We can't wait to see you on campus!

Please refer to this web page for information to help you prepare for your arrival to the US.  We look forward to meeting you when you arrive.

Below is the checklist for all students in Academic English, International Year One, Undergraduate Transfer Program, International Direct, Graduate Pathway, or Masters International Direct to complete while at home for a successful arrival to the US. For instructions about arriving to PDX airport, click here

You must pay your SEVIS I-901 fee before you go to your visa interview.
How to pay your SEVIS fee

Find a US embassy/consulate near you. Not sure what documents to bring? View a helpful checklist.

Connect with our Pre-Arrival Success Service (PASS) for mock interview practice.

Complete steps for New Students

 

 

If you have not already arranged your housing in Corvallis, then visit the INTO OSU Housing site for information about on-campus accommodation. Complete the Housing Application form here or attached to your offer letter if you plan to live on campus. For questions, email [email protected].

There are several temporary accommodations close to campus if needed.  Depending on the time of year, the local hotels can fill up with travelers.  If you need to book accommodations, it is smart to make a reservation in advance.

For off-campus housing, please use a google or facebook search for student accommodation groups in Corvallis, OR. Also, check our off-campus resources page.

Submit your Arrival Info so we know when you'll be traveling to Oregon.  Check the dates at the top of this page to learn more about move in days and when greeters will be available at the airport.  A free shuttle is offered to new students only.  The shuttle ticket is reserved through a company called Groome Transportation and will be arranged for you based on your arrival time.  The shuttle picks up from the shuttle information booth at Portland International Airport (PDX).  Follow signs to "ground transportation."  There are shuttles available from the Eugene Airport now.

Submit a passport-style photo (or other photo that meets submission guidelines) before you arrive so that we can get your ID card ready. If you live on campus, your card will be ready when you check-in. If you live off-campus, you can pick your card up at the ID Card Center in the Memorial Union during Orientation. You must set up your ONID email in order to submit your photo.

International students will be automatically enrolled and charged for the OSU Student Health Insurance Plan. Full details are available on the Student Health Services website: https://studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/insurance/international-student-insurance-planLinks to an external site. Here is an overview of the insurance plan.

  • Payment: You must pay for health insurance through the OSU Student Accounts office (Links to an external site.), after you have registered for classes each term. 
  • Early Arrival: If you will arrive in the US before the term plan begins, please ensure that you purchase a travel insurance policy which provides you with health insurance coverage up through the date of the plan start. 
Sponsor Insurance Plans

Some students may have a health insurance policy provided by their sponsor. These plans are coordinated between Sponsored Student Programs and the Student Health Insurance Office. You may be required to take action to ensure your sponsor insurance plan is registered with the university so you are not charged for the OSU Student Health Insurance Plan. Please direct any questions about your sponsor insurance policy to [email protected]

Prepare your suitcase, bank, and cell phone. Download the pdf flyer:

Welcome Week is a series of events and activities hosted by INTO OSU and OSU in the days before term begins. Plan to be on campus for this week with an open schedule. You should not plan other activities during this time. 

All events will be hosted on zoom or in-person. Your personalized schedule will be emailed to you before the week begins.

For more information, visit Welcome Week

     Have questions? Need help or accommodations?

Email us: [email protected]

Please be sure to include your full name and OSU ID number listed on your admissions letter.  Anyone traveling with special needs, such as a disability or a medical condition, should contact the orientation team as early as possible with accommodation requests.  The INTO OSU Student Services team is happy to help you work with OSU Student Health Services and Disability Access Services to help meet your needs. 

Arrivals Details

 

Follow the instructions below for arrival dates and airport instructions.

If you have questions about the arrivals procedure, please email housing and arrivals at [email protected] 

  Upcoming start dates

Start dates/times are listed below.  Once Welcome Week begins, you can expect to be busy with activities every week day leading up to the first day of classes.  You should not schedule other appointments during Welcome Week as most sessions are mandatory to attend.

ON-CAMPUS MOVE IN

  • Day: Move-In for Spring 2024: March 25, 2024
  • Location: Your assigned UHDS Service Center
  • Who: Only students with on-campus housing reservations

ORIENTATION START DATE

Orientation is conducted online in the months preceding Welcome Week and start of term. Check your email to sign up for virtual orientation events and courses.

WELCOME WEEK START DATE
    • Spring 2024 Term Dates: April 1, 2024 - June 14, 2024
    • Undergraduate Pathway Programs: March 26, 2024
    • International Direct (Undergraduate ID): March 26, 2024
    • Academic English Program (AE, SAWE 1 & 2, VISP) : March 27, 2024
    • Graduate Pathway: March 28, 2024
    • Masters International Direct (MID): March 28, 2024
  • Duration: Welcome Week lasts until the official first day of classes with optional activities during the weekend.
  • Location: International Living Learning Center (ILLC Building), Corvallis Oregon 
  • Who: All new students for INTO OSU Academic Programs.

  On-Campus Move-In Locations

When you take the free shuttle service to campus a staff member will meet you and assist you in the housing check-in process.  If traveling to campus on your own, you can check-in to your room at the following locations.

Arnold Service Center

  • Key pick up for ILLC, Bloss Hall, Finley Hall and Halsell Hall

McNary Service Center

  • Key pick up for McNary Hall, Callahan Hall, Wilson Hall, Tebeau Hall 

West Service Center

  • Key pick up for West Hall, Sacket Hall, Poling Hall, Cauthorn Hall, Hawley Hall, Buxton Hall, Weatherford Hall

When arriving at the Portland International Airport (PDX):

You will need to show the following documentation at Immigration: original I-20, passport, visa, SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt, documentation of finance.

An immigration officer may ask you some questions.  Be prepared to answer:

  • Why are you coming to the US?
  • Where and what course are you studying?
  • Where will you live during your studies?
  • How are you going to pay for your studies?

Your I-94 arrival/departure form is now a paperless document.  However, if you receive a paper copy, do not lose it.  It costs more than $300 to replace a paper I-94.

You will be given a customs form to complete on the plane.  Keep this form to present to immigration and at customs.

  • Plan for long wait times at the airport and at bus/shuttle stops.  Sometimes arrival days and orientation can coincide with holidays which are heavily traveled.
  • After getting through customs when you arrive at PDX you may have a wait for your shuttle.  Additionally the shuttle ride to Corvallis is about 2 hours total.  Plan ahead on purchasing food at the airport or pack some snacks in your carry on.
  • If you are an on-campus resident, please see information for your First Day in On-Campus Housing.

Getting on the airport shuttle

Submit your arrival information at least 72 hours in advance to ensure your Airport Shuttle is reserved.  If you won't be utilizing the shuttle you still need to submit your arrival information as far in advance as possible. 

If you need assistance when arriving to campus or to the airport, you can call the INTO OSU Arrival Phone at +1 541 224 2964.

If your flight is delayed and you miss your scheduled shuttle, your shuttle reservation number will allow you to get on the next available shuttle - please do your best to inform us of your delay if possible.  A new shuttle leaves from PDX every 2 hours (shuttles run from 5:30 AM to 12:30AM).

When arriving at the Portland International Airport (PDX):

  • Go to Baggage Claim #9.
  • If an Airport Greeter is working, they will meet you here (only available during peak arrival days/times)
  • Locate the shuttle information booth outside of Baggage Claim #9.
  • Use your Airport Shuttle Ticket Reservation to board the Shuttle.

For more information about the airport, watch the below video featuring Ground Transportation options leaving PDX.

 

PDX Ground Transportation