll in. They will register online using Student Self-Service (formerly Student OASIS) and must enroll for the term to which they have been admitted to validate their admission. Students who cannot enroll for the admitted term must request a deferment of admission directly from the TESLA program. (See , Deferment of Admission/Update Request section).

Obtain Your USF ID Card

Identification cards can be obtained from the USF Card Center. The USFCard is the official identification card of the ßÙßÇÂþ»­. The USFCard is a multi-functional card with digitized photo and electronic identification and validation for departments needing to verify student and/or employee status. The USFCard was designed as a platform for a multitude of services and functions.

Activate Your USF NetID and Access Your ßÙßÇÂþ»­ email

All admitted ßÙßÇÂþ»­ students will be given Google mail accounts to host their email. The email address assigned will start with the person's NetID and end with @mail.usf.edu. With Gmail, students are given unlimited storage, and access to Google Apps. You can learn more about ßÙßÇÂþ»­ email on the Information Technology website.

Open a Bank Account

Upon arrival in the U.S., you should plan to open a bank account, preferably in a bank that has an international banking department. You may then wire money from your bank in your home country directly to your bank account in the United States. The ßÙßÇÂþ»­ has a Credit Union with many services, including a variety of checking and savings accounts, loans, and foreign currency exchange. For more information, visit the .

Secure Living Accommodations/Apartment

There are multiple options available to students for housing:

  • Living On-Campus
    On-campus housing information is available through Housing & Residential Education.
  • Living Off-Campus
    If you are not planning to live on campus, you can search and learn more about off-campus housing options on the .
  • Family Housing
    Magnolia apartments on campus houses students with families. For more information, please visit the Housing & Residential Education website.