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 (Fall 2023)
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, August 16th or before to get settled into your housing here in Fargo/at NDSU before orientation. Dates and other information to be released in the next few months.
When is orientation?
Orientation will be held on Thursday, August 17th, in the Memorial Union. Schedule to be announced in early August.
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 Wednesday, August 16th and Thursday, August 17th (9:00 am-3:00 pm both days, at the OneStop counter in the Memorial Union).
If you have been admitted and have not yet completed an application to live in a campus residence hall or apartment, please apply herenow.
Orientation Schedule
Click here for a PDF version of the August 17th New International Student Orientation in the Memorial Union.
When do classes begin?
Classes for the Fall 2023 Semester begin on Monday, August 21, 2023.
Click here for important academic dates and deadlines for the upcoming semester/academic years: Dates & Deadlines
Arrival Checklist
Fall 2023 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 Fall 2023 semester (or were new in the summer), 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 August 17th.
This is to enhance your experience as a new student - it is not a replacement for your attendance in person on August 17th 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.
How to access the modules:
- Go here to log in: https://international.ndsu.edu/ using your NDSU Username and password.
- Enjoy the information we prepared!
- If you have technical difficulties, please see this PDF with login instructions. For further issues, email NDSU.iss@ndsu.edu and we'll reply as soon as possible.
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!
Pre-Arrival Email Announcements
If you are not receiving email announcements from our office about arrival and orientation details a month before the semester begins, please email us at NDSU.iss@ndsu.edu and we will ensure you are added to our email list.
Please note: Before the semester begins, we will use your personal email address for sending out information about arrival and orientation. The personal address we use is the one that you used when you created your online admission application to NDSU.
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
A Welcome from the Director
Greetings from the Office of International Student and Study Abroad Services! As one of the first offices you will encounter when you come to campus, the Office of International Student and Study Abroad Services’ staff and international student advisors are here to answer your questions and provide you with resources and assistance that help you be a successful student at North Dakota State University (NDSU).
We are excited that more than 750 international students from more than 70 countries call NDSU home, pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree or for a study abroad experience in the United States. As you prepare for your study here, we want you to know that you are welcome and that your presence on our campus and in the Fargo-Moorhead community is important and valued. As someone who studied abroad in Germany myself, I know the value and joy of being part of a new culture and meeting people of various backgrounds.
During your time here, you will naturally be focused on your academic program and research related to your major area of study, but I encourage you to seek out ways to get involved in other ways during your student career. With more than 300 student organizations available, you will surely find some that are of interest to you. Many students reference their involvement in a student organization as something that provided them with confidence and encouragement to explore other areas of interest during their time here.
I also recommend that you look beyond the campus and engage with the greater Fargo community. By doing so, you will not only learn about local culture, but you will also be teaching others about your background and culture as well. You’ll find that the connections you make, both inside the classroom at NDSU and in the Fargo community, will not only play a role in your personal and academic growth, but will also increase the vitality of our campus, city and state.
Again, we are excited to welcome you to North Dakota State University!
Lisa Hauck, Director
International Student and Study Abroad Services
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.