New Student FAQ

Visit the New Student Setup page for instructions to activate your University System account, email account, and Bison Login. You will see two different email addresses, which may be confusing as they are similar (ndus.edu and ndsu.edu), but serve different purposes.

• Your NDUS account (ending in @ndus.edu) that’s tied to system-wide services like your Campus Connection login and NDUS Help Desk support.
• Your NDSU account (ending in @ndsu.edu) that’s your primary university email for classes, instructors, and official NDSU communication; it’s what we generally use when contacting you.

To create your Bison ID card, you must first upload a photo of yourself using the instructions found in the Bison ID card knowledge base page. After uploading the photo, visit the IT Service Center in the Quentin Burdick Building to have your card printed.

Students who are obtaining their FIRST ID Card will need to bring a government issued ID, driver's license, passport, military or Tribal ID for identity verification purposes.

You may delay your enrollment for up to one year. If you plan to delay enrollment, the Request to Delay Enrollment form must be received by the Graduate School prior to the Enrollment Census date for the semester in which you were admitted. If you do not meet this deadline, you must reapply to the Graduate School.

After accepting your admission to NDSU, the Global Programs and Services office will send the documents you need to apply for your F-1 or J-1 student visa. I-20s cannot be issued until all required financial documents a re received.

The Graduate School hosts an optional orientation event prior to the start of each fall and spring semester. You will receive information one to two months prior to the event date. Your department or academic program may also have orientation sessions, which take priority over the Graduate School event.

Additionally, international students are required to attend New International Student Orientation, hosted by the Global Programs and Services. This is typically a two-day event, held during the week prior to the first week of classes.

Semester start dates, and other important dates and deadlines, are found on the university's Academic Calendar.

Graduate policy does allow for the transfer of graduate credit. To officially transfer graduate-level credits to North Dakota State University (NDSU), the coursework must meet two distinct levels of approval:

1. Graduate College Policy - the credits must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in policy.
2. Academic Program Approval - Department or program review and approval is required to ensure the courses satisfy your degree requirements.

The transfer of credit occurs when the student submit a Plan of Study or the Change to Plan of Study form. The final transcript from the transfer institution must be receive prior to the posting of transfer credit.

On campus housing information and the housing application are available on the NDSU Residence Life website.

NDSU is a community of care, offering students a large number of services from academic success to personal well-being. Learn more about what is available on the Bison Life website or contact the Graduate School to ask about specific services you may need.

Fargo and the surrounding communities offer a family-friendly environment with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods and a low crime rate. An active arts and cultural scene allows residents to attend symphony, civic opera, art museums and community theatre events. Our community offers a variety of places to shop and eat, including a lively downtown district.

Fargo and the Community

Fargo - Moorhead Visitors Center