Before You Arrive
In addition to the in-person orientation on August 22nd, you are also required to complete the pre-arrival online modules. These modules will provide useful information as you plan your arrival to Fargo and NDSU.
How to access the modules:
- Visit https://international.ndsu.edu/ .
- Log in using your NDSU username and password.
- If you have technical difficulties, please see this PDF with login instructions. For further issues, email NDSU.iss@ndsu.edu.
Dates
Orientation
Orientation will be held on Thursday, August 22nd. All new international students are REQUIRED to attend orientation. You should plan to arrive on Wednesday, August 21st or before to get settled into your housing before orientation.
Location
Ballroom B, Memorial Union Upper Level
Schedule
| 8:00 AM | Check-in and Breakfast | |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Welcome | |
| 10:00 AM | Breakout Session A: Connect with Student Organizations | Breakout Session B: Course Enrollment |
| 11:00 AM | Student Panel | |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch | |
| 1:00 PM | Resource Fair | |
| 2:00 PM | Breakout Session C: Health Insurance | Breakout Session D: Working on Campus |
| 3:00 PM | Conclusion |
First Day of Classes
Fall 2024 classes begin Monday, August 26th at 4pm.
Click this link for other important dates & deadlines.
Arrival Checklist
- Report your arrival
- Get your NDSU ID card
- Schedule your immunization screening
- Register for classes
Planning your Travel
Fargo Airport
Students can arrive at Hector International Airport in Fargo: https://www.fargoairport.com (Airport code: FAR)
You will NOT go through Customs at the Fargo airport upon leaving the plane. You will go through Customs at your first port of entry to the United States. The Fargo airport is not large, so once you depart your plane, the baggage claim is only a minute or two away.
Weather
Before you depart for Fargo, please watch the weather forecast for your arrival date and dress appropriately.
If you are arriving in the summer or early fall, the weather can be warm and pleasant, or very hot. Fall can also be cool, so a light jacket is recommended.
If you are arriving in winter, the weather can be very cold with snow, so be prepared with a coat/jacket, hat, gloves, and warm shoes.
Weather Channel: Current 4-day forecast for Fargo, ND (zip code 58102 for North Fargo)
Nearby Hotels
If you are arriving before your on-campus housing is available, you may need to stay temporarily in a hotel. Some hotels in Fargo offer complimentary shuttles and/or meals. Shuttle services may include drop-off at NDSU, please ask about this service when booking your hotel. View the following websites for information on hotels options:
https://www.fargomoorhead.org/stay/
Navigating Campus
NDSU campus map and building directory
Transit (MATBUS)
Campus Parking
Other Important Information
Fun things to do in Fargo
Want to know about fun things to do in Fargo? Check out the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor's Bureau website for events and things to do in the community year-round: https://www.fargomoorhead.org/things-to-do.
Meeting New People
Getting involved on-campus is a GREAT way to meet new people. If you want to reach out to different student organizations at NDSU, you can learn about the student organizations and associations on campus here: https://myndsu.ndsu.edu.
Housing
If you have been admitted and need to apply for on-campus housing, apply here.
Click here for important academic dates and deadlines for the upcoming semester/academic years: Dates & Deadlines
NDSU Bookstore & Course Materials
The NDSU Bookstore is your one-stop-shop for course materials. For more information visit http://www.ndsubookstore.com/coursematerials.
NDSU Student Card
The NDSU Card is required for many of your day-to-day activities at NDSU. When you arrive at NDSU, you will receive your ID at the NDSU Card Center. For more information, check out their website: https://www.ndsu.edu/it/help/card_center/
Health Insurance
All students are required to purchase university approved health insurance. Every year, the health insurance through UnitedHealthcare StudentResources begins August 16th for Fall entry, January 1st for Spring entry, and mid-May for Summer entry. You can find more detailed information on this page.
Immunization Screening Appointment
All new international students are required to complete an immunization screening appointment through the NDSU Student Health Service. Click here for more information.
Contact
Contact your advisor at NDSU.ISS@ndsu.edu.