
Welcome to NDSU
Orientation & Arrival Services for New International Students
Carefully read all of the sections below about preparing for your arrival on-campus. This information will be updated between now and orientation, so please return to this page often to check for updates on our arrival process and orientation instructions.
Orientation Dates (Spring 2024)
Arrival Date
All new international students are REQUIRED to attend New International Student Orientation held in the Fall and Spring semesters.
You should plan to arrive on Wednesday, January 3rd or before to get settled into your housing here in Fargo/at NDSU before orientation.
When is orientation?
Orientation will be held on Thursday, January 4th, in the Memorial Union Oceti Sakowin Ballroom. Schedule to be announced by mid-December.
Residence Hall Check-In Dates
If you have been assigned a room in one of NDSU's Residence Halls, housing check-in will be held on the following dates/times at the OneStop counter in the Memorial Union.
- Wednesday, January 3rd: 9:00am - 3:00pm
- Thursday, January 4th: 11:00am - 3:00pm
If you have been admitted and have not yet completed an application to live in a campus residence hall or apartment, please apply herenow.
When do classes begin?
Classes for the Spring 2024 semester begin on Monday, January 8th, 2024.
Click here for important academic dates and deadlines for the upcoming semester/academic years: Dates & Deadlines
Arrival Checklist
Spring 2024 Arrival Checklist
Click here to download a PDF of our Arrival Checklist. This document includes a link to the required Arrival Reporting survey.
Accessing the Online Pre-Orientation Modules
If you will be arriving here this Spring 2024 semester, you will be sent information about our online pre-orientation modules. This content is also required, and it is in addition to the in-person orientation activities on January 4th.
This is to enhance your experience as a new student - it is not a replacement for your attendance in person on January 4th at the required international student orientation.
The modules are not yet ready - we will post an update here with instructions on how to access the modules as soon as the information becomes available.
Why am I required to attend?
What happens at new international student orientation?
Students will be provided the opportunity to learn about valuable NDSU resources and offices. Students will also complete required immigration processes during orientation.
The information we provide to you during this orientation will help you have an easy transition to NDSU, and will help you succeed as a student of NDSU academically, and more specifically as an international student as you learn about the immigration rules you are required to follow during your stay in the United States. For example, employment in the U.S. is a frequent question posed by international students - and the rules for authorization on-campus and off-campus when allowed are quite complicated. We have designed this orientation to include information that new students need. Over the years, we continuously make improvements to provide the most helpful information possible. We all look forward to assisting you during orientation!
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.
What will the weather be like when I arrive?
Before you depart for Fargo, please watch the weather forecast to see what the temperature and weather is forecasted to be upon your arrival, and dress appropriately. If you are arriving in the summer or early Fall, the weather can be warm and pleasant, and very hot at times especially during the middle of the summer. Early Fall can also be cool and a light jacket is recommended. But if you are arriving in January, be prepared with a coat/jacket, and hat and gloves if needed, as the weather can be cold and there will likely be snow. A shopping trip is offered each semester during orientation and you can purchase heavier winter clothing during that trip if you would like.
Weather Channel: Current 4-day forecast for Fargo, ND (zip code 58102 for North Fargo)
Hotels Near the Airport and the NDSU Campus
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:
http://www.fargomoorhead.org/hotels.html
Finding your Way Around the NDSU Campus
Health-Related Information
Required 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. Payment is due in full by the end of the sixth week of classes.
Click here to download a PDF handout which summarizes why the policy is important and how enrollment in the policy happens for new students.
All students are required to purchase university approved health insurance. Full payment of insurance is due upon registration. If you arrive earlier than the date the mandated health insurance policy is effective, you will be responsible for finding insurance coverage during the gap period before coverage begins. If you have no insurance during that gap and you require medical treatment here in the United States at that time, you will be responsible for any medical charges before the policy begins.
Our website has detailed information about the health insurance policy. Please read everything carefully. More information will be provided at orientation.
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: https://www.ndsu.edu/studenthealthservice/need_an_appointment/international_students
Other Important Information to Know
Tuition, Fees & Payments
Tuition and fees will be applied to your student account once you have registered for classes. In order to register for classes, students must read and review the Financial Obligation Agreement, a copy of it can be found here: https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/financial-obligation-agreement
Students can pay account charges in-person via check or cash at NDSU OneStop. Students can also make international wire transfer payments via FlyWire. More information about making payments can be found here: https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/accounts. It is also extremely important to familiarize yourself with critical university dates and deadlines. You can view the most current dates and deadlines here: https://www.ndsu.edu/registrar/dates.
Fun things to do in Fargo
Want to know about fun things to do in Fargo in the winter? Check out this page which will give you some ideas of fun things to do even when it's cold out.
Here is a link to the visitor's bureau for Fargo-Moorhead for a full listing of events and things to do in the community year-round: https://www.fargomoorhead.org/things-to-do.
NDSU Bookstore & Course Materials
The NDSU Bookstore offers a large selection of new, used, rental and digital textbooks. Shop in-store or save time by ordering at www.ndsubookstore.com. Compare prices on each title and have your order shipped directly to your home or pick it up right on campus.
Students can also charge up to $1000 for course materials during fall and spring semesters and at the end of the semester bring us your current editions in good re-sellable condition, and we'll buy them back. We also have an online Course Materials Student Exchange so you can get the best price for your book and you'll help another student save money at the same time. The NDSU Bookstore is your one-stop-shop for course materials. For more information visit http://www.ndsubookstore.com/coursematerials.
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.
NDSU Student Card
You can choose the photo that you use for your NDSU Student Card. Prior to your arrival for orientation, submit a photo of yourself using the guidelines below. Your ID card will be printed when you visit the NDSU Card Center after arrival on campus. Instructions and guidelines are listed here: https://www.ndsu.edu/cardcenter/onlinephotos.
If you have questions, please contact us at 701-231-6252 or ndsu.cardcenter@ndsu.edu.
Do you have more questions?
Contact our main office at NDSU.International@ndsu.edu or email your assigned international student advisor.
Return to Previous Page
Click here to return to the previous "Next Steps" page.